The Carmarthen Journal and South Wales Weekly Advertiser

__L_ 46 G E AN I NGS. IS DEATH PAINFUL? I am often asked if death is painful, but as no one has ever returned to life to give his expe- rience, this must for ever be an open question. Much, of course, depends on the cause and manner of death. Drowning is said to be the pleasantest of all forms of death. Those who have nearly met with a watery grave say that a aense of peace and rest takes possession of a man when all hope of being saved is gone. A calm resignation, an almost happy content, fills his soul. Sweet music sounds in his ears, and bright sunlight visions flit before his eyes. Scenes of his early life rise before his mind, and with a feeling of pleasant recollection, he sees re-enacted events which had long since faded from his memory. There is no fear of the rapidly-approach- iug end. The first agonies of suffocation and struggling have passed away all in repose and placid enjoyment. By degrees unconsciousness steals over him it creeps on gradually like a well-earned sleep. The tuneful strains grow. less and less distinct, the brilliant sights became fainter and fainter, the memory-pictures slowly die away, until all is lost in forgetful oblivion. Throughout all these last phases there is no consciousness of the immediate surroundings, although the mind is more energetic and more active than ever it was formerly. It is occupied, not with dread forebodings of any impending crisis, but with a satisfaction in dwelling on "sweet dreamland faces passing to and fro." Those who have had very severe falls from great heights describe almost identical sensations to those who have been nearly drowned. In both instances all that is felt cannot occupy more than a few seconds of time, yet to the persons it seems a long, long period. One can almost fancy that they must have had an insight into that state (t where time is not, and space unknown." Pro- bably the most dreadful pain immediately preceding any form of decease is the contortion or cramping of every muscle in the human frame consequent on the taking of some forms of poison, notably strychnine. Toes, feet, calves, thighs, sides, arms, neck, jaw, and tongue are all seized with excruciating agony. They become rigid and useless, until finally the culminating throes are reached when the heart is affected. Life is extinguished most instantaneously with the derangement of this most important organ. The majority of diseases which either directly or indirectly affect the mainspring of a man's mechanism are accompanied by very great pain, as, for example, rheumatic fever or any other organic complaint of the heart. Slow, wasting illnesses, such as consumption, have periods which call up all a man's courage and endurance to enable him to bear them patiently. Fevers, too, especially in the last stages, are very trying to the infflicted ones. Few ways of dyiii-, etti be much worse than lingel ing on for some days in a condition of consciousness after a bad accident, and then passing away from sheer incapability to support the awful suffering. Often the sights we have to witness in hospitals of mangled humanity make us almost faint, after long years of lunleilil1 to it. idea of what a person underwent when dying may be gathered from the expression on the countenance of the corpse, although it cannot always be taken as a sure guidance from the fact that the features usually relax, and assume a contented air when life passes out of the body. Hence, too much faith may easily be pinned upon the fact that after death a dear friend wore a h ippy expression. We may, however, be pretty sure that when the features do not thus relax, the moment of death must have been very painful, as in shooting cases. Victims of the knife, on the other hand, usually have a pleasant smile when the soul has shuffled off its mortal coil, except when the fatal wound has been inflicted by a bayonet, when they bear the same agonised appearance as if they had been shot. HOW SOME SOLDIERS HAVE FORETOLD THEIR DEATHS. One often hears of people who have presenti- ments, and even forebodings, which come to nothing but there are also many instances of their being fulfilled. Whilst serving in the Army I came across three cases where men were fore- warned of their death on the eve of an engage- ment. I remember during the Egyptian campaign of 1882 we were in camp at Kassasin on the evening before the second battle at that place. I went down to the canal to fill my water- bottle, and was just about to return when I saw a comrade bent on a similar errand. "Wait for me a minute," he said, and we can walk back to the lines together." I readily assented, and climbed to the top of the bank, where 1 sat down t I await his return. After a few minutes, as he did not rejoin me, I shouted out to him, but receiving no answer I went to where I had left him, and found him standing staring into the water. "What's the matter?" I said. You look as if you had seen a ghost." But he still stood looking with a fixed gaze. I caught hold of his arm and twisted him round,3 saying What s up, old fellow ?" Tnis seemed to brin" him to himself. For a minute he stood silent then said, "Do you think there will be an engagement to-morrow ?" Xo, I should say not; I don't think they will attack us again in this placa." Well, I don't know. I was just tilling my water-bottle, when I had a presentiment that I would never require it, as I should get bowled over in the morning." "Nonsenseo;" I said, you've got a touch of the sun. Come In along back to the lines." "No," he answered. I'm in my right senses. But it was all so real I know it will come true. Leave me for a bit, old fellow I must make the best use of the little time I have left to prepare for the next world." I saw he wished to be alone, so I went up the bank again and wdited for him. In about half an hour he joined me, appearing somewhat melancholy, but resigned. I tried to cheer him up, but it was of no use, and when we parted at his tent he shook my hand warmly and gave me some messages to take to his friends. Early next morning we were attacked by Arabi's troops, and he was struck down by a bullet just as he was mounting his horse. Less than two years after this I was up in the Eastern Soudan with the force under General Graham We were camped at a place called Trinkatat. It was the night before the battle of El Teb, and we were bivouacking round a place called Baker's Fort. I was on guard over the horse-lines, and about eleven o clock, whilst I was walking ronnd, one of the sentries stopped me and said "Corporal I want to spak to yoti for a minute." "WeU what is I've been thinking—in fact, I am perfectly certain, that I'll get killed to-morrow," he said; "and I waut to know if you'll see that this is sent to my mother "-at the same time handing me five sovereigns. I saw that he must be thoroughly in earnest or he would not have parted with his money. I tried to cheer him but as lie pressed me to take the money I did so, saying t 0U II come to me to-morrow Ili"ht and ask for it back." "No," he said, f m certain, sure I'll get killed." Next day the battle of El Teb was fought, and this poor youii,, fellow was killed in the charge made by the Hussars. The third case I remember happened during the Nile expedition. We had a certain sergeant who was renowned for his daring, and who, during two campaigns, had greatly I distinguished himself. The night before the battle of Abu Klea we spent a most uncomfort- able night, being harassed by the enemy's tire. I It was determined to breakfast before making an attack, and whilst we were waiting for the co ki to make the coffee there was a slight cessation of j the firing. I was sitting on the sand next to the sergeant, who seemed very much depressed I asked him what waa the matter, and he replied Why, I feel convinced that directly I move from here I shall get shot," "Nonsense;" I aaid. "Come and have some coffee. That will put you all right. I went across to the cook and returned with a mess-tin full. Here you are, drink this, it will unve the blues away Well," he answered, I can't sit here all day I may «s well get killed first as last." tib ro8u t<; his feet, and I handed hi.n the mess-tin, which he raised t" his mouth. At the same instant the Arab skirmishers recommenced firing, and one of the first bullets found its billet in my comrade's head and he fell dead at my feet. TRUE MODESTY. A West End hosier advertises suits of Pyjamas in his window as the latest styles in slumber- wear — All hail, 0 hosier; deem me not absurd That I should thank thee for so apt a word. 'Tis thus that Modesty our language trims Where men say 'legs she softly whispers limbs.' And, while they fume and rage in angry pother, Stills the big D and substitutes a bother.' Speaks not of trousers'—that were sin and shame Continuations' is the gentler name. Turps 'shirts' to 'shifts,' and, blushing like the rose, Converts the lowly stocking into hose,' Thus thou, my hosier, profferest me a pair. Of these, the latest style of slumber-wear." THE DUKE, TOMMY ATKINS, AND THE PUBLICANS. The following circular letter has just been pub- lished from the Horse Guards to general officers commanding military districts :—"Several instances having been brought to the notice of the Commander-in-Chief, in which publicans have declined to serve soldiers in uniform with refresh- ments, I am desired to request that should any authenticated case come under your observation as having occurred within the district under your command you will be good enough to report the details thereof for the information of his Royal Highness with the object of represention being made in a proper quarter to prevent the renewal of the publican's licence. Signed, Charles T. Clarke, Deputy Adjutant-General THE VOGDOU DANCE. A New Orleans travelling man had occasion to take a trip along the Gulf Coast a short time ag", and hearing that a voudoo dance was going to take place a few miles from the little village at which he had stopped, he determined to see it. Securing a guide, he made off through the swamp, and a little after dark the beating of drums and the light of torches warned him that he was near- ing the place where the dance was in progress. The guide told him there was nothing to fear if they approached gradually that the negroes would make no opposition; and so, little by little, they drew nearer until they were within the crowd. The dance was at its height and the negroes seemed wild with excitement. In the centre of the ring, which was lit up by the fit- ful glare of a half-dozen torches stuck on poles, a naked woman danced, swinging arms, legs, feet, and body in a grotesque fashion, and now and then uttering unintelligible sounds. A half- dozen men beat upon rudely fashioned drums. The rest of the crowd muttered to themselves, their bodies swinging from side to side as if under some spell. At intervals they would utter screams as if in great terror. All the timethe naked woman danced in a perfect frenzy. Foam foil from her month, flecked her dark skin, and at as if overcome, she fell to the floor and lay like one dead. A hideous-looking old hag, bent with age, came creeping from the throng, and began a sort of incantation over the body, at the same time pouring in the woman's face some liquid from a cup she held in her hand. The old crone, bent double as she was, hobbled around the woman while the drums beat again, after which the body, stiff and rigid, was carried out by four men. Immediately the drums began to beat and the negroes to chant as if waiting for 1 1!3 someone. This continued for probably ten minutes, the excitement getting higher and higher. At length a shout was heard from the swamp, and a few nnments later a negro girl, apparently about nineteen years old, danced into the ring. She was stripped, with the exception of a bright cloth which was tied about her waist and reached half-way to her knees. She danced about the circle, uttering screams and shouts and moans. When the frenzy was at its height, the old hag appeared again, and this time she had a live chicken in each hand. The minute she was in the ring the crowd made for her, grabbing the chickens, tearing them to pieces, and fighting each other like demons. They ate the bloody morsels with seeming relish, and when the scramble was over there wasn't a vestige of the fowls left except a few feathers scattered over the ground. All this time the negro girl was dancing as violently as ever. It would have been impossible £"1' one not under some powerful spell to have endured so much. And then again the old crone entered the circle with a gourd in her hand. She offered it to the dancer, but the girl did not appear to notice it, and then she went around the circle offeing it to each one. All took a sip of it, and as she approached the travelling man he started back away, but the guide cautioned him to remain quiet. Until then the two white men had passed unnoticed, but now the eyes of all the negroes were upon them. Drink, drink," said the guide, and his compan- ion took a swallow of the stuff, which had a strong punent taste. His guide did likewise, and then, seeing that the negroes were becoming excited by their presence, they withdrew, followed by threatening words and gestures. TO PUMP OUT THE ZUYDER ZEE. The Government of Holland has for a long time past had under consideration a project for draining the vast lagoon known as the Zuyder Zee. This sheet of water is almost useless for purposes of navigation, and large vessels can only find their way to Amsterdam by means of the North Sea Canal. As agricultural land, however, it would be exceedingly valuable, since it is estimated that more than two-thirds of it is very fertile. Zuyder Zee was formerly a lake, but in the twelfth and thirteenth'centuries it was united to the North Sea by inundation. A commission was appointed some time ago to examine into the question of draining this territory, which has a superficial area of 700 square niiles. A report on this subject has now been issued it proposes to close the Zuyder Zee by means of a dam that shall be constructed from the main land, on either side of the island of Wieringen. The water thus cut off from the sea would be divided into four parts, in each of which the work of draining would be carried out successfully. The cost of constructing the dam is estimated at £ 3,675,000, and the draining would involve an i expenditure of E13,000,000. Such a large sum would naturally be spread over a number of years, and the time which would occupy is put down at thixty-tnvo years. "THE AWFUL NEWS." "Strikes may flourish, bombs may shower Thrones may totter, empires crash Gladstone may return to power, Panics ruin, Rothschilds smash. Trifles these They could not harm me Calmly should I face the storm But the thing that does alarm me Is this awful news of Orme WHAT THE <C)UEEN HAS PAID FOR TRIPLETS. Twice every week, upon an average, her Majesty the Queen receives a pathetic appeal for her Royal bounty to help out of their diffi- culties parents who find their little families increased suddenly by three. It seems to be commonly assumed that the giving of the three guineas is one of the recog- nised functions of the Sovereign — a fitting reward to those who thus make additions- to the subjects of the monarch oil so important a scale. ihe practice of sending a gratuity might not unreasonably perhaps be supposed to have origi- nated 111 times when population was sparse, and wnen he best served his country who gave his country soiis-ot- daughters. Such, however, is not the case. The practice was originated soon after the Queen's accesaicn, and the first gift of the kind was prompted solely by the young Queen's compassion for a poor family overtaken by a difficulty for which they could not have been prepared. This simple act of kindness has involved her Majesty in an expen- diture of about £ 300 a year almost ever since she began to reign, so that altogether the Queen has paid for the triplets of her subjects some- where about £ 17,000. THE PROPOSED RAILWAY FROM ST. CLEARS TO PENDINE. A few weeks ago we announced that a scheme was being furthered to construct a railway from St. Clears to Pendine, a distance of about ten miles. The only mode at present of conveying visitors to Laugharne and Pendine is by brakes. Of late years the number of visitors to Pendine —a charming village on the Carmarthenshire coast-has greatly increased, and it is generally felt that the construction of a railway would in a very few years transform it into a favourite watering-place. A similar scheme was proposed about 27 years ago, and its promoters secured the necessary Parliamentary powers, but owing to the lack of interest and support by the landed proprietors, it was allowed to fall through. A supreme effort is, however, being made to carry the present proposal to a successful issue, and the efforts of Mr Lewis (formerly a station- master at St. Clears) in furthering the scheme are being well supported. A public meeting was held at the Town Hall, Laugharne, on Friday, to further the project, when Mr Hughes-Garbett, Island House, presided, and there were also present Mr Lloyd, U. W.R. Engineer, Neath; Mr Milne, secretary to Colonel O'Kell Mr Partridge, of Brook, agent to Mr Morgan Jones, Llamniloe Rev Dr. Gwynne Jones Mr H Muscott, Laugharne Mr J. Muscott, Clynder- wen Mr J. Lewis, Station House, St. Clears Mr Lewis, Llansadurnen; the Portreeve of Laugharne. and several tradesmen and farmers from the town and neighbourhood.—The Chair- man, having explained the objects of the meet- ing, said that he had called at the office of Sir Arthur Stepney, and was told that Sir Arthur was abroad, and his agents said they were not prepared to express any opinion on the scheme one way or the other. A letter to that effect had been received from Sir Arthur. The Chairman went on to read letters from various landed proprietors of the neighbourhood. Sir Charles Philipps, Bart., wrote that he did not feel at present in a position to express an opinion. Capt O'Kell wrote stating that he was repre- sented by his secretary. Mr Broad wood wrote I shall be most happy to do all I can to get a railway there." Sir Marteine Lloyd, Bart., hoped the scheme would meet with the approval of the landowners, and another letter expressed his warm approval of the scheme, and said he would be pleased to meet the company on the most liberal terms. Mr Morgan Jones wrote approving ot the scheme, while Mr Gwilym Evans also wrote wishing it every success.—Mr Lewis, the late station-master at St. Clears, said that in 1807 an attempt was made to construct a railway to Laugharne, but as they all were aware, the scheme fell through. If it was desirable twenty-seven years ago to erect a railway surely it was far more desirable now. If a railway was built to Pendine it would pay as well as any railway in the Kingdom (hear, hear). The outlay would not be very great and the working expenses, if incurred economically, would be light. At lower St. Clears there were brickworks, and he had been given to under- stand that if railway accomodation were provided, they could compete with Bridgewater in the pipe and brick trade. The carriage on manu- factured goods killed the local trade 0 The traffic from Laugharne would be of a mixed character the fish traffic would be very considerable. At the present time the cockle trade amounted to four tons a week. Then they knew the beauties of the district and they were acquainted with the success that had attended the place since the line of 'buses were started four years ago. He asked them to form a committee, so that they might consider the proposal and he had no doubt the railway would pay if a little energy were thrown into it. At Coigan there was the best time in the principality. In the summer they turned out 100 tons a day -that, if carried at one shilling a ton would bring in £5 a day to the company, but, of course, the trade would be more than that. He was told there was also an abundance of coal in the district. --The chairman said that the coal veins which ran under Car- marthen Bay and came out at Amrotli were too far to the south of Laugharne to be of any benefit to that place.—Mr Lewis went on to say that at Pendine there was a large amount of black marble which might be profitably worked, whilst Pendine itaelf was in its climate a second Mtntune (hear, hear) -M:r Lloyd, Neath, said the G. W. R. Company was not prepared to join in their scheme unless it was clearly proved that a remunerative traffic could be obtained from the neighbourhood. Subsequently he observed it would be of very little use for any committee to approach the G. W.R. Company, or their friend, the L. & N.W. R. Company, without their being prepared to produce statistics to that effect. To say that Pendine was a second Men- tone would not even catch the ear of the chair- man.—Mr Partridge, speaking on behalf of Mr Morgan Jones, said that that gentleman was not prepared to do anything at present, but would be willing to meet the company on most liberal terms.—In the course of the disoussion it was pointed out what progress Pendine and Laugharne had made since the establishment of a line of 'buses, and it was mentined that on cer- tain days last summer there were as many as 2,000 visitors at Pendine. The belief was expressed that a line would develop the neigh- bourhood, but Mr Lewis said they could not start a line locally they must have the support of one or other of the great railway companies. He He expressed the preference to constructing the line through the parish of Llanddowror rather than along the banks of the Tave. A complaint was made that the price of land for building pur- poses at Pendine was prohibitive, Sir Arthur Stepney charging as much as zE30 an acre-Mr T. David, Laugharne, said that as the owner of property at Pendine he would be willing to take a very active part in the project, and he moved that a committee be appointed to wait upon the London and North Western Railway Company, and also the Great Western Railway Company, for the purpose of asking them to give assistance in furthering the sctTtsme. —Mr Raymond, of Honeycorse, seconded —The motion was agreed to, and the following were appointeda committee: —Mr Hughes-Gaibett, Mr Morgan Jones, Mr Lewis (St. Clears), Mr Morgan (Pendine), Dr. Jones. Mr H Muscott, Mr Broad wood, the chair- man of the town trust of St. Clears, the portreeve and aldermen of Laugharne, the representatives of Sir Marteine Lloyd, Sir Charles Philipps, Sir Arthur Stepney, and the representatives on the county council of the Laugharne and St. Clear's districts. — Yotes of thanks concluded the meeting.