Monmouthshire Merlin

AN APPEAL. BEAR with me, for my heart is full— I've had a heavy care to day; Though old and worn, I cannot school My foolish tongue a part to play; I cannot still the fevered pulse, Nor feign a quiet now unknown And thus 1 show what none should know But thou-or Heaven alone Air give me air! my soul wants air And sickens midst this mass of stone; The sunshine hath a light less fair, It looks such ghastly sights upon! The stifling breaths of wearied crowds, The vapours, borne from court and lave, Where famine pines, and fever shrouds, Affect my very brain! What woe, what pain, what want are here- What crime-so oft the child of want; The blow, that wakes a dastard fear- The fear, that wakes a woman's taunt! I seem to feel them now, as if Some giant's hand had launched them all In one huge knot, red, aery hot, Upon my head to fall I heard a mother chide her child For craving what she could not give— 1 heard a husband. fierce and wild, Command his wife, that he might live, To yield her honour !-out, alas I dare not tell the things I heard They hiss like adders in the grass, With venom in each" ord And every sight and sound of woe Add to the burden on my breast,— Mine own sad weight of care, which no Kind hand hath power away to wrest! So. if my tongue speak bitter things To those around me, as to thee, # I know that they will count the stings, And pay them back to me For them I care not but thy heart Hath borne so meekly—ah I've said That I would not one pang impart, Nor cause thee one more tear to shed. Bear with me, then, if word or look Convey upbraiding s, never meant; Thou can'st not study kindness' book, And call it time mispent! Tait's Mjgaune. CALDER CAMPBELL. ————*————

THE WELSH CHARITY IN LONDON. The 138th Anniversary festival of this noble Charity was celebrated on the I st inst. In the forenoon its various officers, &c. assembled at the School-house, where the dinner for the children was served at 12 o'clock; afterwards the children proceeded to Saint James's Church, Piccadilly when service was read in the Welsh language by the Rev. E. Edwards, chaplain. Afterwards the Lord Bishop of Peterborough, preached an exceedingly impressive sermon, selecting his text from John 21, v. 16. At :11f- past SIX in the evening, dinner was served in the Sussex Hall, Freemason's Tavern, to the patrons and friends of the society. At the upper table we recognised Viscount Seaham, M.P. President of the day, supported on his left by Lord Dynevor, and on the left by Lord Powis; the Hon. R. Clive. Sir Watkin W. Wynn, Bart, Sir R. W. Vaughan. Bart.. W. E. W. Wynne, M.P., Herbert Wynn, E,q. M.P., J H. Phillips, M.P.. Archdeacon Davies, Brecon, W. M. James,Q.C., E. Peel, V.P., Col. Thos. Wood, Alexander Wood, Esq., J. E. Thomas, F.S.A., R. lEvans, Esq. A. Cope, C. V. Pugh, S. Griffith, M.D., W. Griffith, H. M Lawrence. J. Propert, W. P. Richards, J. Williams, S. Lewis, Rev. J. Pugh, Rev. E. Edwards, Rev. J. Jennings, W. Jones. Rev. J. Hughes. P. B. WUliams.&c. A veiy excellent dinner was provided by Messrs Banks and Company, which seemed to give general satisfaction, and Air. Harker officiated as toast master. At the lower end of the room two capacious galleries were erected for the accom- modation of the ladies, nearly a hundred of whom were present and certainly they seemed highly delighted with the proceedings. A band of music was stationed in the upper gallery ,and execu' ed several admirable airs during the evening. Due justice having been done to the dinner, and the cloth being cleared, Sed, Benedicite" was sung by Miss Williams, Miss Messent, and Messrs. Ransford, Weiss, and Benson, accompanied by Mr. Brinsley Richards, on the piano, The Chairman, Lord Seaham then rose and said, that in all societies, whether of a charitable or social nature it was always customary to commence the toasts of the evening by drinking the health of their sovereign. It was well known that Her Gracious Majesty had a benevolent heart, and her conduct during her reign was fully appreciated by all her subjects, therefore he should at once propose the health of Her Most Gracious Majesty, Queen Victoria. (Cheers, and three times three ) The National Anthem by Miss Williams, and Messrs. Ransford. and Benson. The noble Chairman said, the next toast was one they must all respect in that company. It was the health of His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales. In after years he hoped he vould hold the position that he now held among them that evening. Drank with loud cheering. Solo on the harp, by Frederick Chatterton. The Chairman said, it would be useless to descant on the merits of the next Royal Personage he was to propose, as he was well known to every British subject. All he had to say Was, that he hoped the day would be far distant when he and that sovereign, so dearly loved, might be taken away from them. (Cheers.) He now proposed the health of His Royal Highness Prince Albert, and the rest of the Royal Family. Three times three, and cheers. Duet, The two Cousins," by Miss Messent, and Miss W illiams. The Chairman, in rising. said, there wa; another toast on the list, which would gratify them in drinking. It was the Army and Navy. (Cheers.) Some people support Peace Societies. (Laughter.) And others War Societies; but he said the best safeguard against war was to prepare for the worst. He should therefore propose the Army and Navy, with the health of Colonel Wood. (Loud cheers.) Colonel Wood said. he had been highly flattered by the noble Chairman, in mixing his name with such an honourable toast, as his services in the Army could claim very little merit. He c uld, however, inform them that the duties of a British soldier were greater than in any other army. He had to leave home and country for years, and generally eek a grave in a foreign sickly country; and their smallness of numbers, compared with the vast extent of territory, gave them extraordinary labour. There had been much spoken about invasions lately, but he thought things looked more pacific, and he certainly did not apprehend war. But if it should come again, the combination of the British soldier and the sailor, would defend them against any enemy in the world. (Cheers.) He knew a tale well known in Wales: when the French landed in Wales, (that is, Fishguard), some years ago, a number of VV elsh women assembled on the heights with red cloaks on, and the trench perceiving them Dear, the soldiers immediately decamped, fearing the enemy too strong for them. He, therefore, was proud of the scarlet colour, and he thought the ladies would always look well in the scarlet colour (Cheers.) He thanked them kindly for the manner in which the company had received him. and he hoped that the country would always have stout defenders. (Cheers.) The Chairman said, the next toast was the Bishop and Clergy, and especially one to whom they were indebted for the excellent sermon they heard that day He therefore pro- posed the healths of the Lord Bishop of Peterborough and the Clergy- fCheers ) Archdeacon Davies returned thanks, in the absence of the Lord Bishop. He respectfully begged to contradict Colonel Wood: he (the Archdeacon) was connected with the Fish- guard invasion. It was the men of the country that came forward to defend the wonjen, and their native soil. Old age had weakened his articulation, but as well as he could, he begged on behalf of the Bishop and Clergy, to return them thanks. At this stage of the proceedings, the children were intro- duced by the secretary and stewards. Their clean and neat dresses, and their fine healthy appearance, astonished the visitors, and satisfied every one present that great care and attention was bestowed upon them. After parading round the room, the boys and girls were arranged near the piano, when they sung the usual Ode, assisted by Mr. Brinsley Richards. The Chairman afterwards said. he was highly gratified at the proceedings that day, and although so recently among them, he hoped never to leave them. He had now become one among them, and should ill discharge his duty to the principality, if he did not thank them for placing him in the honourable position of President of the day. He therefore humbly stood forward to promote the interests of the society. (Loud cheers.) He was in fact gratified at every- thing he had seen, especially with the children, and the eareful manner in which they were educated, clothed, and fed. He had only to tell them that he would at all times come forward to assist in their welfare. (Cheers.) Their institution was good, and he was highly gratified to find it so Wtll supported, and he thought that every Welshman ought to give them a helping hand. (Hear, hear.) He wished them every prosperity, but he hoped that some one more capable had presided over them, for he considered that he was not able to do such a society the justice that was due to them. He would, however, propose as the next toast, Prosperity to the Welsh Charity Schools, and the Honourable and Loyal Society of Britons. (Loud cheering, and three times three.) Song, Saint David's Day." Mr. Bansford. Lord Dynevor then rose to propose the health of the Pre sident of the day. (Cheers.) He felt certain of a good reception for his noble friend and relative, as he knew that he always did his duty, and since his connexion with the Principality, had shown his warmth of heart. He was de- lighted to see him undertake the duties of President of the day, as he had great influence among them, and he hoped it would not be his last appearance in that position. In pro- posing the health of their noble Chairman, he hoped they would receive him as a thorough Welshman. (Drank with loud and repeated cheering. Lord Seaham arose amidst loud plaudits, and said he had to appreciate their kindness towards himself that evening, and all he had to say was, that he never regretted associating with them in the principality. He had now mixed with them in their soil, and all he wished was that they would always treat him as a Welshman, and allow him to wear a leek on such an occasion. (Cheers.) He thanked the company sin- cerely for the manner in which they had supported him, and would in conclusion propose the health of Lord Dynevor, the President of the Society. (Loud cheers.) Lord Dynevor said, he thanked his noble friend and the company, for the manner in which they had received him. He had the pleasure to say he always did all he could to for- ward the interests of that society. Before lie went into the funds of the institution, he would say, lie was sorry at not seeing his old friend, Colonel Wood, of Littleton, present; but lie had received a letter from him, stating that he was laid up with the gout. tie however, saw his two represen- tatives present, his two sons, and that gave him a great gratification. (Cheers.) He had also to apologise for the absence of Sir Thomas Phillips, who was engaged on the circuit. With regard to the funds, they had expended in 18o2, JE2 768. and received ab -ut £3,850, leaving a balance of £980, and everything paid up. There were dividends still due, amounting to £6i3, which altogether will give a surplus of £ 1,059, all this without the annual subscriptions, or that night's contributions. The costs for clothing, feeding, lodging, and educating the children, amounts to £ 9 per hpad per annum, which is of course exclusive of the Secretary's salary; but take the whole of the expenditure, including coals &c. it would be about £ 14 per head. The house committee had done a great deal of good and deserved their thanks, as the company could see they had not flinched from their duty, by the looks and cleanliness of the children that day. There were 123 boys, and seven vacancies. 68 girls, with two vacancies, which will soon be filled up. He saw those children at their dinner in the early part of the day. and he was proud of them equally as much as if they were his own family. He therefore hoped that the young members of the society would give their utmost support to that excellent institution, in the proper and good position which it then held. (Cheers.) Scotch Ballad by Miss Missent. Lord Powis rose to propose the next toast, and in doing so, he was sorry to say, that he considered the inclemency of the weather had kept many of their old friends away. He was however, pleased to see so many ladies among them, as they gave a cheering aspect to their proceedings, showing to them that they met together for their welfare. as well as their own, They had in a very enthusiastic manner drank the health of their noble Chairman, therefore he should propose the health of his partner through life, lady Seaham. (Loud cheers.) Lord Seaham briefly returned thanks, and proposed the healths of the Vice-Presidents of the Society. J. H. Phillips Esq. M.P. ("Brecon), returned thanks, and was glad to see such a good feeling between the English and the Welsh. The latter always found a safe and prosperous home in England, while the former did the same in ales. In that vast metropolis how many of their countrymen had rose to wealth and eminence. He might mention Mr. Jones Lloyd, and many others, who in England found a happy and prosperous home; therefore he hoped that every Welshman in that country would support such an institution. In con- elusion, he proposed the healths of the Stewards. (Cheers.) Mr. Joseph, M.D. returned thanks, on behalf of the Stewards. The Rev. Canon Jennings, one of the Vice-Treasurers, at this period of the evening, announced the subscriptions. Her Majesty the Queen. £ l'Jo (Cheers ) Lord Seaham, the hon. Chairman, £ 55. Annual subscriptions in addition, £ 10 10s.; Lady Seaham, £ -3 5s.; Lord Dynevor, 50 guineas; the Dowager Lady Dynevor, £ 5; J. H. Phillips, Esq. M.P. 25 guineas: Edward feel, £ 25; W. M. James, QC.. -25; Earl of t owis, £30; Sir Charles Morgan, jE5 Sir VV. W. Vvynn, £50; Hon R. H. Clive, £ 25; ¡\Jr. Robert Clive, £5; Colonel Wood, Littleton, £ -ii Bishop of Saint Asaph, 10 guineas; Bishop of >aint David, £:0; Bishop of Llandaff ,£10; Bishop of Bangor, 10 guineas: Hon. Colonel Pennant, £ 25; H ichard Richards, £ 5; Wm, Parry Richards, £ 5 Rev. J. Jennings..€o >ir Thomas Phillips, Xi; Octavius Morgan, E5; Miss Williams Wynn, fo Sir d. Williams Wynn, £ 5 Mr. Shipley, 15; Thomas Ashton Smith, £5; Dr. Nichol, i5; Thomas Pearson, £ 21; Archdeacon Davies, J50 Mrs. Davies, £ 10; Miss Brighardin, £ 10 W. E. Watkins Wynne, Xi Sir R.W. Vaughan, 1;5; collected at Church, fll lis 9d. including £5 from the Lord Bishop of Peterborough, making altogether about £ !) il), with smaller amounts received. Dnet, by Miss Missent and Miss W illiams. The Chairman next gave the health of Sir Watkin Williams Wynne, who was a firm supporter of that society. Sir Watkins 11 illiams Wynne returned thanks in a suitable speech, after which Colonel Wood rose, and regretted the absence of his father, who had always been gratified at being among them. '1 hey were aware of the reason for his absence, therefore he need say very few words respecting that. He then proposed the health of Lady Dynevor, and the ladies. (Cheers.) Lord Dynevor returned thanks, after which the company broke up. We have only to add to our report, that Mr. Brinsley ) Richards, by the way in which he superintended the musical entertainment, gave, as lie always does, much satisfaction' It is just towards this talented professor to state, that his services were gratuitous. Messrs Broadwood also kindly lent one of their fine-toned grand pianos

THE NEW EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE COM- PANY.-ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING. The second annual general meeting of the policy and share- holders of this company was held at the chief office, Charing Cross, Strand, on Thursday, February 17, 1853. There was a full attendance of directors, shareholders, and policy- holders. Sir Charles Hastings, M.D., D.C L., took the chair at ono o'clock, and, af-er adverting to the objects of the meeting, called upon the Secretary to read the REPORT. "]'he Directors of the New Equitable Life Assurance Company, in presenting their second annual report to the policy and shareholders, feel that they have only to describe the extent of business actually transacted by the company, to demonstrate most conclusively its triumphant and unpa- ralleled success. 'The New Equitable Life Assurance Company having been completely registered, commenced operations on the 1st of February, 1851. Between that time and the 31st of Decem- ber, a period of eleven months. the directors issued three hundred and eight policies, for the sum of ninety-eight thou- sand five hundred pounds. The annual premiums on those policies amounted to three thousand four hundred and eighty- three pounds. '• During the whole of that period not a death occurred amongst the assured persons. From the 1st of January, 1852, to the 31st of December, 1852, the directors received four hundred and twenty propo- sals to assure two hundred and two thousand eight hundred and forty five pounds. Out of this number of proposals, three hundred and sixty nine policies were issued, assuring the sum of one hundred and eighty thousand three hundred and fifty five pounds. Tho remaining proposals, for assuring twenty- two thousand four hundred and ninety pounds, were either declined by the directors, or were not completed at the end of the year. The annual premiums payable upon the three hundred and sixty-nine po icies issued in lfc52, amount to seven thousand one hundred and sixty-nine pounds. The only claim upon the company during the year 1852, was one made in December, for three hundred pounds. Thus, no claim occurred until one year and eleven months after the establishment of the company. The entire number of proposals received from the date of the first policy in February. 1851, to the 3ist of December, 1852, was eight hundred and thirty-four, for assuring three hundred and forty-nine thousand one hundred and twenty- two pounds. The number of policies actually issued in the above period was six hundred and seventy-seven for assuring the sum of two hundred and seventy-eight thousand eight hundred and fifty-five pounds and the income derivable from these policies in premiums amounts in the whole to ten thou- sand six hundred and fifty-two pounds twelve shillings and twopence per annum, the average amount of each policy being four hundred and eleven pounds. '■ The directors may be allowed to add, that in no like period of time since the establishment of the company, has I The directors may be allowed to add, that in no like period of time since the establishment of the company, has the number of proposals been greater than from the 1st of January, 1853, to the present date. The number of lapsed policies has been few and of in considerable amount during the past year and indeed, from the commencement of the company the same remark applies.. The directors may point to the number of proposals either declined by them during the year, or still remaining under consideration, to show that every care has been taken in the selection of lives. This is further proved by the fact that the single death which occurred amongsttlie large body of policy- holders, during a period of nearly two years, has been greatly below the average even of selected lives The distinguishing principle of the New Equitable, sinco its original foundation, has been the recognition of medical testimony, as the most substantial and certain basis for all life assurance transactions. The directors have found the best proofs of [be soundness and wisdom of this principle on the one hand, in the daily increased importance attached to medical opinions by life offices, which had hitherto refused all remuneration to medical prac!itioners for their reports; and on the other, in the zealous and powerful support the New Equitable has received from the medical profession. They may also observe, that additional experience has but confirmed their opinion of the value which, from the first, they attached to their system of medical evidence. After reflecting most patiently and deliberately on the nature of medical testimony, and the influence it must ever exercise in in conducting life assurance proceedings to safe and successful results, the directors determined on consulting the medical attendant of the party proposing the assurance, if a legally qualified practitioner, as the medical adviser of the board. and on awarding an adequate consultation-fee for every medi- cal report. An ample experience now enables the directors to refer with feelings of peculiar satisfaction and pleasure, to the highly important precedents thus established by the New Equitable Life Assurance Company. In the progress of this company to its present unquestion- ably high posiUon the directors have necessarily encountered the difficulties and obstacles which a field crowded with able and active competitors was sure to furnish But. experiencing daily the confidence of the public, and above all, of the great body of the medical profession, the directors have felt every encouragement to advance, and they now refer to the de- tailed history of the transactions of the company;for the best proof of the success of their labours. In the month of November last, the period having expired for which the late chairman of the board had undertaken to occupy his office, the directors being anxious to elect a presi- dent, whose position, character, and attainments, commanded the respect of the profession, addressed the following requi- sition to Sir Charles Hastings, M.D., D.C.L., &c., &c., &c. The Chairman of the New Equitable Life Assurance Company, much regretting that his professional avocations, coupled with a previous engagement at another life office, and where he was recently elected to succeed the late Sir Charles Forbes, as physician, make it incumbent upon him to resign his present office had the pleasure of proposing at the Board, held on Thursday last, the 23th day of October, the following resolution:— Moved by the chairman, Robert Lee, M.D., F.R.S.; se- conded by Thomas Wakley Esq., That Sir Charles Hastings, M.D D C.L., be requested to favour the directors by accepting the office of Chairman of the Board of Directors of the New Equitable Life Assurance Company an office about to become vacant by the resigna- tion of the present chairman and that a requisition, signed by the chairman aud every other director, be presented to Sir Charles Hastings, expressed in such terms as the Board may think propei* Carried unanimously. "In conformity with the spirit and terms of this resolution, we, tho undersigned, consisting of the entire board of direc- tors, now request that you will confer upon the New Equita- ble Life Assurance Company the honour and advantage which must arise from your becoming the chairman of the board. It is proper that we should state that, although the company has been established for only the short period of twenty months, its income exceeds i9,400 per annum; and from the promises of support and encouragement which the directors are continually receiving, they believe that few life assurance offices will issue a greater number of policies than the New Equitable in future years- It is right also that you should be informed, that when this company was established, the directors resolved to act upon the principle of regarding medical testimony as the safest guide of forming a judgment relative to the conditions on which policies should be granted. They, therefore, un- hesitatingly recognised the practitioners named by the pro- posers for assnrance as the medical advisers of the directors, who have considered it to be a conscientious duty to award the medic"J gentlemen thus consulted, an adequate fee for every official medical report. An experience of twenty mont.is duration has been suf- ficient to convince the directors that the course of policy which they determined to adopt was founded upon correct premises, the results having been in the highest degree gratifying.. You, Sir Charles, by accepting the office of trustee, sanc- tioned the principles which were adopted for regulating the proceedings of the company; we, therefore, hope that you will readily consent to become more closely connected with its management and successful operations, by occupying the highest appointment the directors can confer. Being fully aware of your high personal character, un- sullied reputation, and intimate professional connection with a vast number of the most respectable members of the medical profession practising in this country, we believe that your acceptance of the presidential chair at our Board, would be of signal advantage to the interests of the company, and would also have the effect of facilitating, in a very great degree, the recognition by other and long established life assurance companies, of the just claims of the members of the medical profession. As we are strongly impressed with these views and opinions, we conclude by emphatically and respectfully re- questing that you will honour the company by accepting the office of Chairman of the Board of Directors. (Signed by) "HOBEUT LEE, M.D., Chairman. GEORGE BEAMAN, Deputy Chairman. And by all the other Directors. "The directors heartily congratulate the policy and share- holders on the success of this application. Sir Charles Hastings is now the Chairman of the Board; and since his election a Local Board has been established under his auspices at Worcester, under the title of the Worcester City and County Board of the New Equitable Life Assurance Company.' i The directors have much pleasure in placing before this meeting the testimony of F. G. P. Neison, Esq., the justly distinguished actuary-a testimony given after a careful in- quiry into the affairs of the New Equitable "25, Pall Mall, London, Jan. 31,1853. I have carefully examined the balance sheet of the Now Equitable Life Assurance Company, containing a statement of the receipts and disbursements for the year 1852; and hav- ing regard to the unusually large amount of business trans- acted bv the company in its second year, the current workiug expendiiure appears to me to be very moderate and, in fact, I do not see how, consistently with the effective manage- ment and extension of the company's business, the general expenses could be safely lessened. I have also attentively examined the other documents submitted to me by the secretary, showing the nature and extent of the assurances effected and from these 1 consider the progress of the society most satisfactory and encouraging. (Signed) "F. G. P. NEISON, Actuary. The directors cannot conclude the present report without acted bv the company in its second year, the current working expenditure appears to me to be very moderate and, in fact, I do not see how, consistently with the effective manage- ment and extension of the company's business, the general expenses could be safely lessened. •' I have also attentively examined the other documents submitted to me by the secretary, showing the nature and extent of the assurances effected and from these 1 consider the progress of the society most satisfactory and encouraging. (Signed) "F. G P. NEISON, Actuary. The directors cannot conclude the present report without most sincerely congratulating the medical profession,aud the policy and shareholders, on the prosperous condition of the New Equitable Life Assurance Company. (Signed) C-UAELKS HASTINGS, M.D., Feb. 17,1853." Chairman,

FATAL RAILWAY ACCIDENT ON THE BRISTOL AND GLOUCESTER LINE. -.0 A fearful collision took place on Wednesday morning near the Mangotsfield station of the Bristol and Gloucester railway, between a detached engine returning from Gloucester (to which city it had gone the previous night to help on a heavily-laden goods train) and the morning down mail, which arrives in Bristol at six a.m. The consequences of tbe accident were most disastrous. Two unfortunate persons, Mr Jones, the son of Mr,Isaac Jones, builder, of Gloucester, and Mr. Wm. Antill, fishmonger and fruiterer,of the same city, lost their lives; five or six others more or less severely injured, while the carriages of the train were literally smashed to atoms, and the engine which caused the mischi f received considerable damage. The particulars of the occurrence may be ascertained from the following evidence, taken at the inquest, at the Crown Inn' Mangotsfield, on Thursday. The inquiry took place before W. J. Ellis, Esq., and a respectable jury. Mr. Mercer, one of the directors of the Midland Company. Mr. Sanders, the general manager, Mr. Dyke, the Bristol superintendent, Mr. Dyer. of the locomotive department, and Mr. Addison, of Gloucester, one of the solicitors of the company, were present, and Mr. Hughes, of Downend, a magistrate of the district, was a!so present to watch the proceedings. After viewing the bodies at the station, the jury returned to the inquest room to bear evidence Mr. Sanders said, as representing the Midland Company, he was anxious, on behalf of the directors, to state that they wished to afford every facility for the inquirv, and that any servant of the company who might be required should be forthcoming. Thomas Trueman examined—I am an engine-driver on Bristol and Birmingham branch of the Midland railway, an^ have been so for eight yebre was driver of the down mail train yesterday morning; we left Gloucester at 4.58 o'clock; our usual time of leaving is 4.30 the delay arose from the Birming" ham train in late we proceeded on all tight, at about our usual speed, till we arrived near the new engine pit at S..ortwood; 1 then saw the fire flying from the driving crank I shut the steam off, and we came to a stand a little on the Gloucester side of Mangotsfield station immediately proceeded to ascertain the cause, and found that a set pin Lad slacked back lightened it up again, got on to my engine, and called to the guard to go on. Coroner-How long should you imagine was the delay at Mangotsfield ? Witness—I should say that we might have been about two minutes standing; we might have been a few seconds more. Coroner-The delay would, of eourse, have been longer than that, taking into account the pulling up ? Witness-Yes, it might have been about five minutes from the time I shut off the steam till we were ready to start again the rails were very slippery, and there was a very heavy fog; when I told the guard to go on, he said, "Stop, Bill," meaning the undergard, has gone b ick; understood that he was gone to tike back a danger signal to stop anything that might be comiig the guard had no sooner spoken the word than [ heard a hum, and saw the chimney head of the other engine which struck us we could scarcely see the length of the engine, it was so foggy, and so dense that we could not see the other engine tiil it was upon us; the force of the collision knocked the car- liage all to pieces, and broke the end of the van in against our tender, in fact, it ran through the middle of the carriage; we had only one carriage and a van on. We at once commenced clearing away the parts of the broken carriage, and found two underneath the ruins dead: oue of the bodies was among the woodwork, the other was up upon the chimney head'of the engine; there were other persons who appeared s:riously hurt, and whom we took into the station as quickly as we could we had nine passengers in all, only two of whom escaped injury the engine which ran into us was called a pilot engine it had come from Gloucester; saov it at Gloucester, and knew that it was coming down, but did not know how long it would be I after me; the driver (James Pollock) told me he was coming, that he had to bring three trucks to Berkeley, ond then he should come on to Bristol. Coroner —Wa» there no conversation between you as to the time that he should come after you, and what space of time it would he necessary to wait ? Witness—No, sir; he was aware I should judge that I was late at Gloucester, but my conversation with him was before the Birmingham mail was due; the deputy guard Bill" had not returned to the train before the accident. Coroner—What was the nature ot the signal that he was called upon to exhibit ? Witness-He should have gone back four hundred yards, and have placed a fog signal that was if there had been time. having the red light in bis hand at the time can't tell if he did that or not. Coroner-Do you consider that there was time for him to have gone the four hundred yards while you were making the amendment? Witness-l can hardly tell; it was foggy, and there were timbers about, and it was very awkward walking. Coroner—Did he go back as soon as you had stopped 7 Witness—The guaid came alongside, and osked me how long I should stop; 1 said not more than a minute or two. and then the guard ordered him 10 go back he said, You had better go back, Bill," or else "Go back Bill;" can t say of my own knowledge whether he went back at all, but what the guard afterwards said, implied that he had gone back. One of I he friends of the deceased inquired whether a pilot engine stopped at any of the staiLns ? Wiiness—Not unless it was signalled to stop. The friend observed that there would be no signal to check such an engine until it came to the light at the back of the train, and that. they were told. could not be seen for the fog. By Mr. Hughes—The accident occurred at twelve minutes past six o'clock the guard must have been aware that I was going to stop, as I put on the guard's whistle; if there had been time to have done so, he ought to have gone 400 yards back, and placed a fog signal; he ought to have gone 400 yards further, and placed a fusee signal burning, and have remained till he v.as whistled to come back if lie could not have got the 400 yards, he ought tohave placed the fusee where he could have got to the name of the second guard Is Wm. Maycock; the engine was not piloting anything, but was returning from taking up a goods train.. „ By the J urj-I only guess the time we were standing: I did not look at my watch; I wa9 on the engine when the accident happened I was not struckoff; we had the red lights burning. We had a luggage van, but it was next to the engine; it was the guard's duty to have taken back a signal the moment the train came to a stand still. Mr Saunders handed in the rule for the direction of guards, and the '24th aud 26th rules were read as follows: — Rule 24. "When from any cause, a train shall be unable to proceed at a greater rate than four miles an houi, the guard shall go or send back the fireman or some competent person a distance of rOO yards." Rule 26 When a train is stopped by an accident or any cause on the main line, except at a station, the guard, if there be only one, or the under-guard, if two, shall imme- diately go back 800 yards with ihe danger signals, to stop any train, and shall, in addition tohis hand signals, take six explo- sive and two futee signals. At a distance of 400 yards he is to place one of the explosive signals, and conspicuously exhibit in his hand the danger signal, to slop any coming train. The guard shall not return to his train till recalled by the driver sounding the whistle of the engine." Christopher Townsend diposed — I am a plate layer on the line; yesterday morning I got into ihe mail train at the Char- fieLI station for the purpose of going to Bristol, and sat in the same carriage with one of the deceased gentlemen when the train stopped at Mangotsfield I got out; did not get out at once did not know the reason of the train stopping, and went and put down the window on one side and looked out; seeing nothing there, I went to the other side, and put down the window and looked out; then saw the fileman and engine man preparing to do some hing, and thought ihe engine had broken down did not get out right away, but stopped in ever so long looking out through the window and watching them; then thought that they were going to stop for some time, and got out and, walked up to the engine and round the engine the m n were doing something at it. and then I walk« backwaidsand forwards for some time, and then I heard a whistle. Coroner—How long, now, do you think you were walkins backwards and foi u ards after you had got out and seen the men doing something to the engine. Witness—About, wo minutes then I heard a whistle of the mail engine, and then ran back to get my seat; as I was about to get in, I heard a noise as if a train was coming, and I looked up the iiue, but it was so foggy 'l'al 1 could no see any distance; was then about to get inside the carriage, )u looking round, saw Pollock coming with his engine; cried ou Oh dear, and sprang off, and just zot clear of the line she was on when she smashed the train. Th.3 first thing I saw after the smash WU9 Pollock, he was on the enxine. and the top of the broken carriage was over his head, and he looked out from under it: be then got off the engine, and he and I and the guards set to work to get the persons out from under the wreck we found one of the bodies, that of Antill, doubled up under the wreck of the carriage, with broken bones, and quite dead the other was up against the engine, close to the buiton of the chimney, stuck up amongst the wood some of the hair and blood were on a piece of iron that sticks out from the engine to put the lamp in the train slowed before she stopped, hut I heard nO SIGNAL FFIVEN* Coroner—How long do you suppose that the train had stop ped before the accident happened ? it Witness—I should say six, or seven, or eight mino1 > stopped a good bit before I got out. orders Coroner—Now, when you stopped, did you hear any given ? Witness-No; none at all. Coroner—You say you had the window down ? Witness—Yes as soon as ever we stopped I P window. Coroner—Did you see anybody leave the tra«" Witness—No; I did not nolle/ any one *ln« 'e red light,nor a light in any person's hands; bu mi-uf to look; when 1 was looking on one side a man might have gone on the other. T By Mr. Hughes-When I saw Pollocks wpne I had my foot on the step of the train, and my 'ian,0'f t, A T By a Juror—I was in the train with one of the dead men I thought that they were both with me; bilt I Rni told that one was in with a gentlemen in another cafiiage. Mr. Thos. Bird Hull, merchant, of Liverpool, deposed—I left Liverpool at 8.50 on Tuesday eveoing, with a lriend, Mr. Chas, a foreigner, lor 1 in*0 Birmingham, and stalled late again, about half au hour; on ar- Iiving at Gloucester there was 110 time lost oeu.re we Rtarted 1 WHS in a first-class carriage, and having made a sort ot bed of the cushions, tlept pretty well till I was awakened about five minutes before teaching Mangolsfield, by passing through a tunnel: finding it was daylight, I looked at my watch, and found it was on or about six o'clock the fog was then very dense, and I could not have seen any great distance, but I think that I saw objects at a distance of 100 yards; when the train stopped I supposed^ it was to collect tickeis I estimate that ihe time of the train's slopping was from five to ten minutes I said so im- mediately after the accident, and the more I think the more I am confirmed in that impression the stoppage occasioned DO apprehension in my mind I next heard an engine approaching and the next seoond-it was thei-ame as if a pistol had been fired at my head-l heard a noise, and at the same moment-it was like lightning—I found myself emerging from a heap of broken splinters it was not an affair to me ot three seconds, it was instantaneous; 1 took a step or two forward, to get out from amidst the ruins, and the first person I saw was one of the guards. and I believe I said, Good gracious, what has hap- pened ? It was all so sudden that I could not believe what had occurred; I turned round and found my friend, Mi. Chas, trying to release himself from the broken splinters went to his rescue, and finding him incapable of walking, 1 carried him to some pieces of wood and laid him opon them; he was much in- jured; lie had severe contusions of the ankle joint, and sundry cuts of his face; then returned to the wreck and noticed several others crawling from the broken timbers, and one had scrambled on to the bank, and seemed to be suffering in dreadful agony then saw the guard, and asked What is \he meaning of this ?" he said, "Sir, it is dreadful," and asked me if I could bear testimony to a person having been sent out with a light behind was apprehensive for our further safety, and, instead of answer- ing, 1 asked if peisons had been sent lo Loth ends to prevent ing, 1 asked if persons had been sent to Loth ends to prevent any other engine from coming, and he said there had at that time I did not see the other g'lard during the proceedings, but I cannot say when, I was asked to bold up the mail guard, by some one, who said, If Will you hold up this poor fellow, I'm alraid he's going ? I thought myself he was dead after this I insisted upon some one being sent into Bristol, and assisted in picking up the letters. I think it right to state that evety care and attention was paid to the passengers after the accident. The bead-guard, Peikins, by desire of Mr. Saunders, was then calLed in, aud identified by the witness as the person whom he had conversed with. Dan el Young P.C. 150 of the Midland police, deposed-I am engaged on the line as pointsman at Westerltigh the mail train yesterday morning passed me at three minutes before six o'clock; she was late by seventeen minutes, but was going about the ordinary speed; within a few seconds of ten minutes past six o dock the pilot engine passed down at about the usual speed my duty is to keep the red signal on for five minutes after a train has passed, and then the caution signal for five minutes more; the two signals were kept up tiefutiume yesterday morning have not the least doub! that the pilot- engine could have seen my signals the fog was not too thick for that: knew the time by looking at my watch as both engines passed. The Coroner-Does it frequently happen that your trains run so near together? Witness-It happens sometimes, but not frequently. Coroner-Can you tell how often ? Winess- It may not be once in a year. By i\1r. Cosshaln-lt is usual when a train out of the ordi. na, y course is coining down, to hive a signal on the back of the train pieceding it; did not notice one in this case. I "e Coroner—When you say it is usual, is it not a direction thnt it should be so ? Witness— Yes- Coroner—Then was it not your duty, not having seen it, to have detained the pilot-engine ? Witness—I do not consider that it was, unless it came within ten minutes. The Coroner said he thought that such ought to be his dutv, or what was the use of the signal. Mr. Dyke explained that the signal behind the train made no difference at the junction. Its object was f 0 give notice to work men of the line and to the stations, in order that the way might be kept clear. James Po lock—I have been an engine-driver on the Midlaud line fcr nine years. On Tuesday evening in consequence of there bein, a heavy goods train, I went up to Gloucester left that city with my engine, on my return, at about five minutes past five o'clock the mail-train had gone, I think, near about a quarter of an hour was in company with the mail-train driver previous to his stilrling. and told him that I was going to follow him down, as I must be at Biistol for my engine to piiotthe7.t5 train out; when this side of Berkeley station I stopped my engine, as a truck obstructed the rail got off and went and spoke to the foreman of the locomotive department; should think this occupied about five minutes; then came on gen ly, at a speed of perhaps twenty, or at the outside twenty- five, miles per hour. When I came to Westerleigh, hbout two miles previous to my striking the train, they gave me the signal all right." Leaving Westerl igh, in about a mile and a half I parsed the plate layers, and they did not give me any signal of caution, and I had just got a half mile further when I saw the train, which was within a few yards of me. As I got through iViangotsifi ld-bridge I saw the light on the list carriage! had just time to shut off the steam and reverse the engine when I pi'ched into ihe train the fog was so very dense that I could not see more than fifty or sixty yards had received neither a signal of danger nor caution until 1 saw the red lights on the end of train. The Coronel-A:though the fog was very thick, you could have seen any signal which had been made to yon of danger ? Wicness-Yes; if the fog had not been so very thick I should have seen the train before I came to it. The Coroner-Are you quite certain that there was no signal made to you from the mail-train, of any danger or any caution 1 Witness—No, sir, there was not; there was no signal till I saw the lights in the carriage. By Mr. Hughes—The collision was momentary, and must have happened at about a quaiter-past six o'cfock; I looked at my watch at the Yate station, and then it was eight minutes past six o'clock I was going under my speed all the way on account of the fog. Mr. Cossliam—Did you see either of the guards at all 1 Wilness-I saw the under-guard just as I shut off steam h was then coming from the back of the train towards me, ane showed a red light; he was between the bridge and the maid train. I Coroner-Supposing that you had been coming at your usual pace, in how long a lime, if you had had a signal of danger gi*en you, could you have stopped altogether? Witness—Well I think I could have stopped in a couple of minutes, having nothing but the engine. By Mr. Cossbam-l suppose that I could have stopped easy in 300 yards. Mr. Dyke was here cal'ed, and in reply to the coroner as to whether it was the duty of the guard and under-guard to have gone back in the case of any stoppage, said the head guard had the sole charge of the train, and it was his duty either to have gone back himself, or to have sent back. Samuel Dash deposed to having passed both engines; he should think that they were about seven minutes apart; should think that the mail train passed him near Shortwood siding at it* k ^uarter or twenty minutes past six o'clock could walk the spac between where he met them in about seven minutes. iWr. Hughes—He is speaking of a time after the steam of the mail train had been shut off. ^'•1i i'°n8r- ,'len (i'reclet' the guard, Abraham Perkins, to be called in in addressing him, said—I wish to know whether you desire to make any statement to the jury, and it is my duty to tell you that you need not make any statement or say a word, and also that anything that you say here may, by possibility, be used against you elsewhere after having given you this caution, you may say anything or not. Pe I kins- I would rather leave it, if you please. A conversation ensued as to the piopriety of adjourning, some of the jurors considering that the guard of the mail train ought to be examined. The room was cleared, and after a lengthened deliberation with the jury, the coroner adjourned the inquiry to the 19th inst, It is stated that Mr. Thompson has, in addition to the frac- ture of his arm, received fractures of some of hisribsi and that Mr Chas who is staying in Berkeley-square, and is under tbe professional care of Mr. Harrison, has, it is feared a frac- ture of the small bone of one of his legs. Poor Jones's case was a melancholy one. He had no business which required him to eo by the train, and was merely accompanying his fiiend Mr. Moreton. ,'oar° 'he sufferers are all pro- peedine favourably, and that there is a chance oi Bennet, the ouard escaping w'l!'?u} e oss an eye, which it was /eared had been *f'ecove

HOIA.°way'8 AN INFALUBLK REMKDY »oa LIVER COMPI-AINTt' AND ISEASESOF me STOMACH.—Copy of a letter from Mr- "eI?ry "oodward, of Richmond, dated 25th May, 1851* 0 "rofessor Holloway.—Dear Sii—I suffered many years a Host obstinate liver complaint, and although I tried medicines prescribed by the most eminent medical men in different parts of the country, yet 1 could obtain no relief, and in despair I had recourse to your Pills, and it is with gratitude that I acknowledge they have been the means (under Divine Providence) of restoring me to a state of good health that I never could have inticipated. CONFESSION OF MURDBR.-Last week. arespectable look ing young man entered the central police office, Glasgow, stating that he wished to deliver himself up to justice as he could get no peace in his mind from having recently committed a murder. He states that his name is Joseph Crawford, aged 19 years, » shawl printer by trade, and a native of Beddington Cornor, near Croydon, Surrey. Some eight months ago, while at Long- bank, on the bank of the Colne, about 15 miles from London, an illegitimate child was born to him, and, after sundry consultations with the mother, he killed it by holding its head under water, and then tossing the body into the stream. The body was recovered, he learnt, and an inquest held, but by this time he had escaped. He came to work at Barrhead, near Glasgow, as a calico-printer some ten weeks ago, but remorse would not let him rest. and he resolved to surrender himself. Snch is the man's account, which he steadily perseveres in. He Is still detained, waiting advices from England on the subject. Under date of Febuary 20, intelligence has been received from Corfu of a most distressing character. On the 19th a terrifiic hurricane burst over the island. The roof of the Go- vernor's Palace was lifted off; an olive forest the pride and wealth of Corfu, was destroyed one hundred trees on the esplanade were uprooted; and five lives were lost. Inland, the loss of life is variously estimated between thirty and eighty persons. Several ships had been driven on shore, and others s ink. There is scarcely a house in Corfu that has not been injured.

THE FLOWER GARDEN. Two children wander, hand in hand entwined, On scented turf, and where the laughing flowers Dye, with rich sunset hues, the beds and borers, And touch with perfume every loitering wind. Oh! ye, to whom the elements are kind! Fair boy! whom graceful fancies fairer make; Fair girl! whom never earnest smiles forsake What happier, holier lovers can we find? Pause in your play, and be eternal now! Still mix your hair where golden sunlight gleams O'er peach-like cheeks, amid the lustrous glow Of eyes, like two blue heavens in sleepy streams! We gaze; the earlier Eden blooms below, fhe loves of angels are no longer dreams. Children's Summer.

Until the introduction by Mr. Du Barry, of the Revalenta Arabica Food, both as a regimen for invalids and infanta, and a remedy for all disorders connected with the stomach, nerves, kidneys, liver, and intestines generally, it might have been as- serted, with truth, that the treatment of patients, in some of the most obstinate, harr3ssing, and painful complaints to which the human frame is liable, was one desperate game of hap-hazard —different practitioners playing off different systems, involving indescribable suffeiing and expense, and ending in failute. All this is now happily changed. Wiihout laying out money in doctor's bills, without enduring the horrors of" doctor's stuff," but simply by the adoption of a pleasant and palatable restora- tive Food, disease is banished, and health and activity take its p:ace. It is on no mete theory that these things are asserted When fifty thousand persons are referred to, each of whom has separately de,cribed the wondrous healing effect of the prepa- ration in an infinite variety of maladies, the theory resolve* it- self into ascertained and demonstrated fact-a fact neither to be hushed up, nor explained away on any other ground than that of the unparalleled efficacy of the Revalenta Aiabica Food, in extirpating almost eveiy description of morbid action or con- dition from the system. Tbe public are naturally slow" in awakening to an appreciation of a new and better state of things and muchexcus* there is for this slowness, so often has expectation been baulked by the pretensions of contending, theorists. Hete, howevei, we have proof of the most positive and complete kind which can be conceived by human reason, and coming from such a w uliiplicity of sources, as shew the testimonials received to be but the genuine outpouring of joy- ful gratitude. An advertisement, which appears in our paper to day, contains a shoit resume of a few of the letters of thanks which constitute altogether such a body of undeniable evidence aswas never before brought togethei upon any subject whatever and form a noble national monument in illustration oi maxim—"Honour to him to whom honour is due," for i ,t- her particulars we refer our readers to Messrs. Du Barr)'j¡ ad- tenisemenl in our to-day's columns.