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WELSH BY COMPULSION.
WELSH BY COMPULSION. NOTHING could be more pathetically ludicrous than the pride of the patri- otic Welshman in the fact that he can speak, somehow, his native language. What more can be needed to indicate the decay of a national language than that the natives of the country are proud that they can speak it, however imperfectly, and that they want to halve it taught compulsorily in element- ary schools. During the past forty years great efforts have been made to cultivate Welsh, but all the forces of commerce, science, national progress, and literature are in favour of the abandonment of the ancient tongue. The Welsh newspaper is practically an impossibility. We do not mean that there are no Welsh newspapers, but almost every public man in Wales knows English better than he knows Welsh, and even Welsh newspapers 'have to publish the bulk of their ad- vertisements in English. It does not pay even :the most enthusiastic nationalist to publish his advertise- ments in Welsh. There may be as many people in Wales who can speak 'Welsh as ever there were, but there are far more who can speak English, and the attempts now being made to teach Welsh compulsorily in elementary schools will have the effect of bringing the ancient language of the people into -.disrepute, .,and setting the minds of the young against it as their minds were not set against it when Welsh was the language of the fireside, the Sun- <day School, and the chapel. In those days it was English that was taught "mmpulsorily in elementary schools and was hated in consequence. We do ;not believe in compulsory education of any sort. We do not even believe in -compulsory sobriety, or compulsory virtue, or compulsory religion. A "large number of the natives of the Principality must eventually go away from the Principality in order to earn a living, and it is, therefore, essential that they should be able to speak, read, :and write the English language. Even those who remain in Wales must ac- quire English, as Wales is no longer an exclusively Welsh possession, 'however vehemently the native office- seeker may demand Wales for the Welsh-and England too, togetlr-r 'with the rest of the world. A laugh- able feature about the compulsory teaching of Welsh is that Cardiff is taking a leading part in the move- ment—Cardiff, where if a person is found who can speak Welsh the fact is prominently announced in the daily papers of that mongrel city. The, other day at the Llanidloes CotHify School prize distribution, Ir- DAVID DAVIES, M.P., said that the proposals to make the teaching of Welsh compulsory was a great mis- take which was calculated to prevent the ends which it was sought to reach. In his opinion, the proper course was to make the teaching of Welsh optional, and to provide facilities for teaching it. Otherwise it might be- come a byword in England and Scot- land that good teachers could not get a position in Wales unless they knew Welsh. They could not, he said, compel a nation to learn a language any more than to believe in a certain form of religion. If the forces of the times are against the spread of Welsh then Welsh must go as a commercial and literary language, just as if the forces are in favour of the spread of English then English will become more and more common as a means of in- tercommunication. The dialects of Lancashire, Yorkshire, Somersetshire, -and other districts are disappearing. Toothing can save them. Every year Wales is increasingly overrun with English visitors. Railways, motor cars, and newspapers invade the Principality and make exclusiveness impossible. The Mbntgomeryshire Educaltion Committee has declined to make the Welsh language a compul- sory subject in the elementary and secondary schools of that county. We think it is wise that too much opposi- tion should not be offered to the shal- low and destructive Wales for the Welshcrs- Let them- have a good deal of their own way and in a short time the rank and file of the people will assert themselves and demand that their children shall be taught the sort of learning that will help them to make their way in the wide world that lies beyond the Welsh border. It is reasonable that the people should love their own beautiful and ex- pressive language, and nothing what- ever should be done to place it or those who speak it at any disadvantage, but no attempt should be countenanced that seeks to make Welsh a means to enable a few office grabbers to secure a monopoly of appointments at the cost of national progress. We believe that every individual Welsh boy and girl who is forced to learn Welsh in elementary schools will lose far more individually than will be gained nationally, but the easiest and most speedy way to prick this national bubble will be to let the bastard patriots have their way until the eyes of the masses of the people are fully opened. Wre do not think it matters a brass farthing what language people speak if they understand each other. The great point is that the language spoken should be spoken by a large number of other people. Expression and in- tercommunication arc the important points, and whether the language of expression is Latin, or Greek, or French, or German, or English, or Welsh is of very little consequence indeed. In almost every nation of the world the great effort is to teach child- ren languages that will make them free of great populations. In Wales a few blind paltriots want to teach Welsh which is not spoken by as many people as there are in Manchester and Salford, to the inevitable loss of those whose time would be wasted and whose oppor- j tunity would be lost. There is no reason why the acquisi- tion of Welsh should be made distaste- ful to the young, as it will be made distasteful by compulsion. There are far too many subjects taught in ele- mentary and secondary schools already, but we do not suppose that the short- sighted patriot who has attached quite fictitious value to the Welsh language will be amenable to reason. It will be a curious tiling if in Wales the Welsh language ousts Scripture teaching from secondary and elementary schools This language craze is one of the passing phases of the develop- ment of Welsh national life and may easily be treated more seriously than is wise or necessary. In these davs the blatant and frothy patriot is seen through and laughed at even when lie thinks he is being taken quite seriously. We have seen many of them come and go like the mists on their own moun- tains, or like the noisy mountain streams which arc lost in bogs or else- where.
EDITORIAL NOTES. -
EDITORIAL NOTES. The Intermediate School at Aberyst- wyth is too busy to teach the Bible. Just so. Sialic trade prospects are slowly im- proving. The slate trade is the last to benefit by increased prosperity. < < The weather is boisterous. High winds have prevailed. There have been Blight falls of snow and hail. Much rain has fallen and the land is so wet that agricultural operations are suspended. Mr D. A. THOMAS, M.P., is confined to his room by an attack cf influenza. This means that the task of asking questions in the House of Commons will for some time fall more heavily upon the Member for the Montgomery Boroughs. A meeting of the ratepayers of Tany- grisiau has been held to protest against the narrowness of a road where there was a recent fatal accident. 'V do not sup- pose the authorities will widen the read simply because there is a fatal accident or two. A penny or twopence in local rates counts far more than a human life or two. The only way to get the load widened is to stick to it year after year. We are sometimes ten years in getting a small reform carried out. # # The indifference cf ratepayers to their own welfare is one of the marvels of the day. There is nothing local about this indifference. At a poll at King's Lynn to decide whether a new school should be built, only 635 voters out of 3,600 troubled to record their opinion. Twenty-three were in favour and 612 against. We have no doubt that at King's Lynn as at other places the people who take no interest in their own affairs have a good deal to say about the way they are managed. It is stated that the London and North- Western Railway Company have made complete arrangements for the collection, quick transit, atidk promplt delivery of Christmas parcels in all the principal towns on their system, and all parts of Wales, Scotland, and Ireland. Why in the name of common sense railway com- panies only act reasonably once a year in reference to the carriage and delivery of parcels nobody seems to know. < There is no more difficult problem than the small debt recovery problem. The other day Judge EMDEN, in refusing at the Lambeth County Court to make a commitment order against a man with a wife and four children to keep on 24s. a week, said he would not commit a man whose income worked out at less than 5s. a week per head of his family. The attitude taken tip by the JUDGE is a reasonable one, but how will it fare with poor people who in times of sickness or shortness of work require credit for food if it becomes impossible to recover small debts. The grocer is often the banker of the poor and he deserves consideration. There is the indisputable fact that many men have to maintain themselves and their families on less than pauper allowances, but what will happen if small debts can- not be recovered ? Will not the rogue find his opportunity in what is intended to be care for the honest poor? « At the last meeting of the Merioneth County Council, Mr ANWYL brought up a report in reference to the constabulary. Something was said about there being more police per head of the population than in some other counties, notwith- standing that there was less crime than in other counties. There are more sides than one to this subject. In a rugged, thinly-populated county like Merioneth- shire more policemen may be necessary for the comfort and safety of the people than in a more thickly-populated area. It is conceivable that if there were no police at all it would seem as if there were no crime, as there would be very few con- victions. The police do much more work than merely detect crime and bring those guilty of it to justice. The police ques- tion in Merionethshire is a more urgent one than appears on the surface, as most of the members of the County Council are well aware, There will have to be changes. It was officially announced on Tuesday that the Welsh Church Commissioners would not sit this week. It has not yet been determined when the secretary shall summon witnesses for the resump- tion of the inquiry. The best thing would be to put a final stop to the foolish proceedings which have neither point nor meaning. The whole thing is being laughed at on all sides. It seems as if the day of the Chinaman was coming. Owing to the scarcity of farm labourers in Germany, the West Prussian Chamber of Agriculture has in- structed its committee to take the pre- liminary teps for the introduction of Chinese coolies. Socialists are going to be brought face to face-with labour prob- lems that they never contemplated. The importation of Chinese into Liverpool is causing anxiety. In these days the task of levelling up means the levelling up of all the people including the seven hundred millions of India and China. » #- The Bishop of SOUTHWARK is suffering from deepening gloom. He has been reckoning up the things which young people are now taught of which his lord- ship knows nothing. They include ap- plied and experimental mathematics, electricity, magnetism, heat, optics, sound, chemistry, metallurgy, electrical technology, engineering, drawing, and de- sign, heat engines, surveying, and geology. There is one grain of comfort which we beg to offer to the gloomy divine, namely, that the majority of the students after they have left school will soon know no more about those subjects than if they were bishops! • The Welsh Church Commission is hope- less—utterly hopeless—and the sooner the aimless proceedings are closed the better for everybody. There is no end to what can be said on both sides cn a thousand subjects. The evidence reveals utter futility, and everybody feels that the whole thing is a ridiculous farce. There are thousands of ministers of all sorts ready to give evidence that has nothing whatever to do with the main issue. The members of the Commission evidently feel that they are in a controversial bog. We do not report the proceedings. Our space has some value. The evidence is absolutely valueless. At the. last meeting of the Lampeter Rural Council, the SANITARY INSPECTOR stated that "the much-needed sanitary ar- rangements" at Llanwenog National School had not been effected. This con- tinued neglect is- almost incredible. That children should be forced' to attend a death-trap of this sort is tyranny and worse. Have- the people of Llanwenog no courage, no respect for their children, and no sense of what is due from them as parents? The report that was read to the Council is a reproach to the whole oommunity and ought to make somebody ashamed of themselves. Whoever is re- [ sponsible for the state of things ought to, [ be liable to imprisonment and flogging in addition. • The Lancashire and Yorkshire- Railway Company appealed at Manchester against a decison in which they were fined for emitting black smoke from one of their engines, the prosecution contending that if the engines were properly managed there was no occasion for the emission of dense black smoke. The appeal was dismissed and the decision of the magistrate was confirmed. The emission of black smoke is due to the negligence of the railway ¡ company's servants and is certainly of r.o advantage to the railway companies, as it is a form of waste. The question is how railway companies are to force their servants to act with care and thus pre- vent a very serious nuisance which is not confined to Manchester. » Adulteration is becoming a fine art. Butter is adulterated with margarine, and margarine is adulterated with potatoes, and the potatoes and margarine are loaded up with water. It is not difficult to understand why adulteration is so popu- lar. The shopkeeper who announces that he is selling goods at less than cost price does a large business instead of being kicked out of the community as he ought to be. When the so much and eleven pence halfpenny shopkeeper is marking good? and finds that he could sell a com- modity at so much and sixpence or nine- penoe he puts the price up o so much and elevenpence halfpenny to Get the case of the fool—who is sold every time he buys. The desire to get something for nothing is keen and widespread. Two hundred delegates of the North Wales Conservative Party met on Satur- day evening at Wynnstay, Ruabon, the r seat of Sir WATKIN W. WYNN. It is not organisation that the Welsh Conservative party is most in need of. The Liberals and Conservatives of Wales are separated by something more khan political opinion. In Wales, Conservatism is the symbol of religious difference, race ani- mosity, social ostracism, and territorial oppression. If a perfect saint were labelled Conservative and contested a Welsh seat he woud be hopelessly beaten. We have often tried to put this case be- fore Conservatives, but they think their only defect is lack of organisation. At the Aberystwyth Board of Guard- ians, on Monday, the question of the appointment of an Aberystwyth poor rate collector arose owing to the retirement of Mr. H. ATWOQD. By a considerable majority the members re- solved that although the Town Council has to pay the salary the appointment should still rest with the Board of Guard- ians. The Local Government Board will settle the question. There can be no doubt that Mr. FELIX, a very efficient officer, oould do the work and save a con- siderable sum to the ratepayers, to say nothing of the reduced annoyance. There is no principle involved. The Local Government Board will no doubt decide in favour of the Rev. T. A. PENRY'S pro- posal that the appointment should be made by the Town Council. < In one of his Liverpool speeches, Mr. LLOYD-GEORGE speaking of business and expert knowledge said that he thought, on the whole, the best business training in the world is to be forced to earn your own living. We think he is right, but what a large number of people there are who prefer that somebody else should earn their living for them. One of the speakers at Liverpool suggested that the PRESIDENT of the Board of Trade should be made a Minister of Commerce. The "Liverpool Courier, a most hopeless Conservative journal, became quite en- thusiatic about Mr. LLOYD-GEORGE and said of him: "The famous Welsh politi- "cal Demcsthenes delivered a speech "which not only bristled with playful "humour and witty touches, but evinced an appreciation of a subject to which he "is giving thoughtful attention. He in- dulged in a few pleasantries with one "of his countrymen, but of a different "political colour—Sir ALFRED JONSS—in "a manner which was particularly re- lished," On Monday, the House- of Lords by one hundred, and. forty-three votes to forty- three rejected, the Plural Voting Bill. This Government measure had been car- ried in the House of Commons by large majorities. The object of the Bill: was to impose a penalty en a Parliamentary elector registered in more than one con- stituency if he voted in any constituency except the one which he had selected for the purpose. This rejection will teach the Liberal electors something that they will remember at the next general election. Can Mr. LLOYD-GEORGE pass a London Port Bill? That is a question that is more easily asked than answered. If he can, then But can he? That is by far the biggest commercial undertak- ing before the country—perhaps the big- gest before the world. Is it possible that he can deal with it? We think he can. He does not want anything for him- self and he can move among the shippers in London. Perhaps he is not troubling himself about that great issue, but we think he is. We have often said that every goal is a starting, place. This is true in Mr. LLOYD-GEORGE'S Shipping Bill success. We wish him further and greater success.
NOTES FROM ABERAYRON.
NOTES FROM ABERAYRON. The Earl of Shannon died at Monachdy on Tuesday at 6-55 p.m, agedfoi'tyt-six ærs. He had been ill for nine days. > Countess was in London and is too indisposed to travel. He is succeeded by his eldest son, Viscount Richard Bernard Hoyle, aged ten years (see another column). The old pupils of the Aberayron Coun'cy School would do well to send in their annual subscriptions to the local secretary, Miss Margaret Jane Jones, Market-street. This would greatly facilitate the prepara- tions for the re-union. The district has become a noted bacon curing one. Yesterday, 120 pigs were slaughtered at Abermarles, Castell, and Aberayron. The Christmas holidays in the elemen- tary' schools of the Aberayron district will extend from the 21st December to the 7th January. The Rev. W. R. C. Davies has accepted a temporary curacy at Oswestry. Miss Margaret Jane Jones, of Market- street, Aberayron, was awarded the Dr. Davies' silver medal, being the second highest distinction in the Sunday school examination of South Cardigan C.M., a'c a targe meeting at Llangerth#- "\n Thurs- day, the 6th December (se<j another col- umn.) The Rev. J. Thickens gave the first of a 'series of class lectures for the season, illus- trated by limelight views, at the Babell on Tuesday evening, the llth December. The views were illustrative of the narra- tive of the first twelve chapters of Genesis. Tabernacle Church has resolved to have a preaching meeting early in the spring. The series of meetings held: by this church on Christmas Day between thirty and twenty1 years ago was a notable one. The preachers were the Revs. Owen Thomas, John Hughes, D.D., Joseph Thomas, Ed- dard Mathews, D Davies, Barmouth, John Jones, Rhos, Samuel Jones, David Saun- ders, John Harries Jones, Hugh Jones, and John Ogwen Jones. They are all away except the Rev. Hugh Jones. Christmastde promises 'co be unusually lively. The motor services from Aberyst- wyth and Lampeter will attract a large number of our sons and daughters home. There will be a breaking-up entertainmenc, at the County School. This school has now 104-pupils. There will also be a re-union 'of old pupils. This promises- to be, a Brilliant function. There will be a con- cert at Peniel and a concert bv Mrs files' Needlework Class, for this class can. sing and sew. There is one drop missing to make the cup overflow—that is Dai Price's im Whistle and Drum Baud, to re- establish those immortal Christmas wakes. The value of a steam roller is «*eal zed by the people of Aberayron by its absence. Nowadays the local autttocitos have laid a much-needed thick coating of broken 'stones on the roads of the town. Walk- ing and locomotion appeU74 ta be well nigh impossible. The stoma will have to be trodden down. Twelve years ago,. this was the only method in vogue in Car- diganshine. The poor rate for the parish of Llan- ddewi Aberarth Upper for the half year was 3a 4d in the pound. It was 3s 4d also for the previous half year. For the fiext lhalf year it will be 2s 8d in the pound. If the rate had gone up again, the sin would be visited on the County Council. Of course, the ratepayers will be equally ready to give the credit for the reduced rate to the County Council. A salary of JB92 is offered to the one who is appointed head teacher of, Penlone School. There is no anxiety, apparently, on the part of anyone to jump at the offer. Will the ratepayers make a note" of this ? The parents of the .district of Penlone, whether they be farmers] cot- tagers, or tradespeople, would willingly give 210, or even 220 more in order to secure an accredited first class school- master. This applies to every district, and a re- flective consideration of this and kindred facts ought to temper the wrath of people who hurl their arrows at coun'cy council- lors. The fact is, that the Cardigan County Council is the most wary, careful and economical (without being less progres- sive) of all the oouncils of Wales. The salaries it pays are lower than those of any other council, whilst the vigilance it exercises over expenditure is exhaustless. Mr John Watkins, of Oxford-street, died on Saturday afternoon, the eighth ot December, at the age of sixty seven years, after a prolonged and painful ill- ness. About eight months ago he sub- mitted to avery precarious operation, which was the means of prolonging his life. He was a large contractor for supplying broken stones for Mr Vaughan, county road surveyor, under the County Roads Board. When the County Council superseded the old authority, Mr Watkin became a candidate for one of the county surveyor- ships. lie secured the undivided support of the local councillors and of a large per- centage of the whole body of councillors, but failed to secure the appointment. Later, Aberayron obtained the powers of an urban council and Mr Watkins was ap. pointed surveyor and sanitary inspector, va post which he held till a few months ago. He leaves a daughter, Mrs. Captain karans, to mourn for him and an infant grandchild. In addition to holding secular public appointments throughout his career fie was also a deacon of Peniel Congre- gational Church where his characteristics and services were highly appraised. Mr Watkins will be missed more than many for his singular individuality. He had spent his whole life at Aberayron. He was prim of body and pert of mind. He was brimful of quips and cranks, and de- lighted in innocent banter, which he dealt out wi'ch a kind of dry irony which cul- minated in contagious laughter. He will always be remembered as a distinctive personality. On Tursday evening, the~ofh December, a very representative public meeting, con- vened and presided over by 'c'he mayor, Mr W. Thomas, J.P., Monachdy Arms, was field at the Assembly Room in order to promote the proposed testimonial to Mr. uohn Jones, choirmaster and bookseller. A representative committee was appointed to further the project. A meeting of the committee was held at 'che Justices' Room on Monday night, the 10th Dec. There were present Mr. W. Thomas, chairman Mr. D. P. James, appointed secretary: Rev. E. Evans, vicar; Rev J. J. Jones (B). Messrs D. Jones, fruiterer; J. R. Evans, Dannie Jones, Peniel House: J. M. Howell, j Davies, London House; E Lima Jones, and Captain Griffith Jones. It was re- solved to ask Mr. J. M. Howell to write a oTrcular stating the basis on which the appeal for subscriptions was founded, also that Llanddewi and Trinity churches, and also the Peniel and Tabernacle churches be requested to name three ladies each to make house-to-house calls; also a small executive committee was appointed to < tend to details. Mr. Munio Hu.;?rh<>- manager of the N.P. Bank] was appinted 'treasurer. Mr. John Jones's aft.-ctc.. iiis rips old age by impaired eyes gut. these words should be read by any one who is moved. to action, let L- forward his contribution to the Treasurer or to the writer. Air John Jones has in his time taught niustc or conducted choirs in 4d churches and 5d chapeis. He was wonderiuiiy profuse in spending his energies ana services. For a long -stretch of years the people ot Llanbadarn Tref- eglwys and Cilcennin parishes who reside in the dii,tdet§. where the parishes merge struggle to get the track from Dyf- ryn to Orfaddu made a highway. Money was subscribed by the parish councils and a public subscription fund was well sup- ported. They succeeded. It is now a U.ghway maintained by the Union. TXK tliddcuities are not over. There is on it a dangerous ford called Rhydyceir w; canüot be safely pa6.ed when the river Bran is flooded without a bridge. One of the questions now before the rural coun- cillors is whether a suitable culvert or bridge should be built, or should an apology for a bridge to meet barely the requirements of pedestrians suffice. It would appear that this road will become a main arcery to join Penuwch. Bethan:a, and a wide tract of country and the sea. In that case the road shouid be made a tjrstwjlass one and a good bridge should built. The Council might do a more pre- posterous action at the end of their term of office than to sanction such a scheme. Indeed, to undo the old arrangement and to appoint one surveyor was far more pre- posterous. CAROL NADOLIG. XV. Yn y dechreuad "roedd y Gair Daeth i'n cnawd iselaf- Wele Efe ar liniau Mair: Mawl fo i'r Goruchaf. Rhyfedd! y GaTr a wnaed yn gwnawd Rhyfedd 1 mae Ef i ni yn frawd. Plygwn mewn addoliant, Gwelson Ei ogoniant I Geidwad godidocaf:— Mawl fo i'r Goruchaf. Unwaith ar 01 ei weled Ef- Hawdd Ei 'nabod wed'yn'; Ar ael y mynydd, yn y dref, Yn yr unig fwthyn. Deui bob dydd i achuh y byd, Deui i goncro angeu o hyd. Plygwn mewn addoliant, etc Tyred o hyd 0 lesu mawr, Mewn i'r galon wannaf. Tyred yn wir, bob dydd, bob awr— Hyd yr awr ddiweddaf. lesu mae gwel'd Dy wyneb ou 'N ddigon i ddofi calon ddu. Plygwn mewn addoliant, etc DEATH OF THE EARL OF SHANNON, AT MONACHDY, ABERAYRON. The Right Hon. Richard Henry Boyle, Earl of Shannon died at Monachdy on Tuesday, the 11th December aged forty- six years. He came to Monachdy five years ago. He took an active part in the local celebration of the coronation of the King and interested himself in„ the conservancy of the rivers Arth and Aeron. He regularnly attended meetings in con- nection with both matters during the first years of his residence. He was of an ex- ceedingly amiable disposition and was much beloved by all who came in contact with him. His sudden death has caused much grief. He suffered in the early summer from cellulitis of the arm. Re- cently he was out as usual. He was intensely interested in forestry and gar- dening and spent nearly all his time in and around nis home. He is succeeded by his eldest son, Viscount Richard Boyle, aged ten years. The Earl of Shannon (Richard Henry Boylfc); Viscount Boyle of Bandon, and baron of Castle Martyr, and Baron Carle- ton, of Carleton, Countv -York. Great Britain, late lieutenant Rifle Brigade, born 15th May, 1860, succeeded his father as sixth earl, 1890: married 19th August, 1895, Nellie, daughter of the late Charles Thompson, of Brookham. Surrey. who succeeds him. Thev had issue, Richard Bernard, Viscount Boyle born, 13th Nov- ember, 1897. The Right Hon Robert Henry Boyle, born February 1st, 1900, and the Lady Helen Boyle, born Septem- ber 24th, 1898. Henry Boyle, first earl of Shannon, of Castle Martyr, County Cork, Ireland, was a member of the Privy Council in Ireland and filled some of the highest political offices in that kingdom, viz., Speaker of the House of Commons. Chancellor of the Exchequer and Lord Justice, and was elevated to. the peerage 17th April, 1756, as Baron Castle Martyr, Viscount Boyle and Earl of Shannon. His wife was Harriet, youngest daughter of the third Earl of Cork. The "fifth Earl Henry Bentinck, father of the de- ceased Earl, was married to Lady Blanche Emma Lascelles. daughter of Henry, third Earl of Harewood, who was the mother of the deceased Earl.
LLANILAR
LLANILAR PETTY SESSIONS Friday, December I 7th.—Before Dr Hughes (chairman), E A L Powell, Evan Richards, E J Evans. I and G F Roberts. Esars. I Excise Cases.—John Pugh Pencwm- I mawr, Llanddeiniol; James Scott, Pen- glanowen, Llanbadarn Lower; and Jane Jones Ynys, Llanychaiarn, were sum- moned by Thomas Llewellyn Morton, in- land revenue officer, for having kept car- riages without licences.—Mr Cruiefcshank prosecuted and Mr W P Owen. Aberyst- wyth)., defended in the cases against Pugh and ott.-Provinz the first case, T. Ll. Morton said that on August 9th, he saw f Pugh driving an elegant two-wheeled spring trap with cushioned seating ac- oommodation. The trap did not contain any goods and no inscription was to be seen on it. He subsequently saw the trap at defendant's residence. The name John Pugh was then written on the shaft in small handwriting.—Cross-examined He saw the trap at the Welsh National j Agricultural Show wliere it was shown in the farmers' turn-out. He had no reason to dis-believe the defendant's mother when she said that the trap had been used for market purdoses for five or six years.—Mr Loveden Pryse, secretary of the Welsh National Agricultural Society, said he had known the trap for the past four or five years, and it was adapted for the carriage of produce and for showing off the defendant's horse. The road on which the trap was used was hilly and it would not be wise to use any other than a light cart with a light horse to bring produce into town. It was im- possible to show off a harnessed cob in anything other than a light cart. It took off the value unless a light horse and. light harness was used.—J G Williams, coachbuilder, Abervstwyth, stated that he built the cart for the purpose of farm work at Penewmmawr. It was not, in 5iis opinion, adapted for other purposes. It was built to carry ten or twelve hun- dred weight. He inscribed the owner's name on the trap.—Defendant stated that he had had the trao tor about six years and had' not used it for any other pur- pose than the conveyance of produce to market. He had used the trap openly every time he went to town.—The Bench considered that a technical offence was committeci as the name-was not properly inscribed and fined defendant Is.—Giving evidence in the second case Morton said he saw defendant driving a two-wheeled trap without an inscription on it.—The evidence was of a similar nature to that given in the case of Pugh, defendant in this case also being fined Is.—Mr William Davies Aberystwyth, appeared to defend Jane Jones, who stated that she brought home some barbed wire from Tregaron. The wire was in the trap.—The Bench having inspected the trap, the case was dismissed. Alleged Shooting. Two brothers named Thomas Evans and David Evans, junior, miners, living at Nantwatkin, Cwmystwvth, were summoned by John Hughes, gamekeeper for Mr Waddingham Hafod, for having trespassed in search of game at 11.50 o'clock in the night at Oae'rfelin plantation on December 1st. David Evans was also summoned for shoot- ing at complainant with a loaded gun with intent to do him grievous harm.— Mr Hugh Hughes, Aberystwyth, appeared for the prosecution and Mr W P Owen for the defence.—■Complainant's evidence was to the effect that about nine o'clock he went to the plantation and watched. It was a moonlight, clear night. At 11.50 he heard noise and sheep were disturbed. Immediately afterward he saw three men ooming toward him at a distance of about twenty yards, When the; men saw him? they crouched down. He went toward them and saw David- Evans plainly kneel- ing and deliberatelv shooting at him. He was then within thirteen. yards of them, but the shot missed. They ran away afterward and he followed a little distance. Cross-examined: His home was 250 yards away. His wife was downstairs when he went home. He did not cafT at Hafod and did not go to Nant-watkin. He was positive he saw -the, two brothers, but failed to identify the other man, al- though he thougnt he knew him. That man had his cap over his face and his overcoat collar was turned up.—For the defence, Mr Gammon, owner of Cwmyst- wyth mines gave evidence as to the char- acter of the two defendants who had worked with him for manv years. On the night of December 1st, defendants sister was at his house when he entertained Dr Morgan to dinner. Defendants' sister stated that after coming home from Mr Gammon's house at eleven o'clock she saw her mother, two brothers, with Mr David Morgan, and a nephew in the house. 1 married brother lived next door and went home. Her brothers went to bed at 11.20. Their house was two or three miles from the plantation-Defendant's mother cor- roborated and defendants gave evidence proving an alibi.—David Morgan, farmer and miner, Tynddol, said he was at Cwm- ystwyth on Saturdav night and left for Nantwatkin at about a quarter to ten. When he arrived at Nantwatkin, he saw defendants sitting by the fire. Witness left a little after half past eleven, leaving Thomas Evans in the house with his mother and sister-.oross-examined: He often went to defendants' house, but had never been out sKooting with them. He believed that they did shoot.Cross- examined: Thomas Evans stated that he had been out, but returned at 8.30 and did not go cut after. He usually went to bed between nine and ten, but was down late on Saturday night because b; child'was ill. He occasionally shot and had been shooting over Pengraig, but had permission.—David Evans stated that he was mill foreman at Cwmystwyth and lived at Nantwatkin. He was at home between eleven and twelve o'clock, went to his father's house at 11.40, and re- mained there for ten minutes and re- turned brTp-e.Cross-examined-- Was very fond of shooting and had permission to shoot over different places. He knew John Hughes, but did' not think he was honest beaause he had brought fVhat charge against him. He had been pre- viously charged for trespass.—After de- liberation, the Bench dismissed the cases and the charge of shooting against David Evans was withdrawn.
PORTMADOC
PORTMADOC URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL, Tuesday night, December llth.^—Present: Mr. J R. Owen, chairman, presicing; Mr. John Jones; vice-chairman; Oaptain John Jones, Messrs H. Llewelyn Jones, W. Morris Jone3, Evan Williams, F. Buck- ingham, O. D. Jones, John Jones, clerk; and Morgan Thomas, surveyor and inspector. r mancial.s A balance in the Council's favour of £ 1,200. was announced. Workmen's wages sheets for the month totalled F,73 and other accounts totalling 221 were passed tor payment. Health of the District. The medical re'curn for October showed tour births and five deaths and a death- rate of 1ZA. Two deaths were due to consumption and one to heart disease. Two cases of infectious disease were notified, one of erysipelas and one of diphtheretic sort throat. Whooping Cough. The Sanitary Inspector repdrted thnt Morfa Bychan School was to be closed for tour weeks owing 'to whooping cough. Mr. Is van Humphreys's Demand Xhe National Federation of Meat Traders' Association Wrote approving the Council's action in reference to Mr. Evan Humph- reys' demand for a public slaughter hou,e. Penamser Road Entrance. The Works Committee, who have been discussing: the advisability of having the Penamser main road widened at entrance from Parkr-square, reported that the County Surveyor had written explaining that the County Council were not legally bound to contribute towards such improve- ment, but that they' were prepared to con- tribute half provided the necessary land was given free by the owner. The Com- mittee recommended that subject to the County Council also erecting a new bou, ary wall, application should be made to Mra. Davidson and to the owner of the Glen for the necessary land.—The recom mendation was adopted on the potion of Mr. W. Morris Jones. Gas Arrears. It was agreed to serve seven days' notice on seven parties in arrear with gas rents. The General Purposes Committee sug- gested the desirability of substituting pre- payment gas meters for ordinary met«:s in certain- cases. Disapproved. Plan of a proposed stable at the back of new houses at the rear of New-street was disapproved inasmuch as it would not leave sufficient air space. Rating of the County School. Mr David Jones, assistant overseer, ad- verting to the Council's letter of Septem- ber 14th relative 'co the reduction of the valuation of the Intermediate School buildings by the Festiniog Union Assess- ment Committee, from 91 to a nominal sum of 22, said he wag directed by the overseers to state that thev had oeen legally advised that the proper course to take in the matter would be tor the Coun- cil to give notice of appeal against th" podr rate in respect of any one of the properties for which they were rated in the parish on the ground of the undei assessment of the School. The Council, however, should first of all give notice ot objection 'co the Assessment Com- mittee against the valuation list. The Governors of the Intermediate School, who had also been written to on the matter, simply acknowledged the letter.—Mr John tfumphreys, chairman of the Finance Committee, explained that the Governors of the School applied for the reduction on the gf ound that the Assessment Committee had already reduced the assessment of the Festiniog Intermediate School to a nom- inal figure. The Committee, rather than increase the assessment of the Festiniog School to its proper figure, granted the Portmadoc application. The question for the Council to decide was-were they go- ing to allow the ratable value of the urban district to be diminished by £ 100. It was of the highest importance that the (ratable value should be as high as possible for it was in proportion to this value that their power to borrow money,.for improve- ments stood. Moreover, the loss in rate by the reduction represented about a far- thing in the pound. Having shown how in other ways the district lost b^t the two intermediate schools not being rated to their full value, Mr. Humphreys said on behalf of the overseers of Portmadoc he consulted one of the greatest authorities in the country on rating and he agreed with the overseers that the Assessment Committee had no right to do what they ,iJjad done. One way of acting in the matter was for the overseers to send in a supplemental valuation list embracing the intermediate School at its full vaue, and upon which failing approval, they couki appeal to Quarter Sessions. The other course was for the Council to apply to the Assessment Committee to reduce Council property to a nominal figure. He advised the first course and he proposed that the Council should instruct the over6eers to prepare a supplemental valuation* list.— Quarter Sessions were bound to allow the appeal should the overseers find it neces- sary 'co make such appeal. If the County School Governors applied again later, the Council could resort to the second course. —Captain John Jones, on understanding that it would not quash the racing of pro- perties generally, seconded the resolution —-Mr. Evan Williams inquired why the Governors applied for a reduction.'—The Chairman: People do strange things in rhis world. He added that lie felt that fihe Governors representing the Council, viz., Captain Morgan Jones. Mr Jonathan Davies, and the Rev. W. I. Nicholson had not spoken up for the Council's interest as they should have done. *—Captain J. Jones: What about Mr. W- Morris Jones?—The Chairman: He could not as clerk to the Goveriiors.-Ilie reso- lution was passed without opposition. Building Bylaws. Mr. O. D. Jones incidentally remarked that many of the building bylaws wanted aitenng. Telephonic. The Chairman said the matter of the telephone had made no further progress The telephonic communication with the l Festiniog Quarries in connection with the Festiniog Railway was one important ob- stacle,—-The Council sat about an hour.
BLAENAU festiniog
BLAENAU festiniog URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL, Friday night, December 7th>—Present Mr E. M. Owen, chairman, presiding; Messrs J. Lloyd Jones, senior; Owen Jones, Wm. Owen, Cadwaiadr Roberts, Hugh Jones, J. Lloyd Jones junior, Evan Jones, E. Lloyd Powell, Hugh Lloyd, H. H. Roberts, W. J. Rowlands, J. VadwaladrJ W. Jones, Richard Roberts, Wm. Evaas, W. D. Jones, John Hughes, R. O.. Davies^ olerk; Evan Roberts, assistant clerk; W. E. Allt- wen Williams, surveyor and engineer; and Geotrge Davies, sanitary inspector Public Lighting. The Surveyor reported that the electric current failed on November 9th owing to the severe gale disturbing the wires. There were at present 184 electric laupg in the district and eight gas femps. Jt was re- solved to substitute electric lamps for the tatter.rc. was decided to put up a new lamp at Plasisa in accordance with a peti- tion- from the inhabitants of Fucheswen and Hafodruffydd. Mr. Cadwaladr Roberts asked what was the good of agreeing to put up new lamps when like resolutions passed at previous meetings had not yet been enforced. It was intended painting the electric poles. He should say it would be better to pro- vide proper lighting than provide paint for the poles. (Laughter.)—The Surveyor I said Mr. Yale had ordered the poles.—Mr Roberts: We have been waiting at Tany- grisiau for two years for a lamp ordered to be put up by the Station. Compared with us, lamps are as numerous Plasisa way as stars in the firmament. (Laugh- rer.)-Air. Richard Roberts seconding Air U Roberts's proposition to write to Mr 1 Yale, said it was a shame lamps were not put up within a month of ordering. Again, he considered the attention of the Electric Company should be drawn to the occa- sional failure of public lighting. Awk- ward all round, it was particularly so in the case of the chapels. Better revert to gas unless there more certainty. Tht Surveyor said, the attention of Mr. Yah fiad been drawn to the matter. He be- lieved an improvement was possible. An- other matter which should have attention was the collapse of a live wire during tiv night. The consequences might have been serious.—Mr. J. Hughes also pointed c that lamps had been kept alight all night at Llan ?-The Surveyor said this likewise should be considered.—A petition was re- ceived for a new lamp at Isfryn, Bethania. The petitioners said one lamp was affected by 'che new house of Councillor David Williams. Mr. Richard Roberts sug- gested that Mr. Williams should be asked to pull down his house. (Laughter.)—The petiton was refered to the Lighting Com. mittee. New Bylaws. It was stated that the Health Com- mittee had met thrice recently to consider the proposed new bylaws which deal with tents, vans, sheds, etc., nuisances, ceme- tery, mortuary, whirligigs sw ngs, tele- graph wi'res, markets. It was agreed that there should be a bylaw closing the pleasure grounds one hour after daily and opening at eight a.m. Milk Regulations. The Clerk said.'(he Milkshops, Dairies Order was also recommended for adoption. The Committee, by a slight majority, decided against the model regu- lation in favour of taps for milk cans. The Committee were for allowing milk to 6e drawn through the tap by means of a nand vessel.—Mr. S. H. Roberts said the 3iedical Officer was strongly opposed to tne ^existing practice, and he proposed an amendment that'the model regulation should be adopted.—Mr. John CadwaTLG seconded, and on a division the amend- ment was.carried, eleven voting for it. Town Hall Ventilation. The Surveyor estimated that it would cost L70 to do efficient ventilation work at the Assembly Room.-Conaideration was deferred until next year's estimate. Infectious Diseases. The Sanitary Inspector said seven cases of diphtheria and six of drysipelas were notified during the month ending Novem- oer 2yth. Two dihptheria cases were at Uonglywal, two ai Bowydd. and one each at Diphwys, Rhiw, and Teigi. The Teigl case proved. fatal. Mr. Lewis Richards inquired whether persona who v.isited persons with diphtheria were liable to legal poroeedings.Tnese per- sons not only endangered their own lives but those of others.—The Clerk: No, they awe not liable. The law simply forbids the affected persons going out.—Mr. Lewis Richards thought the serious attention of the public should he directed to this dan- gerous, habit. He felt that people should make a point of keeping clear of a house where a man had just died of diphtheria. Mr. William Owen: Is it nare danger- ous when the person is dead?--Mr. Rich- ards: Mr. Owen is more of an authoruy on that point. He does not appeal to irfz because he does not know; otherwise I Would. answer him. (Laughter.)—Mr. W. Owen Indeed, I don't know. A Contradiction. • Mr William Owen said at tbo ir«qa(.st into, the death of Robert Jones at Tany- grisiau the jury came to the opinion that the accident was due to the road being j too narrow But what he wished to al)ude to was 'che statement made by Councillor Humphrey Roberts that a sum of money had been handed over to the District Council by the County Council. for the purpose of widening the road. This was a wrong statement They had not had a halfpenny from the County Council and they had never asked for a halfpenny. He thought same publicity should be given to the contradiction as was given to the wrong statement. He also felt that per- sons should be careful to-state nothing s an inquest except what they knew to be facts.-The Clerk read a letter from the pen of the Rev Silyn Roberts had also ap- peared in the Press to the same effect and also alleging that the C*UDCIJ were break- ing the law in not making the road twenty feet wide. He had looked up, the Council minutes carefully and could find absolutely nothing in support of Councillor Humph- rey ltbberts's allegation. Neither cou'd he find in the Highway Act that the Coun cil wer ebreaking the law. The zvet S. jd if there was available space between the fences a pathway leading to a market town should be widened to twenty feet. He doubted whether tlrs road could be de- scribed as a pathway leading to a. market town. Whilst as regards the question of space for widening there was no available spaoe between the fences. Moreover, no- thing could be done without going on to private property-The Chairman It seems to me-that gentlemen have been interfering with things they know nothing about. (Laughter.)-.Nir. H. H. Roberts said he had explained at the recent 'rdcepavers' meeting at Tanygrisiku what Mr. William Owen had just said. A letter was afterward read from Mr. R. Williams chairman of the Ratepayers' meeting at Tanygrisiau in reference to the resolution which the meeting passed to send to the County Council protesting against the narrowness and steepness of the road.—Mr. William Owen proposed that the letter should be referred to the Roads Committee.—This was agreed to. Laid on the Table. Invitations to sanitary conferences at Dublin and Douglas were laid on the tabi whilst a third invitation was deferred un- til the election of the new Council. Carting Contract. It was resolved that MJr. Hias Jones. a brother of the man who was recently killed at Tanygrisiau^ should be allowed to take up the contract which terminates in March. Houae-to-House Inspection. I On the recommendation of the Inspec- tor, who has been-tor some months mak- ing a thorough inspection at Llan, it was resolved to serve a large number of riotl-lk requiring sanitary improvements. Overhanging Trees. It was decided 'chat a committee should report on the overhanging trees by Carmel I Chapel. Damaged Walls. It was resolved to repair all damaged walls along the rranygrisau road where the Council was liable and thac the attention of Inspector Roberts should be drawn to the wanton damage done to the walls. Refuse Tipping. It was deoided that in future no refuse should be deposited on private property un I less a written agreement was nrsi entered into between the Coune I and the land- lord. The Roads. The Surveyor reported there were many places in the district, whkk required wid- ening improvement? and he thoughc that £ hey sou Id be provided for 111 next year's estimate. BoJitddu. It was stated that the repairs to and in the neighbourjaood of the bridge, costing 1013, ihad been put in hand by the com- mittee composed of representatives of Fes- tiniog. Urban and Maentwrog parish as ciis. ( Water Supply. f The depth of water at faiyn Morwy ? was stated to be ten feet eleven inched .November 22nd. The rainfall for Oct)* was 12.92-inohee. Auditor's Report. The Publir Auditor s report for the i ended last March showed that there A;1,334 in hand on the -distriet,tund a deficiency of R-W on the gas fund If of :£35 on the library fund. There L147 to the credit of the Technical 1 cation account. He must again refer tc matters complained of in previous Sef^ with regard co the cemeteries aoco, tend request that such matters m* have the early attention of the Cou —The Clefck said he had informed 1 Auditor chat the new bylaws deai& {he Cemeteries and would do away this complaint. Personal. Mr William Owen alluded to the e/ of Councillor Cadwaladr Roberts from' shaft in the Moelwyn Quarry and Owen Jones to the recovery of Count* Hugh Lloyd Formal votes of congi lation were passed and acknowledge* BANKRUPTCY COURT, Tuesday. fore ihomas Jones, Esq., registraii Bankrupts were examined by M Tobias, assistant official receiver. f Quarryman and Dairyman. wil.- Jones, Hendy, Tanygrisiau; for whon; R. O. Jones appeared, returned t totalling and a de-ficnenev of Debtor, a quarryman, worked at one;' as a collier in South Wales, but in I commenced business as a dairy mar- Hendy, Tanygrisiau, capital oT £60. I only debt scheduled was for monev but debtor said it was a gift to hi that he would have contested the but for the fact that he was serious at the time he was sued.—The exajrf tion closed subject to the producti4 accounts. a Timber Fellers.—John Roberts, T lea, Uanrwst, and William Henry F wall, Belmont, Llanrwst, timber £1' and hauliers, returned debts toti i:246 and a deficiency of £ 205. Tfc" ceiving order in 'che case of BlackwaJi hied in consequence of his former pa having already done so. Roberts w# amined at the last Court when i' ordered that the two pecitions shoo I consolidated. Blackwall, who is tw" two years of age, has been helpir' father on a farm and occasionally g., sea as a sailor f.om Portmadoc. Christmas, 1905, he entered into paiÍ with Roberts and they trader Roberts and Blackwail up to Septe 1906. He brought £ 25 into the btf and according to Roberts the firm* over the assets and liabilities of the' nes3.-Blackwall attributed the faill buying standing timber too dear.- amination was closed. Painter and Decorator. -Robert liams, Treawen, 'JJrefriw, painted decorator, for whom Mr. Davies y .Eflanrwst, appeared, returned deW& A;97 and a deficiency of JBS5. Debto,' is thfrtjL-eight years of age, attribut. failure to losses in debts and sickn, family.íI.:he examination was close: FESTINIOG WORKMEN'S TRI On Saturday, Colonel Y oI-ke. Bo: Trade inspector, he!d on inquiry iim: oomplaints of the workmen travelli II Fejiimog Railway. Mr. J. j Morris, who appeared for the woip said the complaints were (1). that f riages were not what they should 1 that there was overcrowding; (3; J the fares were too high; (4), that tJ- riages were not kept clean enoug. that they were not properly lighte, chat the carriages were fun of sm the tunnel; (7), that the shelters railway stations were not ample e?t Mr Morris said the workmen's weer ket was 2s 5d., and when he desi travel by other than the workmen's, except in case of sickness, dr injtt had to pay 4d. extra—David Joni retary to the workmen, John R chairman of the committee, Riohart. Owen Jones, Thomas Williams, and Jones gave evidence. « In cross-examination bv Mr J oJu" phlreys (Messrs Jones and Jones, madoc), who appeared for the I, Company, some of the witnesses v clared that a carriage was frequer) cupied by Sixteen workmen, aof that there were nineteen carriages r 190 men who travelled by the tra that the men went in parties w ^result that some of che carriage^ not be overctowded. The railwa' were lower than those of the G.W.i N. and W". Railway companies am were not prepared to pay more tOJ." ior accommodation. Thev also that there was much tobacco amok:- chewing and spitting in the ca and admitted that it would be im! to get the carriages dry if washed out daily, j Mr J. S. Hughes, manager of tJ, way Company, said the catriag; washed out weekly. Tb^ workmei; had cost £ 2,000 and to provide a gey carriages would mean £ 3,000. The Company could nol' this large sum of money, but tf done their best in the circumstii' M hich. they were placed--In cro. ination, Mr Hughes admitted if Sianitary Inspector had complainet ference to the cleaning of the c* The present carriages were built Were the fares fifty per cent, m would be able to carry out extev terations. Colonel Yorke subs'f inspected the eaziriages. i
■ t NEUADDFAWR FOXHOU?,
■ t NEUADDFAWR FOXHOU?, The Neuaddfawr foxhounds Monday last at Hafod, Nantcwnl; there was a very good muster to ew-genial master. Mis T H R and to enjoy the excellent break- vided by the popular voung C., Hafod, Mr. J. Rogers Lewis, n Mr. J. E. Rogers Abermeurig. I, those present, besides the master, by two whins, were the followi' Sterry, Neuadd: Mr and Miss Faloondale Mr and Mrs Roger Hafod; Mrs Inglis Jones, Derry; Miss Lewes, Llanllear Mr and*!k" chard, Lampeter; Mr Davies, Aberayron; Mr Davies, Perthn'ei D. D. Evans, Llanio; Mr Dav bank; Mr Lloyd. Blue Bell; M Ardwyn Mr. Morgans, Parkrf Mr. Lloyd Jones, Llangeitho, a others. Lfuae did revnard know) within a few hundred yards to and that at that time there ws1 field of sportsmen drinking his plus a little extra according to* torn of the good old days 4 the fences, or else he would ta.) peaceful home. Within two from the start, the hounds ga'! Allt-y-gaer and at least two f* put up. After having been bus4 times throughout the covert, < out on the north side and the the south; the one that mad' north was taken up by most of tf and after a sharp run of abo, minutes he turned his mask n bwlch, a very steep, thick and' dingle, the stronghold of Mr F district. It proved so this t- The hounds received a check, probably the- fox went to groundi No time was lost and the ho- taken back to take up fox nir The scent at first was catchy different, but the hounds wor] didly and he had to leave hi second time from the gorse cove" y-van. He made straight for/1 goch and followed the dingle n away for Tychrug before he ci road at the top. After visitin he doubled back very much oil ground to Owm Penlan and frqí re-visited Bremog, but this til; intention of coming from th{' had gone to earth and was Ie. it was too late to get him out it was a grand run of three a. half. The music at time fine and all made for h01 thoroughv enjoyed the sport.
Joral aub t trii --.""""""'"
Joral aub t trii The Great Western Railwa, announce that arrangements made for the collection and vr ery of parcels in all the prin on their system. The char- conveyance of parcels for sho are lower than those by parce: During the busy ctmstma is important that all parcel tully and legibly addressed t dress cards firmlv attached. tra precaution, a duplicate be enclosed with each package: name of the consignee may b< in the event of the outside lit detached or defaced. ) Lord and Lady Penrhyn h 1 to Penrhyn CtlÐ,
THE ENFRANCHISEMENT OF WOMEN.
working- for reforms which are more b important than women's suffrage. There can be no reform more import- ant than the enfranchisement of half the inhabitants of the United King- dom. We say deliberately and with all the force we can command that the woman who works for a parliamentary candidate who is opposed to her en- franchisement is a political idiot, and is not only unworthy of enfranchise- ment, but is utterly unfit for any form of citizenship. We have not become suddenly or recently converted to the principle of doing legal justice to women. We had the injustice under which women still suffer brought home to us sixty years ago and from that day to this, according to our power, we have urged as we are now urging justice and equality for women. It is marvellous that women can respect themselves and can avoid giving way to despair when they see how they are excluded from all sorts of positions d are treated as inferior beings who can be subjected to injustice by men without the least sense of shame on the men's part. The long, dark night of women's oppression is drawing to a close. The. day of their freedom is 'breaking, and before long they will not be held down by sheer brute force. What the relative position of women will be in the future we are not going to attempt to say, but we are quite sure that the wise, strong, courageous woman will not have to play second fiddle to a wreck of a man merely be- cause he is a man. We believe that the Bristol Women's Reform Union is wise in not recognis- ing anything except the need for jus- tice to women. That is the great reform which ought to be fought for by women in and out and all through regardless of consequences. Women are now politically ignored. Why, then, need they trouble themselves about the political consequences of their acts? The attitude of women in regard to their own position has changcd for the better. The open war which has been waged, with imprison- ment in the background, is telling in right directions. We may be asked whether we approve of the courses which some women have adopted. We are not going to criticise the courses of action of those who are fighting against injustice. When enslaved women are told that they are not in earnest they must do whatever is neces- sary to convince the slaveholders that they are in earnest. It may be said that women are not enslaved. Very well. Let somebody find a nicer name for the condition of those who are forced to pay taxes which they do not levy and to obey laws which they do not make or administer.