The Aberystwith Observer

THE atirr)_)Otb)ttf) (JHijScrbcr. SATURDAY, MARCH 17TH, 1860. THE NEW REFORM BILL. DESIRING to look at the measure of Lord John Russell with impartiality, there are many considerations which arise, but the leading considerations on the question of Reform ge- nerally may thus be briefly summed up There is a public want for some Reform BiU, and let the Bill introduced be what it may, serious ob- jections in the abstract may be raised against it. We take it for granted that some Reform Bill is called for. For a quarter of a century the demand, if not always urgent, has never ceased. The Conservatives, the party which, from traditional associations, are supposed to be most opposed to an extension of the repre- sentative system, have admitted the necessity —of such a bill, and indeed the measure which they introduced is in some respects (the Lodger Franchise, for instance), more liberal than the present one. The Liberals of course are in fa- vour ofa Reform Bill. It is, and ever has been, a portion of their political creed. With regard to the character of the present measure, we will rather give a fair exposition of its provisions than seek to hang a party article upon it. Lord John seems to have taken for his motto that titne-worn aphorism, In medio tutissimus ibis. He seems to have looked upon the en- larged demands of the Radical party as his Scylla, and the Conservative tendencies of the opposition as his Charybdis. He has therefore steered a middle course. He proposes the fol- lowing modifications in the existing law: The county franchise to be reduced to a 101. occu- pation franchise; the borough franchise to be lowered to a 61. occupation franchise the pay- ment of assessed taxes not to be necessary pre- liminary to voting, merely the payment of poor- rates. In those places where freemen have votes as freemen, their rights cease with the present possessor. From 25 boroughs Lord John takes a member each; the following pla- ces returning one only instead of two mem- bers -Andover, Bodmin, Cirencester, Chip- penham, Devizes, Dorchester, Evesham, Guildford, Harwich, Hertford, Honiton, Hun- tingdon, Knaresborough, Leominster, Lyming- ton, Ludlow, Maldon, Marlow, Marlborough, Richmond, Ripon, Tewkesbury, Thetford, Tot- nes, and Wells. These 25 seats Lord John Russell proposes to distribute as follows :— New boroughs would be created, Birkenhead, Staleybridge, Burnley, and Chelsea and Ken- sington; Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham, and Leeds are to have another member each; and the following additions of members are to be made. Yorkshire, West Riding, 2; South Lancashire, 1 North. Lancashire, 1; Middle- sex, 1; West Kent, I South Devon, 1 South Staffordshire, 1; North Yorkshire 1; Lincoln- shire 1; South Essex, 1; East Somerset, I West Norfolk, 1; West Cornwall, 1; North Essex, 1. London University also is to have a member and the four seats gained by the dis- franchisement of St. Aiban's stad. Sudbury (it seems that the stigma is never to be wiped off these places) are given thus:—Glasgow, 1; Scotch Universities, 1; Dublin, 1; Cork, 1. Such are the leading provisions of the new bill for amending the representation of the people. There is no doubt that it is below what Lord John Russell himself has promised, or at least led us to expect; but it goes as far as he thinks there is any chance of passing it. The ('onservatives object to it because it favours the large towns rather too much, and because it pro- ceeds entirely on the principal of population, entirely eschewing those "fancy franchises" which the Conservatives themselves advocated. On the other hand, the Radicals odject to the bill because it does not go far enough, because it keeps the lodgers disfranchised; and because a number of small boroughs are kept on the list of places represented. Looking at the matter, altogether, impar- tially as far as it is possible to do so, we must all admit this—that supposing the measure passed, and to remain for years unaltered, it will still be a great improvement on the pre- sent system; while, on the other hand, it is a measure which may, if it be found advisable or necessary, be extended in the same direction which it has already taken. ENGLAND, FRANCE, AND SPAIN. FoQ. some time past the determination of France to annex Savoy has been a gradually increasing im- pression in England. We have long had an inkling that France coveted the territory of Savoy and the county of Nice,but this desire is now not ouly avowed but it is manifest that the Emperor of the French is determined to fulfil his desire. M. Thouvenel, for the Emperor, boldly asserts that Europe has nothing to do with the matter, nor need the wishes of the in- habitants be consulted; it is a matter, says he, be- tween France and Sardinia. Now there is in this country a very divided opinion on thissuhject. One party agree with M. Thouvenel; another party deny that it is a matter to be decided even between France, Sardinia, and Savoy, even suppose these three agree. They maintain that such a cession would be most dangerous to the peace of Europe. It would give France entire control of the l passes of the Alps, and with her aggressive tendency this would be dangerous indeed. We gather from the discussions in Parlaiment that our Ministers incline to the policy adobted by the Emperor of the French. At present no action has been taken by this country, so far as we know. It is important, however, that the whole question should be carefully considered. We believe that it lies in a nutshell, as we have indicated but the events which may spring out of it may be of immense moment. COUNCILS OF ARBITRATION. IN a few days Mr. Mackinnon will move the se- cond reading of a hill which he has introduced, the object of which is to establish councils of concilia- tion between masters and men in the case of trade disputes. It may be well therefore to direct our readers' attention to the matter. It is one, whatever opinion each one may entertain regarding it, of uni- versal interest. There is no necessity for us to insist on the evil of strikes, There can be no doubt of it. The injury thereby done to society is on all hands, admitted; it has been calculated that the pecuniary loss to the country per year is about a million sterling. This may or may not be so, but the moral injury cannot be calculated. Any attempt, therefore, to obviate disputes which cause such distress deserves consi- deration. As Mr. Mackinnon will move the second reading of the bill with the intention ot referring it to a Se- lect Committee-the details of the measure need not be here entered upon. The bill, however, con- templates the appointment of a Council of Concilia- tion, to arbritrate between masters and men in the event of any trade dispute. The Council would be optional, and a certain lIum ber of the judges or arbi- trators would be chosen by masters, and a similar number by the men. Provision is of course made to give effect to the decision of the Council. This principle is applied successfully in Denmark, Belgium, Norway, Sweden, and France. In the latter country out of 15,000 tases placed before the councils, nearly the whole have been decided ami- cably, and very little subsequent dispute has arisen. Whether the disputes which are ever breaking out between masters and men in this country could be so easily settled admits of considerable question. There is in this country more organisation between masters on the one hand and between men on the other hand, than there is on the Continent; there is also more liberty of discussion here than there. We have a platform, which they have not, and we have a free press, which they have not. But whether the plan is likely to succeed or not, we are glad to hear that the whole subject is likely to be inquired into by a select committee of the House of £ om- mons. It may be said that the law of supply and demand is the only thing which can determine trade disputes. So it may be ultimately; but, meanwhile, a great deal of misery is caused to those who are depending on their earnings. It is to save this misery that the select committee will have to direct their attention. We shall be glad if any well-considered system arises out of the discussion of the subject.

NOTICE TO CORRESPONDENTS. Communications, to obtain either insertion or notice, must be authenticated by the name and ad- dress of the writer. The name being required as a guarantee of good faith only, it will not, under any circumstaces whatever, be allowed to transpire.

Hocal Snforuiatum. PETTY SESSIONS. On Tuesday last, at the Town Hall, before ROBERT EDWARD, Esq., Mayor, and THOMAS JONES, Esq. John Jones was charged by P. S. Thomas with setting fire to his chimney. Fined 2s. 6d. and costs. Thomas Doughton and Mrs. Wildig were sum- moned by Mr. Superintendent Lloyd with using certain weights which were short and otherwise un- just. Fined Is. each and costs. Weights forfeited, CHURCH RATES QUESTION.—A petition to the House of Lords and House of Commons, praying for the abolition of church rates, is now in course of signature in this town. HARBOUR MEETING.-An adjourned meeting of the trustees of the harbour was held at the Town Hall, on Tuesday last, when there were present- John Hughes, Esq., (in the chair,) Messrs. T. O. Morgan, Thomas Jones, Richard Roberts, John Jones, E. W. Morgan, John Jones, and Richard Morris. The superintendent of the harbour works was allowed further time for bringing in his report of the result of his enquiries as to the possibility of obtaining a second-hand locomotive steam engine, rails, wagons, &c. The following business was transacted:—A tally was produced for securing to Thomas Jones, Esq., the sum ofjE300, on the secu- rity of the harbour dues, and the same was signed by the trustees. The treasurer, Joseph Downie, Esq., produced his accounts from 1st March, 1859, to 29th February last, which were examined and compared with the respective vouchers. The sum of 9895 18s. Id. appeared to be due from the trus- tees to the treasurer, and a further sum would be required for the purpose of the trust. In order to pay off this balance, it was resolved that the Na- tional Provincial Bank be requested to advance a sum not exceeding £1,100 to the trustees. The clerk was ordered to apply to the late lessee for the payment of the January and February instalments, which appeared to be unpaid. Mr. John Davies, harbour master, represented to the trustees that Mr. Battley required a piece of ground, about 22 yards in length, in a line with the end of No. G warehouse on Rofawr, to lay down poles ready for shipment, and that the same could be left without interfering with the duties of the harbour. It was ordered that the same be let accordingly, at the yearly rent of £6, payable quarterly, and subject to 3 mouths notice. THE VOLUNTEER LEVEE.—At the late volunteer levee, the County of Cardigan was represented by Capt. Commandant, W. E. Richardes, Ensign T. O. Morgan, Lieut. T. D. Lloyd, Bronwydd Rifles, who were presented to Her Majesty by the Earl De Grey and Ripon, Under-Secretary of State for War. SHIP LAUNCH.-Oll the morning of the 10th inst., hundreds of eager sialit-lov^rs visited the shipbuild- ing slip of Mr. Edward James, of this town, to witness the launch of a new schooner, named the Sarah Davies. At about hall-past 8 o'clock the dog-shores being knocked away, the vessel glided off majestically into her destined element, amidst the vociferous cheers of the numerous spectators. By competent judges she is considered to be a very fine model, and reflects great credit on her enter- prising builder. COMMUNICATION WITH THE LLANIDLOES AND NEWTOWN RAILWAY.—We are given to understand that a company is now in the course of formation for the purpose of facilitating the means of transit between this town and Llanidloes. It is proposed that Omnibuses shall start from Llanidloes for this town upon the arrival of each train. We wish the company every success. RHE Roy A L CARDIGAN RIFLE MILITIA have re- ceived orders to assemble,for H8 days' training,on the 30th of next month, under the command of Col. Powell, M P., when we have no doubt the corps will sustain the reputation it has acquired, by their pro- gressing improvement on drill and in their manual and platoon exercises. THE ORGAN OF ST. MICHAEL'S CHURCH.—This organ having undergone thorough repair and im- provement by Mr. Robson, the celebrated organ builder, was opened on Sunday last. Jackson's morning and evening services were given, with credit to the organist, and also to the choir, for the efficiency they have attained under his instruction. We understand that it is projected to increase the choir by the addition of some very able singers. On Tuesday next, as 3 o'clock, Mr. H. P. G. Brooke Organist, will give an organ performance, so that the subscribers to the organ fund may have the opportunity of judging and seeing the improvements made. The following sacred pieces will be per- formedOrgan Solo,—" 0 rest in the Lord"- Mendelssohn. Grand Chorus,—"The Arm of the Lord is upon them-Haydn. March,—The Dead March Handel. Chorus,—"Fix'd in his everlasting seat"-Handel. Solo But the Lord is mindful ot his own"—Mende)ssohn. Marcb,-The Festival March-H. P. G. Brooke. Grand Chorus,—Hal- lelujah Chorus—Handel. ) AWFULLY SUDDEN DEATH.—On Wednesday last ] an inquest was held at Pendrainllwyn, near Llan- gwyryfon, before J. M. Davies, Esq., Coroner, and a respectable jury, on the body of David Davies, aged 70 years, who had died awfully sudden on the 11th instant. It seems that on the evening above mentioned the deceased was to sit up with his wife, who was dangerously ill. About 12 o'clock he went to lie on his son's bed, and in a few minutes was fleàd. The jury returned a verdict of-Died by the visitation of God. AIUIKYSTWITII WELSH LITERARY SOCIETY.—The sixth competitive meeting of this society is advertised to take place on Good Friday; and the number of compositions received on the principal subjects exceeds that of former meetings, manifesting increased in- terest in, as well as usefulness on the part of the society. There is every probability that the forth- coming meeting will be the most popular and inter- esting that has ever been held here. The services of first-class adjudicators have been secured, many of whom will favour the meeting with their presence. COMMISSIONS SIGNED BY THE LORD LIEUTENANT OF CARDIGANSHIRE. First Cardiganshire or Talybont Rifle Volunteers, George Griffith Williams, Esq., to be Lieutenant; Henry Charles Fryer, Esq., to be Ensign. Second Cardiganshire or Aberystwith Rifle Vo- lunteers—William Eardley Richardes, Esq., to be Lieutenant; Thomas Owen Morgan, Esq., to be Ensign Third Cardiganshire or Bronwydd Rifle Volun- teers,-Thomas Davies, Lloyd) Esq., to be Lieutenant. SALMON TO AUSTRALIA.—Mr. J. Youl, of Clapham Park, writes to say that, by the kind permission of Sir Watkin Wyun and Mr. Edmund Buckley, Ramsbottom" obtained about 30,000 ova from the river Dovey, which runs through their properties, and that they were safely deposited in beautiful con. dition in the boxes prepared with gravel for them on board the ship S. Curling, which sailed from Liver- pool on the 25th ult., for Melbourne. The appara- tus is so arranged that the ova will receive a conti- nuous stream of pure cold water all the voyage out, the water running through an ice-house containing fifteen tons of Whenham Lake ice, before it flows over the ova. ABERDOYEY.—FATAL OCCURRENCE.—On Wed- nesday last, at Aberdovey, Capt. Ellis Roberts, and Humphrey Morris, a lime-burner, had a quarrel. Roberts, to go out of the other's way, went on board his ship, pursued by Morris, who, on climbing up the vessel, was struck by the former with a mallet, causing him to fall on some stones, whereby he sus- tained such injuries as occasioned his instant death. MACHYNLLETH FIRST FRIENDLY SOCIETY.—This society held its annual general meeting on the 1st inst. At 12 o'clock the members formed themselves in a procession, and, after parading the principal streets, preceded by the town brass band, went to church,wherethe Rev.J. Evans, Rector, delivered an appropriate sermon on the occasion. They after- wards reformed, and returned in the same orderito the Town Hall, where they partook of a substantal dinner prepared for them, Capt. Lloyd acting as chairman. Amongst those who honoured the mem- bers of this ancient club with their presence were— the Rev. J. Evans, W. W. Jones, Esq.; W. Owen, Esq Surgeon E. Morgan, Esq., Solicitor Messrs. C. J. Lloyd, Wynnstay Arms Hotel; D. Jones, Unicorn; W. Jarrett, Meirion House, &c. A plea- sant evening was spent, in the course of which se- veral toasts were drunk and speeches delivered, en- livened by music and many an excellent song. MACHYNLLETH TOTAL ABSTINENCE SOCIETY.—A meeting in connection with this society was held on Tuesday, the 6th inst., at the Temperance Hall, Machynlleth. The Rev. J. Evans, Rector, who was called to the chair, opened the proceedings in a short speech, and called on the following persons to address the meeting:—E. Davies, Esq., Dolgarreg: the Rev. J. Jones, Independent Minister; and Mr. J. Rees, Watchmaker. In the course of the pro- ceedings, the members of the,, Band of Hope" sang several pieces. There was a numerous attendance, and powerful speeches in support of the movement were delivered. After a vote of thanks to the chair- man, (proposed by Mr. J. Jenkins, and seconded by the Rev. S. Edwards,) was given, the meeting sepa- rated. It is gratifying to state that this excellent society adds continually to the number of its mem- bers. [ADVERTISEMENT.] I, iDAVID BORROWDALE, Master of the late Brig Planter, of Whitehaven, beg to return my sin- cere thanks to the inhabitants of Llanon for their hospitality and timely assistance in saving the lives of myself and crew when driven ashore at Llansant- ff'raid during the gale of the 20th ult, and especially to John Miller, Esq., of Morfamawr, and Capt. and Mrs. Edwards, Lunaria," whose efforts to save lives and property on the occasion were beyond all praise, and will be long and deservedly remem- bered.

THE MORAL HERO OF THE AGE. A hasty Glance at his Biography. THE man of the century! WouJd you not like to see him, ladies 1 Would you not like to see the man who has not only visited every inhabited portion of this mighty giobe. but who has also established, before leaving, special newspapers in the native tongue of every country, to perpetuate and extend the knowledge of that one solitary fact, to the accomplishment of which he has devoted his life ? Would you like to talk face to face with him before whose name the lances of the pitiless Mamelukes were lowered when the great English Caravan of merchandise was sur- 'i° de<> bet.,Teen Dtir el IIamra and Bereydel, in the spring of U ,en was TO'D them that THOMAS HOLLOWAY was among the beleaguered party 1 Would you not like to see what manner of man he may be who had sufficient influence in China, even during the" Opium War" with England, to secure his Medicine Depots, not from outrage only, but from search as well an im- munity to which many of his fellow countrymen were indebted for the preservation of their lives, inasmuch as they took refuge in Holloway's establishments, and thus escaped the fury which, otherwise, their blood must have appeased. Would you not give much to speak with him, for whose advice and never-failing aid, three, at least, of the crowned heads of Europe, at one time unavailingly contended ? Each wished him to accept the post of "Private and Exclusive Physician." His noble answer is on record My mission is humanity I dare not narrow down to an individual or family what Heaven has entrusted me with for the benefit of the whole human race." Bitter as was the disappointment of KING LUUls PHILIPPE, he had sense enough to appreciate the force of ibis reply; and the munificent pre- sent with which he acknowledged the justice of this refusal should be remembered by all those (ourselves amongst the num- ber) who censure his political delinquencies. And yet THOMAS HOLLOWAY, though for the last quarter of a century his .< Universal Remedies" have been becoming more and more the rule of European practice,—thoueh he has per- sonally visited all tbe continents of the earth and all the known islands of the sea,—though his name is known and reverenced in lands where that of Our Saviour was never heard; though his services to science and humanity have been recorded on the scrolls of all the highest universities, and though he has already amassed a fortune (despite his enormous expenditure of £60,000 annually, in the single item of advertising,) which almost tran- scends belief, Thomas Holloway, we say, is still in the prime and vigour of his life, and lives surrounded by all those priceless luxuries which his refined and cultivated taste could lead him to desire. Oh, long may he who has saved the lives of myriads of all climes and races be spared to witness the blessed fruits of his i philanthropy.

Honrs* TO THE ROYAL VOLUNTEERS. YE Volunteers, safeguard of peace, Your cause is just and right; The cause of Freedom and of Truth, Against th' oppressor's might. To you old England looks for help, When danger hovers near, And on your courage she relies, I To guard all she holds dear. We'll hope that we may long enjoy Our freedom, wealth, and all Our rights, our institutions, free From all despotic thrall. But should a hostile nation dare Invade our seagirt Isle, To spread destruction through the land Our hearths and homes" defile, Then up to arms! march on in hope, Your hearts all in a glow Fight to the death for England's weal, Exterminate the foe. And show the world that Cambria's sons In freedom's land were born, And that the freedom which they love Shall not be from them torn. In self-defence be well prepared, To vanquish every foe, Until your heart's last throb has beat, And life's blood cease to flow. 32, Pier Street. D. O'R DEHEUBARTH.

| liirtts. On the 9th inst., the wife of Mr. Herbert Simonds, Portland Street, in this town, of a son. On the 10th inst., the wife of Mr. John Davies, North-gate Street, of a daughter. 23cat1)s. On the 9th inst., at Denby Pottery, near Derby, much beloved and respected, after a short illness, aged 70 years, Joseph Bourne, Esq. The deceased used to visit this place for upwards of 20 years, and took great interest in our Sabbath schools, On the 14th inst., aged 64 years, the wife of Mr. John Jones, Penglais, near this town. On the 15th inst at Glanrheidol, aged about 4 months, Edmund Meyrick, fourth son of Thomas j and Mary Sarah Bonsall Bonsall.