The Aberystwith Observer

THE ARMY, THE VOLUNTEERS, AND THE PEOPLE. IF the history of any civilised nation be car- ried back far enough, we shall find that there was on the one hand an aristocracy of officers, and on the other a body of serfs. The relative position of the two parties was this, whatever their designation. Princes and bishops, barons and nobles were the governing classes; the people were an army of such and such a force, who were led to rude warfare at the beck and J call of We may ser- not only the jrqeeg of this mm- 1 tary antagonism of class in modern society, but the aristocratic principle of government has continued to be an essential part of the system. Let auy one glance at the history of the wars of Europe during the last century, and they cannot fail to be struck with the aristocratic rank of the generals, commanders, and officers (qnite irrespective in many cases of their mere military rank), and with the undistinguished level of the mass of the army. Soldiers as a rule have always been drawn from the poorest ranks of society. So far as the machinery of the army has been concerned, they have, in fact, lost their individuality in the mass. It has been the fashion extravagantly to praise the Duke of Wellington. As a soldier, a general, and a statesman, we say not a word against him; but our thoughts naturally revert to him when the army is under consideration. Nor is it without purpose that allusion is made to this great general, for we regard him as, we trust, the last powerful exponent of the predo- minance of the aristocratic element in our army. The Duke of Wellington was essentially a great drill-master. He was what may be called an intense soldier. He looked upon mankind from a military point of view. lie re- garded the people of the several countries of I Europe as a body, so many strong, to be kept! in order by such and such regulations, all more or less conceived in the military spirit. To the mass of the army he was severely just, but his mode of treating men was not that of the phi- lanthropist. He was no admirer of soldiers' libraries or of lectures in the barrack room, nor would he have approved of many of those ameliorations of the soldier's position which have taken place of late years. To the Duke of Cambridge are due many of those improve- ments which speak well for the progress of society. A soldier's life is not now a desirable one, nor, perhaps, will it ever be desirable under any regime whatever. But the position of our gallant defenders-naval as well as military—has become higher than it ever was. In the present day there is nothing in the calling of a soldier or a sailor inimical to self-respect as a man and a citizen. A great blow has been struck at the purely aristocratic officering of the army, by a recent regulation. The General Commanding-in- Chief has ordered that in future the prices for commissions in the cavalry will be as followsj Lieutenant-colonel, 4,5001., instead of 6,175Z.; major, 3,300Z., instead of 4,575l.; captain,1 1,800l., instead of 3,225/ lieutenant, 700l., in- stead of 1,1901. and cornet, 450/ instead of 850/. The price which an officer will pay on promotion by purchase to the higher ranks is also reduced in about the same apportion while several other reductions are made in what may be popularly expressed as the cost of being an officer. This new military law must have a beneficial effect in bringing down officering of the army within the means of the middle classes; and just in proportion as it does this will it ultimately tend to popularise the army, and break down aristocratic barriers. Taking the defensive capability of the coun- try for granted as essential to our national well- being, the volunteer movement will also tend to raise the military morale of the country. ■ The volunteer defensive movement, now pro- gres&ing so favourably, will have a tendency to abolish recruiting, with all its lies and trickery. We have always regarded recruiting, as gene- rally carried on, as only one remove above the pressgang system. Now, however, there will be an improvement. The army having been raised in tone and respectability, there will be less occassion for the lies and deception of the re- cruiting sergeant; while the gradual develop- ment of the volunteer system will also, in time, obviate the necessity of having so numerous a standing army. Everything which developes the voluntary element in the defence of the na- tion, without impairing its efficiency, will tend to raise the character of the military profession. We rejoice that of late years our rulers have endeavoured to improve the position of the soldier, and that the people have come forward to aid in the voluntary defences of the country Both are powerful for good, and they are al- ready having a beneficial effect, not only in a military but in a moral point of view. -+-

Eocai information. THE LATE GALE.—On Sunday last we were visited by a violent storm, which continued with unabated fury during the whole of Monday, and most part of Tuesday. So severe was it during Sunday night, that much apprehension was felt for the safety of the steamer Plynlymon, which had sailed that morning from this port for Liverpool; but we are happy to learn that she has safely arrived at her destination, af- ter a fearfully rough passage. The wind early on Tues- day morning was so strong, that it kept the large church bell ringing for hours as regular as if it had been done by the hand of man. THE JANE WILLIAMS.- I ri tell igence has been re- ceived that the above schooner, belonging to this port, which was but lately launched, bad been run ashore at Abersoch, having struck on Sarn Patrick, near Pwllbely, where she sustaiued severe damage. But it is hoped she can be got off. She is insured in the Aberystwyth Society. DEATH BY DROWNING.—On Saturday, the 25th ult., as the smack John James, of this port, was enter- ing Chester river, the boom struck a poor boy, of the name of Rees Evans, overboard, and was unfor- tunately drowned ere he could be recovered. LLANBADARN.—PRESENTATION OF PLATE.—On Thursday evening last, the Rev. John Pugh, the highly esteemed and respected Curate of Llan bad- arn-fawr, was presented by the members of the Church Snnday School at that place with a beau- tiful Silver Teapot and Cream Ewer, of the value of about JS20 The presentation took place at the school-room, Mr. Evan Killin acting as chairman. Mr. Pugh on receiving the Testimonial, in a long and able speech, thanked the donors tor so flatter- ing a mark of their approbation. THE BIBLE SOCIETY -The Aberystwith Auxiliary to the above laudable society held its annual public meeting at the Town Hall, on Thursday evening last, presided over by Robert Edward, Esq., Mayor. The Hall was well filled in every part by an atten- tive audience, and most excellent addresses in be- t I I A -.I nair ui we society uenverpd by tne i,rn. mrcn- deacon Hughes, th* Hevds. J. Sauhdefi, G. Davies, R. Jones, and T. Phillips, of Hereford, who attended as a deputation from the Parent Society. Votes of thanks to the chairman, the singing of a hymn, and pronouncing the benediction, terminated the proceedings. INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODDFELLOWS. The brothers of the St. David's Lodge of Oddfellows in this town, joined by those of the Rheidol Lodge, ce- lebrated their Anniversary on Thursday last by a procession and dinner. It had been anticipated for some time past that the meeting this year would be more than usually attractive, and preparations were accordingly made for an increased number of guests, and for the proceedings being conducted on a grand scale. The Lodge was established in 1839, and has of late years greatly extended in regard to the num- ber of members, and its consequent sphere of useful- ness. The morning was all that could be desired. At 10 o'clock the brothers met at Host John Hughes's, the Prince Albert Inn, from which place they pro- ceeded to Llanbadarn Church in procession, headed by the Bronwydd Band, under the able leadership of Mr. Jones. The members being gaily dressed in their sashes and aprons, carried the regalia of the or- der, belonging to the Liverpool district, had for the occasion, free of expense to the Lodge, by brother H. O. Holmes, to whom, for this as well as other gene- rous acts, the brethren are greatly indebted, and to whose indefatigable exertions to promote the objects of this noble institution, the success of Oddfellows in this town is mainly attributable. The old parish church was well filled by a numerous congregation. Prayers were read by the Rev. John Pugh, Curate, and the sermon was preached by the Ven. Archdeacon Hughes, (from Ps. ciii. 8,) which was listened to with great attention. After the sermon the members returned to town, and paraded the principal streets. When passing the houses of Col. Powell, M.P., and H. 0. Holmes, Esq., (both being members of the or- der,) and the Mayor's, Robert Edward, Esq., the procession stopped, and all joined in giving thein hearty cheers. The dinner took place in the Corn Mar- ket. which was beautifully decorated with flags of all nations, fee. Upwards of 150 members and guests were present; and the attendance of strangers pre- sented a striking feature in the day's proceedings, and wa-t--a strong and c in vine ing proof, if any were need- ed., of the respect in which the l.udge of Oddfellows is heid juY their more affluent fri<and neighbours. This wilfnoArtjbt stimulate them turther exertions in their charitable -work, ",i(i cause them more f. 'iv to carry out their excellent intentions uf affi r-i relief and assistance to the brethrei»Knn(i uf a i in." the widow's heart to sing for joy. Tlte ti>m occupied by II. 0. Holmes, Esq., supported by esteemed Mayor, the duties of vice-chairman being ably sustained by David Roberts, Esq. The pro- ceedings during the afternoon were enlivened by the band and songs sung. The dinner was laid out in a style which reflected great praise on the worthy host and his daughter-in-law, Mrs. Hughes. The cloth being removed, and the usual loyal toasts disposed of, the chairman said the next toast was more inti- mately connected with the present meeting, and he hardly needed to say one word to induce them to re- ecive it in that marked manner which he thought it deserved it was—Success to the Independent Order fo Oddfellows, of the Manchester Unity. An institution like this, which they were now met to celebrate, had existed in all times, and in all civilized countries, and had risen from two sources, namely, conviviality and the interests and weaknesses of our common nature. This society was for the protection of those who con- stitute its weaker members. All men had their spe- culation-their ups and downs in life some specula- tions were successful, some were often the reverse but this was an order arising from our kindly feelings one to another—the dearest, the worthiest, and the best feelings implanted in the bosom of man. He would now propose—Success to the Independent w Order of Oddfellows (loud cheers). The health of the chairman was proposed, and was drunk with all honours. Mr. Holmes responded in a suitable speech. The health of the Medical officers (Dr. Roberts and Dr. Jones) was proposed, to which Dr. Roberts re- plied. The chairman proposed the health of host John Hughes, and thanked him for the capital dinner he had provided (cheers). Mr. Hughes said he felt at a loss for words to express his gratitude to the chairman and the other brothers and friends who had so kindly drank his health; and he also thanked them all for their attendance that day. The health of the vice-chairman was proposed and drunk amidst great applause. Mr. Roberts returned thanks in a neat speech. The remainder of the evening was pleasantly spent in conviviality and harmony. A Captain Pryse, M. P. for the Cardigan boroughs has paired for a fortnight with Sir Watkin William Wynne, the member for Denbighshire. LAM PETER.—John Scandrett Harford, Esq., Blaze Castle, Bristol, has considerately forwarded to Miss Edwards Five Pounds to be spent in Coal, for the supply of poor persons as circumstances may require. NEW QUAY.—A new brig, the "Aeron Vale," was successfully launched at this place on Saturday last at about eight o'clock in the morning. A large concourse of people collected to witness the sight, but something having impaired the cradle, the ceremony was put off till about three o'clock in the afternoon. The spectators were by that time much more numerous than in the morning, and hearty cheers were reiterated during the time she made her run. The majority of the owners are respectable farmers from the Vale of Aeron-hence her name Aeron Vale." She is to be commanded by Capt. Evan Evans, son-in-law to Mr. D. Davies, the builder. Hollomay's Ointmtnt.Cutaneous Eruptions in Infancy-No affections of the skin are more frequent or more annoying to children and nurses than the irritating chafing with which fat children are constantly afflicted. So great is often the irritation that low fever sets in, the whole skin becomes inflamed, and the helpless little sufferer falls into convulsions. Holloway's Oint- ment should be in every nursery; its application cools and soothes the inflamed parts, securing peace to the wearied nurse, and ease to her clamorous charge, which worn out with crying, soundly sleeps. This preparation is equally effective in red gum. tooth-rash, cracked-ears, and all infantile diseases, whether ge- neral over the whole body, or confined to the head, nose, or ears. Holloreay's Pills.—Impure Blood-There is but one disease- the fountain of all others—bad blood; there is but one infallible remedy for the evil—Holloway's Pills. The blood is the life of life. There can be nothing in the system permanently or radi- cally unsound while that vital fluid is perfectly pure and rightly tempered. Firm flesh, a brilliant complexion, a quick and pow- erful digestion, an elasticity of the animal spirits, and a con- I' > sciousness of health and strength, are a few of the innumerable advantages attending on purity of blood—a blessing which every one can obtain who will take freely these estimable Pills. « j

CORRESPONDENCE. r CORRESPONDENCE. r To the Editor of the" AberystfJJÍth Observer. SALE OF BREAD. SIR,-Permit me, through the medium of the OBSERVER, to draw the attention of the authorities of the town of Aberystwith to an Act of Parliament regulating the sale of bread. It is a remarkable fact that at Aberystwith, a town of such importance, the staff of life should be allowed to be sold under such a system as it is. The visitors complain loudly of the manner which the bakers have adop- ted to sell their bread. There is no method, ac- cording to the present system, to ascertain whether the loaf that you buy of your baker, is of the same size as the one your neighbour gets from his baker. It depends entirely upon the conscience of the baker what size the loaf is to be; consequently there is a great variety of sizes, while the price is the same. And it has also been remarked that the loafis the same size, when the price of wheat is 10s., as when it is sold at 8s. In travelling through a large town in England, where the population is over 200,000, my attention was drawn to a large bill stuck on the walls, warn- I ing bakers of the consequence, should they sell their t bread otherwise than by weight. Being aware of the custom of the bakers at Aberystwith, I went to the printer's for one of the bills above referred to, which is as follows :— NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, That by the wii ? u 'u? yyunam iflt? *cwiTOj cap. 37, it ts enacied (sec. 4) that all Bread (except French or Fancy Bread or Rolls) shall be sold by Weight; and any Person who fshall Sell, or cause to be Sold, Bread IN ANY OTHER MANNER THAN BY WEIGHT, is made liable to a penalty of 40s. It is also in and by the said Act provided, that all Bread sold (except as aforesaid) shall be weighed IN THE PRESENCE OF THE PURCHASER, and that any Person selling from any Cart or other Carriage, shall constantly carry in such Cart or Car- riage a correct Beam and Scales, with proper Weights; and also that any Seller of Bread who shall at any time be so unprovided with such Beam and Scales and proper Weights, OR WHO SHALL REFUSE SO TO WEIGH ANY BREAD PUR- CHASED OF HIM, shall be liable to a penalty ofjEo. Aberystwith being a Watering-place of such re- pute, and having no railway communication, it be- hoves, the inhabitants to do all in their power to at- tract visitors; and, when they are there, to induce them to make a long stay. It is the opinion of many Y, people that, if the bread were sold in that town as it is in English towns, it would undoubtedly be one means of inducing visitors to prolong their visit at such a delightful place. Should any of the bakers, Mr. Editor, see this ar- ticle in your valuable paper, I presume it would be unnecessary for the authorities to interfere in order to put a stop to such an irregular system,—as pro- bably the pains and penalties under the Bread Act" would be a sufficient inducement thereto. But if they will not, it will then be desirable that some of the inhabitants should bestir themselves, espe- cially the proprietors of Lodging-houses. These remarks are more lengthy than were at first intended; but I trust Mr. Editor, the impor- tance of the subject will be an ample apology for taking up so much of your valuable space. I am, Sir, j Yours very respectfully, CENINEN.

ABERYSTWITH MARKET PRICES, Monday last. CORN. Wheat per bushel os. 6d. to 6s. Barley. 3s. 6d. to 4s. Od. Oats „ 2s. 9d. to 3s. Od. BUTCHERS' MEAT. Beef. per lb., 71d. to 8d. Mutton 8d. i ork 99 6d. to 6id. Fowl per couple 2s. 6d.

ARRIVED. Plynlymon, (ss.) Dempsey, Bris- tol, sundries; Hope, Thomas, Waterford, limestones- SAILED. Plynlymon, (ss.) Dempsey, Li- verpool, sundries; Conovium, Jones, sea, ballast.

On the 23rd ult., in London, the wife of Mr. E. L. Cole, Druggist, of this town, of a daughter. Heatf). On the 26th ult, the surviving twin child of Mr. John Morgan, Joiner, Portland Street, in this town. On the 27th ult., at Blaendyffryn, Cardiganshire, Elizabeth Bluett, the beloved wife of John Lloyd Davies, Esq., late M. P. for the Cardiganshire Boroughs. ¥