The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1883-10-25
ABOUT LONDON.

gloomy Cnaracter OF the weather, Only
now and then the genial rays of the glo-
rious sun are reflected DER the great
city, which is generally overshadowed
by dark, lowering clouds. aud you know
not what moment the hood-gates of
heaven may be opened upon you. It is
not safe to 60 out without m umbrelIn.
unless you are desirOus of receiving a
good drenching Many Americans la-
Dor under the delusion that umbrellas
can be purchased in London at low tg-
ures. The silk umbrella offered for
thirty .shillinRs ($7. .50) can he purchased
in America for five dollars. Clothing Is
much cheaper in England Slan in the
United States. When I wis returning
from my recent trip to LoNdon. an
American gentleman showed me an over
coat which he purchased few days
prior to his departure for q triAe over
eight dollars. The samo coat in the
States would have cost twenty dollars. I
examined it closely and found it to be
OF good material and we'll made. I re-
marked to my friend that liked it much
better than the one I had on, which
cost twenty five dollars in Philadel-
phia.
In regard to convenienc es, the London
hotels are far surpassed by the Ameri
can hotels. The elevator is almost un-
known, and gas is only used in few of
the most prominent hotels. Candles
are used almost universally. There is
30 much form and ceremony about eye-
rythlng. You pay so much for lodging;
extra for the use of the parlor or sitting
room; so much for attendance, although
you are expected to fee tho servants lib
orally. You are not compelled to get
your meals at the hotel, unless it is
breakfast, which you cannot secure un-
til near nine o'clock. After you have
given your order you are compelled to
wait for about half IN hour. You al
ways have to ask for a napkin, or glass
OF water. The walters move around in
mechanical manner. They do not seem
to be possessed of any animation what
ever. They are slow and deliberate in
all their movements,
English people are great drinkers. In
some streets almost every other place of
business is q drinking saloon. We can
safely say very little wate- is used to
quench thirst in London. Beer is used
by all classes of people. Children learn
to drink it as soon as they are able to
wnlk. You can get large mug of beer
for tup pence (four cents).
1t takes 1000 policemen to govern
the city which contains $4,000 known
criminals. Ii a man is we'll educated,
and i'll good physical condition, he can
get Oh the police force without any po-
1itiSqalp Hhs bi1eaaHaRas a The y. Hen present
ask for information courteously, which
is moro than can be said of New
York or Philadelphia policemen. 1t
seems to be n pleasure for them to
answer inquiries. They never use I'm
necessary violence in handling their
prisoners.
The fire department of tho city is very
primitive, when put in comparison with
the New York or Philadelphia fire de-
partments.
The method of rapid transit by the
underground railway deserves much
commentator. Trains run about every
i've minutes, to all prominent parts of
the city, from stations along the lines.
The fares are very reasonable, and tens
of thousands of persons daily avail them
selves of this method Cf transit. Ten
thousand cabs and two thousand omni-
buses do honrishing business. The
steamboats, are always crowded. You
can ride for several miles for few
pence, and obtain magnificent view Of
the river front. Somerset House pre-
sents q grand appearance from the deck
Of steamer. The current Of the Thames
is very strong, and tho steamers dash
along at high rate of speed. The
Thames embankment extends north and
south for several miles. Cleopatra's
Needle attracts much attention.
l admire the manner in which the
streets are paved, with asphalt or square
blocks of wood. Cobble stones are not
used. The leading thoroughfares are
kept very clean. The street known as
Rotten Row is only used by the Queen,
or members OF the Royal family. ltruns
through Hyde Park. which contains 389
acres. The famous Albert Memorial
commands prominent position in the
park.
The Geological Garden occupies
portion Of Regents Hark. which contains
472 acres. The grounds are laid out
artistically, and the buildings are spa.
cious. Everything is arranged in the
most systematic style. The animals on
exhibition present fine appearance,
and the cages are kept very clean. The
garden WAS opened in the year 1872. The
Botanical Gardens are also situated in
Regents Park.
The American exchange is n great re-
sort for Americans in London. It is
located OH the Strand, near Trafalgar
Square, which is aboit the centre Of
the city. All the prominent American
papers are kept on file. Members of
the Exchange pay five shillings ($1.2D
o month.
Among the prominent London nows-
papera / can mention The Times, Dualy
Ietc9raaoh, Standard, IaN 1fuU al.
Sette and 81. James Gazette. Tue
above named journals are the moulders
of public opinion. They devote little
space to American news. Six cents is
the price Of single copies 2f tho Times.
In my opinion the Now York Herald is
much better newspaper, and it is sold
at one-half tho prlce. The Herald
Office Is situated on Fleet street. It is
visited by many Amerioans. ! inscribed
my name in the registering book and
secured copy Of the paper. The Detroit
Free Press is published in London, at
two cents copy.
I was much impressed with tho ma
iostic grandeur Of W;ndror Castle.
had no diMfqulty in securing q pass to
49, n IL 4 |---