The Aberystwith Observer

THE EMPEROR AND THE POPE. PKRHAPS no subject has ever been discussed with more adulation on the one hand, and more asperity on the other than the authority of the Pope. From an early period in the history of the Church the most extravagant pretensions have been raised by the adherents of the Papal see, and the most bitter enmity has for the last three or four centuries been excited against the exercise of those pretensions. We are not now called upon to enter elabo- rately into these antagonistic considerations, but will just say in passing that it has always appeared to us an anomaly, both politically and religiously considered, that the temporal sove- reign of the Papal States should claim spiri- tual authority over the whole Roman Catholic community throughout the world. Spiritual and temporal rule are so necessarily intermixed that the claims of the two are continually clash- ing when they are exercised by different autho- rity. Even in our own free and happy country the occasional interference of the State in what may be called external religious matters, which to some extent is absolutely necessary, is continually calling forth bitter feeling from religious sects; but when this authority is di- o vided, when the people of a country profess civil allegiance to our sovereign at home, and spiritual allegiance to another abroad, this complication is rendered still more anomalous. To what length this divided allegiance has led in past times, let history tell, where we read of Kings holding the stirrups of the Pope's horse, and the Queens doing penance outside the walls of the Papal palace. At the present time the rival claims of Im- perialism and Papacy are making much com- motion in the world. The relations of France and Rome have, for some time, been the ob- ject of frequent discussion. When the French troops lately entered Italy, to defend, as it was said, Italian rights and liberties, the people of the Romagna saw in the French eagles the symbol, of relief from the tyranny of Papal rule in civil matters, which had only been borne quietly because Austria, with her military power, had supported the misgovernment of cardinals and priests. The Romagna once left to itself shook off the Papal yoke. The civil rule of the Pope has, in fact, always been dis- tastefnl to his subjects, founded as it has been uport spies and spiritual detectives. The mas- sacre of Perugia, the French occupation of Rontf, and the threats of force being em- ployed against the Romagna, are convincing proofs of the fact that, as a civil power, the rule of the Pope would everywhere be rejected if the people were left to themselves. The encyclical letter of the Pope, which is an answer to the Imperial pamphlet, seeks indi- rectly to induce foreign governments to take up arms in favour of the Pope. But the days for religious wars have gone by. Religion, in tact- the pure and holy religion which was taught by the grea Founder of our faith—has nothing to do with the matter. The Pope's own subjects in the Romagna, crushed and maddened by bad government, have revolted from the Papal sway, and refuse any fur- ther temporal submission to the chair of St. Peter. The Pope ought to be content to give up his revolted provinces as Austria has given up Lombardy, and as kingdoms have given up w'ovinces from the earliest times. The attitude assumed by the Emperor of the French is most important. He does not im- pugn the spiritual authority of the Roman Pontiff, but he repudiates his rule as a temporal sovereign over any more extended district than' that mapped out in the Imperial pamphlet. Napoleon the third has, in fact, committed himself to a policy which he seems determined to carry out. The^uppression of tne Univers is a proof of this. He will endure no contra- diction which ostensibly emanates from a civil source, but which is known to be inspired by instructions from Rome. The Emperor and the Pope are now in direct antagonism, and the issue of the conflict will every where be watched with the utmost anxiety.

,-THE ENGLISH AND FRENCH PRESS. THE condition of the French press, ever since the present Emperor came to the throne, has been mat- ter of regret in all countries where liberty has found a home, and must, imve been deeply deplored by Frenchmen themselves, of all shades of politics. In glaq<f'g' ni the position of the press across the Channel, jF.- desire to admit all the difficulties and dangers by which the Emperor is surrounded. We speak more in sorrow than in anger. The official journal, the Moniteur, lately said "Several n-n.syaperit havi alluded to a decree, which it was supposed woulit KKiify. the ltrns of Die press. This news is with- out any fouudaiio'n. In France the press is free to discuss all the acts of Qomrnntent, .d by so doing enlighten the public niirid. The Government of the Emperor will not de- viate from the established astern which in allowing a field suf- ficiently large fur discussioii, controversy and analvsis, prevents" on the other hand, the disastrous effects of falsehood, calumnv' au4«jrror." •I Now, this statement, officially made, is a candid expression of the Emperor's determination that the fetters which bind the press of France shall bind them as long as lie can maintain the power over it The declaration is at least bold and honest, if it be not wise. And what is the condition which the Emperor wills shall.be the normal condition of the press? It is that. mere skeletons of news shall be given, principally relating to foreign countries, and that the newspapers shall be filled with tales, dis- quisitions on art and science, and tame extracts from the English, Belgian, and A tIIerican press. Political discussion is banned from the domain of French journalism. It may be all very well for the Imperial scribe to say that the press is free to discuss all the -sets of the Government," but we know too well wherein this serious freedom consists. If a French journal presume to call in question the acts of the Government, it receives what is called an avertisse- ynent or warning; if he offend again another warn- ing is sometimes given, but we believe not always and a third offence is visiied by suspension. The French press is continually under the eyes of the offi- cial censor, Not a single article in Hny uft.he French papers goes unnbticed, and the greater the abi- lities of the conductors I he sharper are the suspicions of the censor. The consequence is natural. Many journals give up the discussion of political topics en- tirely, and others so tone down their statements that the reader can scarcely tell what the views of his fa- vourite journal are. France is, in fact, a country with an emasculated press, and the country is in this respect at least treated as a nation of children. We cannot but regard the official declaration that this state of things is to continue as a confession of fear and of weakness or the part of the Government. The allowance of discussion, controversy, and ana- lysis; and the foreboding of" falsehond, calumny, and error" is of course mere moonshine. We know what it means. It signifies that only those state- IJM nts and comments may be made which are friendly to the Imperial rule, and that anything which is likely to be inimical to Imperialism is falsehood, calumny, and error." The fact appears to he that full and free" discussion" is really as much dreaded as" calumny." The candid opinion of the French people is hereby assumed to be op- posed to the rule of the Emperor. He would seem to fear the light while professing merely to avert the disastrous effects of falsehood. The Moniteur, in fact—a) most in so many words—avows that dis- cussion and analysis would tell against the Emperor. If this be not a confession of weakness, we know not what is. It is a sad spectacle to see a great and noble na- tion thus lying bound with official fetters. Huma- nity can gain nothing by it. The real opinion of the country cannot indeed be thus bound. Men will think if they cannot speak and write, and the opin- ion thus repressed will perhaps, some day, make it- self heard in a very disagreeable way. If this repression of opinion is necessary in France, she is much to be pitied, and if it be not necessary, she is not the less an object of compassion. We be- lieve, however, that the freshly imposed burdens are not necessary and that the Emperor would find his accounts, in gradually relaxing the bonds which have crippled the energies and repressed the aspiration of France. An undue licence of the press, a restless, destructive agitation, ought not to be allowed in France, but laws might counteract these without sa- crificing Liberty herself. Our own press forms an admirable contrast to the fettered press of our neighbours. For two centuries a press has grown up with our liberties, and now, when its power is greater than ever it was before, its )' liberty is at a higher point than has ever before been reached, but this liberty is not misused. Liberty is not used as an occasion for licentiousness. Our press is the admiration of the world. Some year or two ago, we had much of a "ribald press," which was anticipated as the result of the repeal of the compulsory stamp. We now hear no more of this. Our cheap papers are good papers, carrying intel- ligence into many a home before unreached by the newspaper press, and diffusing happiness wherever its light falls. Pity that the Emperor of the French will not learn a lesson from us. While he allows li- berty, he might still repress anarchy. A Inoderate relaxation ot the rigorous laws affecting the French press would add thousands to his adherents.

NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS. Communications, to obtain either insertion or notice, must bc authenticated by the name a/td od- dress of the writer. The name being required os a guarantee of good faith only, it will not, under any circumstaees whotevz:\ be (i.llov;ed to transpire without the consent of the party sending the com- munication. We are not responsible for the opinions expressed by correspondents.

Elortti inform anon. ABERYSTWITH VOLUNTEER RIFLE CORPS. On Tuesday last, as it was |nown that the newly en- rolled Volunteer Corps |would appear before the Mayor and take the u&ualjbath of allegiance, consider- able interest was excitedjfoefore the appointed hour the Assembly Rooms, lie new Clock Tower, and the Town Hall were de rated with flags and ban- ners. Soon after 11 ek the corps formed at the Assembly Rooms, to tile number of about 40, and marched through the streets, preceded by the honorary members to the Town Hall, where they were received by his worship the Mayor, Robert Ed- ward, Esq., who wa supported by George Fossett, Esq., Thomas Jones,jEsq., Dr. Edwards, Col. Abbott, Alderman Roberts, c. Whereupon T. O. Morgan, Esq., addressed the mayor and said As Her Ma- jesty has been graciously pleased to accept the ser- vices of the Aberystwith Corps of Volunteer Rifle- men, and they are now enrolled according to law, we, the members of the corps, come before your Worship under the sanction of the Volunteer Act 44 Geo. Ill, c. 64, s. 20, which directs that every person who shall be enrolled in any corps shall take the oath of alle- giance to Her Majesty and in accordance with that provision we tender our willing and ready allegiance to our beloved Sovereign, whom we are willing and ready to defend against all comers that may dispute her title and authority within these her realms to the utmost of our ability and strength. The men of Ge- neu'rglyn have always been foremost in our history to defend their country and their rights and we hope we shall prove no degenerate descendants of those ancient Welsh warriors." The oaths were then administered to W. E. Richardes,Esq., of Bryneithin, the commandant, and the other members present, in all 39, by F. R. Roberts, Esq., the Clerk of Lieu- tenancy, when his worship the mayor said :—"Gentle- men, allow me, to state at the close of the meeting, ) knowing- you all personally as I do, that your devo- tion and loyalty to Her Most Gracious Majesty is well known. But after taking the solemn oath, which the respected Clerk to the Lieutenancy read to you, as preliminary to your enrolment as a,.V olunteer Rifle Corps, I consider your allegiance is, to a certain extent, more binding; aiM. I am satisfied that, should circumstances arise which would require your active service for the protection and integrity of our coun- try, that a more gall, nt or a braver body of men will not be found to perform the duties required. Permit me now to ask you to join me in giving three ihearty cheers for our beloved Queen." The Rev. i Mr. Saunders, Independent Minister, then addressed the corps in an earnest appeal to their patriotism and good teeling. Thomas Jones, Esq., read a communi- canon from E. L. Bryse, Esq., M.P., Lord Lieu- ten ant, regretting his unavoidable absence. he whole corps having been sworn, and a vote of thanks given to the mayor, re-formed and marched byway of the Ma- rine Terrace to the Assembly Rooms, where they broke j up, with the understanding that the first drill would take place on Friday evening. We may add that the corps" seemed likely. to keep up the credit of the town in loyalty, and from the frequent exprssion of good feeling towards the movement which has reached us, we have no doubt a large number of new members will be shortly added. Indeed, since the foregoing was in type, several gentlemen have sent in their names for election. On Thursday afternoon and Friday morning- a member of the firm of Wall & Co., of Welshpool, attended for the purpose of measuring the members; and we trust soon to see them in uniform. It is in contemplation to establish a drum and fife band in connection with the corps. GOGISAN. — SERIOUS ACCIDENTS. — On Tuesday last, at Goginan, near this town, a miner, named John Breese, while working under ground, received a com- pound fracture of the leg, by a portion of the side falling upon him, whereby he was very severely squeezed. Dr. E. Rowlands was prompt in his atten- dance upon him, and reduced the fracture imme- diately. He was afterwards removed to his house by the men, and is now doing well. A very alarmino- accident occurred also on Thursday last, to another man, named Robert Oweu, at the Clara Mine, under Capt. S. Trevethan. He was engaged oilino- the crusher bearings while working, and the crank by some means or other, caught his arm and drew it be- neath it and the pedestal, thereby severely injuring the right arm in several places, particularly the elbow joint, which was quite visible also his side and un- der the arm-pit were very much bruised. It took four hours to extricate him from the perilous position in which he was found. Dr. Row-lands, happening to be at Gogerddan, was sent for, and arrived in about half an hour after the sufferer was released, and paid him his best attention. ASSEMBLY ROOMS.—The second Hunt and Race Ball took place at the Assembly Rooms, on Friday evening, the 27th ult., which, as that on Tuesday, was attended by the elite of the town and neighbour- hood. Dancing commenced at 10 o'clock, and was kept up with much spirit till an early hour. Among those present we noticed the following: William Chambers, Esq., Hafod; Capt. Vaughan, Brynog, (Stewardsi) Capt. Pryse, M.P., Lord Lieutenant of the County; Pryse Loveden, Esq., and Mrs. Love- den, Gogerddan Lady Lucy Vaughan Hon. Capt. Vaughan, Mabus; Hon. George Vaughan; Mr. Edmund Vaughan Sir Godfrey Thomas Mr. Saun- ders Davies, Pentre; T. D. Lloyd, Esq., and Mrs. Lloyd, Bronwydd; Mr. Geogre G. Williams, and Mr. Isaac Williams, Cwmcynfelin; The Misses Wil- liams, ditto; Col. and Mrs. Lewis; The Misses Lewis; Lord and Lady Vaaghan, Birchgrove; Mrs. Cham- bers, and The Misses Chambers; Mr. John Cham- bers Baron De Rttfzen Major Gore; Mrs. and Miss Seymour Davies s, Hon. E. J. Chatwind John Inglis Jones, Esq., Debrry Ormond Capt. and Mrs. Durham Mr. and Mrs^JBiddulph Miss Whittaker; Capt. Palmer; Mr. Vaughan Davies, Tanyhwlch; Mrs. Crealock; Mr. and Miss Lewis; Miss Wedge- wood; Mr., Mrs., and the Misses Dobson; Capt. and Miss Brenchley; MEr. Hamond Brenchley; Capt. Trevor; Capt. Richardes; Mr. Richardes; Miss Greeseley; Mrs. and Miss Davies; Mr. Lewis Stephens; Mr. and Mrs. Tyler; MissBowcott; The Misses Williams; Mr., Mrs., and Miss Davies. Ynys- hir; Mr. and Mrs. F. Philipps; Mrs. and Miss Clerk; Joseph Downie, Esq.; Mr. and Mrs. Bon- sall, Fronfraith; Mr. Jeffreys, Dovey Castle; Miss Longcroft; Mr. Corbett; Mrs. and the Misses Da- vies, Ffosrhydgaled Mrs. Holmes; Miss Ogle; Mr. and Miss Lloyd; Mr. and Mrs. Edmund Lloyd; The Misses Davies, Antaron Capt. Richardes, 63rd Bengal N. I.; Mr. Drew Mrs. and Miss Hughes, Pier Street; Mr. and MissAtwood; Mr. and Mrs. Paul; Mr. V. Roberts; Mrs. Charles Parry; Mr. and Mrs. Spooner; Mr. Leon,&c.,&c. TRE'RDDOL PETTY SESSIONS -On Thursday last, before G. G. Williams, Esq., Cwmcynfelin.— Game Case.-Pryse Loveden, Esq., charged one Richard Morris, of Cwmyglo, labourer, with trespassing in pursuit of game on his property, on the 16th of De- cember last. This was an adjourned case, a report of which appeared in a former number of the OB- SERVER. Mr. David Kinsey, gamekeeper, having proved the offence, the defendant was fined £ 1, and os. costs, or in default to be imprisoned for 2 months. TREGARON PETTY SESSIONS.—On Tuesday last, before the Rev. John Hughes, Vicar, and John E. Rogers, Esq., Abermeurig. John Saunders, of Penydarren End, Merthyr Tydfil, was charged, at the instance of one Mary Thomas, with having dis- obeyed an order of affiliation. Defendant pleaded inability to pay, and that he had been unwell and not able to work for many months past. Ordered to pay in a month, otherwise to be imprisoned for 6 weeks at Cardigan. Holloway's Ointment, and Pills.-Neuralgia and Rheumatism—No diseases are more frequent, pain- ful, or difficult to cure than these from their attacks no tissue in the human body is exempt, ho age, sex, P- or calling secure. They compel the gentleman to y I foreyo his amusements, the merchant his business, and force the woman to neglect her social dnties. It is a blessing which scarcely dare be told for fear ot being taxed with partiality or exaggeration, that. all these sufferings may be completely and expedi- tiously subdued by Holloway's Ointment and Pills, which for the last quarter of a century have been found invariably to cure these maladies.

SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE. ARRIVED. Adelaide, Simon, Cardiff, coals; Plynlymon. (ss.) Dempsey, Bristol, sundries; Elizabeth, Jones, tim- ber; Jane, Evans, sea, for shelter, wind bound; Plynlymon, (ss.) Dempsey, Liverpool and Port- madoc, sundries; Jane Williams, Williams, Barrow, iron ore, wind bound; Plynlymon, (ss.) Dempsey, Bristol, sundries. SAILED. Plynlymon, (ss.) Dempsey, Bristol, lead ore; Plynlymon, (ss.) Dempsey, Liverpool, lead ore, &c. 10

ABERYSTWITH MARKET PRICES, Monday last. CORN. Wheat per bushel, 5s. 6d. to 6s. J Barley „ 3s. 6d. to 4s Od. Oats „ 2s. 9d. to 3s. Od. BUTCHERS' MEAT. Beef per lb., Tjd. to 8d. Mutton ,,8d. j Pork „ 6d. to 6Jd. 2 Fowl per couple, 2s. 6d.

THE SISTERS' LOVE. WHY is thine heart so sad, my sister dear ? What means that heaving sigh and falling tear ? Why speakest thou with such a trembling voice ? Canst not thou in one single thing rejoice ? I only ask thee, dearest, answer why. What means that shining dew-drop in thine eye ? Dost thou lament thy gentle sister lost Or mourn thy brother on the ocean tost ? Is thy young heart in sorrow wandering there ? Or is it musing on some distant shore ? Perhaps a friend, whom thou didst dearly love, Is taken from this earth to realms above. If this is why thou griev'st, I'll share with you, I'll shed a tear, I'll be a mourner too. But perhaps thy spirit, in its darkest gloom, Is thinking of the shadows of the tomb. Or perhaps some secret sin hath grieved thy God, And He is chastening, by His gentle rod. My sister, say what makes thy tears to flow. II hy is thy spirit thus so dark and low ? "The opening lustre, and declining night," Do not these beauties entertain thy sight ? Dost not thou love to view the clear blue sky ? Canst not thou see the lark hath soared on high ? Dost not thou love to hear the rippling stream ? And is thy spirit sad in such a scene ? "Behold the sun a golden splendour wears, That silver moon, and all those sparkling stars." Dost not thou know That in the world above There reigns a King, whose bosom swells with love? Then now again I nsk thee, sister dear What means that heaving sigh and falling tear ? Why speakest thou with such a trembling voice ? Cans hou not in one single thing rejoice ? I only ask thee, dearest sister, why? A 7 means shining dew-drop in thine eye ? Cottage, Lisburne Mines. MOUNTAIN MAID.

iSirtl). On the 3rd inst., the .wife of Mr. G. T. Smith, of the White Horse Ipir,'of this town, of a daughter. Vantages. On the 27th uit., at Henfjrnyw, by the Rev. Henry Morgan, Evan Evanp^Esq., Lleithliw, near Aberayron, to Anne, secpiro daughter of Mr. Edwards, Ty,tiyberllai)/'fiear Llanilar. On the 28th ult.at Llanbadarn-fawr, by the Rev. John Puuhj^fr. Thomas Morris, to Mrs. Anne Thomas, L.ittte.-Dark-gate Street, in this town. States. On the 1st inst., aged 84 years, Elizabeth, wife of Lewis Edwards,Weaver,Lianbadarn, near this town. On the 3rd inst., in the 87th year of her age, Mrs. Mary Rees, mother of Mrs. Charles Williams, of the Blue Bell, in this town.