Llangollen Advertiser Denbighshire Merionethshire and North Wales Journal

FAR BEYOND COMPETITION. No known Remedy approaches Warner's SAFE Cure in its ability to conquer and subdue Bright's disease and all other diseases of the Kidneys and of the Liver. Its reputation is unassailable, its records unapproachable. It has stood the test of time. Henry Munday, of the" Stag and Hounds," Bracknell. Binfield. Berks, suffered for nearly three years from Bright's Disease and Dropsy, had over 20 Doctors attending him, and was in several Hospitals. He says: My condition was most deplorable. The Physicians said they could do no more. I might live a day or-so.' I was advised to try Warner's 'SAFE' Cure, and quickly perceived that I was receiving benefit. I have taken 43 bottles of the 1 SAFE Cure, and would not be with- out it for anything. I would advise all who are suffering to take Warner's 'SAFE' Cure. I am sure it will do them good, as it has wonderfully restored me to my usual good health." "Richmond Villas, Chichester, Nov. 27th, 1890. It is with grateful thanks to Almighty God and to you that I write to inform you of my safe recovery. Life was indeed beginning to get wearisome. With your sound advice I am happy to say I feel to-day hearty and well. I should advise all sufferers to use your very valuable medicine, Warner's SAFE Cure. You are at liberty to make what use you like of this. I ain only too glad to send it, and pray accept my grateful thanks. (Signed) "HENRY HOLDER." Warner's "SAFE" Cure can be obtained of all Chemists and Medicine Vendors at 2s. 9d. and 4s. 6d. a bottle, or of H. H. Warner and Co., Ltd., 86, Clerkenwell Road, London, E.C.

STRANGE DISAPPEARANCE OF A MONTGOMERYSHIRE CLERGYMAN. Considerable comment has been caused in the neighbourhood of Manafon, near Newtown, Mont- gomeryshire, by the disappearance of the rector, the Rev. Evan Jenkins, M.A. The reverend gentleman, from an unexplained cause, has been absent from his parish for some time, and a citation from the Bishop of St. Asaph has appeared on the door of Manafon Church, requiring Mr. Jenkins to return to perform the duties of his benefice and within forty days to make a return to the monition into the registry of St. Asaph. On Monday, the rev. gentleman had not returned, and his absence is the topic of universal comment in the parish.

[CENTRAL NEW S TELEGRAMS.] L LLANGOLLEN ADVERTISER OFFICE, Thursday Evening. The Bank Rate remains at three per cent,

The Appeal Court has fixed Monday next for hearing arguments whether the defendants in *the Baccarat scandal should not be ordered to give Sir Gordon Camming particulars of the plea of justi- fication.

Arthur Dunn, State counsel, and Frank "Waters, journalist, quarrelled last night, says a Central News New Orleans telegram, about the Italian lynching affair there last week, and revolvers were used, the former being desperately wounded and the latter shot dead.

CORRESPONDENCE. # [WE to not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions Of our ooiTJspoadents.—KD.1 FROM MY CARRIAGE. To the Editor of the" Llangollen Advertiser." Dear sir,—There is much to be heard and seen in travelling by carriage; and some things it would be well if they existed not, so as not to enable any to repeat or hear them. After hearing many things, some will be doubting if things so unseemly can be true. Here allow me a little space to put a few questions from my carriage :— Is it true that people are allowed to drink and get drunk on the Sabbath in a place or places lying not far off the highway from Llangollen to Trefynant ? Is it true that persons get intoxicating liquors to drink in a tavern or taverns on the Sunday, and that without going a mile from their homes ? Is it also true that men proceed from a tavern or taverns to certain fields to take up the cudgels on the Sabbath ? Is it true that one of the tavern-keepers put off his coat on the Sabbath and wanted to fight some of the tipplers ? Is it true that almost all such things happen without the knowledge of the P.C.? Is it true that people|who are keen-eyed, of a high position, and of immense influence, take notice of occurrences such as those which have been written of, and that all who neglect to observe the law must feel the consequence ere long ? Is it true that the residents of the Vale of Llan- gollen earnestly and respectfully desire that the worshipful authorities enquire and see if things are as people say ? Is it true that some public houses in the vale must be abolished ? This is all I shall ask this time, sir, Onward horse to drink water and to have rest.-Yours obediently, —TKAYELLER.

IT has been officially intimated at Grasse that Queen » }°toria will leave England 011 the 22nd instant, and will arrive at Grasse on the following day. It has also been announced that the British Chaunel squadron will anchor in the Gulf of Juan on the 21st, e French Mediterranean squadron arriving about "he same time.

GLYNCEIRIOG. OPENING OF THE GLYN VALLEY RAILWAY. Last Monday, March Kith, was observed as a general holiday by the inhabitants of the Ceiriog Valley, the occasion being the opening of the tramway for passenger traffic. The question of opening up the valley, and to place it in easy and convenient communication with the outer world has occupied the attention of the inhabitants and capitalists for the last 30 years. The history of the several projects which were mooted, the failure of repeated enterprises which were launched with every apparent chances of success, and the heart-burnings endured by dis- appointed investors would, if written fully, occupy a space which we can now ill afford. Years ago, however, it was felt that the industries of the district could never be satisfactory developed unless a better means of transit could be effected with the main artery of railway and canal communication at Chirk, and after a prolonged and severe struggle a tramway was laid along the side of the main road, along which the traffic in slate, granite, china, coal, lime, and general goods has for a considerable time been conveyed. Great inconvenience was, however, felt because no arrangement was made for passenger traffic, and pressure was continually being brought upon the authorities by public meetings, petitions, and other means to open a passenger system, and after many delays and broken promises that long-expected event was fixed to take place on Monday last. The day was fine, and for the season of the year comparatively mild, so that the whole of the local community wese able to enjoy themselves to their heart's content. The distance from Chirk station to the present terminus, Glynceiriog, is about 8 miles, and between these extreme points are three stations, Castle Mill, Pontfadog and Doly wern.. Five trains are timed to run daily from Chirk in connection with the Great Western Railway, and four down trains from Glynceiriog. The time occupied in making the journey is fifty minutes. There are no Sunday trains. Passengers intending to travel by any of the above trains must join at one of the places named, as the trains will not be stopped between stations to pick up or set down passengers. Each passenger will be allowed to convey 601bs. of personal luggage only free of charge, the same not being merchandise or other articles carried for hire or profit. The locomotives, two in number, which will be used on this line, have been appropriately christened Sir Theodore" and Dennis," and are from the well-known works of Messrs. Beyer and Peacock, Gorton, Manchester, It is hoped shortly that the line will be opened for passenger traffic as far as Pandy, which is about a mile higher up the valley. The company have also running powers as far as Tregeiriog, but as yet the line has not been constructed so far. The guage is 2 feet 4!! inches, the travelling is done with ease and confort, and the driver, Thomas Hughes, with his fireman, John Morgan, are specially careful in avoiding accidents to frightened animals which are met or overtaken on the road. The new miniature carriage used in the opening on Monday was manu- factured by the Midland Carriage Company, Shrews- bury. It is neatly fitted up, and contains accom- modation for twelve persons. There is no distinc- tion of classes, all the coaches being open to any one possessing a ticket. The booking at each station is done at the van in the rear of the train, so that permanent stationmasters and booking clerks are thereby dispensed with. For a consider- able time an immense mineral traffic has been carried on along this line from the granite, china, Coadyglyn, Wynne, and Cambrian quarries, and it is likely that these works, which are now rapidly developing, will entend. The line will ere long prove a remunerative undertaking. On Monday last, the day of the generalopming of the line, only a few passengers were booked by the earlier trains. A fairly large number, however, were booked at Chirk with the 2 p.m. train, among the passengers being Mr. Jenkins, the courteous and obliging manager of the line, Mr. F. T. Jenkins, Mr. John Roberts, tea traveller,Liverpool, Mr. John Jones, Buenos Ayres, South America, Mr. G. T. Allen, Llangollen, Mr. Pryce Evans, slate merchant, Llangollen, Mr. Oswald Fox (representing Mr. Ed. Williams, of Oswestry), Mr. D. Roberts, Dolywem, and representatives or Llangollen and Oswestry Advertisers. An explosion of fog signals marked the departure of the train from Chirk Station. At the first station (Castle Mill) a few passengers were picked up. At Pontfadog a large crowd had collected. Here the train was met by the Glyn brass band, accommodation for the musicians being obtained in the small trucks at the rear of the carriages. On arriving at Doly wern the train was loudly cheered by a large company, many of whom had come from points higher up the valley in order to indulge in a first trip along the tram. As many as could find sitting or standing room in either carriages, trucks, or luggage van were here taken on, and the train steamed on amid the lusty cheers of the crowd and the lively strains of the band. When the train arrived at Glynceiriog a very large orowd of persons, numbering several hundreds, quitted it w,th intense delight. The scholars of Llansantffraid and Pontfadog National schools, numbering four hundred, under the superinten- dence of their respective head masters, Messrs. Hughes & Davies. had been ranged along the side of the main road at a point a little below the New Inn. At the station a procession was formed, and headed by the band. It proceeded to a field close by, which was kindly lent for the occasion by Mr. D. Jones, Ilafodgynfor. Each of the scholars in passing into the field received an orange and a bun, the distri- bution being superintended by a number of ladies, including Mrs. Wynne, New Hull Miss Hughes, Glanywern Mrs. Jones, Hafodgynfor, &c. Cannons were fired from the Wynne Quarry and other points of vantage, and on the New Inn, Temperance Hotel, and other places there was a slight display of bunting. When the day for the opening of the line had been definitely fixed, a committee was at once formed to take some steps for the due celebra- tion of the event. The committee consisted of Messrs. D. Foulkes, New Inn (chairman) T. Allen Hughes, Post-office (treasurer); Thos. Morris, Temperance Hotel (secretary) D. Jones; T. Morris, New Mills It. Edwards, Shop William Edwards, Royal Oak and R.R. Thomas, Brynderw. On the arrival of the train at Glynceiriog Messrs. E. Lettsome & Sons, photographers to the Queen, Llangollen, attempted in vain owing to the con- fusion and excitement which prevailed to take a photograph of it. This was, however, successfully accomplished before the 4 45 train left. On Good Friday a special train will leave Chirk at 11 30, and will return from Glynceiriog at 4 35 p.m. in con- nection with the eisteddfod announced to be held there on that day. As an indispensable adjunct of the day's rejoicing a programme of sports was successfully carried out by the committee, the result of the several events being as follows: Boys flat race, under 12—1st, Aaron Evans. Do. under 20—lst,D. Edwards 2nd, Thomas Morris. Flat race for all ages—1st, Edward Hughes; 2nd, Evan Hughes. Obstacle race through the river—1st, Robert Davies 2nd, John Hughes 3rd, Edwin Mathews. Do. for boys—1st, Jonah Davies; 2nd, Aaron Evans. Wheelbarrow race- winner, R. Bather. Football match—best, John Morris's team. Long jump-1st, John Morris; 2nd, Edward Hughes. Obstacle race to Ilafod- gynfor meadow; R. Bather and J. Evans equal. Obstacle race—1st, D. Mathews 2nd, Wm. Jones. Old men's race—1st, Edward Jones, Brithdir 2nd, Edward Hughes, Cae-du. Tug of war-best, Orritt's team. Tug of war-best. E. Morris's team. Siamese race-winners, John Morris and Owen Hughes. Sack race—1st, J. Morris 2nd, J. Hughes.

MANCHESTER. WELSH CHURCH. On Sunday afternoon, the 15th inst., fourteen eminent members of the world renowned Carl Rosa Opera Company gave a musical service in aid of the Welsh Church funds here. As there was such a demand for sittings, Mr. Price, the chaplain, engaged the great St. James's Hall, Oxford-street, for the occasion, when there were upwards of 5,000 persons present. The proceeds amounted to a very large figure. This is the first instance for the principals°of this great opera company to give their service in aid of a Church of England fund, and that free of all charges. This novel enterprise was due entirely to the kindness of Mr. Rhys Thomas, a prominent member of the company. Mr. Thomas is a thorough Welshman, and his sacred solos at the Welsh church on Sunday evenings during his stay in Manchester are greatly appreciated, as is quite evident from the very large congregations Sunday by Sunday. Our friends in the principality will have a chance of hearing this great Welsh tenor, as we understand Mr. Thomas is organizing a concert tour of the company in North Wales during the J summer months. — CORRESPONDENT.

GLYNDYFRDWY. THE NATIONAL SCHOOLS.—On Monday, March 9th, the day scholars as also the Sunday school members were invited to partake of tea provided for them at the expense of the above-mentioned feast. The entire proceedings was under the supervision of Mrs. Roberts, of Afon Ro, and all went on most happily and joyously. During the evening, Mr and Mrs. T. E. Morris were the recipients of a splendid copy of the Holy Bible and the Church service by the members of the Sunday school (of which Mrs. Morris was an active mem- ber), as also of a considerable number of silver spoons subscribed for by Members of the choir. The presentation was made in suitable terms, and was suitably responded to.

WREXHAM. NORTH WALES BAPTIST PRAYER UNION.—Special meetings, under the auspices of the above union, were held at the Chester-street Baptist Chapel, Wrexham, on Tuesday, the 10th inst. At half-past two a business meeting for members was held, followed shortly after by an open devotional con- ference, which was-fairly attended. Mr. J. M. Corney (Cefn) read a paper on The Church in its relation to Amusements." A discussion was taken part in by the Revs. Dr. Davies (Llangollen), J. E. W. Cook (Dawley), W. Jenkins, T. Evans, D. Davies, T. Thomas, and others. In the evening a public meeting was held. The Rev. Gethin Davies, D.D., presided, and addresses were delivered by the Revs. Price Williams (Nantwich) and Henry Rees (Rhos). A collection was made on behalf of the union.

CORWEN. I BOARD or GUARDIANS, Friday, Dr. Jones in the chair.-On the motion of Mr. W. E. Williams it was decided to petition the Government in favour of the Van and Wheel Tax.—Mr. Thomas Owen gave notice to propose that the business of the Board be carried on in Welsh. HIGHWAY BOARD, Friday.—Present: The Hon. C. II. Wynn (in the chair), Dr. Jones, Messrs. Ed. Jones and H. Rees, with Mr. Lloyd John, clerk.- The Clerk read correspondence which had passed between himself and the Railway Company, relative to the Glyndyfrdwy Station-road, and stating that he was waiting for a plan of the land bought by the Company.—The Surveyor reported that the metalling of the road had proceeded satis- factorily during the past month, the Chairman remarking that the roads appeared to be in good order.

RUABON. THE CRICKET CLUB.—The cricket club have decided to open the season on April 26th. Mr. W. P. Jones is elected captain, Messrs. J. W. Ellis and G. Taylor sub-captains, Mr. H. Lloyd secretary, and Mr. R. T. Jones treasurer. DIRECT VETO.—On Friday a public meeting was held, at the Welsh Chapel, in support of the Direct Veto (Wales) Bill. Mr. W. Thomas, J.P., presided, and speeches were delivered by the Revs. Abel J. Parry, Cefn Mawr, J. Williams, Rhos, John Jones, Ruabon, and E. M. Edmunds, Ruabon. At the close the following resolution was unanimously carried -11 That whilst this meeting deeply deplores the many evils which flow from the drinking customs of society, and the consequent suffering entailed upon all classes of the people, it rejoices that a Bill entitled The Direct Veto (Wales) Bill' is down for the second reading in the House of Commons on the 18th inst., and urges the Government and all members of Parliament to give it their support, so that the measure may become law." The secretary was requested to forward a copy of the resolution to Lord Salisbury, the Right Hon. W. H. Smith, the Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone, the Right Hon. G. O. Morgan, the Hon. George Kenyon, and Mr. Bowen Rowlands. STIIYT ISSA.—On Monday evening an interesting entertainment was given by Mr. James Culey, of Trevor Issa, in the Welsh Wesleyan Chapel, Stryt Issa, in aid of the chapel funds, when Mr. Robert Jones, of Bryn Barcut Farm, presided. There was a crowded and attentive audience. The subject was "From Stryt Issa. to the Falls of Niagara," illus- trated by dissolving views. Then followed a'series of local and other interesting views taken by Mr. Culey, which were highly appreciated: Votes of thanks were accorded to the lecturer and chairman, who briefly responded, and the assembly dispersed, well pleased with the entertainment.

CEFN AND RHOSYMEDRE. LECTURE.—On Monday evening the Rev. Vinson Stephens gave a popular lecture entitled Matches in the Welsh Wesleyan Chapel. The spacious edifice was crowded with an appreciative audience. SCHOOL MEETING.—On Sunday, the school anniversary in connection with the various Welsh schools of the district was held in the Calvinistic Methodist Chapel, Cefn. Mr. John Pugh presided. There was a large attendance of delegates. The Rev. Ezra Jones, Llangollen, was the interrogator, who met with ready answers. MR. R. EMLYN DAVIES AND HIS PROPOSED MUSICAL TRAINING.—On Saturday, the Rev. J. W. Thomas, vicar of Rhosymedre, and Mr. Alderman Christmas Jones, accompanied Mr. Davies, our rising baritone, to Chester, where his musical qualifications were tested before Dr. Bridge, who expressed himself very much pleased with them. SUDDEN DEATH.—On Monday, an inquest was held before Mr. B. H. Thelwell at the Hollybush, touching the death of Mary Jane, aged 27, the daughter of Mr. Phillip Jarvis, Mill-street, Cefn. It appears from the evidence that deceased who enjoyed indifferent health, retired to rest as usual on Friday night and was found dead on Saturday morning. The jury, of whom Mr. W. Ryland Jones was foreman, returned a verdict of Death from natural causes." DEATH OF LOCAL TRADESMEN.—e regret to record the death of Mr. Thomas Mitchell,"draper, Rhosymedre, at the early age of 35 years, the immediate cause of death being heart disease. Mr. Mitchell was a native of Brymbo, and about eight years ago was appointed to the charge of Mr. Paddon's branch establishment at Rhosymedre; afterwards he commenced a business of his own, which he successfully managed for about five years. The interment took place on Saturday at Rhosy- medre. Also, we have to record the death of Mr. Robert Parry, landlord of the Buck Inn, which took place on Wednesday, at the age of GG. The deceased many years ago returned to Cefn from the Australian gold mines. THE RK-OPENING SERVICES.—On Sunday, the special services in connection with the re-opening of the schoolroom were continued by the Congrega- tionalists, when able sermons were delivered by the Rev. Vinson Stephens, of Buckley. On Monday, a publicjjtea meeting was held, when about 600 persons sat at the tables, their wants being attended to by Mrs. G. Garside, Mrs. J. Garside, Miss Bogie, Miss Hughes, Mrs. Corney, Miss Hills, Mrs. M. Williams (Llangollen-road), Mrs. W. Garside, Miss M. Davies, Miss M. Williams, Miss Morgan, Miss Humphreys, Miss Hayes, Mrs. T. Jones, Miss Jones. Mrs. Jones (The Manse), Mrs. Howell, Miss Williams (Trefy- nant), Mrs. Frith (Quinta), and Mrs. Davies. THB SOL-FA JUBILEE.—In connection with the celebration of the above jubilee, a meeting was held at Acrefair on Monday evening, Mr. Hugh Davies, A.C., presiding. The following officers and committee were appointed :—President, Mr. Hugh Davies; vice-president, Mr. G. Wm. Hughes; secretary, Mr. Joseph Roberts committee, Messrs. Thos. Davies, E. Randies, tE. TYilliams, H. Davies, E. Hughes, W. Davies, John Powell, Rev. J. W. Thomas, Messrs. J. 0. Jones, A.C., Penycae, Bercher Davies and J. Mills, Cefn Bychan, B. Williams, John Roberts, T. Howells, Henry Parry, Theophilus Williams, Cefn, John Prytherch and Wm. Parry. Acrefair, J. W. Ellis and II. R. Williams, Ruabon. THE CONSTITUTIONAL CLUB.—On Friday evening, Mr. Thomas Tranter, of Cefn Mawr, continued, as promised, his lecture on the life and character of Mr. John A.shworth, of Rochdale and Manchester, author of Strange Tales." Mr. Isaac Jones, colliery manager, of Tir-y-fron, presided, and there was a very good attendance. The subject this evening was" Mr. Ashworth's courtship, marriage, and conversion," which was very lucidly and skil- fully treated by Mr. Tranter. At its close a vote of thanks to the lecturer was proposed by Mr. R. G. Evans, of Rhosymedre, and seconded by Mr. E. LI. Jones, Plas-issaf. A similar vote was accorded to the chairman, on the motion of Mr. Calvert, secon- ded by Mr. T. Davies, the secretary. The chairman, in responding, said he always felt a pleasure in rendering what assistance he could on such occasions, and was very much pleased with the discourse they had just listened to.

WALES IN PARLIAMENT. THE MINERS' EIGHT HOURS BILL. In the House of Commons, on Wednesday, Mr. W. Abraham moved the second reading of the Miners' (Eight Hours) Bill, but Mr. Pickard, just before the time arrived for suspending debatable business, moved the adjournment of the debate, and it was agreed to adjourn it until April 15th. THE TITHES BILL. The Welsh members have agreed, with only one or two exceptions, that the House of Commons should be moved to disagree with the amendments made by the House of Lords in the Tithes Bill. A copy of the peers' amendments has been printed for the House of Commons and circulated among the members preliminary to the debate which is occu- pying the House as we go to press. SECOND READING OF THE LOCAL VETO BILL. The Local Option Bill for Wales, which came on for second reading in the House of Commons, on Wednesday, did not draw a big House till near the time for the division, when members are always supposed on a Wednesday to be at the post of duty. The front Opposition bench, however, presented an unusual appearance for a Wednesday, as it was occupied from the opening of the House by Sir W. Harcourt, Mr. John Morley, Sir G. Trevelyan, Mr. Lefevre, and Mr. Osborne Morgan, and for a great part of the day by Mr. H. Fowler. An unwonted crowd also filled the Strangers' Gallery to overflow- ing. The discussion was very animated. By the Bill it is provided, first, that a two-thirds majority of owners and occupiers in any district who shall vote on the question shall have power to shut up all the public houses in that district; second, that the bare majority may reduce the number of public houses to any number they please and, third, if prohibition is carried then there shall be no appeal against that decision for five years, while if a pro- posal for prohibition is rejected a tenth part of the owners and occupiers can contest the question again in two years. Mr. Bowen Rowlands moved the second reading of the Bill, and its rejection was moved by the Marquis of Carmarthen. Mr. Maclean, who seconded the rejection, put a very powerful series of arguments before the House. Mr. T. W. Russell made a passionate speech in favour of the Bill, while Mr. Stanley Leighton harped on his old string, that there was no such thing as Wales, which drew from Mr. Osborne Morgan the retort that by the same reasoning there could be no such person as the Prince of Wales. Mr. Mathews, the Home Secretary, opposed the Bill with a variety of argu- ments, placing the fact in the very forefront of his speech that it neither gave delay beyond the end of the present licensing year nor granted any compen- sation to men whose trade might be brought to a close under the Bill. Mr. J. Morley, whose speech was frequently cheered by the Opposition, advocated strongly the principle of a plebiscite of the registered voters, and deprecated with equal decision the reference of such a question to the local governing bodies. It was a quarter-past five when the division was taken, and the second reading was carried, amid loud cheers, by 185 to 178. One of the mar- vellous things about the debate is that Sir Wilfrid Lawson, though in the House, did not speak.

THE WELSH LANGUAGE AND THE COMING CENSUS. The preparations for the census to be taken in the first week of next month are now practically complete. All the enumerators have been appointed, the districts assigned, and the necessary forms, long since printed, are being distributed all over the country. Every householder will be required to state on the schedule left with him the name and surname of every person sleeping in his house during the night of Sunday, April 5th relation to head of family condition as to marriage sex age last birthday profession or occupation (employed or unemployed) place of birth and infirmity (deaf, dumb, blind, or lunatic). These particulars will be examined and, where possible, checked by the enumerator. Persons afloat, houseless, and those sleeping in travelling vans, barns, or in the open air will all, as far as possible, be included in the census. For the ordinary householder the schedule contains lines for 17 names. For larger establish- ments schedules of double and treble size have been iirepared, and for public institutions a special schedule, in which space can be multiplied to any extent. The papers will be delivered on Saturday, April 4th, and are to be returned on the Monday following. The census will have a peculiar interest and value for Welshmen, because it will furnish official statistics, never as yet obtained, of the number of Welsh-speaking and of the Welsh and English speaking persons in Wales and Monmouthshire. This new feature of the census was provided for by an amendment to the Census Bill, moved by Mr. S. T. Evans, the member for Mid-Glamorgan, and readily accepted by the President of the Local Government Board. It was afterwards understood that Mr. Ritchie had expressed his willingness to extend the scope of the amendment, so as to include an enumeration of Welsh-speaking persons residing in the great towns and other parts of England but this must have been a mistaken impression, as the Census Act does not make provision for numbering the Welsh-speaking persons in England as well as in the Principality. The statistics hitherto compiled upon this subject have claimed at best but a rough approximation to accuracy, and could not be safely relied on in the absence of the authentic data to be supplied, as far as Wales is concerned, for the first time by the new census. The returns will have some political value in connection with the claims of Welsh nationality, the modern revival of which has increased the use of the vernacular to an extent which has more than neutralised the powerfnl counter influences at work in the Principality. The attachment to their ancient tongue, which is so noteworthy a characteristic of the Welsh people, seems to be quite as strong in the young as the old for young Welshmen of the present day who have been sub]ect to the Anglicising influences of an English University training are among the most enthusiastic students of their native language and literature. This national spirit is, moreover, as powerful and assertive in the great industrial centres of South Wales, with their mixed population, as in the more purely Welsh and les3 thickly populated agricultural districts of the North. The census of 1891 will illustrate the topographical distribution of Welsh-speaking people in Wales, though it may not throw any light upon the origin and causes of apparently arbitrary linguistic boundaries. The decline of the Welsh language on the English border is, of course, easy to understand; but why the inroads of the English language upon the vernacular should be so extremely irregular and seemingly capricious has never yet been adequately explained. In Welsh-speaking counties isolated parishes or groups of parishes where English only is spoken are to be found, or a parish where Welsh is spoken on one side of a river (not marking a boundary) and English on the other. In some instances these eccentricities may be accounted for by the inhabitants being descended from English or Flemish settlers. In the border county of Mont- gomery there are some singular anomalies in the linguistic boundaries. In two out of six Montgomery boroughs, Welshpool and Montgomery, Welsh has almost entirely ceased bo be spoken, while at Oswestry, on the English side of the border, there are a large number of Welsh-speaking people, and several Welsh places of worship. In the county of Denbigh the vernacular is spoken by the great majority of the inhabitants, though English prevails at Wrexham and some other towns in the county, while Radnorshire, except in its north-western extremity, has been almost wholly Anglicised in point of language. While in some parts of Wal3s the vernacular is undoubtedly losing ground, in others it has been steadily making way. Some of the Government inspectors of Welsh schools have reported that in their districts the knowledge of English is spreading, and at the same time the Welsh language not only continues to hold its own, but to advance likewise. After all the lamentations that have been indulged in over the "bi-lmgual difficulty" it is somewhat reassuring to find that the monoglot districts of the Principality are far from being the most conspicuous for intellectual and material progress.

The increased interest shown in home missions is (says the London correspondent of the Manchester Guardian) marked by a corresponding revival par- ticularly amongst High Churchmen—as regards work in tho foreign field. The income for 1890 of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel was larger than it has ever been before, roachnig a grand total of £ 164,382—an increase of nearly < £ 40,000 on the previous year. The accounts of the sister organisa- tion, the Church Missionary Society, do not close until March 31st, but there is reason to believe that they too will show progress.

HOME & FOREIGN CHIT-CHAT The death is announced of Dr. Frost of Cardiff, one of the most accomplished harpists in Wales. The official trial of the telephone between London and Paris was made on Tuesday with perfect success. The three C.M. churches at Aberystwyth have collected £1,000 in aid of the foreign mission jubilee fund. The Rev. J. J. Lewis, a native of Abergavenny, is the president of the New Zealand Wesleyan Conference. Mr. Phipson Beale, the Liberal candidate for Aston Manor, is the son of Mr. Bea'e who has a residence near Dolgelley. The death is announced of Mr. Peter M'Douald, M.P. for North Sligo. Mr. M'Donald was an Anti-Parnellite. Mr. Maurice Healy has accepted Mr. Parnell's challenge to resign his seat for Cork on the condition that the latter does the same. The Duke of Westminster has sent a donation of £1,000 to the building fund of a new church for Saltney, a populous suburb of Chester. The Rhyl Gas Bill has been before the House of Commons Committee, who have decided to allow it subject to the insertion of certain clauses. A fire occurred on Saturday at a lunatic asylum, near Nashville, U.S.A., and six of the inmates were burned to death. About 25 others essaped. After a lapse of six weeks the Llmrwst magistrates found a calendar before them on Monday. The police business was limited to two cases of drunkenness. An extensive fire occurred on Monday night at Franklyn's bevelled glas i works, Bristol. Michael Creese, aged 66, was so excited that he dropped down dead. Mr. Osborne Morgan has presented a petition against the Sunday opening or museums from the quarterly meeting of Primitive Methodists at Rhosymedre. It is stltel that the London and North-Western Railway Company have been acquiring land on the Chester and Holyhead route in order to provide special rails for goods traffic. A woman and her little boy have been arrested on suspicion of committing the shop robbery at Ruthin, which we reported last week, and the police have recovered £18 of the money. The Tithes Bill was brought up for third reading, in the House c.f LorJs, on Tuesday, and passed, Lord Salisbury having moved that the Act come into operation on the 31st instant. The struggle which has been going on in the shipping trade for some time past is now considered at an end, the unionists,having decided to accept the federation ticket on certain conditions. A warrant has been issued for "the arrest of Mr. James Pugh, solicitor, Northampton, who failed to attend his public examination in bankruptcy on Fri- day. His liabilities are £75,000, and assets about < £ 35,000. The annual report of the Barrow Hematite Steel Company shows a remarkable year of prosperity. For many years past the company has earned no profit; but last year the gross profits amounted to £ 159,759. At the Chester A-sizes, a married man, Mr. B. Bennett, a well-known butcher, of Flint, was mulcted in the sum of X275 and costs, in a breach of promise action brought against him by a widow named Maddocks. On the petition of Lord Salisbury in respect of £1,700 for law costs in the case of O'Brien v. Salis- bury, an order was on Friday made in the London Bankruptcy Court adjudicating Mr. William O'Brien, M.P., a bankrupt. An appeal, the result of which has been awaited with much interest by farmers and stockowners throughout the country, was decided by the Scotch judges on Friday, their decision being that the dishorning cattle is not illegal. At the Central Criminal Court, London, on Tues- day, Alice Reeves, the prisoner in the Camberwell baby farming case, who was found guilty of the man- slaughter of the child, Sephou Simmons, was sentenced to ten years' penal servitude. Mr. Gladstone, speaking at Hastings, on Tuesday, upon the Irish question, declared that, rather thin place a constitutional leadership in the hands ef Mr. Parnell, the Liberal party were ready to face defeat, exclusion, and political misfortune. At St. George's Hall, Liverpool, on Tuesday, before Mr. Lewis Williams and a sheriff's jury, the Rev. J. G. J. Whitfield, curate of luce, conseutel to pay Hester Oldham, a schoolmistress at the Ince schools, the sum of Y,150 for the breach of a promise to mirry her. At the nex'; house dinner of the National Liberal Club, to be held on Tuesday, the 21st of next month, the programme of the Liberal party with special reference to Welsh questions will be the subject matter of the speeches. Mr. Stuart Rendel, M.P., will preside. Prince Jerome Napoleon, whose extended illness has been the cause of much anxiety, died on Tuesday at Rome. By a curious coincidence, Princess Mari- anne Bonaparte, granddaughter of Prince Lucien, brother of Napoleon I., also died on Tuesday at A] LCcio. The Council of the University College of Wales have converted the lectureship in Physics into a professorship, and Mr. D. E. Jones, who for half-a- dozen years has been lecturer, has been appointed t) the professorship. Mr. Jones is a native of Carmarthen. The Rev. J. Puleston Jones, M.A., the blind pastor of the English Congregational Church, Upper Bangor, was on Tuesday presented by the congregation with a library of theological works, on the occasion of his marriage. Mrs. Puleston Jones was presented by the la.dies of the congregation with a dinner service. WARNING.-When you ask for REUKITT'S BLUE see that you get it. The Manufacturer begs to caution the public agamst imitation square Blue of very inferior quality. The Paris Blue in squares is sold ia wrappers bearing their name and Trade Mark. Refuse all others. <> After the death of the Rav. W. Evans, of jTonyrcfail the oldest minister in the Calvinistic Methodist denomination is the Rev. Richard Brown, of Llan- idloes, who spent the greater part of his life in Liver- pool. Mr. Brown was ordained to the ministry in 1838, and has occupied the pulpit for mora than half a century. At the East Merionethshire Monthly Meeting, last week, the Rev. John William-s, Corwen, presiding, it was reported that the promises for the jubiles col- lection exceeded < £ 1,000. Messrs. D. E. Jones, Llandderfel, J. M. Edwards, Llanuwehllyn, and J. Roberts, Llandrillo, passed as candidates for the ministry. A now church, erected for the use of Welsh-speaking people attached to the Establishment, was opened on Saturday in Westbourne-road, Birkenhead. The Bishop of Chester (Dr. Jayne) preached the opening sermon, and criticised the action which had been taken by Mr. Gladstone on the Welsh disestablishment queatior. At the police court, Castle Eden, on Saturday, 72 miners belonging to Thornley Colliery were ordered to pay 10s. each, with costs, for having laid the pit idle," in sympathy with the Silksworth strikers. The defendants accused the magistrates of being biassed in favour of the masters, and left the court in a boJy before the c^ses were all heard. Mr. Parnell's manifesto to the Irish in America has been very coldly received by the United States press. The Rochester Union, whose editor was the first president of the first Land League branch established in the United States, and which led all the movements for raising funds for Ireland, meets Mr. Parnell's appeal with the words, "Not a dollar," and advises the Parnellite delegates to return home. The marriage of Miss Alice Bruce Puleston, daughter of Sir John Puleston, M.P., and Mr. F. G. Brenton took place at Frilllley parish church. Surrey, on Thursday. The Bishop of Bangor took the service assisted by the Vicar of Frimley, and subsequently the guests met at Ravenswood, the Surrey seat of Sir J. Puleston, Rejoicings took place in the Carnarvon Boroughs in celebration of the event. At the Liverpool Assizes, on Friday, Arthur Ed. Penfold, a porter, aged thirty-one, was sentenced to death for the murder, on the night of December 17th, of an unfortunate, named Margaret Stewart, alias Isabella Cowie. Penfold had been drinking for some diys with his viotim, their nights being spent at a disorderly house in Lambert-street, and the murder was committed in a cab which was conveying them to this place. The prisoner is a native of East Grinstead, and evidence was given as to insanity in his family. No recommendation to mercy was made. On Thursday a sham fight took place at Overton Bridge, the combatants being the military from Wrexham depot under the command of Captain Aach- dale, the Ellesmere Troop of Shropshire Yeomanry, under Captain Lord Kenyon, and the Ellesmere Company of Volunteers, under Captain Brownlow Tower. The strength of the forces was approximately -Wrexham depot, 130; Yeomanry, 26; and Volun- teers, 55. The day was fine but cold, and the fl.Iit was watched by a large assembly of spectators, the gentry of the neighbourhood and military men being conspicuous. An appalling disaster happened in Gibralter Bay on Tuesday evening, when the Anchor Line steamship Utopia sank after collision with H.M. ironclad Anson. The total loss of life is put down at 576, this figure including a number of the crew of the Utopia among them the second mate, who belongs to Liverpool; two bluejackets, who were drowned while engaged in the work of rescue; and about 538 out of the 800 or 900 emigrants, who were being conveyed from Naples and Sicily to America. The disaster was, as may be imagined, accompanied by heartrending scenes. An advertisement travels while the merchant is asleep and his store closed.

The arguments in the Clitheroe abduction case are proceeding in the Appeal Court, to-day.

BIRTHS, MARRIAGES, 6- DEATHS. BIRTHS. March 8th, the wife of Mr Edward Hughes, Hen- llan-street, Denbigh, of a daughter,^ March 17th, the wife of Mr. William Thomas Jones, Brook-street, Llangollen, of a son. March 18th, the wife of Mr. Saint, coachman, Ty'ndwr, Llangollen, of a son. MARRIAGES. March llth, at Sion Chapel, Corwen, by the Rev. E. J. Williams, Llandrillo, Mr. Humphrey Davies to Miss Elizabeth Williams, Garthiau, daughter of Mr. Griffith Williams—both of Llandrillo. March 14th, at the Presbyterian Chapel, Hill-street, Wrexham, by the Rev. Edward Jerman, and in the presence of Mr. T. Phennah, registrar, Mr. John Hughes, Queen-street, Llangollen, to Miss Jane Evans, Temperance Hotel, Oak-street, Llangollen. DEATHS. March 9th, aged 2, Annie, daughter of Mr. R. B. Adams, Albert-terrace, Denbigh. March 3rd, aged 44, Mr. David Davies, Ty Newydd, Saron, near Denbigh. March 8th, aged 79, at the Infirmary, Denbigh, Mr. Ellis Davies, formerly of Plas Coch, St. Asaph. March 13th, aged 29, Mr. Edward Jones, Penllan, St. Asaph. March 11th, aged 60, at the Buck Inn, Rhosymedre, Mr. Robert. Parry, landlord. March 13th, at Ty'nygro'es, Glynceiriog, aged 47, Mr. Richard Jones, formerly of Pentre. March 6th, at Wood Cottage, Chirk, aged 24, Ed, Lloyd, son of Mr. Richard Morris, Penyfedw. Nantyr. March 6th, at Bryneglwys, aged 85, Mr. Jonathan Thomas. March 13th, aged 43, Miss S. A. Hughes, milliner, at Mr. D. E. Hughes's, draper, Dolgelley. March 16th, at Wern Villa, Mochdre, aged 4 months, Thomas Henry, son of Mr. Hugh Hughes, confectioner and grocer, Colwyn Bay.

For MONUMENTS, TOMBS, HEADSTONES AND WREATHS, AND EVERY DESCRIPTION OF. MONUMENTAL WORK, APPLY TO WILLIAM WILLIAMS, AT HIS SHOW YARD IN MARKET STREET, LLANGOLLEN. GSfp" W. W. i§ prepared to compete with any Firm in the Kingdomas regards prices for Stone, Marble, and Granite, and also as to quality of material and workmanship. L1563aJ

Thomas Jones, provision and general dealer, GwersyHt, was fined J21 and costs, at vVrexham, on Monday, for having 15 unj ast we ghts in his possession, one of which was 7oz. light. "CADBUEY'S COCOA. has, in a remarkable degree, those natural elements of sustenance which give the system en- durance, and hardi-hood, building up muscle and bodily- vigour with a steady action that renders it a most acceptable and reliable beverage."—Health. At the meetings of the Welsh Calvinistic Methodists at Aberystwyth, last week, the Rev. T. J. Morgan submitted the report as to the state of the connexion in North Cardigan. The report showed that Calvinistic Methodism had made progress in that part of the county during the past year. There were belonging to the monthly meeting—preachers, 13; deacons, 201 and communicants, 5816, showing an increase of 90 over the previous year, which is a notable fact when it is remembered that the Bishop of St. Asaph had the North Cardiganshire monthly meeting in his mind when he referred to the decline of Calvinistic Methodism in a recent speech delivered by his lordship.

Llangollen, rendered yeoman service by his excellent rendering of the songs allotted to him. Mr. Jones possesses a baritone voice of good quality and great compass, his phrasing is excellent, and his manner and style most pleasing. His reception on each of his appearances was most flattering. Mr. E. Pritchard, Cefn, a pupil of Pencerdd Berwyn, who is a very promising basso, was in capital form in both his songs, and he bids fair to attain a prominent position in the musical world. A most agreeable variety was introduced into the programme in the form of a recitation by Mr. W. Havercraft Jones, entitled "Karl the Martyr. This was thoroughly enjoyed by the audience, and at its close the reciter was loudly applauded for what without doubt deserves to be classed as a very clever performance. Mr. R. O. Pritchard, Cefn, who had been announced to be present as accompanist, and whose name was down for a pianoforte solo, was unavoidably absent, owing to indisposition. Haply his duties were jointly undertaken by Mrs. Edwards, Ty'nywerglodd, and Miss Carrick, of Argoed Hall, to whom the promoters are deeply indebted for their timely and highly valued assistance. The programme was as follows :-Quartette, Queen of the night, arise," Shrewsbury Quartette. Song, "Ye Ornest," Mr. E. Pritchard. Song, Our Jack," Mr. Walter Jones. Song, "The Garden of Sleep," Mrs. Brace. Duet, The Moon has raised her lamp above," Messrs. Jones and Marlow. Song, Glyndwr," Mr. J. P. Jones, encored. Song," When the tide comes in," Miss Annie Griffith, R.A.M.; encored, "Gone away to Baltimore." Song, Don Alhambra's Song," Mr. Marlow. Recitation, Karl the Martyr," Mr. W. H. Jones. Trio, Memory," Miss Edmonds, Mrs. Brace, and Mr. Marlow. Song, Merch y Cadben," Mr. E. Pritchard, encored. Song, Let me dream again," Miss C. Edmonds. Song, The Admiral's Broom," Mr. J. P. Jones. Song, Come to me," Miss Annie Griffith encore, "Kitty." Duet, "When the wind bloweth in from the sea," Miss Edmonds and Mr. Marlow. Song, My Queen," Mr. Walter Jones. Song, "Three men in a boat," Mr. Marlow. Song," Home, dearie home," Miss Griffith; encore, The Maid of 43." Quartette, "Silent Night," The Shrewsbury Quartette. Finale, God Save the Queen."—There was a good audience, the greatest falling off being among the occupants of the back seats. LOCAL OPTION. A public meeting was held in the R tboboth Chapel, on Monday night, in support of the Bill which has been brought before Parliament by Mr. Bowen Rowlands, M.P. for Cardiganshire, in favour of the direct veto in regard to licences to sell intoxicating spirits in Wales. The Rev. Wm. Foulkes presided, and was supported by the Rev. R. Williams (Hwfa Mon), Rev. Dr. Gethin Da vies, Rev. John Williams, Rev. Ezra Jones, Mr. E. Foulkes, and others. The chairman, in opening the proceedings, said that everyone would readily admit that there were far too many public houses in Llangollen, as well as in other places, and several could be done away with, to the great advantage of the public generally. He would advocate that all publicans should live solely on the profits of their trade. He would also suggest that the drink they sell should be periodi- cally analyzed, and that a law should be passed to make it penal to receive payment for intoxicating drink only in cash. Mr. Bowen Rowlands was to bring forward his Direct Veto Bill for Wales on the following Wednesday, and they had met there that evening to discuss this important matter, and to give him all the support and encouragement in their power. Dr. Gethin Davies proposed the first resolution, which was as follows :—" That this meeting, recog- nizing the enormous national evils arising from the common sale of intoxicating drinks, is glad to observe the increasing desire to put the trade under better control, and earnestly calls upon her Majesty's Government to give effect to the recommendation of the Convocation Committee on Intemperance by passing the Welsh Direct Veto Bill, whereby the inhabitants of Wales would have a constitutional method of restraining the issue of licences." Mr. Davies said he considered the resolution a most reasonable one. Licences were granted for the benefit and convenience of the public, and it was but fair and reasonable that the public should have a voice directly or indirectly in the granting ,,1' +1,0 -I L- ff;T. toicir own opinions upon the question. No one can say that the voice of the magistrates, who at present grant the licences, is the voice of the people, as the people have no voice whatever in the appointment of the magistrates. In many instances, they would find that the magistrates had a direct interest in grant- ing or refusing a licence, while the ultimate result of all they did would affect the whole community which under the present system had no control whatever over the matter. He had great pleasure in proposing the resolution. Mr. E. Foulkes, Market-street, in seconding it, considered that the power of granting the licences was not in the proper hands. The people that suffered mostly from the evil effects of intemperance are the working population, the shopkeepers, and others, whom they might aptly denominate the main-spring of the nation. It was a serious reflec- tion to know that in the union of Corwen no less than £4,00011 year was spent in the maintenance of paupers, and he could venture to state that about half that amount goes to relieve persons who have been reduced to their present position as the direct or indirect result of intemperance. The direful effects of this great evil are unfortunately to be seen on every hand in our own town, and it behoves all to try in every way to stem the torrent of evil which is creating such awfnl havoc on every hand. The Rev. R. Roberts, Rhos, supported the reso- lution in a powerful, pathetic and most eloquent speech. He said that the Bill brought forward by Mr. Rowlands did not in any way affect the nature of the licences. Who have been the magistrates until the last ten years OL so ? He did not hesitate to my that until recent years the three necessary qualifications for that appointment in Wales were -1. The person appointed must be an Englishman 2. He must be wealthy and 3. He must, as a rule, be a Tory. A proposal has been made to place the power in the hands of the County Councils, and he must say that he considered that would be fairer than the present system, as the County Council was a representative body, elected by the ratepayers. The magistrates, as they were aware, are appointed by the Lord Lieutenant, and were responsible to no one. Some suggest a licensing committee in the several localities. All these are matters which, no doubt, must be settled ere long, but they did not come within the scope of the present Bill. The three main points embodied in this Bill are :—1. That a majority of two-thirds of the ratepayers should have the power of determining whether public houses should exist in the locality or not. 2. That they should have power to say how many of such houses should be licensed, and also the locality of each. And 3. That in the case of an application being made for a licence, the people should have the power of determining whether such a licence should be granted or not. These were the simple, fair, main provisions of this Bill. At Rhos they had about forty public houses, which he considered was 3!) too many, as one good house would amply suffice to supply the necessary accommodation for man and beast, which was required by the travellers and other strangers who came there. This Bill, if passed, would be a great step in inculcating in the public mind sound ideas as to the value of self- government. It is only fair that a majority should have the right of determining any question directly affecting their interests. Mr. Goschen, in intro- ducing his last Budget, stated that the increase of 22 millions in the revenue was the result of increased consumption of spirits. It was pitiful to know that this is the way the people are taking advantage of the revival of trade in the country. Mr. Roberts, in further pursuing the subject, gave statistics of John Bull's drink bill, and concluded with an earnest appeal to the audience to do their utmost towards the spread of temperance principles. -The resolution, on being put to the meeting, was carried with acclamation. The Rev. R. Williams (Hwfa Mon) proposed that a copy of the resolution, signed by the chairman, be forwarded to Mr. Smith, leader of the House of Commons to Mr. Gladstone; Mr. West, member °r West Denbighshire, and Mr. Bowen Rowlands, the framer of the Bill. This was seconded by the m- Jones, and unanimously carried. The usual votes of thanks having been proposed and carried, the meeting was brought to a clo-e.