Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1883-10-10
ABOUT LONDON.
BY CHARLES EARL HELLINGS.

city III the world. However, il is not .
pleasant city for an American to reside
in for any length of time; owing to thu
gloomy character of the weather. Onll
now aud then the genial rays of the glo
rious sun are reflected o'er the grea
city, which is generally overshadowet
by dark, lowering clouds, aud you know
not what moment the hood-gafes o
heaven may be opened upon you. 1t Ii
not safe to go out without an umbrella
unless you are desirous of receiving ;
good drenching Many Americans Ia
Dor under the delusion that umbrella:
can be purchased in London at low tlg-
ures. The silk umbrella offered fol
thirty shillings (S7. .50 can be purchased
in America for five dollars. Clothing L
much cheaper in England than in the
United States. Wnen / was returning
from my recent trip to London, al
American gentleman showed me an over
coat which he purchased a few days
prior to his departure for a trifie ovel
eight dollars. The same coat in the
States would have cost twenty dollars.
examined it closely and found it to bt
of good material and well made. 1 re-
marked to my friend thst liked 1t mucf
better than the one 1 had on. which
cost twenty five dollars in Philadel-
pbia.
In regard 10 conveDiences, the Londor
hotels are far surpassed by the Amer
can hotels. The elevator Is almost un.
known, and gas is only used in a few OF
the most prominent hotels. Candles
are used almost universally. There il
50 much form and ceremony about eve.
rythIng. You Fay so much for lodging
extra for the use of the parlor or sitting
room; so much for attendance, although
you are expected to fee the servants lio-
orally. You are not compelled to gel
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 tc
wait for about half an hour. You al
ways have to ask for napkin, or glass
of water. The waters move around IL
a 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 oi
business Is a drinking saloon. We eau
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 Us soon as they are able to
walk. You can get large mug OF beer
for tup pence (tour cents).
1t takes II, $40 policemen to govern
the city which contains $4,000 known
criminals. If man is well educated,
and III cool physical condition, he can
get on the police force without any po-
iitical influence. The uen present a
fine appearance, and treat those who
ask for information courtecusly, which
Is more than can be said of New
York or Philadelphia policemen. 1t
seems to be pleasure for them TO
answer inquiries. They never use un :
necessary violence in handling their
prisoners.
The fire department of the city is very
primitive, when put in comparis on with
the New York or Philadelphia fire de-
partments.
The method of rapid transit by the
underground railway deserves much
eommendatioa. Trains run about every
tive minutes, to all prominent parts Of
the city, from stations along the hnes-
The fares are very reasonable, and tens
of thousands of ofpersons daily avail them
selves OF this method Ct transit. Ten
thousand cabs and two thousand omni-
buses do tionrIshing 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-
sen.s grand appearance from the deck
of a steamer. The current of the Thames
is very strong, and the steamers dash
along at high rate Of speed. The
Thames embankment extends north and
south for several miles. Cleopatra's
Needle attracts much attention.
admire the manner in which the
streets are paved, with asphalt or square
blocks of wood. Cobble stones are Hot
used. The leading thoroughfares are
kept very clean. The street known as
Rotten Row is only dsed by the Queen,
or members of the Royal family. 1t runs
through Hyde Park, which contains 3SS
acres. The famous Albert Memorial
commands a prominent position IN the
park.
The Geological Garden occupies a
portion OF Regents Hark. which contains
472 acres. The grounds are laid out
artlstically, 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 a great re-
sort for Americans in London. 1t Is
located on the Strand, near Trafalgar
Square, which Is abodt the centre of
the city. All the prominent American
papers are kept on file. Members of
the Exchange pay five shillings (S1.2O
a month.
Among the prominent London news
papers L can mention The Times. DAILY
Telegraph, Standard, Pail Mall Ga
zette and ST. James Gazette. Tue
above named journals are the moulders
of public opinion. They devote little
space to American Leas. Six cents Is
the price of single copies of the Times.
In my opinion the New York Herald is
much better newspaper, and it is sold
at ole-half the price. The Herald
Office is situated on Fleet street. 1t is
visited by many Americans. 1 inscribed
my name In the registering book and
secured a copy of the paper. The Detroit
Free Press is published in London. at
two cents copy.
WAS much impressed with the ma
jestic grandeur of Windsor Castle. /
had no difficulty in securing pass to
enter the castle. was allowed to m
spect ten State apartments. fingered
tor some time IN the throne loom. l
wondered how the Queen looked when
seated on the beautiful throne, surroun-
ded by all the pomp and vanity OF the
occasion. The walls OF many of the
apartments are embellishedswith magni-
ficent specimens of Gobelin tapestry. In
the grand vestlbule l viewed o grand
statue of the Queen, with her favorite
dog SHARP" executed in fine statuary