The Aberystwith Observer

A GREAT FLOOD IN ST. HELENA. The St. Helena Guardian, publishes particulars of the disastrous flood which occurred on the morning of Sunday, the 14th of April, and which was attended with loss of life and considerable destruction of both Government and private property. Jamea Town, the only town in the island, is situated at the bottom of a long narrow valley or ravine of about two miles in length, and from 100 to 200 yards in width, the hill on the west side of the valley being at the north or shore end 600 feet high and at the southern extremity 2,000 feet, and that on the east being at the shore end 540 feet and at the other extremity 1,200 feet. These two -ridges are composed of basaltic lava, scoriae, &c., and here and there have a few patches of stunted vegetation. The valley is a veritable cul de sac. Meandering along the whole length of the valley is the principal stream, locally known as the Run, which has in seme places been converted into an open culvert or drain, and it is the properties en each side of this stream which have sustained the greatest damage. At ordinary times the Run passes harmlessly along its eourse, but after a heavy downpour it assumes the appearance _and form of a raging mountain torrent, rushing^ over its rocky bed with deafening noise and carrying everything before it in its impetuous career. Soon after 3 a.m. on April 14, a very heavy fall of rain took place along the high ridges in the interior of the island and as each valley contributed its quota the stream speedily assumed formidable proportions. At one place near the head of the ravine, where the valley narrows to a width of about 80 yards, the torrent was over 12 feet deep, with a velocity of 20 miles an hour. Some idea of the enormous force of water may be formed when it is stated that huge rocks, weighing from 20 to SO tons, were tossed about like corks. Trees, gates, bridges, and houses went like bits of straw. No fore- warning was given of the catastrophe. Occurring as this flood did in the dead of night, when all other sound was hushed, the combined noise of the roaring of the water, the incessant dull thundering of the rocks as they were impelled along, the crashing of the trees and the falling in of the houses, caused the utmost con- sternation and confusion. Private property to the amount of J610,000 has been destroyed, and the Go. vernment have sustained a much more serious loss, owing to the entire destruction of the water cisterns and conduits, bridges, roads and buildings of all descriptions. The water pipes are twisted and broken, and lying about in all directions, like bits of string, whilst the inhabitants, although they have water everywhere, can't get any to drink. Only two cases of human life having been lost are yet reported, the unfortunates being a negro and his wife, who were swept out to sea. The lower churchyard, which for many years has been closed, except for those having family vaults, is a wreck, and the stream has cut for itself a new course right through the centre. The flood began to abate its fury soon after six a.m. Every one, from the Governor downwards, has sustained more or less damage in some form or other, but the disaster will be the total ruin of many who have lost everything except the clothes they were sleeping in. Eleven houses are totally destroyed, seventeen are completely gutted in their lower stories, many are unsafe and untenantable, the contents of eight shops are damaged beyond recovery, seven bridges are swept away, and one garden of four acres is nothing but rock and dibris,

THE CZAREWITCH'S APPEAL. The Standard of Monday publishes the following from their Paris Correspondent The Golos of the 14th publishes from the Official Gazette the Russian text of the appeal of the Czarewitcb. for sub- scriptions for a Corsair fleet. This document is well worth quoting, and I therefore send you a translation of it. The Golos introduces it with the following characteristic re- marks :— It is now two hundred and flfty years since a genuine war cry echoed throughout the length and breadth of the Bush to the flags young and old; leave your wives In i. chilaren behind you, and save the country.' .the cry of a simple citizen, the famous RVO™ Mininn, and the appeal was responded to by 1iayy Russian heart. To-day the official journal pub- mimu if» of the highest importance, which re- of Sf war, cry ot Kouzma Mininn. The august bring U. ««=«««ssts just as it is respectable. We proceed at onSfto ,mote ttiis Si M2UU2B*1 "SfA-SS SftS Here is the text of the iInportant document (sars the Correspondent of the Stand4rd):- "More than two months have elapsed since our heroic troops, ofter having accomplished feats almost unparalled in history, and earned their glorious standards from country to country, have been stopped under the very walls of the enemy s capital. The instrument of peace had just been signed, and all Russia was rejoicing at the prospect of welcoming back her heroic sons, when, just as, the memywas about to accept our terms, the war vessels of the strongest maritime Power suddenly appeared in the Sea of Marmora, and in close proximity to our troops. In that country, situated at the western extremity of Europe, war preparations were raigun in the moBt rapid and ostensible manner, witn abundance of capital, these measures soon a character of immense importance, and the realisation of the results of peace has been prevented. No enemy on land can cause the slightesfc/uneasiness to xoussia. We possess a numerous army and a people reckoned by milliotva, A]l are devoted, to the Throne. l1here always have been and always will be f patriotic heroes, like JMLminn, in Russia, lneir task is to gather together and organise the defensive powers of the country, and when we can dispense with attack- ing to find out the weak side of the adversary and make him reflect. If, therefore, God has deputed us to reap the fruits of the war and to protect our Christian brothers in the East all our forces must be directed to attacking the enemy at sea. Will our sailors be able to attack ? Of course they will, for they are Russians. But we must give them an abundance of good and rapid ships, and they will soon find out the weak point of our new adversary. Dozen of vessels, under the command of competent captains, may be scattered over all the commercial routes of the enemy and put a stop to his universal trade. A month's blockade like this will have a singular effect on his heaps of gold, of which he is so proud. He will find them melt almost like snow. The organisation of this volunteer fleet and subscriptions to carry it out are decreed by the Emperor. The sums collected will serve to buy vessels in all ports, which may be sent on the track at the first moment. The sooner they are ready the better. He who desires peace must be prepared for war. Moreover, this movement is not a temporary one. It will serve the cause of peace as of war. In times of peace the ships can be employed in commercial affairs. Once disarmed the vessels will be able to transport the millions of tons of mer- chandise which the foreigner buys in our country or brings to us. Russia loses millions daily through the want of a merchant navy. It is possible that the money obtained in this way will one day be repaid to the subscribers. In any case, in the event of war we shall have a fleet fit for the defence as well as for attack. If our adversary has more money than we have there is not a people in the world that love their country more than the Rus- sians, and woe be to those who doubt it. Now that, for defensive purposes, the Czar has authorised the formation of a volunteer fleet under the control of his son, the Czarewitch, let us make our offerings with an abundant hand. If the enemy insults us, let us rise like one man to defend our just rights, and God will crush the provoker. Subscriptions will be received at St. Petersburg at the palace of his Imperial Highness, the Grand Duke, Heir to the Throne,' &c. Such is the text of the appeal which appears in the official journal of Russia. The Golos enjoins the people to subscribe as quickly and largely as possible to this patriotic appeal, which throws much fresh light on the state of public feeling in Russia."

THE BRITISH FLEET IN THE SEA OF MARMORA. The Correspondent of the Daily News, writing from Con- stantinople, May 9, sends to that journal an interesting and descriptive article, under the above title, describing his visit to the British Fleet now in the Sea of Marmora, from which we extract the following An hour is sufficient to enable the inhabitant of Constantinople to reach the Russians at San Stefano. In five he can be among the English fleet at Ismid. The sight of the Russians has ceased to be novel. There are quite sufficient of them in the streets to make it unnecessary to visit the camp. Sightseers accordingly have begun to turn their attention to the fleet. Last Tuesday, in company with a party of other Englishmen, I found myself on the way to Ismid. A run of an hour was sufficient to take our steamer from Constantinople to the Princes' Island. It was opposite Prinkipo, the largest of these, that the ships belonging to our fleet first anchored after their entry into the Marmora. Leaving Prinkipo, our steamer passed into the historic gulf of Ismid, and had a run of four hours up the gradually narrowing strait to the town at the end from which the gulf takes its name, and opposite to which the fleet is anchored. The hills on either hand were clothed with spring verdure, while over those to the south Mount Olympus, still thickly covered with snow, towered aloft. Every spot on each side had its history. The road along the north shore is an ancient Byzantine one, which is still paved as it was before the country fell into the hands of the Turks. It was not necessary to go back to our recol- lections of Cornelius Nepos and the Pythian goddess to connect antiquity with this gulf. A great number of well-authenticated facts arc associated with the shores on either side of us. Nor are the shores even now destitute of traces of ruins, though the palaces of Emperors and Byzantine nobles, thermas and fortifications, have long since perished. The shores are beautifully green—treacherously and dan- gerously green-to one who knows the country, and the villages few and far between. They are mostly Turkish, and an idea of their civilization may be gained from the fact that many of the houses are absolutely destitute of glass windows. From the middle of the gulf indeed the country seems so destitute of houses as to look at first sight very much as if we were running along the es- tuary of a river in some new country. On either side of us are the sites of ancient towns or villas. On the north stood Libyssa, perhaps the modern Gibseh, a place celebrated in antiquity as con- taining the tomb of Hannibal. As we near the end we open out a magnificent mountain, and then to our left discover the town of Ismid. From the sea its appearance is extremely picturesque. It is built on the slope of a hill, and the inhabitants have contrived to preserve a considerable number of trees around their houses, so that the contrast between the neutral tones of the unpainted wooden houses and the green has a remarkably pleasant effect. Near the town itself is the mouth of a river, which is connected with the river Sakarius, along which it was formerly possible to pass from the Marmora to the Black Sea. In case of war this second Bosphorus may again become of importance as a position or as a means of communication with the Black Sea. Ismid or Nicomedia, opposite to which we saw the Alexandra, the Achilles, the T6m6raire, and the Devastation lying, was founded according to Strabo, by a colony from Athens and Megara. The town received the name of Nicomedia, accord- ing to Eusebius, in 264 B.C., from a king who wished to perpetuate his name by connecting it with a flourishing city. For six centuries, instead of being the comparatively unimportant town which it now is, it was one of the richest and most flourishing in Asia Minor. Under the Roman Empire it was often the residence of the emperors. The city was often de- stroyed by earthquakes, but was always restored. The ships belonging to the English fleet lie about half a mile from the shore. The Devastation is naturally the one which occasions the greatest surprise. If one of the contemporaries of Nelson could again visit the fleet it would be difficult to persuade him as he approached this wonderful vessel that she was a ship at all. A floating lighthouse, or beacon, or citadel, or some incomprehensible structure on a rock would be the idea suggesteel by her appearance. If he were to approach nearer he would still be at a loss to make up his mind as to what she could be. He would see a raft upon which some kind of building had been put up, and the notion that a ship was before him would be the last to come. To begin with, he would only see one mast, if that can be so called which has no companion ladders. He might even, if he knew Constantinople, suppose that. the mast was a minaret, and when he saw the hole at the top, through which a man would occasionally come, as the muezzin crier does when he comes out to call the faithful to prayer, his opinion would be confirmed. His wonder would be complete when he would be told that this was a good sea-going vessel, the most powerful of those before him, and very nearly the most powerful ever built. Though there were only four large ships anchored in the Gulf of Ismid the day I visited them, still they presented an imposing sight, the more so as these vessels represent and support England in the present discussion of the San Stefano Treaty. The Alexandra, which flies the flag of Admiral Hornby, who is considered by the officers under him to be an excellent commander, is certainly a magnificent specimen of a man-of-war. The ship which took my fancy most was the Temeraire, painted a very light grey, with two masts, and with yards capable of spreading an enormous quantity of canvas; low in the water, but net low enough to cause any fear for her safety, and sitting there like a duck. This ship is one of the latest additions to the English navy. The point which most strikes a visitor for the first time he visits one of these large ironclads is the vastness of the interior of the vessel, which seems to be as large again, and yet much too small to hold all that she is found to contain, as she seems to be when viewed from the outside. The Alexandra carries an upper deck, in which two 25-ton guns and two 18-ton guns are placed. Two large ones are in the fore pari, the small ones in the after part; thus a fire ahead is ob- tained from the two heavy ones, as well as from two 18-ton guns mounted in the fore part of her main-deck battery. The upper-deck battery is an imposing sight; here nothing can be said, as is too often the case, about the crowded state of the battery of an ironclad. From this battery you ascend by an iron ladder into the fighting tower. This is the place from which the ship will be manoeuvred and fought in action by the captain and officers. Here nothing but dials, voice-tubes, and arrangements for firing the guns by electricity are to be seen. To a landsman the wonder is how it is possible for the work to be carried out without mistakes and confusion. Touching a knob h re fires a gun; pulling a small handle there gives the direction to steer. It seems, indeed, as if the captain can do everything on board the ship when sur- rounded in his tower by these magical appliances of science. On this deck, under the poop, the admiral and his staff live, and very comfortable quarters they have. On t]ae bridge is to be seen the appliances for an electric light, by which night is to be maiie uke da^r, and by means of which it is to be hoped, our ships will be kept safe from, tor- pedo boat attacks. Descending, you oome to the main deck, where the large battery is to be found. This contains eight 18-ton guns, tWo of which can be fired ahead and two abaft. This battery pro. tecta the ftmnel casing, and therefo^ is to a certain extent, more cramped than the upper deck two, but not enough to interfere with their proper working. Before this is the men's deck, a place where the blue- jackets live here also the cables are worked. Very comfortable quarters these appeared-very different, indeed, from the lower deck of our frigates in the old days. Again descending, you come aeross the iron bulkheads, forming several large watertight compart- ments. On this deck several small steam-engines are to be found, such as the engine for the electric light, for heaving round the capstan, for pumping the Whitehead torpedoes full of air, &c. The tor- pedo room is also here, the place for the men's bags, &c. The Whitehead torpedo room is a small chamber where are to be seen what appear to be the tail ends of several large fishes, for the head part of this dreaded monster is always kept in the magazine, it being charged with gun cotton and a detonator, and therefore requiring careful handling. Passing aft you come to another room, where all the batteries, machines, &c., connected with the electrical apparatus of the ship are kept. A little further on the hatchway for descending to the engine room is found. Here, notwithstanding the imposing appearance of a battery, we have the most magnificent sight on board, that of the engines of the Alexandra. Everything is, of course, kept in the most perfect order. Ascending again and passing aft you come to a few officer's cabins and storerooms, and up a ladder, and you reappear once more on the splendid main deck. Abaft the battery on this deck the wardroom is situated-a very large, airy room, capitally and comfortably fitted up, where without doubt one might forget one was at sea. In fact, the officers say that at sea, even when blowing hard, you feel and hear nothing of the turmoil outside. This vessel is not fitted with tubes for firing the Whitehead torpedo, as js the case in all our new ships; but she fires them on the broadside, and through tubes in the main-deck hawsehole. Of course there is a tremendous iron beak or ram stretching out from the bow, which would make a very unpleasant hole in any ship's keel that it might be rammed into. Passing from this vessel, I went to the Temeraire. This ironclad differs from the Alexandra in the number of guns, and in her having on the upper deck two pear- shaped tewers, on batteries, one forward and one abaft, placed diagonally, instead of amidship battery, as is the case in the Alexandra. Otherwise there is not much difference between the two ships. The two upper deck batteries of this ship contain each a 25-ton gun, which is mounted on a turntable. This table is worked by hydraulic machinery, as is also the gun, which is raised above the wall of the tower to be fired, and which sinks down again the instant it is fired. These are not, strictly speaking, barbette towers, for the gun is only in barbette at the instant of firing, and the men are not exposed as they are in a bar- bette tower. The captain of the gun need sever be exposed, as the gun may be fired by using reflecting lights. By means of light screens the crew of the guns are protected from grape or Gatling gun fire. Passing down to her main deck you come to the battery, which contains two 25-ton guns in the fore part, and four 18-ton guns in the after part. The battery is divided by means of an iron screen or wall, to prevent as little damage as possible from a raking fire. This vessel also carries Whitehead torpedoes, and fires them below the water as well as on the broadside. She is furnished with electric lights and all the latest im- provements in the way of Gatlins and small torpedo guns. As far as the plating of the two vessels, Téme- raire and Alexandra, is concerned, there is not very much difference, the armour-belt of the former being 11 inches and of the latter 12 inches. The plating on the turrets and batteries ranges from 6 to 10 inches. In addition, each vessel has an iron deck which stretches away forward and over the ram. The Devastation, viewed from the outside, has, as I have said, a strange and unshiplike appearance, sitting heavy and low in the water, with two huge turrets rising from her deck, an upper or flying-deck above all, and only a single mast without yards. On getting on her quarter-deck you are at once awed by seeing two huge muzzles of what turn out to be 35-ton guns staring you in the face. After being led through what appears a labyrinth of small iron rooms you are brought to an open space which is called the gun- deck, and from which you are told to ascend through a small porthole into the turret. There are two turrets and each turret contains two 35- ton guns, which are placed parallel to one another, facing the same way, and pointed through an aperture just large enough to take the muzzle. Most of the work for these huge weapons is done by hydraulic power, but the turret is worked by steam. The thick- ness of armour of this ship on her turrets and her belt ranges from six to ten inches. The quarters for the officers and men are very uncomfortable, on account of the closeness due to the want of air, the little air that is to be found being pumped by means of steam, which works large fans; still, she is a splendid fighting ship, and will give a good account of herself in any future war. The Achilles is quite an old ship, having been in commission in 1864. She is a splendid- looking vessel, even when compared with the more modern ironclads. She is the fastest ironclad under sail yet built, and steams easily her 14 knots. She has two batteries, but only a main deck armament of 18 guns. of 6 and 8-inch calibre, and one or two guns on her upper deck. Her length is 415 feet, while the Alexandra is only 325 feet and the T^m^rsire 285 feet. On board these four ironclads there are altogether some 2,000 souls and some 50 large guns. Their cost is nearly jSl.800,000, or about £450,000 each.

WAGES OF PRIVATE SOLDIERS. From a Parliamentary return just issued, it appears that the average estimated equivalent weekly wage, including provisions, clothing, &c., of a private s Idier is :— In the Household Cavalry, £ l°ls. lOd. in the Cavalry of the Line, 16s. 9id.; in the Royal Horse Artillery, 17s. lOfd.; in the Royal Artillery, Field, 17s.; in the Royal Artillery, Garrison, 16s. ll|d.; in the Royal Engineers, Dismounted, 9 1 2s. 5|d.; in the Reyal Engineers, Mounted, 18s. 8ild. in the Foot Guards, 16s. 3f d. and in the Infantry of the Line, 13s. Sid. In addition to the above there is extra pay granted for special duties such as clerking, instruction &c., which varies with the nature of the work. The neces- sary outgoings (to provide groceries, vegetables.. &c., in addition to the full ration, and to pay for washing and for hair-cutting, library subscriptions, &c.}, average in the Cavalry, Artillery, and Engineers, 4Jd. a day, or 2s. 7M. a week, and in the Foot Guards and Infantry, 4d. a day, or 2s 4d. a week. An extract from a general order of 1874 says it has been calculated that a prudent soldier can deposit 3s. a week, at the least, in the savings bank, and con- sequently become master of a capital of £50 on ter- minating six years' service, and being transferred to the Reserve. 12

JAPANESE MEN OF WAR. The Sydney Morning Herald of March 28 says :— A few years ago the idea of a Japanese man of war coming to New South Wales would have been treated with considerable ridicule but it has, how- ever, proved a fact, as a bond-fide Japanese corvette is now at anchor in Farm Cove. The Tsukuba was originally attached to the English navy, but, being sold out of the service, was purchased by a speculator and taken out to China with a cargo of coals, subse- quently passed into the hands of the Japanese Govern- ment, and again took her place as a fighting vessel, but is now employed more especially as a training ship. She is 251ft. long, with 38ft. beam, and is pro- pelled by condensing engines of 200-horse power, so that she does not attain a high rate of speed. Her armament consists of four 64-pounder converted Krupp guns, muzzle-loading, and six 32-pounder brass guns, manufactured in Japan. Her crew, all told, number 313, subdivided as follows 240 able seamen, 40 cadets, 29 commissioned officers, and four warrant officers. She is commanded by Captain Z. Matsumura, his second in command being Commander S. Hamatake. She has also been allowed by the English Admiralty certain officers to afford instruction in gunnery, navigation, and seamanship. These gentlemen are-L. P. Wilan, commander; T. H. James, navigating lieutenant; C. Corksain, gunnery instructor; A. Eastwood, chief gunner's mate; and G. Popperill, leading seaman. In all the details this vessel is a close copy of ships of the Royal Navy and even to the uniforms of officers and men an unpractised eye would not detect the dif- ference. The men, although perhaps small in stature, are a fine sturdy lot. most obedient to orders, and very apt ki acquiring information; and the officers, who ail speak sufficient English to engage in conversation, are most obliging and courteous. The Tsukuba left Yokohama on the 17th of January, and prosecuted her voyage south under canvas, steam only having been used for 72 hours. She left Brisbane on the 19th inst., and will remain in this port about a month. From here she goes direct back to Japan, her time being up in June; but it is possible she may touch at the Sandwich Islands."

HARVEST PROSPECTS.—Mr. J. J. Meehi writeB from Tiptree-hall, Kelvedon, Essex:—" A very wet May, so far, has rather damped our expectations of a great wheat crop on the stiff clay soils, especially where undrained, for it has forced an excess of flag, at the cost of stem or ear; but much will now depend upon dry and bright weather. Fortunately, the temperature has been mild, and the fields are filled with herbage. It is, so far, a forward and abundant season for clovers, permanent pastures, and spttfng crops generally. Potatoes, garden produce, apples, and pears are very promising. Light-landers may re.. joice. Altogether there is reason to be thankful as compared with the last three unpropitio^s and un- profitable seasons. Live stock are healthy, and there is a considerable increase in the nnoibei of covered farm-yards.'

2, LITTLE DARKGATE STREET, ABERYSTWYTH. H U G~H R~. PUG H E Begs to inform the Nobility, Gentry, and Inhabitants of Aberystwyth and its vicinity, that he has opened the above old established premises (lately in the occupation of Mr. J. P. Jones, deceased) with a Choice Selection of Drapery Goods, the latest Novelties in Moonshine, Rainbow, and. Silk Trimmings, Fringes, Ribbonsfand every article in the Drapery trade. A Respectfully soliciting your kind support and patronage. BEST PARIS KID GLOVES, D.13., 2/3. EVERY PAIR WARRANTED. ALL GOODS MARKED IN PLAIN FIGURES. April 2Oth, 1878. RELIANCE HOUSE, GREAT DARK GAT E- S T RE ET ( OPPO siTE^HBMEi^MARo: AND 7, PIER STREET, 1 WILLIAM PEOBIN, WORKING LAPIDARY, JEWELLER, AND SILVERSMITH, BEGS to inform the Gentry, Inhabitants, and Visitors of Aberystwyth that he has new on hand a WAIT selected Stock of Diamond Rings, Wedding Rings, Signet Rings, and Gem RiiL coloured Gold Jewellery, in all its branches, made upon the premises. Every article warrants Also a large Stock of Whitby Jet and Bog Oak Ornaments. Old Gold and Silver Purchased. Wholesale and Retail Dealer in New and Second-hand Plate. noiesaie aatt CROSSE & BLACKWELL'S w MALT VINEGAR, PURE PICKLES, SAUCES, POTTED MEATS AND FISH, PREPARED SOUPS, CALVES' FEET JELLY, JAMS AND ORANGE MARMALADE, ALWAYS BEAR THEIR NAMES AND ADDRESS ON THE LABELS, -la And may be obtained of Grocers and Italian Warehousemen throughout the "World. CROSSE & BLACKWELL, PURVEYORS TO THE QUEEN. SO HQ SQUARE, LOND'CN^ ¡ S. ALLSOPP AND SONS, BURTON-ON-TRENT. OFFICE, Alfred House, Upper Portland Street, Aberystwyth. STORES, Railway Station. GEORGE CARESWELL, AGENT. ESTABLISHED 1826. —— THOMAS WHITE, (Son and successor to the late Elizabeth White,) MANUFACTURING LAPIDARY AND JEWELLER, EGYPTIAN HOUSE, TERRACE ROAD AND YORK HOUSE, MARINE TERRACE, ABERYSTWYTH. A splendid colleetion of Jewellery of the newest designs, comprising Necklets, Broochea, Ear Rings, &c., always in Stock. GEMS AND OTHER RINGS. OLD CHINA IN GREAT VARIETY. C&I ANYTHING NOT IN STOOK MADE TO ORDEU. DEALER IN SILVER AND ELECTRO PLATH. N.B.—No connection with any other firsi in the town the same name. GILDING AND ELECTRO PLATING. Beach Stones and other Pebbles Sliced into Slabs, Drilled, and Cut into any Shape or Form. Cabinets, Tables, Ac., inlaid. Church Decorations. ALL WORK DONE ON THE PREMISES. J. E. JONES, FASHIONABLE BOOT AND SHOE MAKER, 54, NORTH PARADE, ABERYSTWYTH, -fc/TAKER of the Celebrated TOURIST and PORPOISE HIDE —^ JJJL SHOOTING B()OT. Every description of goods made to order on the premises, of the best material and guaranteed workmanship. A varied stock of Ladies', Gentlemen's, and Children's Boots and Shoes for summer wear on hand. Repairs of every description executed on the shertest notice. In comequence of spurious imitations of LEA' AND PERRINS' SAUCE, which arc calculated to dcceive the Public, Lea and Perrins have adopted A NEW LABEL, bearÙzg their Signature, thus, 9! < which is placed on every bottle ef WORCESTERSHIRE SA UCE, and without which wone is genuine. Or Sold Wholesale by the Proprietors, Warcester; Crosse and Blackwell, London; and Export Oilmen generally. Retail, by dealers in sauces throughout the World. T. & W. B U B B, PAINTERS, PLUMBERS, GLAZIERS, GAS FITTERS, HOUSE DECORATORS, PAPER HANGERS, GENERAL HOUSE FURNISHERS, TERRACE ROAD, ABERYSTWYTH. AGENT FOR BRONER'S BURNERS, WRIGHT'S: GAS STOVES, and ATJCMS GOVERNMENT FILTERS. Cheap Paperhangings from 3d. each. Baths, Perambulators, Fancy Baskets, &c. FURNITURE DEPARTMENT. TABLES, CHAIRS, SOFAS, COUCHES, PIER AND TOILET GLASSES. "ABSOLUTELY PURE." SEE ANALYSESSent Post Free dh Application. ri I I Q'O eRYSTAL SPRINGS. EL LHB LM I Soda, Potass, Seltzer, Lemonade, also Water | I II I K I without Alkali. For (V yi H III 1*1 I OOTJT, Xithia Water, and | ■ LiUhia and Potass Water. si: WATERS- CORKS BRANDED I P- ELLIS & SON, RUTHIN,' and every label bears their Trade Mark. Sold everywhere, and wholesale of R. ELLIS & SON, RUTHIN, NORTH WALES. M. H. DAVIS, BRIDGE STREET AND QUEEN STREET, ABERYSTWYTH, Respectfully solicits attention to his extensive stock cf AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS, Consisting of Chaff Cutters, Slicers and Pulpere, Howard's Ploughs, Harrows, and Horse Rakes, Scotch Ploughs, Churns, Carts, Winnowing Machines, Corn Crushing Mills, Galvanised Wire Netting, Fencing Wire, American Horse Rakes, Smyth's Corn Drills, Mowers and 0' Reapers, &0. JOHN MORGAN, STEAM PRINTER, "OBSERVER" OFFICE, 1, NORTH PARADE ABERYSTWYTH, And Bridge Street, Aberaeron.

OPENING OF MUSEUMS ON SUNDAYS. In London on Saturday the third annual meeting of the Sunday Society-the object of which is the furtherance of the movement for the opening of museums, picture galleries, libraries, and public gardens on Sundays-was held at the Freemasons' Tavern. The Earl of Boseberry presided, and was supported by Sir Harcourt Johnstone, Bart, M.P., Mr. C. H. Hopwood, M.P., Professor Piumtre, the Earl of Dun- raven, Colonel Higginon, and others. Letters of regret at inability to attend and expressing sympathy in the move- ment, were received from Earl Granville, the Bishop of Exeter, the Duke of Westminster, Lord Thurlow, Sir J. B. Hooker, Sir E. Sullivan, Sir H. Thompson, the Mayor of Maidstone, Professor Fawcett, M.P., Mr. Peter Taylor, U.P., Mr. Jacob Bright, M.P., and others. The Chairman, in his opening address, observed that he believed there existed a saying that Hell is paved with good intentions;" but of all the well in- tentioned people of that platform none had done half so much injury as the Puritans of two centuries ago. They shut up all places on the Sunday except the church, to which the Puritans of latter times had added the taproom. He could not for a moment entertain the notion of public-houses being closed on the Sunday, Jor the working-classes ought not to be treated like little children, for arguments in that direction tended to degrade and to cause distrust. It could not be denied that the Puritans had certainly left them two heri- tages, one of which was the great but miserable heri- tage of cant which still survived. In dealing with that cant he should advise them to plant upon their banners that they regarded the vacant hours of Sun- day a great waste of valuable opportunity and a great danger, and that the great mass of the people to whom the public picture gaileries and museums belonged should not be practically prevented from enjoying *hat is their own property. The speaker then re- ferred to the opening of the Duke of Westminster's house to the working classes, and also referred to the testimony borne as to the beneficial results of the opening of art galleries on Sunday Jby Sir Joseph raxton and others, and expressed his satisfaction at the course pursued by the town of Birmingham in that direction. The noble chairman then re- ferred to the speech of the Bishop of London when the question was discussed in the House of Lords, when he argued that the opening of museums and art galleries on Sunday would lead to the opening of theatres and music-halls. Well, as against that (con- tinued the noble earl), I may say that we only propose and suggest that the experiment should be limited to Public museums and public galleries, to be under the eontrol of the Government. Now, I don't know myself of any music-halls under the control of the Govern- ment, though it might be supposed at the present foment that some of the patriotic songs, or at least the choruses, which are sung in the music halls, are Aspired by Her Majesty's Government. (Laughter and cheers.) It is. some comfort, at any rate, fkat if these choruses are carried into .effect, and T by jingo we do go to war, that the Bishop of j'Ondon will not have the command of our army, weeause, supposing there was a question of fighting ?? Sunday, the Bishop of London would draw «Hnself up at the council of war and say, "Fight on Sunday No such a battle might lead to the gravest Results; who would be able afterwards to stop prize- on a Sunday ?" (Laughter and cheers.) Ire- member an old Calvinistic lady whom I met in early ?outh, who had the same objection to the battle of Waterloo. (Laughter.) She objected to it because it *^as fought on a Sunday but I forgot to say that she was a French lady. (Laughter.) Then there is also Jp. case of Maidstone, which has recently, by a Majority of two, opened its museum on Sanday. Well, nough this progress is so much, yet we must admit it of tu' s*ow> *or 18 24 years since a Select Committee the House of Commons, which sat on public houses, in words so clear that we might adopt fkem ourselves, that the measure we advocate should carried into effect; and it is a strange thing to Remark that the committee which passed that resolu- contained as a member the present Duke of Richmond, who is unable, as President of the Council, entertain our application. That committee unani- mously reported to this effect:—" The National ^Uery,. the British and the Geological Museums; Exhibitions at Marlborough and Gore Houses are t> "If6 as means Public instruction. They are for by the nation, and it does not seem to your ^rnxttee reasonable that these places should be of°+t °n only day it is possible for the majority fp, the population to visit them without serious loss." i?$t was the recommendation of a committee of the 5"-°USe of Commons: but the House of Commons appears to pay very little attention to its committee's Reports of a quarter of a century ago, from their not agree- N that it is expedient that places of rational recreation ^instruction, now closed, should be opened to the pub- after the hour of two o'clock on Sunday afternoon. kear-) Though it is now twenty-four year diat? *kat resolution was passed, there has been no cttt^tion on the part of the House of CommonB to effect. But I would point out that the f°ur ye?}8 very different now to what it was twenty- than jt j?8 a8o. Our cause is of more importance now 3 ^oat o 48 ^en, because since that time we have had iPfelimj Reform Bill, one which is probably ^orki to others, all of which tend to make the L „a8.ses of this country the governing class. c°Hfe^ jear-) Well, some people deplore that; I that, fo • 0 deplore it—(cheers)—and I do say give the^,lng that state of things, we are bound to to be „ opportunity of educating themselves tyrantn^Ur rulers. (Hear, hear,) If they are to be <cat^W £ lch myaelf d° not believe, let them be then T ^ants, and not ignorant tyrants. Well, of thea« *rom our P°int of view the shutting opporti institutions on Sunday, is a grave waste of But H> an(* a Srave national loss. (Hear, hear.) Ua are two or three objections brought against Ii0rH> r!8 Btereotyped one of interfering with the 8 £ y» which perhaps, it may be worth while to «},,f^e* We are told that we should interfere with the of rest. To that I have to reply that the poor an cannot be at church all day, and in the tune ■». pen he is not at church what is he to do ? The jP'ahop of London told us that he is to rest But what 18 rest? According to the Puritan plan it would be Period of vacancy varied by drinking. (Laughter and hear, hear.) Surely that cannot be the best Method of rest for all. Mr. Gladstone, as we are told parted the exertions of debate in the House of ^ommons by composing Greek verses on the £ >easury benches. Charles Dickens used to take a Wl tTenfcy miles to refresh himself after intellec- t'lal exertion. Some of us might find these means of rather arduous. (Hear, hear.) On the same limit*^a8on^n&> it may be that a man whose horizon ^ich h the week by the rails of the desk at sits, has very different ideas of rest on the » 8itting at home and reading the Pilgrim's (Hear, hear.) I say, then, that it is not J to lay down definitely what rest is to (Hear, hear.) I don't think that rest t n shutting anybody out of the graces and Shan v* life- (Cheers.) Then vye are told that more Sunday labour. Well. I have a authority to quote against that; it is j ,r recent delivery on the subject, for it was .veered a few days ago by no friend to our a very gre&t and good man—I mean and j,„ a'tesbury. He has been recently to Paris, at the meeting of the Working Man's Rest Association that the opinions of cT^kin forking men had had a good effect on the Su&daJ* People of Paris, that he was over there last abou, noticed a great decrease of Sunday offices '"a a a ^°tai cessation of it in the Government *>aUeti' this in a city where all the museums and tag, f are °pen on Sunday. Surely, if our an- Cajj l» supply us with such arguments as that, we fcow-Vi an<J pass the question by as not C\/Ulher dls?ussion. I have alluded to the ° Working elass having become the to as?. this country now, are you f8 1 .^ey had no higher or warmer ^pathiea than the mere exercise of their andvs^ I think people who deny warm hearts « warm sympathies to the working classes would do in «to remember how these great qualities came out awe c°tton famine m Lancashire. I suppose at this tha *1 there is nothing but distress and misery in W^rth of England; but there are many who turn contemplation of their own anguish and to give a thought of sympathy to John Bright j/16 sat in the valley of the shadow of death. (Cheers.) one incident in that most beautiful and ha» i b°ok, The Life of Sir Waiter Scott,' which RtaroT-Ways gtruck me as one of the most touching of ho&i .incidents. Sir Walter Scott was dying at a Jermjm-street, and Lockhart says that late ^^ningham mentions that, walking home stanrit°ne he heard several working men f together at the corner of Jermyn-street, and bed in T m as^e(l him, as if there was but one death- -^° y°u know if this is the street in dying ? This was at a time before the had tim I actually been signed; before it had take effect—at a time of great papular asked n~~and Sir Walter Scott, after whom they °f reform*8 rthe ^r^test enemy of the movement &ieu af?" y°u» therefore, ladies and gentle- to that, can nothing be done to turn account such warm hearts—such warm clejg Ple87~as these Can we do nothing for the out tram "if8 B'x ^ays a week at his (Jesk» 811(1 is sliat on (J. al* that is graceful, and picturesque in life, Wni^y. (Hear, hear.) Can we do nothing to elevate these vast classes; Oh, you l ^ere religion. But religion is not 8cien0^<j?.'the pulpit. (Cheers.) Art and nature and eh«ht *° her endowments. It is true that ka^v^jf.art »b only an imi>ossible striving after an seemHf l^eal; but sometimes in that striving it *ikeM 8am a glimpse of the design, and to become, its rad*0868 on Mount Sinai, the bearer of something of Mth 1 don't think any of us have communed lion j e without being the oetter for such commu- seutu^1 yetwe» the English nation of the nineteenth v ur» i We, possessing the vast wealth and Hiost | superlative excellence of any nation that ever breathed on the face of the earth, knowing and appreciating all these facts, knowing the in- fluence of art, of science, and of nature, and de- ploring the fatal effects of drinking on the popula- tion, we close our museums, lock our picture galleries, enclose our commons, and only spread abroad as a civilizing influence the lavish allurements of the public-house. (Cheers.) I myself cannot believe that this is a civilizing method. In this great struggle which we are carrying on against cant, if we can achieve this modest, this absolutely reasonable object, I believe that in accomplishing so much we shall have smitten that great giant on the head, and that he will find it difficult to rise again. (Cheers.) The following resolutions were spoken to by Lord Dunraven, and several members of Parliament, and adopted That this public meeting accepts the third annual report of the Sunday Society as a record of encouraging progress towards the ultimate accomplishment of the society's ob- jects, and requests the chairman to sign a petition to the House of Lords in support of a motion approving the policy of her Majesty's Government in continuing the Sunday opening of museums at Kew, Hampton-court, and Green- wich, and asking for an extension of the same arrangement to the national collections in the metropolis, and that this meeting further desires a deputation to wait upon the first Lord of the Treasury in support of this request." That the officers of the Sunday Society be requested to present a memorial to Sir Francis Grant, D.C.L President of the Royal Academy of Arts, earnestly soliciting the Academy to open its collection of pictures on one or two Sunday afternoons during the present season."