The Aberystwith Observer

ENGLISH DOMINATION IN INDIA. WHEN the Indian mutiny first broke out, a general exclamation Was made; as to what was the cause of it. No satisfactory answer has yet j been given to this question, although many conjectures have been offered. it was remarked, with horror, dnring the recent revolt, that chief amongst the perpetra- tors of those frightful atrocities which formed its most distinguishing-characteristic were the Kitrnutgars, the domestic servants of India. With exceptions of a very noble and beautiful character, it was. nevertheless, a terrible rule, | that the poor creatures who fell victims to those 1 hideous massacres found no bitterer enemies than in their own immediate servants and de- pendents. To us in England, maddened with anger at the bare recital of these monstrous crimes, this seemed a tenfold augmentation of their guilt, and much brilliant declamation and eloquent anger was lavished upon what appear- ed such unheard-of ingratitude such unpar- alleled treachery. The inconsistent the hideous deformity of the character of the Mild Hindoo," had never appeared in their true colours until now, it was said. But although this language was justifiable at the time, yet it does not appear that the conduct of the natives was so inconsistent, or even so un- warrantable, as we first imagined. Facts are now coming to light, thanks to the intelligent observation and unswerving impartiality of Mr. W. H. Russell, which while they do not at all exonerate the murderers from guilt, yet they certainly do relieve them from some of the blacker features of the crimes which have been laid to their charge. It would appear, we regret to state, that the dominant race, the masters of these servants, should not be held blameless. An unlooked-for element of revenge is developing itself, which exhibits a motive for some even of the cold-blooded massacres. The phrase "unprovoked and unlooked for cruelties," must now, we fear, be laid aside; for the intolerant and insolent demeanour of our countrymen towards their native servants would appear to have formed no slight provo- cation. Now are the foregoing remarks founded upon say mere cenjectural hypotheses. Unfortu- nately for the apologists of official intolerance, ts are provided by Mr. Russell, which must satisfy the most incredulous that the conduct of Indian officers and civilians towards their servants is most cruel and ungentlemanly. Plenty of illustrations are provided by Mr. Russell. In, one instance an officer punishes his syce, or grpom, for having put a wrong saddle on his hQrse, by fastening him to a pole placed out in the full blaze of au Indian noon- day SUII. In another case a syce is tied down ■ in the sun by heel-ropes and foot-ropes, for j ^oiue trifling offence, and grain is spread out in mockery before him. In a third instance we have a still grosser case of unprovoked barba- rity. Mr. Russell, whilst riding through the bazaar at Simla, with Lord W. Hay, the superintendent of the Hill Districts, has his attention directed to a man whose temple is bleeding profusely. Upon being questioned, he states that a sahib who happened to he rid- ij ing by, inflicted the wound with the butt end of his ri ing-whip, without having received the slightest provocation. But this latter outrage is more an exemplification of the tyranny and cruelty exercised towards natives in general than as to the servants in particular. And, in- deed, upon this head Mr. Russell gives us scarcely less disgraceful particulars. It seems to be quite a general custom t..speak of natives of all classes as nigged. This disagreeable appellation is used universally in the army, no matter who may be present, and it is very well known by the natives as a term of contempt. But this is not the only means resorted to, by the gentlemen of the army, to convince the natives of their inferiority. Every species of indignity is heaped upon them, especially by the younger officers. If one of these young gentlemen receives a call from a native officer, iiis servant is ordered « to tell the fellow 1 in out. If a native summons him for debt he retaliates by horsewhipping him. And it is by such men as these that we hold a country justly regarded as the brightest jewel in the Queen s crown!

&ocal information. CHURCH.—A salmon was preached at bt. Michael s, in this town/on Sunday last, by the Kev. John Hughes, Vi/tr, in behalf of the Infirmary when the colleoftion amounted to the sum of £11 Os. 5d. T? Pu)UGH-—The trial of Messrs. How- a « 11 16e' took place last Friday week, in ,a near this town; and we are informed that the work done was superior to anything seen before in -ar«|ganshire. We hope to find our farming gen- try introducing proper agricultural implements into general use, so that their example may be followed by the small rising farmers of their neighbourhood. The trial was made in the presence of the Mayor, F. K- Roberts, Esq., J. Miller, Esq., and others inter- e;5ted, who were much pleased with the performance. FATAL ACCIDENT.-Mr. Robert Jetfery, son of Mrs. Jeffery, of Melbourne House, in this town, met with an untimely death in the late gales, by a spar falling upon him. Deceased was a mate on board the Elizabeth Ann Bright, bound from New Bruns- wick to Liverpool. tie was a promising younu- man, rising rapidly in his profession, and was greatly esteemed by his employers and all who knew him. ATTEMPTED SVICIDE.Yesterday morning a desperate attempt at self-destruction WHS made' in this town by a person named John Hopkins aged 67 years. It seems that the old man had for some time been an inmate of the Union Workhouse and that the Guardians for certain reasons ordered him to leave, which he did on Thursday last, and came to town to his wife, who has ap ntmellts ol her own in. Lrynfryn Row. He retired to bed early; and upon his wife entering his bedroom in the morning, she found him lying on his bed half undressed in a pool of blood, having some time in the ni-ht made three deep cuts in his throat. Dr. Roberts was soon in attendance upon the unfortunate man, who is still alive, but in a very precarious state. AN UNFAITHFUL MinTtAMAS.—On Wednesday last, two soldiers, of the 23rd Regiment, (stationed at Newport,) in full uniform, marched into this town a militiaman, of the name of William Jones, a native of the place, and safely lodged him in the House of Correction, to await results. He was apprehended at Cardiff. The offence was his refusal to join his corps, the Royal Cardigan Militia, when called together to their late training. SHIHWRECK.—An account has just arrived that the schooner Ada Alice, a vessel nearly new, of this port, owned at Newquay, was run down by a large vessel, and totally lost, the crew only saved. We understand she was fully insured in the local com- pany in this town, HUNT BALL.—The b.st, of our Hunt. Balls took place at the Assembly Rooms, on the 29th ultimo. The ffefreshments provided were of first-rate quality, and did credit to the worthy lessee, Mr. Selby. Amongst those present we noticed—Capt. Durham, and G. &. Williams, Esq., (Stewards,) Mrs. Durham, Miss Williams, Cwmcynfelin, The Misses Lewis, Han)!ear,jMr. and Mrs. Hughes, Morfa, Mr. C. M. Hughes, ditto, Miss Clare Leigh ton, The Hon. Miss EmilA Hill, Mr. Mrs. and Miss Longcroft, Miss Jones, Mr. and Mrs. Jones, Trefri, Miss Pugli, AberdoVey, AN. and The Misses Davies, Ffosrhyd*- yjitfled, Miss ^avies, Ant'aron, Mrs. Cornelius Richardes, Mr.lMrs. and Mis9 Jeft'evies, Mr. and Mrs. Novelli, MtVatid Miss Crauford, The Misses Wilson, Mr. Murphy, Lady Lucy Vaughan, Hon. Capt. Vaughan, Mr% E. Vaughan, Mr. and Mrs. Holmes, Mrs. H. IlWhes, Mrs. Loveden, Capt. Pryse, M.P., Mrs. E. Jeffreys, Mr. Edmund Lloyd, Aberayron, Viscount arKp^iscountess Vaughan, Mr. A. O. Powell, Miss ThSnison, Mr. and Mrs. R. Gilbertson, Capt. and Mrs.\loyd Philipps, Mr. and Mrs. Paull, Llanbadarri, Milfe Williams, Ty'nypark, Mr. Spooner, Mr. P. Loveden, Mr. Fryar, Mr. and Mm Bridson Smith, Miss Poweli, Lady Elizabeth Vaughan, Hon. E. Vauahan, Mr. and Miss Palk, Mr. Richardes, Bryneithin, Mr. and Mrs. Crealoek, Mr.J. Inglis Jones, Derry Ormond, Mr. E. Jeffreys, Mr Pell, &c.&c. CHAHITY BALL.—On Monday evening last, a B^l took place at the Assembly Rooms, in this tovta, under the patronage of Capt.. Pryse, M P., LoriKLieut. of the County, Lady Lucy Vaughan, Mrs. ^jveden, and Mrs. Novelli, the proceeds of which \jere to be appropriated to the funds of the InfirrnarV established in this town. The whole of the arrangWients on the occasion were got up in the usual superibr style of Mr. & Mrs. Selby. Amongst those presence re—Mr. and Mrs. Novelli, Mr. and Miss Crautorot The Misses Wilson, Mr. Murphv, Mr. and Mrs. JVes, Trefri, Miss Pugli, Mr. & Mrs. Holmes, Mr. F.^lorgan, Mr. and Miss Williams, Lady Lucy Vaughan, Capt. Vaughan, Mr. E. Vaughan, Lord Vaukhan, Mr, Palk, Mr. and Mrs. Ward, Capt. Pry^e, MU\, Mr. Fryar, Mrs. Loveden Mr. Mrs. and Miss L&igcroft, Miss Davies, Mr. and Miss Davies, Tanylfelch, Miss Jeffreys, Mrs, Williams, Castle Hill, M Loxdale, Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Davies, Mr. Richarkes, Mrs. Davies, Miss Cook, Mr. Leon, Mr. E. DaVtes, Lady Anson, Mrs. Durham, Mr. T. Jones, Mr'~TL Jones, The Misses Jones, Mr. T. O Morgan, Mr. jk Mrs. H. Hughes, Mr. Downie, Mr. and Mrs. PaqJl, Mr. Spooner, Miss Williams, Mrs. C. Parry, Mr^E. L. Thomson, Miss Thomson, Mr. T. YV. Wells, Cok Powell, Rev. Dr. and Mrs. Thomson, Mr. and Mrs. Crealoek, Mr. Pell, Mr. Chowman, &c., &c. The music, which was first-rate, at both the above, was under the direction of Mr. W. C. Hay, of Shrewsbury, We have not heard as yet what was the amount placed to the credit of the Infirmary funds, but which we shall state to our readers next week, as well as the names of those gentlemen who have subscribed to the charity. ELECTION««M^TOWN COUNCILLORS.—On Monday last, the followingSNtijere-elected Town Councillors for this boroughF?^ta<jgli Rowland Roberts, John Jenkins, Thomas W. WWs, and Richard Roberts, Esqrs. PETTY SESSIONS.—On Tuesday last, at the Town Hall, before F. R. Roberts, Esq., Mayor, and Thomas Jones, Esq. P.S. Thomas charged Thomas Jones with leaving his horse and cart in the street with no one to take care of them. Fined 6s. 6d., including costs. Jane Edwards charged Alary Ann Jones with using threatening language towards her. whereby she felt her life in jeopardy. Defendant was ordered to find sureties to keep the peace towards plaintiff. COMMISSIONERS' MEETING -The monthly meet- ing was held on Tuesday last., at the Town Hall: present-F. R. Roberts, Esq., Mayor, i.) the chair, Messrs. J. Jenkins, D. Jones, T. W. Wells, C. Hackney, J. Jones, R. Watkins, T. Jones, Joel Evans, E. W. Jones, and E. Rowlands. The letter of Mr. Novelli on the state of the main drainage of the town was again read and brought under consideration. The Mayor said he could not agree with Mr. Novelli, saying that diarrhoea and such diseases were prevalent in the town, as, fiom the Registrar General's late report, which was published in the 'Times', and all through England, it was shewn that Aberystwith was by far the most free in the kingdom from such diseases. Mr. R. Watkins said that Mr. Novelli did not perhaps know how the board stood with respect to money. The system of main drainage would prove most expensive. The Clerk suggested that something should be done to remedy the evil complained of by Mr. Novelli, or perhaps he would write (as he says he will) to the Board of Health, in which case the ex- pense would be very heavy. Mr. R. Watkins hoped the Commissioners", ould not be frightened by Mr. Novelli's threats of writing to the Board of Health, The Mayor said that the main of the question com- plained of was, that the soil from Pier Street and the Terrace was discharged into the sea, and that all those who went to hathe had the privilege of a dip in the solution. What could be done to remedy it? j Mr. Thomas Jones said no doubt that the new system of drainage spoken of by Mr. Novelli would be very beneficial to the health of the inhabitants; it had already in some parts of the town been carried out; and he now thought it was only a matter of time and expense as to when the whole plan should be completed. Mr. J. Jones said that Doctors Bell and Gilbertson had for a long time been complaining of the stench in some of the houses on the Terrace, arising from inefficient drainage. Mr. Jenkins said that wc should not consider the necessities of the Terrace alone but of the whole town; and suggested that some' of the Corporation property should be sold to provide means for effectually carrying out the system • to which the Mayor said he would cordially as«e'nt • but of course the assent of the Treasury must first be obtained. After a little further conversation the J be done P W'tllOUt aii*vthing being ordered to f The new Patent Stench TrAp lately obtained from A bergavenny was ordered to be set for trial where the street committee should fix. The street committee were empowered to have that part of the castle above Mr. Richard Jones's garden railed. Mr Thomas Jones said that in a few days a question would be brought before the Commission- ers, and the public generally, as to what means should be advised to he taken for the liquidation of the money so liberally advanced by Mr. Downie for the completion of the Town Clock Turret and for which he (Mr. Jones) and the other members of the Committee had made themselves liable. After which the meeting was adjourned.

LINES On the new Turret and Clock, Intended, to have been spoken ot the recent Dinner. TIME was when we'd no time at alli, But a crooked t hing upon the wall j And only when Sol's shining face The time of day could faintly trace. But now our Tower of beauty stands, Looking each way with pointed haiids; And whether by day or gloomy night, The eye and ear may be put right. With grateful hearts we all proclaim PRVSE and young LOVEDEN'S honour'd name, The donors of our good Town Clock.- Then surely every heart should knock With joy and grateful feeling, As the hour of day is pealing. Long life to PRYSE and LOVEDEN too, We II pledge them now. in bumpers true. May honours thick upon them rest, And mongst the good be they the best. Aberystwith, ft, JOHNES (THOMAS) M.A., F. L.S., descended from an ancient family in Cardiganshire-, was born in 1748. He was educated at Eton, & Jesus College, Oxford, where he took his decree of M.A. in 1783. Being proprietor of the Havod Estate, which came to him nearly a barren waste,he devoted his time and jfoiiune to its iufiprovenient. Previous to 1783, When he began to erect his first residence, the roads were impassable,, and agriculture in the lowest condition. He soon, however, transferred the peasantry from tniserable huts to comfortable dwell- ings, and employed them in planting millions of trees on the neighbouring wastes and mountains, and in other improvements. For the purpose of improving the agriculture of this district, he brought farmers from Scotland and other parts, and formed an Agricultural Society, giving premiums to cot- tagers, and purchasing their productions. He printed an excellent tract for promoting his object, entitled, A Cardiganshire Landlord's Advice to bit Tenants," 1800; and had ittransiatedinto Welsh for the benefit of those unacquainted with the English Language. While thus employing his irreat talents and fortune for the benefit of his country, his splendid residence at Havod, which was adorned with sculptures and paintings by the best masters, with a library of most valuable books and MSS. tell a prey to a most destructive fire, on March 13> 1807, the loss.it is said amounting to £ 70,000. Notwithstanding this disaster, Havod was again rebuilt, and adorned anew. He was a, diligent cultivator of literature, amidst his various occupa- tions, and published elegant editions, all of which he himself translated from the French, generally with notes and illustrations, at his private press at Havod. The valuable works of "Froisart's Chroni- cles," 4 Vols. 4to. 1803—6 2 Ed. 12 Vols. 8vo. 1806, Memoirs of "Froissart," 8vo. 1803; Travels of Bertrandon de la Brocquire, 8vo. 1807 Memoirs of Joinville, 2 Vols. 4to. 1807; Chronicles of Mon- strelet, 5 Vols. 4to., and in 12 Vols. 8vo. 1810. He was elected in 1780 M P. for the Cardigan Boroughs, as well as for the County of Radnor; and in 1796 he was elected for the County of Cardigan, which he continued to represent until his death in 1816. He was also Lord Lieutenant of Cardiganshire; Steward of the Crown Manors; Auditor of the Landed Revenue for Wales Colonel of the; Car- marthenshire Militia. He lost his only child, a favourite daughter, in 1811, from the effect of which shock he never afterwards recovered, and died April 23, 1816, and was buried at Eglwys Newydd, by Havod.

KIT* We do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions expressed by our Correspondents.

CORRESPONDENCE. CASTLE GROUNDS versus RUSSIAN CANNON. To the Editor of the "Aberystwith Observer." SIR,-A very truthful and a very sage maxim was the old Roman adage "Quot homines, tot sententise;" and if I mistake not, the proposal of acquiring a Russian trophy as an ornament to the town, lately proposed by your correspondent IF,, W. will add one more exemplification of the truism of the quotation. It seems that our town ought to be adorned with something, but with what? Shall it be a cannon, whose very appearance will call up momories of national disaster and disgrace, and official incapacity and negligence in a Crimean war? Or, shall it be a public fountain in one of the open thoroughfares, dispensing its mildening iu- fluence in summer's heat and winter's cold? Or, better still, shall it be a people's park ?-some rural spot, or pleasant glaoe, where the sons of toil may take their daily ramble in search of health, recrea- tion, or innocent pleasure? 0/ shall it be a People's Reading Room? a neat and comfortable room, with a cheerful fire and a good supply of books, periodicals, and papers for the edification of the classes who resort, alas! too frequently to public-houses for a sight of local and public papers? If our "influential friends" are determined to adorn the town, let it be with some real ornament, one that will conduce to the comfort and well-being of the town, instead of ministering to its vulgar curiosity. But if these same accomodartng" friends" will procure a Russian gun, let them by all means give it "a local habitation," not in our usually peaceful town and quiet Castle, but on the summit of Pen Dinas, close to the structure intended to- commemorate the martial prowess of the British Achilles," where, ifit serve no other purpose, it may at least show the" young idea" of the place, buw Oliver Cromwell "shot" at the Castle in days of yore. If our Castle Grounds are also to be ornamented, -if the inhabitants cannot let well alone,-let them adorn its shady recesses, if they will, w ith statuesof distinguished celebrities in literature, science, and art; but never! 0 never! may their patriotism or their partiality for foreign trophies so far vitiate their good taste as to cause them to mar our splendid Castle Grounds, with its green sward and picturesque knolls, by the introduction of a mounted Cannon, which, however well it may appear in "the imminent d^dly breach," is nevertheless not to be tolerated ,4 the peaceful retreat of public resort and recreation. If a monument be necessary to the memory of the brave trio of young Cardiganshire officers, let it be one worthy of them and of their county, and not a paltry cannon, even though it should have a plate bearing a noble inscription, and be liberally paid for both as to its carriage and mounting by a gene- rous donor. But we should trust that we as Welshmen ought to despise such paitry baubles as foreign cannon and flags wherewith to beautify our towns and edifices, and rather aim to adorn what needs orna- ment with genuine trophies of science and of art, instead of having recourse to "the broken tools that tyrants cast away I am, Sir, yours respectfully, JOHN W.

iStrtf). On Thursday last, the wife of Mr Edward Williams, Parish Clerk of Llaubadarn-fawr, of a daughter. Carriages. On the 29th ultimo, at LlanddeinoJ Church, by the Rev. J- Giimths, Vicar, Jenkin Morris, Esq., to Miss Ann Owens, Maenelin. -on the 1st instant, at Llanbadarn-fawr, by the r°,t !'IuK'hes, Thomas Jones, Carpenter, to Miss Catherine Jones, both of this town. On the 3rd instant, at Manchester, Elijah Pryse, Esq., Plas Gwyn, Prince's Park, to Miss Jane Balfour, lately staying at 13, Marine Terrace. On the 3rd instant, at the Weslevan Chapel, Queen Street, in this town, by the Rev. W. Row- lands, Minister, Mr. John Owens, Mariner, to Eliza, daughter of the late Mr. Griffith James, both of this town. JBeatfis. On the 17th ultimo, Mrs. Mary Davies, wife of Rev. George Davies, A M., Vicar of St. James's, Sheerness. Lately, at sea, the Rev. W. S. Davies, M.A., Chaplain, of H. M. S. Cambrian; son of the Rev. Dr. Davies, Rector of Gateshead, Master of King James' Hospital, and Hon. Canon of Durham. On the 1st instant, aged 90 years, Mr. Thomas Jones, Cerig-taranau, near this town. On the 2nd instant, aged 74 years, Winiffred, widow of the late Mr. Thomas Collins, of this town. On the 4th instant, aged 50 years, Mary, wife of John Pugh, Glover, leaving a small family to lament their loss. On the 4th instant, aged 21 years, after a long illness, borne with Christian fortitude, Margaret, daughter of Mrs. Jane Jones, Church Street,