The Illustrated Usk Observer and Raglan Herald

POSITIONS OF THE FORCES. From dispatches just received from Gen. Simpson, dated before Sebastopol July 21st, we learn that the Russians continue to hold their strong position along the Mackenzie heights that they have pushed for- ward their outposts to the range of heights overhang- ing the valley of Baidar; and that they are believed to have a force of artillery and infantry at Apulka. The mass of the French and English armies are en- gaged upon the siege works-the Turkish army guards Balaklava-a detachment of the French oc- cupies the line of the Tchernaya, in the vicinity of Tchorgoun—The Sardinians are on the Suhal river -the whole of the French cavalry has been pushed forward between their countrymen on the Tchernaya, and the Sardinians, into the valley of Baidar-and four squadrons of English light cavalry were to be sent after the French on the 22nd, to protect our foraging parties in the valley of Baidar. The only demonstrations that are being made against the enemy, are the slow but sure advance of the French sap in front of the Malakoff, and the construction of one new battery and the repairing the old guns of another by the English. This state of affairs will probably continue, until another Commander-in-chief is appointed to succeed General Simpson, who has expressed his wish to resign. 0 LOCAL INTELLIGENCE. USK. ROYAL OAK BENEFIT CLUB.—The members of this club celebrated their anniversary on Monday last. The procession, headed by a band from Chep- stow, proceeded to Llanbaddock church, where a sermon was preached by the Rev. J. P. R. Shepard. After leaving the church and perambulating the town, they returned to the Royal Oak, and sat down to a capital dinner provided for them by their hostess, Mrs. Morgan. We hear this club is in a prosperous state, it has been established about three years, and the members number upwards of 70. In the even- in0- the young people assembled to enjoy a dance, the company was rather numerous, and we under- stand well conducted. LOYAL VICTORIA CLUB.-The females composing this club assembled at the King's Head Inn, on Tuesday last, and partook of a good dinner in cele- bration of their anniversary. DANGEROUS PRACTICE.-Early on Wednesday morning last, several large stones were blown to a considerable distance in blasting the rock at the entrance of the tunnel, near the castle a large block fell on the roof of Plas Newydd, the residence of F. M'Donnell, Esq. breaking the slates and rafters, and shattering the ceiling of the bedroom in which that gentleman slept. The stone fortunately did not go through the ceiling, or it would have fallen on the foot of the bed in which Mr. M'Donnell was lying. Another large stone fell in the fine elm tree opposite to the house, breaking off several branches in its descent. This danger in blasting, we understand may be obviated by placing an iron grating over the mouth of the bore, and securing it by a chain, by which means no stone of large dimensions could es- cape into the air. The contractors will no doubt use every precaution for the future. DANCING OVER THE USK.-On Wednesday last the dancing party which had been promoted for the purpose of raising a fund to assist William Wat- kins, the driver of the Usk omnibus to Little Mill, who unforunately broke his leg on the 11th of July, ZD took place on the railway bridge, over the river. The weather was unpropitious, which no doubt prevented many from attending; yet, notwithstanding, a good Z, number was present; and although the flooring of the bridge was somewhat rough and uneven, and the band not of first-rate talent, the company seemed to enjoy the gathering. The country dances were gone through with spirit, and as MarkTapley would say, the dancers were jolly under creditable circum- stances. The buoyant steps of the young tripped lightly o'er the inequalities of the flooring, whilst the senior ladies threw rheumatiz to the winds and actively joined in the dances to the tunes of Drops of Brandy," "Lass of Gowrie," Haste to the Wedding," &c. At one time about 170 persons were on the bridge, and many of the gentry were lookers-on," but pale Cynthia" would not deign to illumine the scene with her mild countenance, so the^party left about half-past nine. As the hours of dancing had been curtailed by reason of the weather and the delay in the attendance of the musicians, the company adjourned to the large room at the Castle inn, where the dance was prolonged until the witch- ing hour of night, when the party peaceably and or- derly separated. The committee who conducted the affair consisted of Mr. Morgan, engineer, Mr. Day, Mr. Bull and Mr. Cherry, and Mr. Constance lent a helping hand. About 200 tickets were sold, and we understand the funds were augmented by subscrip- tions from Mr. Falconer, Mr. Relph, Mr. Gething, and Mr. Bosworth. LANOVER. On Wednesday, July 25th, the gathering of the y t, supporters of Welsh Literature, at the London Eis- teddfod, under the presidency of Sir Benjamin Hall, bart. M. P. of Llanover, took place. The Rev. John Jones of the Baptist Temple, Newport, obtained the ten guinea prize, for the best essay on the Geology and Developement of the Mineral Resources of South Wales. APPOINTMENT.—Sir Benjamin Hall, bart. M. P. has been appointed to the office of Commissioner of Woods and Forests, just vacated by Sir Wm. Moles- worth, on his appointment to the head of the Colonial department, in the place of Lord John Russell. This is following the suggestion of Mr. Layard to the House, to put the right men in the right places." Sir Benjamin filled his late office of President to the Board of Health with great ability, and there is no doubt he will display the sa me energy in his new office. RAGLAN. A waggoner in the employ of Mr. Evans of the gn Lower House, Kingcoed, met with a serious accident 0 on Wednesday last. The team of horses he was driving, started off, and in his attempt to stop them, he was thrown down, and the wheels went over and broke both his legs. LANTRISSENT. On Tuesday last as the wife of Mr. Matthews, grocer, Newport, was on her way to the New-house farm, Lantrissent, which belongs to her husband, she unfortunately slipped from her seat on the pony to the ground and broke her leg. PONTYPOOL. CAUTION TO RAILWAY TRAVELLERS.—William Culliford was charged on Saturday the 21st ult. with riding in a carriage on the Blaenavon line of railway without a ticket. He was ordered to pay 6d. in ad- dition to the fare, and 8s. 6d. costs. PHILANTHROPIC CLUBS.—On Saturday last Pont- y-pool was enlivened by the bands and procession of two clubs. The leading club was the Philanthropic Lodge," held at the Horse Shoes, Pontnewynydd, the members number 167, they were all respectably dressed, each wearing white trowsers, and a red, white and blue striped scarf. The were preceded by the Factory Band from Newport, dressed in uniform, two horsemen with drawn swords, and three lads also mounted, carrying a flag each, bearing the in- inscriptions" Justice," "Love," "Truth," The flag bearer of the order then came, followed by the members. Close upon their heels followed the Phi- lanthropic Lodge, held at the British Lion, Abersy- chan, to the number of about 90, led by a band from. Bristol. Horsemen preceded them as before de- scribed, and the members were similarly dressed with scarfs and rosettes, to the members of the other club. After walking through the main street of the town, and returning across the Blue Boar field," the members proceeded to Pontnewynydd to hear divine service, and afterwards returned to their respective club house to celebrate their anniversaries. CRUMLIN. On Friday last a young man of the name of Alfred Davies, whilst engaged in painting one of the girders of the railway viaduct, was precipitated to the ground from the height of 160 feet, in consequence of the scaffolding giving way. The unfortunate sufferer was immediately picked up and conveyed to the Naviga- tion Inn, and from thence to his lodgings. Every attention was paid to him, but he expired in about half-an-hour, before the surgeon to the works could arrive. THE RAILWAY.—It is stated that the loop line of the Newport and Hereford Railway, branching off at the Newport road station near Pontypool, and extending up the Crumlin valley to Llanhilleth, where it joins the Western Valleys line, will be j opened in about three weeks, when great rejoicings and a brilliant display of fire works will take place.