The Aberystwith Observer

TO OUR READERS. On Saturday last the Aberystwyth Observer entered upon the twenty-ninth year of its pub- lication, the first issue having appeared on the •Idtb. of June, 1858. Since that time many changes have taken place in Aberystwyth and b the neighbouring country, a faithful record of which will, we think, be found in these columns. Originally the paper, which was sold at two- pence, contained four pages-half its present size—of which three columns only were devoted to local news. Now the space devoted to loc&a and district news ranges from fifteen tG eighteen columns. For the support which has rendered this development possible we are deeply indebted to numerous corres- pondents in various parts of Mid-Wales, and to whom we tender our best thanks. We have also to acknowledge, and do so with consider- able pleasure, the generous support which has been extended to the Observer By advertise! a The past history of the journal is known to our readers as to the future we feel that we can- not do better than reproduce the following extracts from the address to our readers published in the first number of the paper, which convey our sentiments as correctly as they did those of its founders:- It will not insult its readers, or sully its own fair fame, and so prevent its own ultimate success, by pnblishing scurrilous abuse, which I is a stumbling-block to the promulgation of true morality. Articles of this character will at all times and at all risks be studiously and sternly forbidden to pollute its pages and spread strife aRd contention around. It will not contain recitals of such events, though narrated in otter papers, as tend to raise a blush upon the cheek of innocence, but such information only as the head of a family may, without hesitation, introduce into the circle of domestic life, and have no fear of the results. It will not contain angry and prejudiced ebullitions leading to strife, recognising ne. worth but in the expressions of opinion which have been subjected to some Procrustean pro- cess. This description of news will not be found in its pages but a faithful record of such occurrences in the town and neighbourhood, or in the more distant parts of the kingdom, as may deserve publicity, or tend to stimulate virtuous exertion, or warn its readers from per- l nicious examples. I Correct reports of judicial and magisterial proceedings, and of meetings-scientific, poli- tical or religious-which may be held in the town or neighbourhood, will appear in its pages; lists of arrivals of our summer visitors accurate and early returns of the local and more distant markets will be obtained, es- pecially those which are important to our agricultural and mining friends. Parliamen- tary and political intelligence, as well as domestic and foreign news, will be collected from the most reliable sources, and impartial suiveys of passing events, with occasional dispassionate articles on the leading and en- grossing topics of the day, will be given. These things, with the advertising facilities usual in such publications, and courteous and valuable correspondence, will form the staple product of the Aberystwyth Observer. "We will venture to promise that truth, fair- ness, and impartiality shall ever characterise its pages that all parties and interests shall find our columns ready for their use; that the Aberystwyth Observer shall seek to uphold the claims of equity, right, justice, and honour in all their relations, whether in reference to the State, the family, or the individual that it will endeavour to stimulate and gratify a taste for the discoveries of science and the discus- sions of literature, and aim to have a place in the family, and an influence in the town and neighbourhood its tone shall be cheerful with- out levity,—grave without moroseaess,—moral and religious without bigotry. These qualities, we say, we promise or rather these features it will be our aim to realise and produce therefore, in the confi- dence of hope we offer the first number of the Aberystwyth Observer to our fellow-townsmen and country neighbours, earnestly soliciting their kind and efficient support; at the same time assuring them that no pains shall be spared on our part to deserve their patronage. EXCELSIOR' shall be our motto, and Aber- ystwyth and its neighbourhood we doubt not will respond to the call!"

PUBLIC SPEAKING. The daily and nightly meetings, indicating the importance attached to the present national crisis, held all over the country, afford ample opportunities for testing the skill in public speaking exhibited on innumerable plat- forms. If the general opinion on this subject of the millions attending those meetings were obtainable, it would not be by any means of a complimentary character. Among the Parlia- mentary leaders themselves there are very few who help to sustain the oratorical reputation achieved by the British Legislature in the days of CHATHAM, Fox, and BURKE; and the great repealer, DANIEL O'CONNELL, has no successor in richness of voice and power of declamation among the Home Rulers of the present day, although eloquence is commonly supposed to come as naturally to Irishmen as mother-wit. It might be imagined that well-educated gen- tlemen, before presenting themselves to con- stituencies as candidates for seats in the House of Commons, would take the trouble of gaining some practical knowledge of the art of public speaking but so far is this from being the case that rejections would be 'more frequent than they are if the sterling qualities that go to constitute a working member of Parliament did not serve to cut-weigh,' In many instances, all oratorical defects. At political meetings the situation becomes really irksome and pain- ful when, after the chairman has "hummed and hawed through some preliminary remarks, the movers and seconders of resolu- tions gsow semi-hysterical in their excitement; and the candidate himself, though provided with notes, has to make spasmodic jerks at intervals to catch hold of the thread of his speech, much in the same way as drowning men clutch at straws. Bad speaking has the effect not unfrequently of changing an orderly into a disorderly meeting. The audience begins to get impatient, and relieves itself by derisive exclamations when a speaker "is more emphatic in his gestures than effective in his words. The impatience becomes still greater, and the exclamations louder when the unhappy man on the platform, who has responded to the call of the chairman, altogether fails in making himself distinctly heard, and who seems quite content if what he says succeeds in falling into the ears of the newspaper reporters who are immediately under his eye. There is nothing more calculated than a pro- vocation of this kind to cause an audience to lose its temper and to get entirely beyond the control of the pleading and beseeching chair- man.. In political- assemblies there is always an excitable element, ready to break forth at any moment, and this circumstance should be carefully kept in view when the movers, second- ers, and supporters of resolutions are undergo- ing selection. The public men who can ven- ture, at such meetings, to go on speaking more than an hour, are those only who possess some gifts of eloquence, or who can enliven their argumentations with sallies of wit and telling anecdotes, which have the effect of evoking loud laughter, and of bringing the audiance into an appreciative and enthusiastic mood of mind that finds vent in rounds of applause. It is certainly astonishing that so little care is bestowed, in the majority of educational institutions, on elocutionary training, and that even University men, looking forward to the Church and the Bar, do not spend more time in learning the art of speaking in public in an effective way. This neglect is all the more sur- prising when it is considered that we are a clubable people, and that societies of all kinds, in which members are expected to speak volun- tarily or when called upon, are very abundant in the metropolis and other great cities. There never was a large number of political associa- tions established in all parts of the country than there is at the present time, and as these associations are in the habit of appointing delegates to attend conferences it is surely desirable that those delegates should be able to speak in a manner to command atten- tion. Debating clubs, which might be greatly increased in number with advan- tage, form good training schools for public speaking, but they are Z, only commend- able institution* when conducted under differ- ent conditions from those,which prevail at the well known Cogevs Hall, in Fleet street, Many a man, unaccustomed to public speaking. feels it to be the greatest trial in his life when he is unexpectedly called upon to address a few words to a meeting, or to supply the place of an absentee in proposing a toast at a public dinner. The sound of his own voice when he sees a number of listeners around him is apt to increase his tremor whenever he opens his lips, and tee is supremely happy in resuming his seat, whether he is conscious of having made a fool of himself or of having got on much better than he expected to do when he rose to his feet. Diffidence in facing an audience does not necessarily spring from want of courage as bronzed, war-worn heroes have often enough shown trepidation in such circumstances, but from want of confidence in the memory given up at call the thoughts committed to its charge, or from a similar want of trust in the readiness of thoughts to express themselves, on the spur of the moment, in appropriate words. This absence of confidence is accounted for, in most instances, by the neglect of proper training practice, and any change in our educational system would be a change for the better that enabled full-grown men to speak in public without shaking in their shoes, or feeling a parched dryness in the mouth fatal to fluency of utterance. The faculty of eloquence, like the faculty of poetry, is a natural gift, but if pro- fessorships of oratory were instituted in our universities, the speeches delivered in Parlia- ment by the ordinary run -of members might surely be expected to grate less harshly and irritatingly on the ear than they do at preseut, and we might also as surely entertain the hope of a decided improvement taking place in the style of speaking at public meetings of every kiud.

LOCAL AND (xENEIlAfj NOTES: ORIGINAL AND SELECTED. The Holiday number of the "London Medical Record" contains reports on some of the home and foreign health resorts, including Aber- ystwyth, Barmouth, Llandudno, Rhyl, and Tenby. ———— The representation of Cardiganshire is to be contested by Mr D. DAVIES, the present mem- ber, who has consented to stand again as a Liberal Unionist, and Mr BOWEN ROWLANDS, Q.C. ——— A meeting of Mr D. DAVIES' supporters was announced to be held at the Assembly Rooms on Thursday evening, when a large number of electors attended. There were also present some scores of youths, who were evidently bent upon disturbing the proceedings, and, it must be confessed, succeeded admirably. Mr STEPHEN EVANS, of London, who occupied the chair, received a good hearing, as also did Mr DAVIES of Cwrtmawr, but Mr GRIFFITH JONES and Mr H. BONSALL, Cwm, who followed, were not so successful, the latter creating a great commotion. A resolution, forming those who were favourable to Mr DAVIES' candidature into a committee, with power to add to their numbers, was put, and nearly all the adults held up their hands in its favour, and the names were being taken down, when Mr GIBSON entered the room, waving his hat and gesticulating wildly. This delighted the unruly portion of the meeting, who had been waiting for a leader, and a scene of the utmost confusion prevailed. Mr GIBSON mounted a chair, and everyone else followed the example, and for some minutes cheers and counter-cheers, mingled with all manner of shrieks and noises, filled the air. It is supposed that Mr GIBSON was trying to make a speech, but if so, he did not succeed in making himself heard. Ultimately, when the audience had exhausted its vocal powers, order was restored, and the chairman announced the meeting at an end. As might be expected, an immense crowd had gathered outside the building, the number including hundreds of children, who, on Mr GIBSON'S invitation, accompanied him to the Liberal Club rooms, where he delivered a speech. Evidently the promoters of the meeting had not anticipated any disturbance, and no arrangements were made for preserving order. Steps were afterwards taken for forming a good working committee. In order to secure a triumphant victory for Mr DAVIES, a committee of influential Conser- vative and Liberal Unionists should be formed. Mr BOWEN ROWLANDS is an able and fluent speaker, and his supporters, who are desper- ately determined to secure his election if possi- ble, have a good organisation. Yet but few persons think he has any chance of winning the seat. Mr BOWEN ROWLANDS is announced to address public meetings in this town this after- noon and evening, and at Aberaeron on Mon- day. We trust that the Unionists will give Mr ROWLANDS fairplay, and that no one of them will be so unwise as to create a disturb- ance at his meetings. In Montgomeryshire Captain MYTTON, Con- servative, will oppose Mr STUART RENDEL. As Captain MYTTON is personally popular in the County, and will receive a number of votes from Liberal Unionists, he stands an excellent chance of being returned. As yet no candidate has been selected by the Gladstonians to oppose Mr PRYCE JONES for Montgomery District. Mr A. M. DUNLOP has issued an address to the electors of Merionethshire as a Liberal Unionist. Sir JOHN JONES JENKINS, who recently withdrew from the represenation of Carmar- then District, has again consented to stand as a Liberal Unionist, with a good chance of succeeding. Sir A. STEPNEY IS mentioned as his opponent. A meeting of the Liberal County Association was held at Aberayron on Tuesday, to select a candidate. Colonel PRYSE, Liberal Unionist, and chairman of the association, who had been invited to express his views, declined to follow Mr GLADSTONE blindly, and Mr BOWEN ROWLANDS was then selected to represent the Gladstonians. We are requested to state that a meeting of the subscribers to the fund for placing a memorial to the late IEUAN BRYDYDB, HIR, in Lledrod Church (in the churchyard of which place he is buried), will be held at Ystrad Meurig on Friday, July 2, being St. John's Fair day (Ffair Wyl Iwan). The money was collected some years since by the late Mr T. O. MORGAN and others. The Cambrian Railways summer service of trains will commence on Thursday.

LOCAL AND DISTRICT NEWS. THE PIER.-The evenings of the last few days have been cold and cheerless, and the consequence has been detrimental to the outdoor performances on the Pier. Mr Palmer has this year again gone to considerable expense in providing a first-class enter- tainment, and doubtless as the season advances he will receive that generous support which he so richly merits. The attractions include a band, under the leadership of Mr T. Handley, Mr Tom Wilson (the well-known comic and caricaturist), Mr James M. Ward (baritone and descriptive singer), and Miss Eva Lillian accompanist. i>.ct The Town Band, under the leadership of Mr T. Handley, commenced playing in the town on Tuesday morning. A large number of persons arrived here yesterday by an excursion train, which took passengers from Oswestry and intervening stations. THE PUBLIC LIBRARY.-The number of books issued from the public library for the week ended June 19th was 364, an increase of 56 on the corres- ponding week of last year. Books are issued to visitors on payment of Id per volume per week. VETERINARY.—We are pleased to learn that Mr J. D. Roberts, son of Mr John Roberts, Lion Royal Hotel, has passed his final at the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, London. Mr Roberts was for- merly a student at the University College of Wales. The marringe of Capt Edward Pryce Jones, son of the Member for the Montgomery Boroughs, with Miss Beatrice Hardie, of High Lane, Stockport, was clebrated on Thursday week. The happy event was signalized by an excursion of Mr Pryce Jones's em- ployes and others to London and the Colonial Exhibi- tion, at the expense of the bridegroom. TREAT.—Miss Evans, North-parade, treated her pupils, of whom she has a large number, to a pic-nic on Tuesday. They were conveyed to the Waun in traps, and there enjoyed themselves immensely. Miss Evans had been careful to provide creature comforts in abundance, and the little ones showed their gratitude by unstintingly partaking of the excellent provisions. Unfortunately, the rain some- what marred the proceedings in the after part of the day. THE THEATRE.—Mr Dallas and his company are still pl&ying nightly at the Bijou in Portland-street. We should like to see more support accorded to the energetic manager and those who are acting with him. The performances include "Called Back" and "Moths," each entertainment closing with an amus- ing farce. On Wednesday evening, the company performed under the patronage of Mr John James, deputy-mayor, and the Corporation. ESCAPE FROM DROWNING.—Yesterday (Friday) two excursionists-mother and daughter-proeeeded to bathe from one of the machines facing the Terrace. The daughter was subject to fits, and shortly after entering the water became faint. In the struggle to get ashore, the mother was also submerged, and but for the timely assistance of William Williams and Rd. Rees, two boatmen, the result might have been fatal. These two men, however, succeeded in bringing both women to the land. EXCURSIONS.—On Saturday, two heavily-laden trains of excursionists arrived here from Oldam and other Midland towns. Both trains came in shortly after eight a.m., so that it afforded the visitors an opportunity of spending a long day at the sea-side. The weather was charming, and consequently the strangers made the most of their short stay. We were sorry to see that the authorities had painted the seats on the Terrace, much to the chagrin of the excursionists, some of whom had their clothes shock- ingly daubed. A little more discretion should be displayed in such an important matter as this. TAKING A FANCY TO A DONKEY.-At the police- station, on Wednesday, before Mr J. T. Morgan, Maesnewydd, John Lock, a tramping gipsy with several aliases, was brought up in custody charged with stealing and ass, the property of Mr Jenkin Jones, Clangors, Clarach, on the 18th inst. The facts appear to be that prosecutor missed the animal on the morning of the 19th, but thinking it was a freak on the part of some of the country lads in the neighbourhood he took no notice of the matter until late on Saturday night, when he sought the assistance of P.C. Hughes. His enquiries on Sunday elicited nothing satisfactory, but on Monday P.C. Evan Evans, acting upon certain information, went in quest of the prisoner, whom he came up with on the mountains near Brynhelig.in the parish of Llandinam, Montgomeryshire, where he found him with the mis- sing ass as his companion. The officer at once charged him with the theft, when he admitted the offence and said that he had" found" it on the road- side. He was now remanded to the Tre'rddol ses- sions.

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF WALES. Recent successes of former students of this College have just been announced. MrR. Hughes, St John's College, Cambridge, has obtained third class in the Historical Tripos. Mr Hughes had previously obtained a second class in the Mathematical Tripos. Mr Daniel Davies. of St John's College, Cambridge, obtained second class in the Theological Tripos, and gained also the Prize for Hebrew. Mr Samuel Baker Jones has taken the M.B. and CM. degrees at the University of Edinburgh.-The treasureroftheUniver- sity College of Wales, Aberystwyth, has received a cheque for .8500, which was left as a legacy to the college by the late Mr David Jones, of Liverpool.

SALES BY AUCTION. Mr Owen Daniel will hold an important sale of free- hold property on Wednesday next at the Lion Hotel. The property comprises some 8,576a. lp. 20p. of valuable and compact grazing and arable farms, extensive sheepwalks, woodlands, mineral rents and royalties, an old established family and commercial hotel, accommodation lands, building sites, &c., and produces a rental of < £ 1,778 per annum. Particulars will be found in the advertising columns of the Observer.

ST DAVID'S DIOCESAN CONFERENCE. At a meeting of the clergy, churchwardens, and lay electors of the rural deaneries of Lower Sub Ayron and Emlyn, held at Newcastle-Emlyn, the clergy elected the Rev W. Cynog Davies, viear of Cardigan, and the Rev J. D. Jones, vicar of Llan- dyfriog, clerical delegates, while the laity selected Sir Marteine Lloyd, Bart., Bronwydd Mr T. -E. Lloyd, Coedmore, late M.P. for Cardiganshire, and Colonel Howell, Noyadd Trefawr, as their delegates for the deanery of Lower Sub Ayron. For the rural deanery of Emlyn, the Rev T. Jones, reetor of Cilger- ran, was elected clerical delegate, and Mr C. Fitz- williams, Cilgwyn, and Mr H. Howell, Glaspant, lay delegates.

LAMPETER. The funeral of the late Mr Lyons, formerly sergeant in the county police force, and whose death we noticed last week, took place on Monday, when he was followed to the churchyard by several members of the police force, and a large number of his old neighbours. The Rev Daniel Jones, vicar, officiated.

ABERDOYEY. REGATTA.-It has been decided to hold the annual regatta in August, and the following gentlemen form the committee: Mr M. L. Lewis, Brynawel, chairman, General Norgate, Charles Jeffreys, Dovey Cast'e, Dr Grosholz, Nisbet Thruston, J. M. Howell, Craigydon, J. Tomlins, jun., Capt. IJ. Price;! hon. sees., J. H. Thomas, H.M.C., and Capt. Enoch Lewis. At a meeting of Liberals for this district, on Wed- nesday evening, Mr Morgan Lloyd, Q.C., was selected as the candidate. Thp steamer Congress, of Liverpool, put in here on Thursday evening week from Riga, with a cargo of 23,COO sleepers for the Cambrian Railways Company, which were discharged in three days.

ABERAERON. A meeting of Radical delegates was held here on Tuesday to select a candidate to oppose Mr David Davies. Colonel Pryse presided. Only two candi. dates were proposed-the chairman and Mr Bowen Rowlands. The chairman stated that he was opposed to Home Rule, Mr Bowen Rowlands, who goes in for separation, was selected. We understand that the Radical candidate has intimated that he is not pre- pared to spend more than .£860 on the fight, and any deficiency arising must be defrayed by his supporters.

LLANILAR, OBITUARY.—The death is announced in another column of Miss Catherine Pierce, of Pentrellyn. She was a consistent and faithful member of the Church and Sunday school in this place, and her life may be said to be a pattern of zealous devotedness.

PONTRHYDFENDIGAID. The marriage of Mr J. Rees, head master of the board school here, to Miss Margaret Morgan, the Shop, occasioned considerable festivity here when Mr and Mrs Rees returned from London, where they had been to spend their honeymoon. The children enjoyed a good tea, and the Rev E. Jonea, vicar, also distributed sweet stuff among them, afterwards giv- ing them some sound advice on "Punctuality," A youth named James Jones, was kicked in the forehead by a horse belonging to Mr Oliver, on Monday night. He was stunned, and Dr Mergan was called to attend him.

CORRIS. The members of the Band of Hope held a very successful meeting in the Wesleyan chapel, Upper Corris, on Monday evening. The Rev Henry Hughes presided.

LLANGEITHO. An inquest was held here on Tuesday by Dr John Rowland, on the body of a child named Daniel Evans, who fell into a pan of boiling water and was so badly scalded that he died. The following were the jury:—Messrs David Morgan, postmaster, foreman, David Davies, Daniel Rowlands. Daniel Morgans, Daniel Jones, Daniel Jenkins, Daniel Herbert, John Lewis, Evan Jones, John Davies, and T. Thomas A verdict of accidental death was returned.

MEETING OF THE CONSERVATIVE I PARTY. ion A meeting of the County Conservative Association and delegates from different polling districts was held at the Town Hall, Lampeter, on Thursday, when there were present-Colonel Evans, Highmead (in the chair), Colonel Lewes, Llanllear Major Lewes, Tyglyn Aeron Mr Vaughan Davies, Tanybwlch Colonel Williams, Wallog; Mr Morris Davies, Ffos- rhydgaled Mr W. B. Powell, Nanteos Mr Charles Lloyd, Waunifor Mr J. T. Morgan, Nantceirio Mr G. Hughes-Bonsall, Glanrheidol; Mr W. Jones, Glan- dennus; Messrs D. Roberts, The Green, H. Hughes, jun., T. Griffiths, and E. P. Wynne, Aberystwyth. The following delegates were also appointed to attend —Aberystwyth Working Men's Conservatives Club, Mr J. P. Lewis Llanbadarn, Mr T. Edwards Llan- dyssul, Messrs D. Lloyd, Gilfachwen andR. Thomas, Green Park Lampeter, Mr J. Fowden, Bank Hall, Mr Cotterell, Derry Ormond, Mr Thomas Jones, Gwarffynon, and Mr Evans, chemist; Aberaeron, Mr John James and Mr John Lloyd Felinfach, Mr John Davies, Treberfedd, and Mr Edward Evans, Cilcwm; Llanarth, Mr J. Jordan Jones, Fronwen-issa, and Mr D. Davies, Penlan; Trewen, Mr Enos George Bailey; Borth, Mr Williams, Brynbwl, and Mr James Jones, Llwynglas; Talybont, Mr H. S. Davies Blaenportft, Capt Thomas, Penrallt, and Capt Thomas, Dolwen Llanfair, Messrs David Jones, Waunwen, Thomas Davies, Pistylleinion, and Walter Davies, New Shop; Llanddewi-brefi, Mr J. E. Jones, Llanio Cross Inn, Messrs William Hughes, Tymawr, and John Davies, Pantsaeson; Brongest, Messrs Eynon G. Bowen, Troedyraur, and John Jones, Penrhiwfach; Aberbank, Mr Thomas Jones, Mr Rees, axi Mr J. Pnghe Davies; Nantcwnlle, Mr John Jones, Maenyfelin and Mr Jenkin Howells, Dynant. Colonel Evans, in taking the chair, said that they had always had an association of some kind in the county, but latterly there had been a feeling that it should be placed on a little more popular basis. A meeting had been called, and a set of rules drawn up, and part of the business of that day was to consider those rules. Colonel Lewes, Llanllear, then read the rules, and several alterations were agreed to. Mr Vaughan Davies was elected chairman of the executive committee, Major Lewes, vice-chairman Mr Charles Lloyd, Waunifor, secretary Mr David Jones, the Bank, treasurer; and the following were elected on the committee :-Sir Pryse Pryse, Bart.; Dr John Davies, Tanyfron Villa Mr Hugh Hughes, jun.; Mr Morris Davies, Ffosrhydgaled; Dr John Rowland, Garth; Dr Richards, Llangeitho Mr J. C. Harford, Falcondale; Mr C. H. L Fitzwilliams; Capt Jones-Parry, Tyllwyd; Mr R. Lloyd, Aberayron; Mr J. Jordan Jones, Llanarth and Mr Davies, Stanley House, Cardigan. The next business was to consider what steps the Conservative party should take in the present elec- tion, and The Chairman said it was very important at the present crisis that they should arrive at a definite decision as to what the association should do. Colonel Lewes said that the crisis that the country had arrived at was momentous, and as far as. he was persenally concerned, and he knew that he was answering for many Conservatives, he did not hesitate to say that they were ready to sacrifice anything to keep up the honour and union of the three kingdoms (cheers). He proceeded to point out the importance of maintaining the unity of the empire, and said that they had seen recently a measure introduced by the Prime Minister of such vital importance to the country at large which had actually caused a split in the ranks of the Liberals themselves men of undoubted Liberal and Radical sentiments, all of whom in former days followed the Prime Minister had gone adrift, and proposed a resolution which actually turned him out of office (cheers). The Prime Minister had appealed to the country at large in language which was the most dangerous that could be used by the leader of any party. He set class against class, and appealed to popular sentiment—" I am the people's representative; let them return me to power." It behoved every good and true Conservative to sacrifice all political feeling, and return a man at the head of the poll who had acted uprightly and straightfor- wardly in opposing this most Radical measure which the Prime Minister had placed before the country. He referred to Lord Randolph Churchill, whose name wa3 received with great cheering, and the manifesto which that gentleman had issued, in which he pointed out that they had not got to deal with a party, but with a man, who made the most unwarrantable claim for political power. He concluded by proposing that the leaders of the Conservative party having expressed a wish that seats held by unionist members should not be contested, this Association pledges itself not to oppose the candidature of Mr David Davies; and further, if that gentleman be opposed we will support him by our votes (loud cheers). Mr Vaughan Davies seconded the proposition on the ground that he thought unity of the empire should stand before party. Mr William Jones, Glandennis, supported the motion, which wa.s carried amid great acclamation, the whole company rising and singing God save the Queen." The proceedings closed with a vote of thanks to the chairman.

MORE ABOUT THE PEBBLES. TO THE EDITOR OF THE ABERYSTWYTH OBSERVER. Dear Sir.-In your last week's issue of the Aber- ystwyth Observer you reported the final meeting of the Manchester Geological Society, at which Prof. W. Boyd-Dawkins took occasion (if the report of his address be correct, as I presume it is) to attack and denounce a local industry. I read his observations with astonishment and regret—astonishment that a professor should have ventured such sweeping state- ments upon such shallow and unsatisfactory data,and regret that a class of the inhabitants of Aberystwyth whose bread and cheese" depends, to a large extent, upon the popularity of the curious pebbles found upon its always interesting beach, should have been subjected to such sweeping charges, which ,if true and generally reeeived, would disgust visitors with the place altogether, and cause them to give it the cold shoulder for ever and a day after. We know Aberystwyth. We know the beach. We know the far famed pebbles," and we know, simply through having occasionally visited their shops, some of the lapidaries. Y," the correspondent of the Manches- ter City News, whom you quote, cuts the gordian knot of the pebble mystery when he says, after recounting his experience, "it does not follow that some good stones are not to be found there (i.e. at Aberystwyth). My own experience has taught m3 to believe that both agates and onyxes are to be found at Aberystwyth." My own experience endorses this. For several years I have visited the pleasant town of Aberystwyth, remaining generally from June to October. Almost day by day in almost all weathers and In all states of the ever-varying tide have I visited the beach in search of good specimens of the pebbles. And like the old gentlemen referred to many a "large satchel" of what proved to be "worth- less have I carried to Miss Russell at York House and to Egyptian House. But the reader will ask Did you find any real specimens worth keeping P" Ay! there's the rub I" as Shakespeare wrote. We reply yes, unreservedly yes. We have in our posses- sion a very interesting collection of moss agates, onyxes, topazes and other specimens, discovered with our own eyes, picked up with our own hands, which we took to the lapidary's shop-Egyptian House in Terrace-road, and through the obliging courtesy of Mr Thomas White, we stood by whilst they were cnt and polished, and which we brought away without their having been once out of our possession Theories are open to speculation, but facts are convincing. But we will, in justice, allow Professor Boyd-Dawkins to speak for himself (as re- ported): Speaking of the sale of agates and onyxes at the sea-side resorts, he said it was an utter mistake to suppose that they were found upon our own shores. People resorting to the seaside often amused themselves by gathering pebbles on the beach. These they took to some local lapidary to be cut and polished, under the mis- taken notion that they were onyxes. It was the lapidary's interest to foster that notion. They ulti- mately received from him a beautiful brooch or ornament, and thought themselves lucky in having made so good a find. The truth, however, was that all these things were manufactured at Oberstein, in Germany, and the seaside visitor simply paid for an imported article, whilst the pebbles he had gathered with so much industry were deposited in the lapi- dary's back yard, to be carted away at the end of the season." Certainly the Aberystwyth lapidaries must have rather large yards to accommodate these imaginary tons of beach rubbish The report con- tinues-" His friend, Professor A. Ramsay, ence happened to be staying at a house on the opposite side of the street from one of these lapidaries. One day he witnessed a great accumulation of stones, which had been brought up from the beach during the season, carted back, no doubt to be picked up again by a fresh generation of tourists." Now this is rather "too, too much Firstly, the Welsh tourists must be wonderfully energetic beyond their traditions to spend their time in carrying satchels of pebbles from the beach to the shops to the tune of cart-loads in a season and, secondly, the lapidaries must be a well-to-do race to be enabled to sport carts and horses to eonvey the said pebbles back again when they have served their turn in amusing the poor deluded tourists Let truth prevail by all meanp, but let not a section of the Aberystwyth community suffer by inuendo and the false assertion that no genuine agates, onyxes, and crystals are ever to be found upon the beach there. Yours very truly, Clifton, June 21,1886. B. S. SHORT.

Observer Office, Friday, 4.30 THE QUEEN. The Queen, accompanied by Princess- Beatrice, Princess Louis of Battenberg, and the children of the Duke of Connaught, arrived at Windsor shortly before nine this- morning from Scotland.

MONTGOMERYSHIRE. A rumour has been current for some days that Mr Stuart Rendel intends to retire in consequence of ill-health, but a telegram from Newtown says that up to noon to-day he had not done so. No Liberal has announced his. intention to contest the District against Mr Pryce Jones.

PROROGATION OF PARLIAMENT. Parliament was prorogued yesterday (Friday) evening, at half-past five, subsequent to our going to press. The dissolution will be, proclaimed to-day (Saturday), and the writs- will be issued this evening.

MEETING IN SUPPORT OF MR D DAYIES. A meeting in support of the candidature of Mr D. Davies as member for this county was announced to be held at the Old Assembly Room on Thursday even. ing. The room soon became densely packed after the opening of the doors, and it was evident that a number of young fellows were present with the intention of disturbing the proceedings. Sinering and shouting, accompanied with cheers for Gladstone," and counter cheers for "David Davies," &c., were fre- quent.—Mr Stephen Evans, of London, presided, and obtained a tolerably fair hearing, Mr Griffith Jones having previously stated that this was a meeting of Mr Davies's supporters and for business. The Chair- man alluded to Mr Davies's long connection with the county and the great good which he had done for the college and other institutions, and expressed his firm conviction that he would be again returned by a trumphant majority, a remark which drew forth loud cheers and counter cheers. Mr Davies, Cwrtmawr, a Liberal, proposed that this meeting forms itself into a committee to secure Mr D. Davies's return, with power to add to its number, and we pledge ourselves to do everything in our power to secure his return" (cheers and hisses). Mr Griffith Jones se- conded the proposition. Mr H. Bonsall attempted to speak in support, but was met with a perfect storm of shouting, &c., and ended his remarks by the ex- pression—"as sure as I stand here Mr Davies will win the contest." The motion was put to the meet- ing, and the show of hands of voters was largely in its favour. Mr Griffith Jones then proceeded to take the names of those who were willing to act on the committee, when Mr Gibson suddenly entered the room, iand a scene of indescribable confusion took place-shouting, hooting, and yelling, and Mr Gibson gesticulating in analmost frantic manner. At length the Chairman declared the meeting at an end, and the company separated, the Radicals crowding round Mr Gibson until he reached the Club-room in Great Darkgate-street, where, we understand, he harangued them in that fashion so peculiarly his own. ° them in that fashion so peculiarly his own. °

MARKETS. ABERYSTWYTH, MONDAY. Wheat, 5a to 6s Od per bushel; barley, 4a 6d to 5s Od per bushel; white oats, new 2s 9d to 3s OJ per bushel; I old, Os Od to Os Od per bushel; eggs, 63 to Os Od per 100; fresh butter, Os 10d to Is Od per lb; salt ditto, Od to 0s Od per lb fowls, per couple, 3s 6d to 4s 6d- ducks, do, 5s Od to 6s Od geese, 0s Od to 0a 0d* turkeys, 0s Od to 0s Od Welsh cheese, Od to Od p r lb; potatoes, per measure, 2s 6d to 3s Od new do., 4d per lb. turkeys, 03 Od to Os Od Welsh cheese, Od to Od p r lb; potatoes, per measure, 2s 6d to 3s Od new do., 4d per lb. NEWTOWN, TUESDAY. Wheat, 16s Od to 18s Od per 240 lbs; barley, 4s 6d to 5s 6d per 70 lbs; oats, 17s 6d to 21s Od per 225 Ibs; eggs, — to 16 for a shilling butter, Os 9d to Os lid per lb; fowls, 4s 6d to 6s Od per couple; dacks, 5s Od to 6s Od per couple; geese, Os Od to Os Od each; tur- keys, Os Od to Os Od each potatoes, la Od per 30 lbs; beef, 6d to 8d per lb; mutton, 7d to 9d; lamb, lOd to Os lid veal, 8d to 9d; pork, 7d to 8d.

LLANBRYNMAIR. Miss Loscombe has promised to make a reduction of 15 per cent. in the rents on the Gellidowell estate.

TOWYN. At a meeting of Liberals, held at the Assembly- room on Wednesday, Mr Morgan Lloyd was selected? as a candidate for the county. WARNING.-When you ask for RECKITT'S BLUE; see that you get it. The Manufacturers beg to caution the public against imitation square Blue, of every inferior quality. The Paris Blue in squares is sold in wrappers bearing their name and Trade Mark. Refuse all others.

BIRTHS. EVANS.-JTWIA 12th, at Borth, the wife of Mr David Evans, mason, of a daughter. EDWARDS.-May 31st, at Shipbuilder's-row, the wife- of Capt Edwards, of a son. FELIX.-May 30th, at Great Darkgate-street the- wife of Mr Morgan Rees Felix, of a daughter. JONES.—June 8th, at Cambrian Cottages, tho wife of Mr Charles Jones, of a daughter. JONES.—June 24th, at 2, Albion Cottages, the wife- of Mr J. E. Jones of a son. JENKINS .—J une 19th, at Harbour-terrace, Trefechan, the wife of Mr John Thomas Jenkins, gunsmith of a. son. MEREDITH. June 3rd, at King-street, the wife of Mr Humphrey Meredith, auctioneer's clerk, of a son. MORGAN.—June 6th, at the Rectory, Llandudno, the wife of the Rev John Morgan, of a son. WILLIAMS.—June 8th, the wife of Mr Ellis Williams, grocer, Frondeg, of a son. WILL IAN s. -April 20th, on board the "Lady Harewood," off Port Arthur, North China, the wife- of Capt. T.-H. Williams, Cardigan, of a son. MARRIAGES DAVIES-OWEN.June 9th, at Michael's church, by the Rev J. H. Davies, M.A., Mr Morgan Davies, Hafod, near Pontypridd, to Miss Jane Elizabeth Owen, North-parade. GATEHOUSE—OLIVER.—June 14th, at StILuke's, Hackney, by the Rev W. Langhorn, Mr William Gatehouse, of the Metropolitan Fire Brigade, to Elizabeth, eldest daughter of Capt E. Oliver, mariner, 5, George-street. THOMAS MONRO.—June 15th, at the parish church,. Swansea, by the Rev J. Grosvenor Monro, M.A., cousin of the bride, assisted by the Rev T. Thomas, vicar of Llanfair-ar-y-bryn, the Rev Evan Thomas, vicar of Llanegwad, to Jessie Agnes, only daughter of the late Grosvenor Monro. DEATHS. DA VIES.-June 23rd, aged 76 years, at Brook-street, London, Mrs Mary Davies, widow of the late Mr Davies, of Cefnllwynpiod, Llanilar. DAVIEs.-May 23rd, aged 52 years, at Long Creek, Iowa, Mr John Davies, a native of Cefncuafol, Pennal, Merionethshire. JONES.—June 17th, at Ochorbrynlloi, Tregaron, Mrlt Elizabeth Jones, aged 84 years. LEWIS.—June 24th, aged 50 years, at 14, CrynfryC" buildings, Catherine, third daughter of Mr ThomaS- Lewis, late of Tanlluest. LLOYD.—June 20th, at Penybont, Tregaron, tb0, child of Mr Roderick Lloyd, aged 2 years. LLOYD.—June 19th, at Quebec-row, Llanbadarn* fawr, Mr John Lloyd, labourer, aged 83 years. PIERCE.—June 21st, at Pentrellyn, after a long ness, in her 21st year, Catherine, daughter of Pierce.. PICKERING.—June 19th, aged 26 years,Miss Elizabeth Pickering, domestic servant. --4

THE ABERYSTWYTH ENAMELLED SLATE A1*? MARBLE COMPANY, LIMITED, LLANBADARN ABERYSTWYTH (W. Griffiths, Manager), execo^ every description of MONUMENTS, TOMBS, HEAP STONES, &C. 1 £ MEMORIAL CARDS, of various designs, in We1 and English, may be bad at the Observer Office North-parade.

MR JOHN BRIGHT ON LIBERAL BITTERNESS, Mr Bright, writing to Mr Peter Rylands; respecting opposition to Mr Latle at Burnley, says it is gnevous to see the bitterness of' Liberals towards Liberals who consistently supported the principles which all Liberals, accepted less than a year ago. He is surprised any true Liberal could be induced to oppose Mr Rylands.