The Aberystwith Observer

THE SUMMER MANOEUVRES. The following General Order was issued on Saturday by the Field Marshal Commanding in Chief "G.O. 206.-Summer Manoeuvres.—1. G.O. 176 of 1882, specially issued on the 28th June, is cancelled, and the manoeuvres therein referred to will not take place. 2. The battalions of Militia under orders for Aldershot, in connection with the manoeuvres will pro- ceed to the camp as previously arranged. 3 All ar- rangements for the attendance of Volunteers at Aldershot between the 12th and 19th Auguat to drill with the regular troops will bold good if they still wish to attend. If any Volunteer corps wishes to withdraw its application to attend a notification to that effect should be at once made to the Adjutant General."

AN AMERICAN VIEW OF ENGLISH POLICY IN EGYPT. The New York Tribune says :—" The Great Britain that we know and honour, the mother country that has done so much for the civilization and Christianiza- tion of the world, could not have existed, and would net now exist, if its Government had not been quick to care for the rights and interests of its citizens in every part of the world. Whoever wishes to rule Great Britain will have to find a way to keep some sort of order in Egypt. It is a bard decree. But British interests in India, and in the Suez Canal as the pathway to India, make order in Egypt a neces- sity to Great Britain. The commercial classes will at last appeal, in this instance with tremendous effect, to this sense of national honour. Yet measures must be devised whieh will not only accomplish the result, but will command the present support of Parliament and the country. The position of the Ministry is one of extreme difficulty, the more because a single deci- sion, wise or unwise, may change the future of English politics for many years,

AN AUTUMN SESSION. The Times says that if the proposed reforms of procedure be presented to the House in a conciliatory spirit, it is reasonable to expect that the now rules will be adopted by a friendly understanding between the Ministerial majority and the Opposition. Loss of time will thus be avoided, but this is, perhaps, the least important part. The reformed procedure, if it is not to cripple legislation instead of expediting it, must rest upon the same moral basis as the old system, the frank consent and loyal acceptance of all parties in the House which are not hostile to Parliament itself. That basis wculd be supplied by an understanding such as the Prime Minister himself offered to enter into when some two months ago, he expressed his readiness to adopt the principle of Mr. Gibson's amendment, and to make the ciSture dependent upon the vote of a two-thirds majority. But it is only just and honourable that before the adjournment the House should have some assurance upon this point, on which Mr. Gladstone used hesitating and dubious language yesterday.

ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA. Under the above heading The Times has an inter- esting article, from which we make the following ex- tracts Few American cities during the past decade have made more solid progress than St. Paul and Minnea. polis, the twin capitals of Minnesota, on the beautiful banks of the noble Mississippi, situate eight miles apart, but growing nearer to each other year by year. Between the two cities, which each muster their 60,000 people, there is mutually beneficial rivalry. Minnea- polis boasts of her ceaseless waterpower, her great mill- ing and lumber interests, her wide sweep of well laid- out level avenues and streets. St. Paul prides herself on her picturesque undulating site, on her bluffs, com- manding magnificent views of hill, wood, and river, of her terraces and ravines. She arrogates precedence not only as the State capital but as a great commer. cial centre, building up a large and varied wholesale business enterprisingly pushed hundreds of miles north and west. 243 houses, employing 2,000 people, are concerned in this wholesale and jobbing trade, representing an annual turnover of nearly 40,000,000 dols. Dry good groceries and grain each make yearly aggregates of 5,000 000. Manufacturers of hoots, shoes, flour, machinery, oils, beer, &c., occupy 7,000 people and represent an augmenting annual output of 9,000,000 dols. The seven banks have an aggregate capital and surplus of 2,523,000 dols. their average deposits, taken from the daily balances, exceed 5,000,000 dols. the sale of exchanges last year nearly reaohed 50,000,000 dols. The Post office in 1879 paid 512,683 dols. for domestic orders and 11,474 dols. for foreign orders, or about four times the amount of the orders issued. Besides free use made of telephones the Western Union Telegraph office keeps thirty-three operators busy, and during the month of September received and despatched at St. Paul 1,000 messages, the chief proportion in about equal numbers bekig to Chicago and New York. Business of all sorts steadily increases. In ten years it has multiplied more than five times. Such development is more striking when it is remembered that in 1834, when General H. H. Sibley, one of the oldest and most esteemed citizens, first visited the Mississippi, not a white man or a house were to be seen where St. Paul and Minneapolis now stand. The beautiful bluffs, occupied by sumptuous villas, were the hunting and fighting grounds of the Sioux and Chippeway Indians, whose bones, with those of the other inhabitants, the buffalo and the elk, are often found in excavating for streets or buildings. The transport facilities afforded by the Mississippi determined the foundation of St. Paul, and even now prove serviceable for the movement of heavy goods and as a check upon excessive railway charges. Lumber, grain, and other produce are still forwarded 700 miles to St. Louis and sometimes 1,000 further down to New Orleans, Bricks, cement, lead, and other heavy com- modities are the ordinary return carriage. In fine weather the steamers often carry forty to fifty pas- sengers. The efficiency and cheapness of this water highway have been weli illustrated by the despatch in July of 30.000 bushels of wheat sent to Liverpool, and 20,000 bushels with 4,000 barrels of flour sent to Glasgow. These bread stuffs were forwarded to New Orleans in barges drawing four or five feet of water, at a cost of 21 cents per cental, and thence in ocean steamers to their destination at the rate of ten cents per cental. Railways hav. proved, however, still more rapid and widespread developers of business. Since 1862, when the first line in the State of Min- nesota was laid, between St. Paul and Minneapolis, 3,000 miles of iron road have been built; 400 miles have been constructed during each of the last few years. The six companies centring in St. Paul received last year at their depots 750,000 tons of goods and forwarded 180,000 tons. The gross earnings of the railroads at Minnesota are now nearly 9,000,000 dols., or about 2,700 dols. per mile. Transport charges, especially for long distances and on through rates, are very moderate 1001b, of merchandize is consigned from New York to St. Paul for 29 cents. New public offices, a commodious post-office, and a large, handsome passenger common to all the railroads, have just been finished. The railroads are also building blocks of offices, and several are putting up engine and freight car repairing and manu- facturing shops, which, when in operation, will give employment to upwards of 1;000 men. To assist these projects the municipality has spiritedly given the companies tracts of land for their sites; the St. Paul and Sicux city, for example, had a grant of 40 acres, worth upwards of £100 an acre, presented gra- tuitously. Extending business has stimulated build. ing operations. Upwards of 1,000 buildings of various sorts are stated to have been put up this summer; masons were in such demand that their wages advanced to 5 dols. per day next spring is expected to bring still more work. Building stone is abundant and varied; a beautiful limestone is quarried in and around the town; the Ohio limestone is much used a pleasant red-gray magnesian limestone is brought 80 miles west from Kagots beautiful, well-pressed, small red bricks are sent from St. Louis, costing, how- ever, 32 dols. per 1,000 soft, rudely-made, home- made bricks of poor quality, but charged 10 dols. per 1,000, are used for inside work. Lime and cement, some of the latter all the way from the Med way, are dear. Recently built and in course of construction are numerous stores and warehouses of stone and brick. Many, especially of the larger stores, are as substantial, thoroughly finished, and artistic in design as any in London or Liverpool. Building sites in the neighbourhood of the railway depdts sell almost at London prices, but every descrip- tion of land and house property in the city has doubled in value in five years, and appears destined to do so again within the next five years. Prosperous mer- chants, tradesmen, and their Employes must be housed. Villa sites, with commanding views, amid sheltering timber, on Summit or Daydon avenues, are as high as at Twickenham or Hampstead. Blocks measuring 50ft. to 150ft., realize 2,000 dols., or one- fifth to one-fourth of the cost of a suitable hand- some house placed upon them. Most of three villas have basements of stone or brick, are substantially and artistically carried up with timber, and kept nicely painted for preservation and effect in this bright climate, dimmed or grimed only slowly by cloud or smoke. Here, as in some other American cities, much taste and variety are exhibited in the designs and finish of these timber villas. Of artisans' dwellings there is such dearth that many large firms have difficulty in keeping good operatives, and are desirous to guarantee for a series of years 10 per cent. and even more to builders who will run up decent houses for their people. Dwellings even of this class, notwithstanding the high value of the sites, are generally detached or semi-de- tached each man prefers to have his own plot, although he seldom makes the most of it or attempts to beautify it with shrubs or flowers. Artisans' and labourers' houses are almost in- variably of timber, and cost, with six rooms 600 dols. to 800 dols., or about half the price of the more substantial corresponding English houses. Con- structed of brick they would at present, at St. Paul, be 33 per cent, higher. Timber cottages last in good repair for 20 years, when it is presumed that the sites, doubled in value, will be required for other purposes and the buildings may be profitably removed. Gardens are seldom attached even to suburban cottages, but are becoming more appreciated, especially by artisans. St. Paul presents many notable illustrations of self- help and industrial enterprise. Numbers of men not yet reaching the meridan of life and heads of pros- perous establishments tell of their early laborious days, when from earnings "f 1 dol. to 2 aol,, by care, a little was saved for a start on their own account. Not a few of those now prominent in their vocations came to the city with light purses, but with good knowledge of their business, with earnest determina- tion to succeed; whatsoever their hand found to do they did it with all their might. The like spirit per- vades the mass of this as of many ether prosperous American communities. Industry, enterprise, ready adaptation to altering conditions are stimulated by the wide and varied opportunities for promotion. All lads and young women in America are carried through much hard work and self-sacrifice by the con- viction that a large meed of success is within their own grasp. Mr. Gotzian's boot and Ehoe factory is an illus- tration of one of these rapidly-grown industries. On the premises 150 h<.>nds are employed, and 100 at their own homes. The men earn daily from 2doIs. TVT 50c., the women about half that figure. Machinery does the cutting, blocking, pegging, and buffing. The men make Idol. 50c. to 2dols. per day the 50 girls on the premises realise 2dols, 50c. to 4dols. per week those at home Earn more; piecework is general; skilled labour is scarce; prices of the ready, made clothing appears to 25 to to per cent. dearer than similar goods would be in England. The business has more than doubled in five years. Several important works are rising round the city. The wide, busy streets of St. Paul, especially on a market day, present diverse nationalities besides Saxon, Norman, and Dane. Among dwellers alike in town and country fire representatives from all parts of England. Scotchmen, whose broad doric is usually as notable as vhen they left Caledonia's shores, perhaps thirty cr forty years ago; Irishmen, still readily distinguishable in appearance, accent, and sometimes even in manner end garb. and resi- dents more usually of the town than the country. Although only seventy years have elapsed since this region was a p otion of the great French pro- vince of Louisianna, only a few Frenchmen occur among the town traders. In all positions are widely scattered industrious, thrifty, prosperous Germans. Dutch, of bread build and steady habits, make suc- cessful gardeners. Prominent among the farmers r.re flaxen-haired, blue-eyed Norwegians, generally well- proportioned, and very often bleesed with a .houetfull of ten or a dozen children. Canadiana and New Englanders contribute their individualities the former are among the best farmers, the latter graduate 801 the smartest of traders. The light sprinkling of Jew pedlars are less prosperous than in the old country. The sallow, saucer-faced heathen Chinee runs a laundry, or, like the "darkie" in household service, proves himself a methodical and reliable help—an estim- able boon in a country where all men and most women are on an equality, very independent, and impaiteRt of authority. Striking and interesting are some of the Indian half-breeds, of whom the mora successful are occupied in horse and cattle dealing and various nomadic forms of livelihood. A few Indians, of both sexes, some in blankets and mocassins, others in modi- fied European costume, dispose, according to the season, of skins, game, poultry, or eggs, if science and poetry teach aright, the fusion of these diverse ma- terials must make a great nation. The climate of this region—sharply oold in winter, powerfully hot in summer does not impair physical development or mental vigour, and does not appreciably alter the characteristics of the European races. As goodly a show of well-proportioned hfaltty men and beautiful women may be seen at St. Paul as anywhere in the world. All are proud of the country of their birth or adoption indeed, some of the new comers are the most enthusiastic. Women accustomed to middle- class life in Europe encounter many difficulties as to houses, servants, and the personal performance of much hard work. It is some compensation that the children, especially in the towns, have ample oppor- tunities for education, and have subsequently no diffi- culty in obtaining employment.

BALLOON PHOTOGRAPHY. I The President of the Balloon Society and one of t members left Lillie-bridge grounds en Saturday, witBiij a view of photographing London from the ballooififfl Several views were successfully taken. fllH The route taken by the balloon, which was purpose] kept at a very low altitude, was across Hyde-parlfflU along Oxford-street apd Holbora. nearly over jjH Paul's and the Mansion House, and WhitechapeMW The descent, was made about six Ryde^ from RomfonflB in the grounds belonging to Sir Canliffe Smith. HI It may not be known that the society pos^ssJir several photographs taken by the instantaueous pr« • • 4 from a balleon. The line; of the streets, the posts, vehicles, and persons are clearly indicate-, i the photographs. The rate at which the biii'nf travelled, a3 noted by the instruments, wrs aho*r > twenty miles an hour, and the average altitude t» a three thousand feet. I I, When the balloon was over Hjde Park the i cc{ >■ pants of the car could see the Thames from Wi„ -I to tha Nore. | IFTL

DEATH OF MR. BENJAMIN WEBSTER. Mr. Benjamin Nottingham Webster, after a distin- guished, successful, and honourable career, as actor, dramatist, and manager, died on Saturday, at his re- sidence in Church Side, Kennington, London. Born at Bath about the end of last century, he was eent by his father to a military academy, but in early manhood took to the stage, and, after acting for a short time in the provinces, made his way to London about sixty years ago. He was engaged at the Haymarket in 1829, and became the lessee in 1837. For fifteen years he was the liberal patron of dramatic authors and artists, pro- ducing many original plays, for the copyrights of which he is said to have paid £ 2,000 annually while on one occasion he gave j6500 for a prize comedy. Many of the most eminent actors of the day were closely associated with the fortune of Mr. Webster and the theatre during this memorable period. He after- wards built the new Adelphi, his management of which furnishes another story of enterprise and suc- cess while still later fresh laurels were won at the Olympic, tho Princess's, and St. James's, which came under his control. In 1874 the dramatic profession recognised his many and varied services by giving him a complimentary benefit at Drury Lane, which produced a total of more than £2,000. Mr. Webster was proud of the profession of which he had so long been an ornament, and showed his warm attachment to it by his efforts to establish a dramatic college; while his interest in the members of the profession individually was testified by his exertions on behalf of its charitable funds. His abili- ties as a dramatic author, and the qualities that made him so successful as an actor and a manager, have been the subjects p^ppreeiative criticism at the dif- erent stages of his eventful career.

THE LABOUR MARKET. The iron and steel trades are in a healthy condition, the sheet mills especially being in full operation. Prices are firm for all descriptions of iron, and manu- facturers are insisting upon special terms for long contracts. In the cotton trade work is plentiful, and the spinners in one or two districts have received during last week an advance of 5J per cent. in wages. There is only a sm%U demand for woollen goods, and the prices, according to the statement of manufactures, are very unsatisfactory. The flannel trade continues bad, and many operatives are out of work, or making shori time. Depression in the silk trade at Macclesfield continues without any prospect of improvement. A large number of weavers who have beea out of work for some time are suffering great privation, and many of them are SEEDING means to enable them to emigrate. The lace business at Nottingham is quiet, but hopes are entertained that the depression is only temporary. Business is fairly active in the Midland towns. Gunmakers axe well employed, the bicycle trade is brisk, and in all the hardware branches there is considerable activity. The horsenail trade in Staffordshire is very slack, and a large number of men are out of work. The metropolitan industries con- tinue fairly good, and cabinet-makers and up- holsterers are better employed.

DOUBTFUL ATTITUDE OF FRANCE. In Saturday's sitting of the Chamber of Deputies. Admiral Jaurdsuiberry, the Minister of Marine, submitted a Bill authorising a credit of 7,800,000 fr. to defray the cost of the naval preparations which have been made in view of the present state of affairs in Ejtypt. The Bill was referred to a Special Committee. In reply to a question put to him by M. Janvier de 190 Motte, Admiral Jaurégui. berry said that the Bitl did not possess the important character which might in some quarters be attri- buted to it. It had for its object simply to place the navy on the same footing as in 1870. The arma- ments would be restricted to placing in readiness a certain number of vessels, and the levy of Marines would not exceed 1,000 men. M. de Freycinet, reply- ing to M. Lockroy said-" The bearing of this demand for a credit must neither be exaggerated nor attenuated. It is not merely a matter of repairing certain vessels, but of constructing a reserve squadron and placing the fleet on a suitable footing. When all around us are arming France must be ready for every eventuality. At the present moment we only contemplate taking simple precautionary measures. No one dreams of engaging France in warlike ventures without the con- sent of Parliament."

CARLYLE'S GRAVE. Since the remains of Thomas Carlyle was some 18 months ago interred in the ancient burying-ground at Ecclefechan, the graveyard has, by the efforts of a few gentlemen possessing the right of sepulture, been considerably improved and adorned. Mr. James Carlyle, brother of Thomas, has just had a large tombstone erected to the memory of his two literary brothers. The stone bears, near the top, the motto, "Humilitate," with the Carlyle arms underneath. On the body of the stone the inscription runs Here rests Thomas Carlyle, who was born at Ecclefechan, 4th December, 1795, and died at 24, Cheyne-row, Chelsea, London, on Saturday, February 4, 1881. "Here also rests John Aitken Carlyle, M.D., L.L.D., who was born at Ecclefechan, 7th July, 1-801, and died at The Hill, Dumfries, on Monday, 15th September, 1879." At the foot of each of the graves there is a small Btgne bearing respectively the initials, "T, C." and "J. A. C." In the House where Thomas Carlyla was born there is now kept a visitors' book, which already contains autographs of many well-known persons.

NEW. ACT ON FELO DS SE.—One of THE last Acts I that received the royal assent, just issued, repeals the 4 Geo. IV,, cap. 52, as to the interment of persons found felo de se in a public highway with a stake through their bodies. Coroners ars now to give direc- tions for the interment in churchyards or other grounds proved in any ways, prescribed bv the Burial Act of 1380, but the rites c £ Christian burial are iiot to he performed on the interment. The act, which is not to apnly to Scotland or Ireland, i. now in force,

THE PROTECTION OF HUMAN LIFE. An international exhibition has been opened at the Alexandra Palace of "means and appliances for the protection and preservation of human life," and will be continued during the present month. It is under the patronage, among others, of the Duke of Connaughtjj The number of exhibitors extends to nearly 300 and the list includes the Board cf Trade and the Medical and Surgical Department of the War Office. The more notable and interesting of the things- exhibited are those having reference to the prevention of fires and railway accidents, and to the saving of life at sea, with innumerable devices of various kinds- for the prevention of any danger to human life. Thus, there are apparatus for preventing boiler explosions, ingenious inventions for reducing cat&A- trophies in mines, instruments for detecting the pre- sence of fire and choke-damp, and many types of safety-lamps. Boat lowering and detaching gear are shown in several parts of the exhibition; while mea- suresforobviatingtheslipperinessof theroadsand pave- ments are protective devices for markers at rifle butts are to be seen by the visitor. One of the chief fea- tures of the exhibition is that of Messrs. Saxby and Farmer's railway and safety appliances, whioh occupy an area of over 2,000 square feet, and include a full- size pair of facing points, with locks and appendages and a railway junction, illustrating the extension of the interlocking system to points, signals, and crossing gates. Practical illustrations of various automatic and continuous brakes are given. The list of exhibits is too long to be gone through in detail but it may be described as being most interest- and instructive.

CANADIAN ITEMS. Mr. Charles Gibb is on his way from Canada to Russia to inquire into the fruit culture in that country, with a view to the introduction of some of the more hardy and promising varieties into the Dominion. According to statistics just published by the Depart- ment of Marine and Fisheries, the total value of the production of the fisheries of Canada in 1881 amounted to 15,817,162 dols. Considerable attention has been attracted in Canada at the proposal to hold the 1,884 meeting of the British Association in the Dominion. The appearance of the crops in Manitoba is favour- able, and it is expected that the harvest will be an abundant one.

PULLMAN DINING CARS ON THE MIDLAND RAILWAY. On Friday in last week a trial trip of two new Pall- man dining saloon cars was made on the Midland Rail- way, from St. Pancras station to Leicester and back, the train including the drawing-room car which was occupied by the Princess of Wales on the recent Royal journey to Saltaire, while the car next to it was on that occasion occupied by the Prince of Wales. The three cars are named respectively the Venus, this being the drawing room one, the Windsor, and the Del. monico, the last name being, it will be remembered, that of a world-famous restaurant in New York. All three vehicles, 59ft. in length by 9ft. lOin. in breadth, are products of the vast Pullman works in the United States. Internally the dining saloons which performed the inaugural trip are marvels of skill, taste, and in- genuity. The fittings were brought from Chicago, and put together at the Derby works of the Pullman Oar Company. The sides and ceiling of the drawing-room car con- sist of American black walnut wood, relieved by light wood of the same kind, and inlaid and finished with choice ornamental reliefs, the general effect being of the happiest description. Wilton carpets, swing chairs covered with claret plush from Manchester, hand-made lace anti-macassars from Switzerland,, small fixed tables, and other suitable accessories supply all that the most exacting could desire. The woodwork of the dining-saioons is mahogany. and tables, each designed for two persons, and having comfortable high-backed seat?, give the place the aspect of a luxurious hotel coffee-room, the fittings of these saloons being only a little less elaborate than aspect of a luxurious hotel coffee-room, the fittings of these saloons being only a little less elaborate than those of the drawing-room, while an electric bell for every table, tapestry blinds, email wir.dows above for I ventilation, &c., provide amply for convenience and 1 comfort. Each dining car will accommodate 21 person?, and a portion of the space is designed to be used as a smoking-room. The kitchen, placed at one end of the dining saloon, and supplied with anthracite coal as fuel, displays a combination of an ordinary kitchener with a grill, and is capable of supplying forty passengers; and between the kitchen and the saloon there is a small room which serves as a butler's pantry, and, by means of a window, as a medium for- forwarding dishes. Admirably-contrived lavatoriee complete the plan of an hotel in miniature. The trial trip commenced at five minutes past two, and a few minutes later the dining establishment, con- sisting of a conductor, a cook, and a page, was busily engaged in serving what, though it bore the modest name of luncheon," was in fact an excellent, well- cooked, and well-served hot dinner, the menu equalling that of a first-class hottl, and the ample courses being well appreciated by the travellers. Leicester was reached about half-past four, the only f stoppage on the 98-inile route traversed having been at Bedford and a few minutes after the return d journey commenced, St. Pancras Station being reached { about seven. Xh* new dining saloons have beneatU ,1 them, it should be added, two bogies with six wheels fl in lieu of the previous ordinary number of four wheels, M and the change has been found to secure smoother andU more satisfactory working. H

THE FRENCH MARINE FORCE. II A few facts respecting the marines and the dock-It If yard personnel of France may not be uninteresting a .• the present juncture. The marine force consists 6 '■ 20,237 men, of whom 11,7 6 are employed on hoinet service and the remainder in the colonies, the pr I portions being—home, 8,913 infantry. 2,803 artillery a f colonies, 7,233 infantry, 1.2ci8 artillery. P 1 Cherbourg is the depot for the first regiment olifi marine infantry, Brest for the second, Rochefort f the third, Toulon for the fourth, while L'Orient is t head-quarters of the artillery. At the end of last year 25659 hands of all kind were employed in the various dockvards, divided 1 followsCherbourg. 4.3(53; Brest, 6,203; L'Orientl'-i 4,255 Ivochefort, 2, (56; Toulon, 6,082 the remaiadels j, being opportioned among the estahiishments of Guerigny, and Ruelle. The value of machinery aiitfijjj plant, is thuR giv.n in francs Cherb ourg, 9,193,234 Hi Brest., \5.126,946; L'Orient, 8.493,515; RochefortffiS 7,298,546; Toulon, 14,309,270. H|