125 St were more generally undertaken, most of these difficulties would ultimately be overcome by means of the practical observations that would be brought to bear upon it.”
Weather Forecasts - Extract from a Local Diary
The foregoing remarks were made, be it remembered, long before the system of weather forecasts and storm signals, initiated by Admiral Fitzroy, were adopted at the cost of the nation, and since which earlier time (1848) the writer has published more than sixteen eighteen thousand daily forecasts and upwards of one hundred meteorological articles. The concluding words of one of the latter - written some years before warnings of cyclonic storms were cabled from America to England—were ”It may not be in our own time, yet we feel convinced that the day is not far distant when it will be possible to telegraph storms due in England on such a day.” A vast amount of weather knowledge has been gained since 1848, and still more since even Admiral Fitzroy’s time. The present writer prides himself on the fact that he was one of those who memorialised the Government Board to re-establish the system of storm warnings and weather forecasts which was abandoned, as useless, after the originator's death. The system was again put into operation, with improved means, and has been adopted by all civilized nations, no one of which would now venture to discontinue it. It may be further remarked that the telegraphic system used by Government officials and the astronomic system practised by others are essentially different; yet, although the former is the more explicit and more capable of localization, the data for forecasting is extremely limited, whilst the latter affords factors of calculation for an almost indefinite time in advance.
One wants to avoid as much as possible the semblance of egotism, yet it is submitted that if could be seen in a collective form all that has been written concerning meteorology during the last half century by the hand which now wields the pen, my readers would not be surprised that when only a small portion of it was shown, two or three years ago, to a member of the literary staff of a London daily which has the ”largest circulation,” that gentleman made an unconditional surrender after claiming that his journal was the first to publish weather forecasts.
The next diarial record of coincidences is in these words:— ”April 9th: Simmonite predicts numerous fires in and about the metropolis during the present month It is sorrowful to find the prediction already fulfilled to a serious extent. One fire occurred at Mitcham on the 4th, involving a sacrifice of property to a very large amount, and another at 21 Gracechurch street, on the 7th instant, which consumed the whole of the building and did a vast amount of damage to contiguous property. April 10th, another fire in the metropolis, causing the loss of several thousand pounds. April 11th, another great fire in London, by which eight houses have been burnt down.” [Numerous other fires occurred in and about London during that month of April, and the destruction of property altogether was immense.] Noting the nativity of the Duke of Wellington, Zadkiel says — “Early in April he will have some new public honour conferred upon him, as Jupiter then comes to a sextile of the sun’s place” The diarist then remarks, (April 16th) “The old Warrior is receiving daily assurances of approbation and esteem for his having within three days directed such a defence of London that if the threatened attack of the chartists had been attempted, the city would have been capable of resisting a force of from two to three hundred thousand men.”
Tuesday, April 17 The following is copied into my diary from the Journal de l' Andronissment du Havre :— “In an old almanack of 1799 there appears under the head. Prophesies of Nostradamus, a prediction to this effect :— In the course of the approaching century, -great changes, prodigious revolutions and glorious victories will occur. At the approach of 1850, the throne of France after having been briefly occupied by an Englishman, will be overthrown. This will be the new epoch of the Republic” Now, without entering into the victories and defeats of Napoleon, the prodigious revolutions and other great changes of the present century, as fulfilling the prophesies of Nostradamus, it may be of some historical interest to point out, less as a fulfilment than as a coincidence, the way in which the throne of France was temporarily occupied by an English man in 1848 On the 24th of February, Col. Wells, an English officer who, with his family, had apartments in the Hotel Meurice, and who was recovering from an attack of brain fever, was fearfully excited by the shouts of the people and the noise of the musketry. His reason, not yet firmly re-established, was not proof against a commotion so violent; so taking advantage of the momentary absence of his attendant, he hastily arrayed himself in his scarlet uniform, and, with sword in hand, he descended the staircase and rushed into the street in the midst of the combatants. The attack on the Tuileries had already commenced, and this English Colonel — of commanding height and martial air — attracted general attention, He placed himself at the head of the advancing multitude, and with voice and gesture led them on, His enthusiasm, excited to delirium, as it were, by the smell of gunpowder, blinded him to all obstacles. Thus, he was one of the first who penetrated an entrance to the Palace, and, within a few hours after the flight of Louis Phillipe, this Col. Wells found himself in the throne room. His intense excitement was followed by prostration of the convalescent. A mortal paleness overspread his visage, his limbs grew feeble, his sword fell from his hand, and he was well nigh overcome with faintness when, by a final effort, he succeeded in reaching the throne. He mounted the steps with a tottering gait, and fell on the royal seat Like Charles X. and Louis Phillipe, Col. Wells (then the last occupant of the French throne) was compelled to seek repose in England. He was brought over in charge of an English physician who resided at Havre. It may be remarked that as the Zadkiel of the present day is not Capt. Morrison, the original Zadkiel (although a pupil of his), so the Nostradamus whose prediction has been quoted, was not the Nostradamus who died on the 2nd of July, 1566, and whose prognostications as a French astrologer caused much sensation in his day.
Continuing the curious coincidences of 1848. the diarist writes :—”May 1st By the arrival of India and China mails, there comes intelligence that Mehemit Ali[a] was dangerously ill at Alexandria and his death was hourly expected. It was apprehended that at his death serious disturbances would break out. There had already been a revolt at Cairo, the leaders of which were hanged, and the Bey, who had instigated the revolt, was decapitated.” The report at Alexandria was that a Republic had been announced in London, which report — whether true or false — had so seriously affected the commercial interests that business was quite at a standstill. In his judgment upon the effects of the total lunar eclipse, Zadkiel says, ”The position of Saturn and Mercury denote an end to the days of the Pasha, detriment to the commercial affairs of the nation, and religious war raging in those parts” In concluding the notice, the diarist remarks, “Let anyone compare these coincidences, and draw his own conclusions.”
Other coincidences are jotted down for May 6th as follows:— ”The newly established Reform League was foreshadowed by the Astrologer, in which it is stated that ‘during the present month a new association is formed, having for its object the amelioration of the condition of the people.' Some public meetings held about this time in the metropolis are noted for the assemblage of popular men, who take a conspicuous part in the proceedings.” The Astrologer further says:— ”Owing to the sextile position of the Sun and Jupiter on the 6th, a more fortunate state of trade is indicated.”
The correctness of this is shown by the Hastings & St. Leonards News of May 12th, which states ”The past week has exhibited a decided improvement in affairs monentary and commercial.”
For May 15th the diarist writes :—”In Zadkiel’s judgment for the spring of 1848, he predicts the fruits of the Ten Hours Bill will be shown to be good for all parties. The said Bill came into operation on the first instant, and on this very day, May 16th, an address has been presented to Her Majesty by the people of Lancashire and Yorkshire, in which is said, ‘We anticipate the improvements in ourselves and children, a great addition to our family comforts, better opportunities of filling our domestic duties, and the realization of those enjoyments which are associated with the idea of a happy English home.’”
Still quoting from the local diary, it is there noted under date of May 20th, “Simmonite in his predictions for May, states that ‘Spain will be heavily afflicted by martial strife.’ The fulfilment is found in the fact that the Spanish capital has again been the theatre of a desperate struggle against the tyranny of Narvaez. It appears that on the morning of the 7th inst., the sergeants of some of the Spanish regiments rose, awoke those soldiers on whom they could depend, mastered the sentries at the barracks, and succeeded in inducing two battalions to follow them. They were joined by about 200 of their friends from without, and marched away, shouting for freedom and a republic. Narvaez headed a strong force, and coming up with the insurgents, ordered a battery of artillery to be established, from which the slaughter was terrific. The fighting lasted two hours, and was sustained with desperate courage on the side of the insurgents. They were, however, compelled to yield by the murderous fire of the artillery. The victorious troops marched away with their prisoners, and 13 persons were immediately condemned to death. They were placed with their backs against a wall, and 52 soldiers fired upon them from a distance of only four paces, But, as many of the shots were ineffectual, they were killed by single discharges, the muskets being held close to their temples. Such a scene of savage butchery was worthy of the tyrant Narvaez who presided over it. The immediate cause of the outbreak was the arrest, the day before, of the Progressistas, who were greatly respected by the Liberal Party.
Again from the Diary. May 26th. Letters from Athens of the 30th ult., mention that serious insurrections had broken out in various parts of Greece, and that at Laima a Provisional Government nad been proclaimed by General Valenza. Thus is realised Zadkiel's prediction that “At the end of April and beginning of May Jupiter comes to a square of the great eclipse of last October, whence I foresee extensive mutations. The King of Greece is suffering some affliction. Much distress occurs in Greece.” The distress was heightened by the presence of cholera.
May 27th One of Zadkiel’s predictions for the month of May is ”Grief to the Royal Family.” The said grief is caused by the announcement, this day, of the death of the Princess Sophia of Gloucester. Her Royal Highness — a daughter of George III. and aunt of our present Queen — expired at her residence, Kensington, at 6.30 p.m. Having been born on the 29th of May, 1773, she was within two days of accomplishing her 75th year. I well remember the features of this fine looking woman, having seen her on many occasions during her two prolonged visits — first at Hastings, and next at St. Leonards. I was also present when she laid the first stone of St. Leonards parish church, and a view is given in chapter 5 which represents her Royal Highness in a carriage and-four ascending Maze Hill to Gloucester Lodge, ere the Subscription Gardens were surrounded by houses.
Continuing the coincidences of astronomic positions and mundane events, the diarist notes on May 29th that the Univers French newspaper calls its readers attention to what it terms an extraordinary coincidence, and asks can it be purely fortuitous? The attack on the National Assembly was made on the 15th of May, and the insurrection at Naples was on the 15th of May. The London Times says the Univers might have added that a revolutionary movement at Berlin was also contemplated on the 15th of May. To these remarks the diarist adds “the so-called fiery Mars came to a conjunction at about a quarter to three in the afternoon of May 14th and in square aspect to the earth’s lunar attendant, the latter being also in sesquisquare position to the sun, and on the next day, the identical 15th of May, in direct opposition to Herschel. These two days were as remarkable for their meteorological as for their political disturbances, the former being developed in lightning, meteors, whirlwinds, hailstorms, &c.”
On May 31st the diarist writes :—”The Astrologer says, ‘During the latter part of May let those in connection with railways adopt extra measures for the safety of passengers, for a most ominous configuration is apparent.’ The many railway disasters that have occurred during the last week in May show the propriety of the precaution thus given. A driver, a stoker, and a guard have been killed on the Caledonian railway, a guard killed on the London and Epsom, several persons killed on the Great Western, two persons killed on the Brighton and Hastings, the fall of a railway bridge, and another railway bridge consumed by fire. These disasters are surely enough to verify the Astrologer’s prediction.
In the same publication and for the same month it is stated ‘Before the month goes out a startling revelation is made concerning a nobleman who gives, by his subsequent proceedings, & sad confirmation of the charges that will be brought against him.’ The fulfilment of this is instanced in the case of Viscount Arbuthnot, against whom a grand jury of the counties of Kincardine, Forfar and Aberdeen have found a true bill of indictment for forgery and uttering bills of exchange... He has since left the country.”
”June 1st. Simmonite commences his 'Mundane Predictions” for the month with a ‘fear that the crowned heads of Spain and Portugal will find themselves uneasy, and their nations suffering from internal feuds and insurrectional turmoil.’ Coincidentally with the fear thus expressed a Carlist war has broken out with undoubted earnestness, and Gavarre has been declared in a state of siege.”
Still quoting from the local diary, it is stated under date of June 6th, that ”The Astrologer predicts 'The police offices will furnish the papers during the first week in June with unusual features of interest.’ Coincidently with this pre-intimation is the fact that during the said week a number of captured Chartists were brought up at Bow street for examination, and a case of wholesale robbery at the Post-office created additional excitement, the delinquent being committed for trial. At Marlboro’ street 15 gentlemen were examined on a charge of gaming At Worship street, before the court was opened, the avenues were densely packed by crowds anxious to obtain a sight of and to hear the cases of a large number of Chartists and confederate rioters who had been apprehended for outrageous conduct at meetings which had been held on Sunday the 4th inst. in the neighbourhood of Bethnal Green. The magistrates were occupied on the bench from 10 in the morning until 7 in the evening, when the evidence was too clear to justify a discharge of the prisoners. A van-load was sent off, escorted by mounted police, which latter were hissed and hooted by the populace, while the prisoners were as enthusiastically cheered. Two more van-loads still remained to be removed.”
Under date of June 11th the local diarist has the following record :— ”In the second week of June,” says the Astrologer, ‘the Government of foreign States will be influenced by cabals and intrigues, and curious questions of policy will be discussed both at home and abroad.’ Coeval with the time to which this prediction points, an immense excitement exists in France, caused by a cry of Prince Louis Napoleon as Emperor. ‘Troops are pouring into the capital, where already 100,000 soldiers are collected, besides the National Guards and the Garde Robile. A deep-laid plot has also been discovered in Spain, which is said to have had its origin on foreign soil. It is further reported that the Emperor of Austria contemplates abdicating his throne, and that the King of Prussia is likely to act a similar part. At home some very important questions are being discussed anent the foreign policy of Lord Palmerston and the Spanish Government.
In still copying from the local diary of 1848, the following is met with under date of June 23rd. “ The dire events now taking place in France and Spain are again in exact agreement with astrological predictions, A civil war is raging in Paris, and several thousands of the worst disposed workmen are erecting barricades, The National Guards, seconded by troops of the line, have already opened a murderous fire upon the barricades, and it is reported that many lives are lost on both sides, Serious disturbances are also being carried on at Marseilles, where several lives have been sacrificed and many others endangered by wounds In the provinces numerous riots have occurred. At Gueret fifteen men have been killed and thirty arrested. At Toulon the operatives have struck work on the failure of their demands for higher wages. Blood has been shed in other places.”
“June 4th, The fighting in Paris has been resumed. As early as a quarter to three, people were awakened by the thundering of cannon in al! parts of the city It is really dreadful The Revolution itself was as nothing to this. Up to four o’clock this afternoon, there had been one incessant roar of artillery. Even now the barricades are said to be of gigantic strength and size, and as soon as one is destroyed another is built, the numerous dead bodies forming no inconsiderable part of the material. One of the barricades is about 14 feet in thickness, and about 20 feet high. Women handle the deadly weapons with all the enthusiasm of men,”
“June 25th. The slaughter in Paris has beer immense. It is reported that upwards of 10,000 have been slain or wounded. Also several attempts — though, at present, unsuccessful — have been made against the Government of Spain. How exactly these events were foreshadowed by the prophetic almanac makers may be seen in the following quotations:— Zadkiel, judging from the entrance of Mars into Leo, the alleged ruling sign of France, says, ‘It will excite to much violence the men of France and Italy, where tumults and insurrections take place.’ Simmonite corroborates Zadkiel’s judgment when he says ‘ Paris is full of turmoil; warlike indications are threatening, and politics seem wavering and eccentric. The Astrologer also predicts, ‘France is again torn by violent internal dissensions, and even the Mediterranean becomes a the scene of striking events.
Extracts From a Diary continued
“June 26th. The news from India is of an -
Cite error: <ref> tags exist for a group named "Notes", but no corresponding <references group="Notes"/> tag was found
