The Carmarthen Journal and South Wales Weekly Advertiser

LADIES. AMERICAN ADVICE TO OLD MAIDS. It is unfortunate that there should be so great a horror felt on the part of unmarried women toward this epithet: old maid." There is this to be said of the old maid. She has an individuality of her own. She has a name which is vital. It is sym- metrical. She does not hide her light under the bushel of matrimony. She is not absorbed into another's legal existence. In fact, she has just as much personality as any man. Everything in this world is based upon the law of compensation. And in this fact may be found the compensation for the unmarried woman. If she has property she can do with it as she pleases without consulting a man, who pcssibly may be stubborn, or selfish, or mean. If she has no property, but has to work for her living, she is not compelled to spend a portion of it on a husband who is too lazy to work or if he is able and willing to work is not able to earn enough to support two in reasonable comfort. These are compensations which are not without great value. In the mind of everyone that has a kindly nature the unmarried woman of mature years is clothed in peculiarly bright attributes. True, there are some mature maidens whose minds are so contorted that to them the world is turned upside down, and every man, woman, and child is their particular enemy. But these are the exceptions, and it has often been said that the exceptions prove the rule. Not long ago a women killed herself because, as Bhe confessed in an ante-mortem letter, she had not the courage to be an old maid. This woman » as one of the foolish virgins. The old maid becomes in many cases a hallowed character, Her pure and kindly face, unmarked by a single selfish impres- sion, is significant of the struggle that has been carried on within, and the final triumph of spirit over matter. It takes a great deal of courage to stifle the aspirations of womanhood, to banish the dreams of youth and to settle down to the life of self-abnegation and sacrifice which maiden-hood imposes. The maternal longing is strong in the breast of every woman. Nature has implanted it there. She who is without it is not worthy the name of a woman. And in extinguishing this long- ing there is a great burden of sacrifice. But this has its reward, too. There shines out of the eyes of nearly every unmarried woman who has reached "the old maid" period a light which speaks of gentleness and perfect serenity within. There are few old maids who, if they originally had lovable characters, are not really beloved by a wide circle of friends. She is more than esteemed. She is loved by every one that knows her. And, better than that, everyone is ready and willing to show her those little courtesies and attentions which are 80 prized by all womankind. There seems to be a desire on the part of every thoughtful member of society to contribute as much as possible to the com- fort and happiness of the old maid. MERMAIDS IN CORNWALL. The Daily Telegraph. was engaged the other day, among the thousand and one duties implied in getting up each number, in enforcing the lesson tnat all young people, whether boys or girls, should be taught to swim. Foi lads it ought to be compulsory. For lasses the Daily Telegraph gave encouragement in its narration of the gallant conduct of delicate Mabel Bell, of Highbury New- park, London, who, spite of the weak frame that abrined a bold heart and only seventeen summers, saved Miss Vincent from drowning, at Kingsdown, Kent. The interesting paragraph ended with: Surely other English maidens might learn to do as well, if occasion required." Just about the time those lines were penned that corner to Mount's Bay which lies between St. Michael's Mount and Marazion would have gladdened the mind of the penman who wants English girls to swim. A group, from which merry voices of gladsome, healthy maidens burst on the air, descended from the Castle. That group comprised Lord and Lady St. Levan, several members of their family, and some visitors. Many of these, when they had reached the little pier, threw off light wraps and stood in the sunshine and the breeze in the bath- ing costumes they don so often in the rock-hewn privacies at the south-west front of the Mount, whose outlets look out to the chops of the channel. Lord St. Levan got into a boat as umpire and guardian. Peers of the realm have seen unusual sights at times, abroad and at home. Take, for instance, the scenes Lord Dufferin must have wit- nessed. But surely few members of the Upper House witness in their holiday-time the little event which followed. One after the other plunge into the sea Lord St Levan's five daughters-the Hon. Elizabeth, Misses Audrey, Nellie, Evelyn, and Mabel St Aubyn, Captain Michael St Aubyn, their brother (fast regaining good health after*fever in Burmah), Lady Agnes Townshend (Lady St Levan's niece), Colonel and Mrs Knollys, and Mr Manver. Splashing and dashing in sport, now at real swimming- work again, amid chatter and laugh and occasional splutter or puff, for there was a ripple on the water, they swam the 800 or 900 yards from island to main — over just the coarse the Mount's dread giant Cormoran waded and swam when he visited the purlieus of Marazion and carried back to his granite fastness the oxen and sheep of his smaller and honester neighbours. That distance done, the swimmers took to wraps and boats and pulled to the Mount, rejoined Lady St Levan, and scampered over the level greensward and climbed the steep ascent to castle home and well-earned lunch. The young folks at The Mount are all frequent bathers and bold swimmers. They have given evidence of bravery as well as kindness, and we may feel assured that if ever the chance came of doing the work of Grace Darling or Mabel Bell, the St Aubyns would be there.' From childhood familiar with the open sea, they have made it their confidant and playmate, until they treat it in the spirit breathed in Byron's beautiful lines, and so their arms would be additionally nerved had they to rescue any of the too large numbers who ought to swim and do not, but who will acquire that useful and wholesome art if they listen to the good advice of the Daily Telegraph. BRIDAL VEILS. In Foland the bride's eyes are covered with a veil, and she is led blindfolded to all the doors of her new home. In days gone by, the Polish bride went to church preceded by her lady friends attired in long red veils. After the service her mouth was anointed with honey, and her eyes blindfolded with her veil, and she was thus led to her home, her friends throwing wheat, barley, oats, and rice, as a symbol that she would never be in want of the necessaries of life as long as she did her duty. In some parts of Russia, wreaths of wormwood are piaoed on the heads of the bride and bridegroom, whilst in others, on the evening of the wedding- day, a feast celebrates the event, when the bride wears a veil, and is separated from her husband at the table by the curtain. In the Christian Church of Abyssinia, the marriage customs are very peculiar. The bride and bridegroom are shot up for a month after the ceremony, and the wife has to wear a black veil as a covering for her face for six weeks. In modern Egypt, a woman is never seen by her future husband until after the marriage cere- mony, and she is always veiled. The day before the ceremony the bride goes in state to her bath, walking under a canopy of silk carried by four men. From head to foot a large shawl encircles her, resembling somewhat in size the Hebrew veil. A Jewish bride's veil covers not only her face but her whole body. Evelyn, in his Diary in the year 1646, thus notices a Jewish marriage which was solemnised at the Ghetto in Venice:— "The bride was clad in white, sitting in a lofty chair and covered with a white veil; then two old rabbis joined them together, one of them hold- ing a glass of wine in his hand, which, in the midst of the ceremony, pretending to deliver to the woman, he let fall—the breaking whereof was to signify the fraility of human nature, and that we must expect disasters under all enjoyments." Many eminent authorities provide us with curious details in regard to wedding customs of all times and climates. Thus Layard, in his "Nineveh and Babylon," describes a marriage ceremouy near Nimroud, when the bride, covered from head to foot by a thick veil, surrounded by friends clad in the brightest and gayest-coloured robes, was escorted to the bridegroom's house. On her arrival there, she was placed behind a curtain in a darkened room for three diys whilst the guests feasted; after three days had elapsed the bridegroom was allowed to approach her. Again, Mr Stowe, in his interesting book on London, narrates that in 1560 three daughters of a certain Mr Atkinson were married on the same day, but they wore no veils. They went to Church, all three one after another, with three goodly caps, garnished with laces, gilt and fine flowers, and rosemary strewed for their coming home." In Turkey, a bride is always covered eight days before her marriage, and she is not to be seen otherwise even before the relations of her intended husband. In Greece, in the early part of this century, the bride wore a long, transparent veil, which entirely concealed her features. Her veil was taken off when she arrived at the bridegroom's house, and she was led into the presence of her husband, her maiden friends meantime occupying themselves with danc- ing and singing nuptial songs.

MISCELLANEOUS. A CURIOUS GHOST STORY. Many gruesome associations are attached to the corner of Alipore Gaol where are situated the scaffold and the dead house, the roof of the latter forming the platform of the former. On the gal- lows three culprits can be hanged at a time. When the bodies have been suspended for the prescribed period, they are lowered on to the mortuary table beneath, and after the inquest, if claimed by relatives, are passed outside the prison walls through an iron door on a level with the table. Those who know something of the natives of India will not be surprised to learn that no warders can be got to patrol at this spot at night time; double guards have to be placed on duty here after dark. What increases the difficulty in this matter is the fact well-known throughout the gaol that the place possesses its ghost story. Here is the tale as it was narrated to a correspon- dent of the Times of India. Saheb Den Dhobey was a prison offioial 0: proved courage and magni- ficent physique, who was brought from Jessore to Alipore to take the place of head-warder. It was his duty to visit the patrols between the surrouud- ing walls every night before the hours of twelve and two. On one occasion, after he had been only a few days in the gaol, he set out on his rounds as usual, but some time after two a.m. it was found that be bad not returned. Time wore on, and at last mere wondering why he was so late gave place to anxiety, and a search party was organised. They carried torches, and at last came upon the insensible form of Sabeb Den Dhobey. He was lyirg prostrate on the ground, close to the hospital gate, which is situated about 160 yards distant from the gallows. The unfortunate man "as carried to the officials' quarters, and tbere, after a time, by the application of water and other restoratives, he was brought round. The follow- ing was the tale he had to tell:—He had been going his rounds, and had stooped down to adjust one of his shoes, when be felt someone spring upoa him from behind and commence belabouring him between his shoulders. The concussion forced him on to his bands and knees, and be at first thought that it was a prisoner trying to escape. Not very much alarmed, for he had confidence in his great physical prowess, he tried to grasp his assailant by putting one arm behind his back, but he could feel nothing; yet the blows continued to rain down upon him, and he felt himself pressed down to the earth by a great weight. At last a voice addressed him, You dare come here, do you, to defile by your presence the territories of Govind Brahmin ? And with that the man felt himself lifted bodily up, ana then dashed face forwards on to the ground. He remembered no more till he awoke to consciousness in the guard-room. When Saheb Den Dhobey had finished this strange story the aged head-warder, who was about to retire, came up and put the question What is this that is being said about Govind Brahmin ? This led to explanations, and the old warder told bow a noted budmash of that name, who had committed several cold-blooded murders, had been hanged in Alipore Gaol 26 years before. "But," pointed out one of the auditors, Sabeb Den Dhobey was attacked a good distance from the gallows. We found him close to the Hospital gate." Ah replied the old man impressively, 11 the scaffold in those days stood on the very spot where you found the prostrate body of Saheb Den Dhobey." The latter listened with blanched face to this tale; then he threw himself back on the couch on which he lay. "My hour has come," he said. "It must have been the spirit of Govind Brahmin that attacked and beat me. My heart is broken. It is certain I must die." And die he did in two days' time. Such is the ghost story of Alipore Gaol, and it is needless to say that it is devoutly believed in by every prisoner and warder in the place. The actual facts do not differ materially from those set forth in the story. However, a post-mortem examination showed that Saheb Den Dhobey had died of cerebrospinol-miningitis, a disease that may strike down the strongest man in a moment. It is not unfrequently met with in prisons, bar. racks, emigrant vessels, and other places where men are crowded together, often under depressing circumstances. The beating on the shoulders complained of by the unfortunate head-warder can also be explained for since his tragic death a pri- soner bad died in Alipore Gaol of the same disease, and be complained of a precisely similar sensation. Therefore the ghost story of Alipore prison is not one the members of the Psychical Society at home need bother their heads about. RECOLLECTIONS OF HALF A CENTURY. It is in itself a curiosity when a veteran gives us his reminiscences of half a century, and yet keeps at almost the distance of a whole generation from our own time. Mr Gretton was born near Windsor, and one of his early recollections is of George III. on his Jubilee, walking on the terrace in his cocked hat. In the same year the family was transplanted to Hereford, a place which furnishes one or two good stories. The Cathedral was in as sleepy a condition as cathedrals commonly were in those days. It rejoiced, and perhaps still rejoices, in a distinct College of Vicars Choral, the minor canons of other foundations, but in virtue of their incorporation more independent. Perhaps- it was this that emboldened one of them to transgress the regulation which ordained that two of the vicars should always be present at service, and to flout the Canon who reproved him. Sir," said the Canon, who had gone with verger and mace straight to the offender's room Sir, I am sorry to say we made a most disgraceful appearance at choir this morning." "Indeed, Mr Canon," re- plied the Vicar, then I am extremely glad I did not make one of you." These clerical reminiscences are naturally among the most amusing in the book. One virtue much prized, at least by their flocks, in the pastors of that day, was the thoughtfulness that spoiled no man's pudding by an over long sermon. The present writer himself overheard this encomium uttered from the heart, of a parson who certainly was not a model of zeal. "Well, he never kept a poor man waiting for his dinner." It was not only poor men who objected. When Archdeacon Hare, preaching at St. Mary's, Cambridge, approached to three, then the Johnian dinner-hour, the hungry collegians began to shuffle their feet. The preacher, says Gretton, burst into tears. He was not of the temper of another Cambridge divine, who, having been thus interrupted when he was inveighing against gambling, revenged himself shortly after by preaching on the text, Keep thy foot when thou goest into the House of God." College reminiscences naturally go with clerical, and of these Mr Gretton has a plentiful store. One of the best is told of Dr. Mansel, Master of Trinity and Bishop of Bristol. He had been a friend in early unepiscopal days of one "Jemmy Gordon," an attorney. But Jemmy went to the bad, was struck off the Rolls, and lived on what he could beg from old acquaintances. One day he whined to the Master for a shilling. Mr Gretton tells the sequel "Gordon," thundered my lord, "if you could show me a greater scoundrel than yourself, I would give you half-acrown," and stalked on to I the lodge. In half an hour's time the butler announced that Mr Beverley, the esquire bedell, wished to see I his lordship. Now the Bishop had a special detestation of the bedell, who, when admitted and curtly asked what he wanted, replied, Mr James I Gordon informed me that your lordship desired to see uae." If Sir," said my lord, "Gordon has made a fool you In ten minutes more the butler came again, grinning, and said, My lord, Jemmy Gordon has called, and says you owe him half-a-crown." ONE FOR THE DOCTOR! There is an anecdote just now in print, in which General Sherman and Dr Bliss, who died recently, figure. The general had been taking the doctor's medicine for a number of days, and when he next came, said: "Doctor, I don't seem to be getting any better for all your medicine." "Well, general," replied the doctor, jocosely, perhaps you had better taka Shakespeare's advice, and throw physic to the dogs." "I would, doctor," replied the sick man, as he turned his head on the pillow. I would, but there are a number of valuable dogs in the neighbourhood, and I don't want to kill 'em off." HISTORICAL COLLARS. Mr Gladstone's collars are a surer sign of his in- dividuality than the largest lump the mind of a phrenologist ever conceived. Look at the points. Those points have provided themes for poets and essayists, and encouraged numerous flights of the artist's fancy. Why, Mr Harry Furniss partly climbed to fame as a Punch artist on the perilous points of Gladstone's collars. Well he might; for those points measure 31 inches, without counting the base of the collar itself. Yet these are not so high as he used to wear. As he gets on in years bis collars get shallower. People suppose that when Mr Gladstone's collar slips ovei his ears that his button must have come off at the back. Nothing of .the kind. The collar is made with the shirt. It is not detachable, and when the collar rises the shirt front swells out too. HOW THE CoLLAR|I8,|MADE. To use an expressive vulgarism, it may be literally said that the ex-Premier is "getting his shirt out" when his collar rises to a greater height than was originally intended. Mr Gladstone's collar is peculiarly made. On each side where it joins the neck band of the shirt is a strip of linen elliptical in shape, which is not so stiff as the rest of the collar, and this gives and so relieves the pressure of the points. For twenty years Mr Gladstone has bought his shirts at English's, in the Royal Arcade. He wears about two dozen a year. The dearest collars only cost 15s a dozen, and a masher will wear five or six dozen a year. But be will of course indulge in the newest fashions. Most statesmen, aui a sprinkling of peers, get their linen from Harborrow's in Cockspur-street, and all have them made to order. A DESPAIRING WOMAN. An extraordinary case of attempted suicide came before the Liverpool magistrates the other day. A married woman, residing in one of the poorest parts of the city, made several attempts to destroy herself. First she tied her feet together with a piece of old skirting, and endeavoured to throw herself from a bed-room window, but was prevented. Two razors were afterwards found con- cealed in her bodice. These having been removed, the woman proceeded to the garret and knockeda nail in the wall, and tried to hang herself with a rope, but she was again thwarted. Eventually she succeeded in jumping out of the btdrojm window. She was remanded to the workhouse hospital. The prisoner alleged that her husband had persecuted her, and told her to go and throw herself into the canal. He bad nearly drowned her by throwing water on her. QUEER THINGS ABOUT THE VIOLON- 'CELLO. Queen Marguerite, of Italy, is one of the best violoncello players of the day. This noble instru- ment has an increasing fascination for fair lady musicians, and the reason is not far off. The 'cello is the most nearly human instrument, because its range of tones coincides with that of the human voice. Its tones stir the bosom more easily to sympathetic romances. Its size and tension are nearly the same as the size and tension of the human bosom, and the vibration of one body is most apt to thrill the other, just as that harp-string which is most nearly in accord with another will vibrate most easily with the air waves. It is a curious fact that 'cello players more frequently observe than any others that the strings of the instrument will speak out quite loudly when the voice strikes the tone of one of its strings. Sitting alone in its corner or hanging in its closet, the instrument often startles its master's guests by suddenly adding a loud note to a hearty laugh of someone of them. And more laughable still, if one gives his nose a resonant blow (and the humour of the actual fact will excuse the mention of a dis- agreeable operation) the 'cello will often take a spasmodic snort itself, as if in sarcastic instruction to its masters to learn to perform that nasal cava- tina in pianissimo tones. A CLEVER GIRL. A young lady was sitting with her lover in a charmingly decorated recess. On her knee was a diminutive niece. In an adjoining room, with the door open, were the rest of the company. Says the little niece, in a jealous and very audible voice: "Auntie, kiss me, too." I leave you to imagine what had happened. "You should say twice, Ethel, dear, two is not grammar," was the immediate rejoinder. OIL ON TROUBLED WATERS. Steward: Did you ring, sir ? Smithkins: "Wing! wather. Got an engage* ment on deck this morning with Miss Jenkins. Your infernal steamer wobbles wound so, I can't awange my hair. Take this bottle of oil to the captain and ask him to throw it over-board and see if it won't get the Atlantic quiet enough for me to awange my toilet." UNPUBLISHED BALLADS OF LORD MACAULAY. It is not, I think, generally known (writes Mr. J. J. Britton in the Academy) that there exist some unpublished ballads by Lord Macaulay. An old friend of mine was allowed to see the MSS., which were in the possession of Lord Macaulay's executors. They were not allowed to copy the ballads, as it was Lord Macaulay's wish that they should not be published. I have, however, heard portions of them recited by my friend; and as they are very fine and stirring poems, it seems a pity that the public should be deprived of the pleasure of reading them- The one on the battle of Bosworth Field especially took my fancy; but of this I can only, alas, quote the lines in which Richmond, rebuking his followers for indignities offered to the brave king and soldier lying dead says :— And, for that back at which ye flout, It is a back I ween, That Lancaster on foughten field, Till now had never seen. And the concluding line of his spoken epitaph on his dead rival:— For, though he ruled as tyrants rule, He died as soldiers die. Is there no means of inducing Lord Macaulay's representatives to allow the national ballad which contains thebn lines and the other unpublished poems to see the light of day ? A LADY WHO WISHED TO ENTER THE PRIESTHOOD. A romatic story comes from Kalocan. A short time ago a young student applied for admission as pupil to the priests' seminary, and being duly provided with examination certificates, was at once received. The new pupil led exactly the same life as the other inmates of the establishment, and showed a marked disposition for study. A few days ago Cardinal Haynald visited the seminary, and in the garden met the new-comer, who bowed respectfully; but, contrary to custom, did not kiss the Cardinal's hand. His Eminence not only noticed the omission, but it led him to examine the candidate priest somewhat closer. The effeminate face of the young student turned scarlet under the Cardinal's scrutinising gaze, whereupon the prelate uttered a few words in a low tone that caused the former to return quickly to the house. Five minutes afterwards this mysterious personage had left the premises, and has not since gone back. Rumour says the individual was a lady, who felt, an irresistible vocation to become a priest. Some of the Hungarian papers even give her name. YOUNG ABERDEEN STILL ON STRIKE. The schoolboys' strike in Aberdeen still continues. The scholars attending various public schools have met and demonstrated against the length of time they are kept in school, and also the number of home leasons that are given them. A feature of the demonstration was the use of roughly improvised banners. The youngsters discuss the situation with great gravity, and speak of calling a 'meeting to ventilate their grievances." A GOOD RETORT. A a college some students fastened a live goose on the president's chair. Upon observing it, he said, Gentlemen, I perceive you have a competent instructor and I will therefore leave you to your studies." ALL MEN ARE BRETHREN. You shouldn't be so uncharitable towards your fellow-men," said a man to a friend who had been railing at human nature in general. Remember that all men are your brethren." Yes," was the reply, "I do; and I've got a tremendous lot of mighty mean relations." ROMANTIC STORY OF AN IRISH LADY. The Freeman's Journal says the Indian Govern- ment are about to be called upon to disgorge a sum of Y-100,000 which they have had in their possession for several years, the proceeds of a legacy left by the wife of one of the native princes who died upwards of thirty years ago. The deceased lady was an Irish woman, who went to India some sixty years since as the travelling companion of two wealthy Englsh ladies. During her stay in India she attracted the notice of one of the native princes, and he married her. The pair lived happily for thirty years, the wife having a separate estate settled upon her by the Maharajah. She died childless and left no will. Her property was taken over by the Indian Government, and it has remained in their bands ever since. It was at the time of her death 130,000, but its value has since risen to close on £ 100,000. The relatives of the deceased lady in Ireland were in entire ignorance of her fate up to quite recently, when they learnt it accidentally from a returned Indian soldier. The inquiries which have since been instituted have fully established her marriage with the Indian prince not only according to the rites of the Mussulman but also of the Christian Church, and also have made certain the existence and value of the property she left behind her at her death. FROM BRUSSELS TO P4.RIS IN A DOG PHAETON. The Paris correspondent of the Daily News writes: 1 have met M. Nantet, the Belgian author, who follows the usage of his country in utilising the dog as a draught animal. He has a little phaeton drawn by dogs in which he drives about when at home, and in which he has come from Brussels to Parit. The pair of dogs which drew M. Nantet are of average size and strength, and had a long line of ancestors, who did good work in their time as carriers. When at an inn their master used to unharness them and take them with him into the coffee-room, where they lay down at his feet. He drove all the way, unless when there was a steep hill to climb. He thinks they could have done the journey comfortably in- five days, but as he is as much their friend as their owner he gave them seven. HOW JOCKEYS REDUCE THEIR WEIGHT. What, it may be asked, are the particular dis- advantages against which a jockey has to contend ? One of them the greatest is undoubtedly II wasting," and the others may be safely left for the investigation of the stern moralist who de- lights in the dissection of his kind. "Wasting" is a subject quite big enough for one little essay and one modest pen. It is curious, too, that jockeys are all small men, and yet they never appear to be small enough. The process of attenuation has, therefore, to be got through. It is not a pleasant process; it involves a great deal of hard work and mortification of the flesh it is often colloquially referred to as getting weight off," and specifically it is described by experts as wasting." This is the bane of the jockey's life —the ever-present skeleton at the feast. His occupation gives him a good appetite, but he may not eat-at least, not as much as he wants. He has constantly the muzzle on." How is the pro- cess of wasting begnn ? A good dose of physic is considered an efficacious, if not particularly agreeable, preparative. Then a long walk at a brisk pace, carrying a superabundance of clothing a heavy topcoat in hot weather, worn dnring this exercise, induces considerable perspiration, and thus the object in view is gradually attained. The muzzle, moreover, as previously remarked, must be used with great strictness. Hankering after the flesbpots there may be, but no indulgence must be permitted. The lean of a mutton chop may be consumed sparingly with dry toast, eschewing vegetables, and above all, there must be the greatest care as to liquids. It is astonishing how drink puts weight on. A man "wasting" may have a glagi; of sherry, or a small, very small, cup of tea, but he will do well to avoid beer or stout; and in fact, the less he drinks the better. INTERESTING EXPERIMENTS WITH SALMON. Seven years ago a number of salmon, were shown in a tank during the Exhibition at Tynemoutb Aquarium. After the Exhibition closed they were returned to the set. but before being set at liberty each had a silver ring, recording the sojourn on shore, fixed in the dorsal fin. About a year afterwards one of the fish was caught with a fly tome miles above Hexham. A day or two ago the biggest fish of the lot, which went by the name of Jumbo dnring the exhibition, was caught at Ovingham, and the ring was returned to Inspector Harbotte. It would be interesting to know how many times that ring has been under Tyne Bridge during these seven years. REPORTERS IN AMERICA. No men have such varied experiences as the re- porters upon daily papers. The detertiv s may not even be excepted, for the labours of newspaper reporters not only embrace much of the Hawkshaw character, but cover a much wider field. A little story once published is a propos as showing the estimation in which the reporter is held by the public at large. A reporter was once sent by his editor on an assignment the exact nature of which neither of them knew. Notice had been received at the office that certain parties would like to have a reporter sent to a certain number in a certain street. That was all the information received. The reporter found the house easily enough, and was ushered into the presence of two handsome young ladies. He did not demand at once the reason of his summons; he made himself agree- able, enjoying the novelty of a pleasant chat with two vivacious girls, the pleasure enhanced by beautiful home surroundings and a basket of delicious frnit. An hour passed pleasantly by, but all too quickly for the reporter, who, seeing no indication for a development, felt obliged to ask why he had been sent for, whereupon one of the young ladies laughingly said: "Oh we have no great news to give you, but we have a cousin who is soon going to marry a reporter, and we merely wanted to see what one looked like and how he acted." NO MORE BEARING REINS. On a part of Wimbledon-commoa closely adjacent to Roehampton the other day there, in the presence of a number of ladies and gentlemen interested in the suppression of cruelty to intractable horses, took place a practical exposition of a new de- scription of riding and driving rein, designed by a Mr Serjeant, who has had experience in breaking horses all over the world, and perfected by Dr. Northcott, an English medical gentleman, who was devoted no little of his leisure time to the study of driving horses with safety and without cruelty. Mr Sorjeant had collected a select company of the most arrant equine rogues imaginable, and by these he demonstrated the utility of his invention, which, when it becomes general, should abolish the objectionable bearing rein. By the new arrangement the rein is perman- ently fixed to the tail band, tbenoe it passes through a strong ring attached to the saddle-strap of the bellyband, and through a ring attached to the bit or to the nose-band, an-I so to the hands of the driver, who with a running rein haq complete control over the most furious animals which can be driven with an ordinary snaffle. Mr Serjeant first tried his skill on a thoroughbred chestnut mare, whose kicking propensities have been pronounced incurable by the best known horse- breakers. Driven under the new conditions she became as amenable as a well-trained circus horse. A. black mare, who possesses all the wickedness that a horse can be guilty of, as she is a star- gazer, puller, rearer, jibber, and kicker, being put in a dog cart driven by the inventor attempted all tbe crimes in the equine category of vice, but after nearly half-an-hour's struggle for supremacy became convinced that man is master of the horse, and was perfectly under control. Several other horses of a vicious tendency were driven and ridden in a like manner, including a confirmed bolter and a hot headed hunter, and the success of the experiments were most complete. HER MAJESTY'S PET DOG. The Queen's pet dog is a Yorkshire terrier that weighs 2 lbs. and cost £ 15. She saw the dog a good many times before it was purchased. It was the property of Ravenscroft, of St Martin's Lane, but as other dealers heard that the Queen was look- ing for a pet, they would go to Ravenscroft and say, "I think I have a chance to sell that dog. Lend me him for a few hours." This occurred several times, till application was made to Ravens- croft himself. He, too, brought out the inevitable Yorkshire terrier. Why, I have seen this dog several times before," exclaimed Her Majesty. The reason was explained to her, and she became possessor of the smallest dog in the market.

-=- THE PROGRESS OF MUSIC. Years ago, when most of the present genera- tion were in the nursery, a certain Mons. Jullien came over to this country to improve the music in our great Metropolis. He was a man of undoubted talent, but inasmuch as he adopted an eccentricity of garb, appearance, and manner, he was put down by not a few as a charlatan or buffoon. He certainly re- formed our promenade concerts. He could scarcely claim the honour of inventing them, inasmuch as we had been familiarized with such entertainments at Bath, Ranelagh, and at the old Surrey Gardens. Getting together a good muster of really efficient musicians, he set to work to cater for the public taste, and in the judiciousness of his selections lay the secret of his success. His maxim was if the people can only hear good music they will soon come to appreciate it; and, therefore, from the commencement, he invariably intro- duced at least one gem of classical music into each night's programme. That this little leaven leavened the whole mass soon became apparent, for in an incredibly short period the public came to demand first rate programmes, interspersed with a little light music. The rapidity with which our musical education has been carried on amongst the masses is very apparent by the result of the recent plebiscites held at Her Majesty's Theatre. The public attending the concerts are invited to fill in dur- ing each week a plebiscite programme mention- ing the overture, symphony, operatic selection, and march, that they desire performed on the succeeding Saturday. We have before us the results of the voting for several weeks, and in all cases the selections shew a refinement of taste that would scarcely have been found before the advent of Mons. Jullien. The result of the plebiscite of the week ended Saturday last is interesting. In symphonies the result is very striking. That dear Scotch symphony, that Mendelssohn said only wanted a smack of salt-herring to make perfect, comes in first twice, and second once whilst the Pastoral of Beethoven in once first, and twice second. Not a bad indication of public taste. Oberon carried the day as the overture with 4980 votes. Mendelssohn's was the favourite symphony, 3,689 votes. The Trovatore was first in the selections, and Gounod's March from La Reine de Saba carried the palm as a march. But a curious fact comes to the front owing to these statistics. The public are becoming familiarized with Wagner's music. We do not intend to enter into the vexed question as to his merits as a composer. Not long ago it was said he was not and never would become really popular. Taking three plebiscite papers we find 11 Tannhauser as an overture stands once first, and twice second. As a march it comes in a good second three times running. Wagner, though never com- ing first in the operatic selections, stands well with "Lohengrin" in all plebiscites, and strange to say Tannhauser stands second three times running as a march. Are we becoming Wagnerized, or is England becoming altogether German t

THE CHURCH CONGRESS. THE great annual Church Congress has come and gone, and all those who attended it went away very pleased with the discussions, and with the hospitality which they had received from the good people of Cardiff. The Congress, on the whole, was rather above the average. Very seldom, if ever, has a finer sermon been preached than the ene given by the Bishop of Derry at St. Mary's on the opening day. The Archbishop of Canterbury had a large congregation at St. John's but he is always rather disappointing as a preacher, and the Bishop of Litchfield bad not anything very striking to say to the few who followed him to St. Andrews. The address of the President was good, and he made an excellent chairman. The Welsh Church," Popular amusements in relation to the Christian life Church and State Sunday observance were perhaps the most interesting debates, and Mr J. T. D. Llewelyn, the Bishop of Chester, and Mr E. Terry, met with the heartiest reception. A slight breeze arose when "The Christian Ministry" was under discussion, but this was not to be wondered at, as that stormy petrel the Dean of Peterborough was present. Prebendary Walters earnestly directed the attention of the Congress towards the desirability of teaching the clergy of the future how to speak and teach. And the audience thoroughly went with him. Father Ignatius was rather silly, and the people as often laughed at as with him. A capital paper was read by Dean Owen who is beginning to display the power which until lately was only recognised by a few. He however cannot be called a polished speaker. Bishop Edwards looked well and had some things worth saying to tell the Congress. From North Wales we hear that he does not spare himself, and that it was only a few Sundays ago that he travelled 60 miles and preached twice. This happened on a little surprise tour. The Devotional meeting on Friday was up to a very high mark. There were eight addresses which is too many for one sitting. The papers of Mr Moule, of Mr Welby and of Mr Ridgeway were most gener- ally appreciated. It is impossible to gauge the value of a Congress, but we may well believe that the excellent reports of the meetings by the local press will not be without some influence upon Nonconformists, and that the gathering together of such a large body of Churchmen cannot be without effect upon the country clergy who have gone home feeling that they are units of an ancient, learned, powerful and advancing Church, of which they have no need to be ashamed.

A young man who was about entering society took counsel of an old friend. U What shall I talk about to the young lady I dance with ?" Her beauty." But supposing she hasn't any ? "Then dwell on the exceeding plainness of all the other woman." A plague of monkeys affects Tonjore, in Southern India. The creatures do so much mischief that the local government have appointed an official monkey-catcher. He receives a rupee for each monkey captured, and the Government then bear the expense of feeding and deporting them to uninhabited districts. A most amuaing story is going the rounds con- cerning the general manager of the Great Western Railway. In the days of his youth Mr Lambert occupied the important position of boy assistant to the driver of a Pickford's van. Even now nothing delights him more than watching the delivery vans loading at Paddington, and making sure that all is being properly arranged A little while ago, while engaged in this congenial occu pation, he approached a cart which stood by the side of the road apparently deserted. But as be looked in he found himself confronted by a small boy in Great Western uniform, who greeted him in the following concise language:—" Hi, wot are you a doing of ? There aint notbin' for you to sneak! Scoot! Mr Lambert was so taken aback that he scooted forthwith, but we must add, to bis credit, that the very next week the boy got a two-shilling rise, doubtless as a token of his manager's esteem. CHLORO-LINSKKD Cough Lozenges, post free, 7d. Of Chemists. LTNUU CATHARTICUM PILLS, agreeably aperient, 9id, Is lid., 2s 9d. Of all Chemists. LACTINA" for calves prevents scour, needs no boiling, and costs one-half the price of milk. It is easily digested, and highly relished by the young animal. Apply Lactina & Co., Suffolk House, Canon-street, London, E.C.

__Il1o_ CARMARTHEN DEBATING SOCIETY. The annual meeting of the Carmarthen Debating Society was held in the lower Assembly-room, Carmarthen, on Friday, when some 30 gentlemen were present. Mr W. Morgan Griffiths was voted to the chair. The committee submitted their annual report, which was adopted. The committee detailed the subjects during the session 1888-9, and stated that 35 members spoke at one or more of the debates, and, altogether, 100 speeches were delivered. 226 members were enrolled, and the average attendance at each meeting was about 60. The committee regretted that in consequence of his removal from Carmarthen Mr D. J. Lloyd had been obliged to give up the hon. secretaryship of the Society. The financial statement showed that the balance left from last year amounted to JEIO Is 8d, and the receipts this year came to £ 16 4s 5d; while the disbursements amounted to Z14 15s, leaving a balance in hand of Ll I 1 Is Id. The following officers were unanimously elected for the ensuing year :—President— Viscount Emlyn; vice-presidents-Revs. J. Wyndham Lewis and A. J. Parry Messrs David Williams, B. Spivey, James John, J. N. Richards, Ernest Clarke, Walter Spurrell, E. H. Hensley, Henry Howell, G. Samuel, and Professor Philemon Moore hon. treasurer, Mr D. Lloyd Lewis. Mr B. Spivey moved that the committee be authorised to decide whether a series of debates be held this winter or not, and that they be directed to hold no session unless they are able to make arrangements before- hand for the first six debates. Mr E. H. Hensley seconded, and it was agreed to. The appointment of an hon. secretary was left to the committee, Mr James John under- taking the duties pro tern. Votes of thanks were passed to the late secretary, Mr D. J. Lloyd, for the efficient manner in which he performed the duties ot his office; and to the tradesmen of the town who had kindly displayed the advertisements of the Society in their windows. The proceedings then terminated.

CARMARTHEN COUNTY PETTY SESSIONS. SATURDAY.—Before Messrs G, Philipps and J, Lewis Philipps. NEGLECTING TO ABATE A NUISANCE AT LLANSTEPIIAN. Thomas David Williams, Inspector of Nuisances to the Carmarthen Rural Sanitary Authority, summoned Mary Hall, Ship Inn, Herne Bay, Kent, for neglecting to abate a nuisance by obeying a notice of the Authority, dated August 2nd, 1889." Mr R. Browne appeared for the Sanitary Authority. The complainant stated that before August, 1889, he inspected a cottage in Old-road, Llan- stephan, the property of the defendant, the roof of which was in a dilapidated state, water penetrating through it. The usual notice was sent to defendant, of which she acknowledged the receipt, but nothing had been done in the matter.—Defendant was ordered to comply with the notice of the Sanitary Authority and pay costs, 14s 6d. DISOBEYING ORDER OF MAINTENANCE. Michael Jones, Quarrybach, Llanpumpsaint, was committed for two months for disobeying an order of maintenance made by the bench of 6s a week towards his wife, Anne Jones. STRAYING CATTLE. David Williams, Noethlwyn, Trelech-ar- Bettws, on the charge of P.C. Thomas Jones, for allowing two cows and a heifer to stray on the highway in that parish on the 23rd ult., was fined 6d each animal and 4s 7d costs.

SWANSEA. A Swansea correspondent writes — Sir I John Jones Jenkins, who formerly represented the Carmarthen and Llanelly Boroughs, has accepted an invitation from the Swansea Con- servatives and Liberal Unionists with a view to becoming a candidate for the Swansea town division in opposition to Mr Dillwyn.

LLANSAWEL. THE THANKSGIVING FESTIVAL SERVICES were held at this Church last Monday, when a very large number attended the services. The Rev Mr Jones, vicar of Golden Grove, preached at both afternoon and evening services with very great effect. During the day the choir (under the conductorship of Mr Watkin Davies, Penbeily) rendered very sweetly the anthems 0 give Thanks unto the Lord and Arglwydd ein Iar ni." The Church had been beautifully decorated by Mrs Davies, Froodvale, and others.

ABERYSTWITH. HARVEST HOME.—Thanksgiving services for the harvest were held in Holy Trinity Church last Friday, when the pulpit was occupied by the Revs. Williams, Dolgelly and J. M. Griffiths, Llanfihangel, who delivered able and eloquent discourses appropriate to the occasion to crowded congregations. The sacred edifice was profusely decorated by members of the congregation. PETTY SESSIONS.—At the weekly sitting of the Borough Magistrates on Wednesday, John Hughes, Pendre, Llanbadarn, was fined 2s 6d. including costs for being drunk at Aberystwith on the 2nd inst. Patrick Shannon, Moor Lane, and William Henry Field, Skinner Street, were also fined 2s 6d. each for a like offence. A warrant was ordered to be issued for the appre- hension of Richard Jones, Llangawse, Tailor, for not appearing to a summons charging him with being drunk. Ejectment orders were granted against Charlotte Evans and Mr Richards Port- land Lane, for refusing to surrender tenancy to owner of their respective houses.