The Cambrian News and Merionethshire Standard

Constitution of the German Empire. CONQUEST A TRADITION OF THE RACK. On Thursday evening Mr. T. Stanley Reberts, M.A., profosaor of oolonial his- tory at the llniversitv College of Wales, gave a lecture at the College on the H Con- atitution of the German Empire." There was a. large attendance and the admission fee was given to the Belgian relief fund. The lecturer prefaced his subject by observ- ing that there were two forma of modern states—unitary, such as Great Britain and France, and federal, such as the United States and Germany. Down to 1870 Ger- many was not a federal state. From the time of Charlemangne the history of Ger- many was tho history of attempts to secure national unity. Federated Germany of the present time comprised four king- doms, several grand duchies, and three cities. It was not only a federated state but also a military ata.ta. It has no natural hOllndaries such as the Pyrenees which divided France from Spain, or the Alps which divided Italy from Franco. The boundary between Germany and Russia was purely artificial. For many years Germany had desired be recognised as a. great world power, and in order to seoure that power the sword had to be kept blight to extend her dominions a.nd to carve out an empire beyond the seas. Expansion by military force had in fact been a Prussian policy from times. In the twelfth century Prussia wag a small state kaown as the Old Mark, with tho Mbe as itsi eastern boundary. Its inhabitants had to keep the borders against the enereach- ments of the Slavs beyond the Elbe, and they not. (}Iy did that but eventually ex- tended their dominion over the eastern provinces to the Odor and the Vistula. The first period of expansion was from 1134 to 1324. During that period the Old Mark extended te the Odor stud beyond into Poraerania, and the acquired terri- tory was colonised and Prussianised. Then front 1324 to 1411 there followed a pwiod anarchy which in turn was sneoeeded by the Refo-mation, when in 1411 the Honae of Hohensollern meo head the electorate of Brandenburg, whioh the Old Mark had expanded. Joa<ohim the Second adopted Caivinism as the religion «f kis family and in that way the Hector of Brandenburg became leader of tha Pro- testants of North Germany The Prussians i had been conquered and Teutonised by the Teutonic knights in the twelfth and thir- teenth centuries and their territories elll to the House of Hohenzollern. The third period of expansion was after the thirty years war, especially under the Great Elector from 1640 to 1688. The population had been reduced to one-half in that war and the Great Elector invited into his country thousands of Huguenots and Ger- mans from the Catholic states of the south and laid the foundations of industrial Germany. He also developed the army and the civil service. The next ruler became the first King of Prussia— 1688 to 1713, who was succeeded by Frederick the Great—1740 to 1786. In his time occurred the conquest of Silesia and the partition of Poland among Austria. Russia., and Prussia, and the suppression of Polish nationality. Then followed a period of disaster in the time of Napoleon and tho downfall of Prussia in the battle of Jena in 1806. The next period was a period of reconstruction under Stein and Hardenburg which led to Prussia's share 1T1. the downfall of NapeJeon at Waterloo. The defeat of Austria. in 1866 made Prussia the chief state in Germany; the defeat of the French in 1870 led to the annexation of Al'sace and Lorraine and the founding of the German Empire and the expansion of territory at the expense of Denmark, which enabled Germany to construct tne Kiel Canal. The next period of German expansion was in the founding of colonies in Africa., particularly in the Paeific, and latterly by an alliance with the Turk. German expansion in East Prussia. stopped the expansion westward of Austria. Austria therefore sought expansion in the 1 Balkans and annexed Bosnia and HerzQ- govina.. By bringing Turkey within the sphere of German influence Germany ] sought to obtain a position on the Persian Gulf in order to restore an ancient trade route to India-a trade route mentioned in the Book of Kings. He did not, then, altogether blame the Kaiser personally for the present war. Conquest was the tradi- tion of the race. Dealing with the con- stitution of the German Empire, Professor Roberts said the Kaiser was the head of the state, the absolute controller of the army and navy and .foreign alrairs. All the ministers, from the chancellor down- ward, wore responsible to him alone and could not be dismissed bv a hostile parlia- mentary vote as in Great Britain. The Reichstag could criticise and give advice, but the criticism need not be heeded or the advice taken. The imperial legislature consisted of two houses—the Bundersrath and the Reichstag—in both of which Prussia had a preponderating voice. Though the people had been given man- hood suffrage, the aim of the founders of the constitution seemed to be to make the democracy as harmless .as possible. The Kaiser as King of Prussia, was more power- ful within his own dominions than as emperor of Germany. The Prussian Par- liament, or Lantag. consisted of two houses. The upper houses was composed of great nobles," great officials heads of corporations, and important representa- tives of religious bodies appointed by the King. In the constitution of the Lantag in eif h electoral division the very rich eieoijed, say, three representatives,, the moderately rich three, and the ordinary neonle three, and the nine representatives elected a member to the Lantag. Prussia for centuries had been a land of soldiers and state officials and advance by the sword a tradition of its people.

Municipal Bye-Election. On Friday the following were nomin- ated to fill the two vacancies in each of the three wards represented on the Town Council, caused by the election of six aldermen: Xo. 1 Ward.—Messrs Robert Doughton, 48, Great Eurkgate-street, ironmonger; John Edwards, Frbn Viila, Penparke. rail- way guard; David Ellis, 28, little Dark- gate-street, furniture dealer; and Herbert Jones, 3, Terrace-road, newsagent. No. 2 Ward.—Dr. T. D. Harries, Grosvenor House: Messrs. John Pritchard Jones, 2. Trindod-terrace, railway engine man; Jack Levenson, Bronheulog, St David's-road, tobacconist: Wm. Richards, Tregar, Queen's-avenue, draper and out- fitter; and John David Williams, Penrhyn House, North gate-street, fruiterer. Xo. 3 Ward..—Messrs Enoch Davies, Clwydfa. Trefor-road, commerrial travel- ler; John Morgan, 3, Brynymor- terrace; Arthur Owen, Glanpadarn, Car- adog-road. tailor and outfitter; Llewelyn Samuelj. 12a, Northga^e-street, groesr; and William kyshon Williams, Gwylfa, Biyn-road, insurance agent. The election will take place on Saturday. There are. fourteen candidates for six seats —two in each ward. Of the candidates only two have had previous experience as mem- bers of the Council, namely, Dr. Harries and Mr. Doughton. Two other old mem- bers, Messrs Isaac Hopkins and J. T. Davies werre nominated for the first ward, but withdrew on Saturday.

BABMOfTTH Commission.—Private V. St. G. Hewins has been gazetted second lieutenant in the 7th Batttalion of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers. URBAN COUNCIL, Tuesday, November 17th. —Present: Councillors Rhys Jones, chairman; J. Pryce Jones, vice-chair- man. John Morgan, R. G. Moore, D. O. Hughes, H. Freeman, Edward Wil- liams, and Dr. Pughe-Jones; Messrs. R. Llewelyn Owen, assistant clerk; Dr. J. O. Williams, medical officer; T. R. Parry, surveyor, John Roberts, collec- tor and Watkin Davies, 'nspectjr. A Reminder. The Chairman read sections of the Standing Orders to refresh the memory of members and houed that the reminder would serve t-o oWiate a good deal of the loose talk and discursive discussions which too often characterised discussions He felt sure that a stricter observance to the Standing Orders would result in greater despatch of business .as well as better work. (Cheers). Personal Explanation. Mr. John Morgan said he had been accused by some friends of having been against the reduction in the water charges for Caersalem Chapel at the previous meeting. That was not his position. His objection was not to the principle, but to the reduetOpn i(n thso present financial year. If there was a case for the reduc- tion, tho whole matter eoukl be reconsid- ered in the next financial year. In justice to himself ho was entitled to explain his position. Representation. On the proposition of Mr. R. G. Moore, the Clerk (Mr. William George) was re- elected a member of the Board of Gov- ernors of Bangor College.—Mr. H. Free- man: Docs he attend the meetings? (Laughter).—The Chairman: I believe ho does. (More hnughter). Billeting of Troops. The Chairman, Vice-chairman, and Deputy Clerk were iippointed to wait on the Brigadjor GleneraJ^ of the; Western Division at Chester to lay before him tho advantages of Barmouth as a depot for troops. General urposes. The General Purposes Committee re- ported that Mr. T. W. Piggott, Vronaig, had been appointed secreitary 011 the Soldiers Help Association for the county. The Committee formally approved of the plans of a house in Mynach-road which had been amended as required by the Council. The Surveyor was directed to arrange for the distribu- tion of a supply of posters and leaflets issued by the Parliamentary Committee with a view of siJimuHating recruiting. The Clerk was directed to apply to the Curator of Kew Gardens for palm trees for planting at the curve near Aber- amlfra. Permission was given to Mr. D. E. Davies to connect a three-inch pipe to the water main to servo the new houses at Llanaber, the work to be done by the Council's workman at Mr. Daviosj's ex- pense. Adverting to a paragraph ih the report respecting the method of payment of wages in connection with Aberamffra, improvement scheme, Mr. D. O. Hughes noved an amendment in favour of leaving the payment arrangements in the hands of the County Council.—Mr. Free- man. in seconding the proposition, admitted that he had altered his mind on reflection—(laughter)—and when .ho, found out he was wrong he did not mind admitting the fact. (Laughter).—The amendment was adopted. 1 Insurance Risks. The Chairman, referring to the contract for the removal of rock, said he would like to clearly understand the Council's position in respect of third party risks. The contract amounted to £30 only and the insurance premium would amount to £5, a disproportionate sum. When the Council placed the contract it was under- stood that the contractor would bo respon- sible for insurance; but it appeared that no premium was paid. What, then, was the position of the Council?—The Assist- ant Clerk explained that the contractor signed the agreement undertaking the risk involv ed; but he, considered tho premium too high for the amount of the contract.— Mr. Morgan said a substantial part of the work had been done without any accident and the men seemed to use every care in their work.—It was decided to take no action in the matter.—Referring to the proposal to plant palm trees at Aber- amlfra, Mr. Moore observed tha,t it was not right to plant trees on private pro- perty. If the Council were going to plant, why not do so on Cellfechan Farm which would soon be public property ?—The Chairman said the trees would be procured free and Aberamffra corner was eminently suitable for palm trees, the plaCe being sheltered from north and tast winds, while Cellfechan was not. It was simply an ex- periment which would improve the .iy. Mr. Pritchard Morgan had thrown cut the suggestion. If success followed it would be a good advertisement for the towu..—Tho report was adopted. Financial i Jinanco Committee reported that the Collector had banked £ 223 13s. lUd. as against £1.67 Is. 6-id. in the. correspond, ing month of the previous year leavino- a hlaIlce of 1,320 lis. lid. as compared with xyljllo 2s. 5d. last yea.r. An appeal against the income tax assessment on the waterworks of £150 and on tolls of £150 had resulted in a reduction of the former to £37 and the latter to £88. The Com- mittee complained of the delay in the pay- ment of the County Council's quota on main road account. The JB62 10s. due on June 30th was not received until October 24th, and a similar sum due on September 30th was paid on November 5th. The cot- tage at Graigfach was let to Mr Evan Lewis Jones, Bronvgraig. While agree- ing to the payment of the nominal sum of Is. annually to the Cambrian Railway for the right of placing a seat on PorKington Hill, tho Committee suggested that- the Company should be invited to allow the Council to place a. few seats on the land above the tunnel on the hill. A charge of l?8' was niade for water supplied to Mr. George Evans, Llanaber, in laving out his garden. The Chairman expressed the Council s indebtedness to the Collector for his successful efforts in a time of excep- tional «.trcss and difficulty and to the rate- payers who had responded so noblv to the call made on them. The members were irankly pessimistic at the oi.+look: but the town had clone remarkably weJl in most difficult conditions,-The 0 rort was adopted. Cellfechan Farm. The Clerk announced that the Loral Government Board had given their sanc- tion tf) the purchase of Cellfechan bv the Council nd to the borrowing of £2,300 for that purpose. Several offers of ^fei e made at rates of interest approximat- ing from four to four and a JHlif per cent: but Mrs. Williams was prepared to allow the amount to stand as mortgage, the period of repayment to be spread over ten years at three and a half per cent., a I clear saving of £23 per annum.—On the proposition of Mr. Edward Williams, seconded by Mr. Pryco Jones, a vote of I thanks was accorded Mrs. Williams for her liberal offer, which was unanimously accepted, and instructions we^e given Mr William George to proceed with the pre- paration of the necessary agreements. paration of the necessary agreements. Bowling Green. s Mr. Gwilym Davies attended on behalf of the Bowling Club and was welcomed by the Chairman. Mr. Davies explained that a number of friends had established a bowling club which had prospered beyond | expectations until the outbreak of war. The Club had about fifty members who paid a subscription of 5s. each. The Council had kindly given the use of land for the purpose; but unfortunately present resources would not enable the" Club to layout a green as it should be laid out and his request on behalf of the Club that if possible the Council shouJd lay out the ground which would serve to provide employment for men who needed it asd also prove an acquisition to the town. He had received letters from many visitors ex- I pressing appreciation of the ground even in its present impcrfect state After dis- cussion, a, proposition by Mr John Morgan was carried to defer the matter until it was ascertained definitely whether troops could be secured for the town. In that case the ground would be needed for training purposes On the suggestion of Dr. Pughe Jones, the Clerk was instructed to ascertain whether a grant could be secured from some quarter for the pur- pose of layingjout the ground. Marine Road Complaint. The Chairman reported on the visit of ¡ the Committee to the stables in Marine- road. They fiad reason to believe that an amicable arrangement had been arrived at between the parties _that would be per- manent.—Oil the proposition of Mr. J. I Pryce Jones, seconded by Dr Pughe Jones, it was decided to write to the complainant intimating that the Council was moving in the matter. Read Improvement. The Chairman announced that the Sub- Committee had consulted the owners of land near King's-crescent who intimated their readiness to give the land necessary for the widening of the road The Sur- veyor produced the plan of road widening submitted by Messrs. Collyer, Mr. Greener's nominee.—The Council decided to hold a special meeting to consider the plan in detail and instructed the Surveyor to pre- pare estimates of the cost It was de- cided to communicate with Mrs. Parker Smith and the trustees of her estate in reference to the prospects of the scheme. A Suggestion. A letter from Kingston, Ireland, was ^om a visitor who had been charmed with Barmouth during a stay in summer suggesting that the path along the em- bankment leading from the bridge to Barmouth Junction should be cleared of loose sand for the comfort o'f pedestrians. copy of the letter was ordered to be sent to the Cambrian Railways Company. Re-appointment. Mr. T. R. Parry was re-appointed sur- veyor for the current year.—The Chair- man asked members to hold their hands up distinctly when voting as it was diffi- cult to know whether they were voting or not. Bad Roads. Mr. John Morgan again called attention to the wretched state of the main road to Llanaber. He said he had called attention to it at the previous meeting and a few pot holes had been filled up. Much more, however, remained to ba done before its condition was even passably satisfactory. —The Surveyor replied that he had applied to the Works Committee for a supply of tnrvia for the work, but the Committee did not see their way to grant the request. —Mr. J. Pryce Jones said he was under the impression that the Committee had sanctioned trying a cask or two of tarvia to carry out most urgent repairs. As for doing the road up properly there were two strong objections to it. It was the wrong time of the year and the Council had not the means to carry it out now .Mr. Mor- gan proposed that power should be given the Surveyor to procure the necessary material for the work and to proceed with it at once Mr. Edward Williams sec- onded the proposition, remarking that it would effect a great saving to repair the mischief before it became worse. The Council, he added, had a duty to perform in keeping the roads in repair as they were paid for it by the County Council. This road, however, was in an awful con- dition.—Ultimately it was decided that the Surveyor should be provided with the material for repairs only at present The Council then resolved into Committee.

CEW1L0G. Literary Society.—Silo'n (Gong.) Liter- ary Society was inaugurated on Monday evening, when Miss Jones, Plas, was elected president for the month, and Mr. W. H. Prichard, Leeds House, .secretary, for the session. The opening address was deliv- ered by Mr. Owen Thomas, Llwynanas, on "Reminiscences of Local Characters." The II speech was full of wit, humour, and in- teresting anecdotes. The vote of thanks was proposed by Mr. R. Price, Gwagynol, I and seconded by Miss Maggie Griffith, Penybont. Success.—Mr. Edward Thomas, eldest son of the late Capt. Thomas Gwynle, has successfully passed the Board of Trade ex- amination for the certificat.e, of first mate. For Krng and Counts-y,—The services of Mr. H. Shelton Jones, M.R.C.V.S., have been accepted by the War Office as veter- inary surgeon for the. army. He leaves shortly for the front.

BETTWS. Council School.—On Thursday of last week a sale was held at the Council School of work done by the girls and infant pupils. There were all kinds of useful articles. The work was very good and neatly done, and the teachers deserve credit for their instruction. Tho arrange- ments for the sale were in the hands of the Headmaster (Mr. Layd). Among those who assisted at the stalls were Mrs. J oiios, Vicarage; Mis. Williams, Pen- Craig; Mrs. Herbert, Hand Hotel; Mrs Williams, Ty Newydd; Miss Davies, Bod- ynlliw; Miss Edwards, Hendre; and the teacher (Miss Carpenter).

HIGH SHERIFFS FOR WELSH COUNTIES. The following names of high sheriffs have been submitted to his Majesty, the first-mentioned in oach case, it is under- stood, being usually Helected:- Monmouthshire.—Mr. William Royse Lysagt, Casxleford, Chepstow; Mr. John Paton, Waun Wern, Pontypool; and Mr. Albert Adams Williams^ Pcnparc, Llan- gibby. Brecknock.—Mr. Hugh Archibald Christy, Llangoed Castle; Mr. Wm. Evans, Brynteg House, Merthyr Tydvil; and Mr. David Jones, Pytindu, Brecon. Glamorgan Mr. Edmund Lyons Evan Thomas, Neath; Mr. Trevor Stanley Jones, Frcndeg, Radyr, Cardiff; and Sir John Wesley Courtis, Fair water Croft, Llandaff. Cardigan Mr. P. W. Wm. Lewes, Llysnewydd, Henllan, South Wales; Major Lewis James Mathias, King's Heath, Sc. David's-road, Aberystwyth; and Colonel Arthur Connop Newland, Dol- haidd, Henllan. Carmarthen.—Mr. John Henry Thomas, Wedderburn House, Hampstead; Mr. Wm. Yalden Nevill, Felinfoel House, Llanelly • and Mr. David Williams, Goring House, Llanelly. Pembrokeshire.—Mr. Wm. Bird Allen, 158, Portadown-road, Maida Hill, London, W. Colonel Wm. Robert Roberts, Hamil- ton House, Milford Haven; and Mr. Thomas Edward Lewis Bowen, Clynfiew, Manordeiii, Boncath._ Radnor Mr. Frederick George Chin- noch, Dunorhen Court, Crookham. Fleet, Hants, and Dareneithin, Nantmel, Rad- nor; Capt. John Gordon Rees, Pontshoney, Aberedw. Radnorshire; and Sir Robert Henry V;>reon-Price, Bart., the Grove, Presteign. Carnarvonshire Joseph Wall is God- dard, Esq., Plas Pistyll, Nevin; Ernest Albert Neale, Esq., Plas Dinorwic, Port Dinorwic, and Sir Frederick Henry Smith. Bart, Queen's Lodge, Cohvyn Bay. Denbighshire.—David Saunders 'Davies, Esq., Plas Castell, Denbigh Sir Albert Edward Herbert Navlor, Loyland, Bart., Nantolwvd, and Oliver Ormsrod, Esq., Pick Hill Hall, Wrexham. Flintshire.—Captain Pennant Athel- wold Iremonger Lloyd, R.N. (retired list), of Pentrehobvn, Mold; Philip Tatton Davies-Cooko, Esq., Gwysaney, Mold; and tho Hon. Edward Llewellyn Roger Lloyd Mostvn, Mo.vtvn Hall, Holywell. ^Merionethshire. — Richard Thomas Jones, Fen-y-garth, Harech; William Owen Roberts, Cein, Corwon and Howell Jones Williams, Penrhyn, 263, Camden- road, London. Montgomeryshire. —Lieutenant-Colonel Reuben Norton, Dolcorsllwyn Hall, Cem- maes John Bancroft Williams, Doforgan and Charles Edmund Severne, Wallop House, Shrewsbury. Anglesey—Mr. Henry Stinlon R8we. Rhosneigr, Tyeroes; Mr. Alexander Thomas Escles, Mochydon, Trearddur Bay, Holyhead; and Mr. Henry Mulleneux Grayson, Raorng Point, Holyhead.

War and Taxation. I i INCOME TAX DOUBLED AND TEA AND BEER DUTIES INCREASED. On Tuesday the Chancellor of the Ex- chequer introduced a supplementary budget making provision, among other things, for the cost of the war, the result ¡ being an increased income tax and an in- crease in the duty on beer and on tea. The amount of money to be found for this financial year ending March 31sc, 1915, is £ 535,357,000, or a deficiency of £ 339,571.000. All that deficiency is not due to the cost of the war, for the Chancellor estimated that there was a. net loss of revenue of £ 16,000,030 for the year. He purposes finding that sum by increased Taxation, taking effect in the current financial year and by a war loan. The increased taxa- tion comes under threo heads—Income tax Beer duty, Tea duty. A new rate of in- come-tax is to be imposed from December 1st, and it will cover one-third of the financial year in respect of unearned in- nmies. fW this year the Chancellor pur- "j-iiases levying a tax of one-forty-eighths of thti income taxed. Next year the rate will be one-sixteenth of the income taxed. i On earned incomes the new rate will be this year one-eightieth and next year three-eightieths. In other words, he doubles the income-tax, but this year the increased duty will only take effect for one-third of the year's income. It can be put in another way. inis year the income tax will be Is. in the pound on earned incomes and Is. 8d on unearned incomes. Next year it will be at the rate of Is. 6d. and 2s. 6d. respec- tively. The Chancellor hopes to obtain— This Year. From income tax £ ll,C03,CC0 Super tax £ 1,500,000 Next Year. From Iincome Tax £ 38,750,000 From Iinc Super-tax £ 6,GJJ,000 In all next yeax £ 44,750,000 The Chancellor is anxious that the con- sumer shall pay the increased duty on beer so he imposes a tax of d. on the iialf-pmt, or 17s. 6d. on the barrel. He makes con- cessions to tho retailer and the brewer in respect of licence duty to compensate them for the shelter hours of opening. The yield of the new beer duty for this year the Chancellor estimates at £ 2,500.000, less £ 450,000, the price of his concession to the brewer and the retailer, or a net yield of £ 2,050,000. Next year he expects the yield to be £ 17,050,000. Tea is to be taxed another 3d. per pound. This will yield the Chancellor £ 950,000 this year and £ 3,200,000 next. Tho Chancellor was thus left with a deficiency of £321.000.000. He has bor- rowed 091,000,GCO on short Treasury bills which brings the actual deficiency down to £ 250,321,001). He wants that sum to carry the war on to the end of March; but he announced that he was going to borrow enough to carry the war on until July. He purposes borrowing £ 350,000,000 at 61 percent., the issue price being ninety-five. The loan will be liedelemfil)-to March, 1928, or, on the option of the. Covernmont on giving three months notice, in ten years time. The Chancellor has made certain of the success of his loan. He has ti firm offer of a hundred millions over and above, and the Bank of England has undertaken for five years to lend money OIl the war up to tho issue price and one per cent, under the bank rate. Though it was a record in budgets, the House was extraordinarily calm. An ordinary budget night produces a stir and exc itement that were quite lacking. The House was no more than comfortably full, and when Mr. Lloyd George rose at ten minutes to four o'clock and opened the little red despatch box on the tab'b before him the cheer he received was of the most perfunctory character. A brief sketch of the situation with which ho had to cope constituted the prelude of the speech. There are 2.000,000 men under arms serv- ing the country. He confidently expected a third million to. be enlisted in the course of the next few months. We are main- taining a huge navy and the pay and allowances to our troops are on a much higher scale than those of other couninies.. In addition to that heavy burden of war the ordinary revenue had of course, fallen off. Instead of £ 207.146,00 he expected the revenue for which he had budgeted last spring would not amount to more than £ 1S5,796.CC0. The extraordinary expendi- I tuie, of the year was estimated at £ 205,924,000 and the abnormal expenditure due to the war added the sum of £ 323,443,CC0. "Before the end of the financial year we have to find, therefore, £ 535,367,000." said the Chancellor simply. Deducting the revenue, he found himself with a deficit cf £339,571,000, "And the question is, how is that to be met?" He put the query as nonchalantly as though he were a schoolmaster Working out a blackboard problem before his class, and the House sat unmoved. At once '-N I r. Lloyd George plunged into a discussion of the merits of loans versus taxation, and referred incidentally to the probable dura- tion of the war.There is no man," he caul, "however equipped, who can express an absolutely reliable opinion on tho lenlgh ol' the war. We are fight- ing an enemy who cannot give in on any terms we can accept; on any terms we can prudently accept without a smash- ing defeat. Let us bear that in mind when we are making calculations. As Chancellor of the Exchequer I am bound to assume the longer period, but whether long or short we have got to settle once and for all the great questions which have been the cause of irritation in Europe." These resolute utterances stirred the House to warm cheering. Against interest and loss of revenue, he proceeded, he would have to provide sixteen millions this year and fifty millions next year, and lie declared that it would be cowardly and profligate to borrow for any of these pur- poses. He showed next that the country would be better able to bear taxation dur- ing the war and immediately after it than in the future. Speaking on the question of income tax, Mr. Lloyd George said the question of taxing wages had been under consideration, "but we decided to dismiss it for the time being." In the region of indirect taxation the usual fancy taxes had been suggested to him, he told the House; but he proposed to rely on the taxation of those commodities which ex- perience had proved to be fruitful of revenue. "And the first of these is beer." The spectacle of a Liberal Chancellor of the Exchequer finding his salvation in beer was too much for the gravity of the House, and all sections, even the teetotallers, ioined in the laughter, as Mr. Lloyd George made the confession with a humorous twinkle in his eye. With much lore regarding the gravity of beers [r. Lloyd George .submitted that as an alcoholic beverage beer was taxed low by contrast with spirits. He entered into calculations also of the quantity of proof spirit in beers and acknowledged that mild beers contained from five to seven per cent, only-" just a little bit above the percentage in ginger ale." (Laughter.) His next argument was that any tax on beer must be at a figure which readily passed on to the customer. The trade were at the end of their expedients for lightening beer so that extra taxation could be met without adding to the price of the glass sold across the counter. Their efforts in that direction had been beneficial in producing a beer which was lighter and "a more salubrious drink." But scientific resource could no further go. The House had been chuckling over this dissertation on beer and watched with mild amuse- men Mr Lloyd George's bnckwa~d glance at the teetotallers before he_ventured on t 110 word "salubrious." "I have had con- siderable inquiries made," he proceeded, as to the form in Ax-iii-i- tho public take their beer," be continued, and the chuck- ling became open laughter when he said that the Home Secretary had in formed him that ",fli(Y generally drink in half- oint-s." "The greater part of the de- mand is for glasses and half-pints." asserted Mr. Lloyd Georrre, adding inieklv "But they pre not the same things." (Laughter.) The glass is not a measure at all. It varies according to the Chancellor of the Exchequer for the time being. laughter). My right hon. friend had 120ublic houses v in one single night-(" Oh, and it WPS found that there were called for 4.386 glsM, 10,.143 half-pints, and 1.500 p;nts. It is quite clenr. therefore, that th bulk of the drinking is in half-pints The extra taxation on beer would bo equivalent to a halfnenny on the half pint. "Every half-pint that a. man drinks will be contributing to carrying on the war." ) In other figures the taxation on "beer will be 17s. 3d. per barrel. As a concession to retailers, whose hours of business will ba shortened, they will be allowed a. reduc- tion of l-15th of the licence duty for every hour of curtailment, and he an- nounced also small concessions to brewers, among them the bonding of beer for ex- port. The net gain to the revenue this year would be £2,050,000. and next year £17,600,000. The problem of the "elusive teetotaller," as he termed him was next tackled by Mr. Lloyd George, to the evi- dent enjoyment of the Unionist benches, several of whom promptly suggested "Cocoa." "He is almost as elusive as the Emden; but I think I have got him at last," said Mr. Lloyd George with a quiet chuckle, and then informed the House, It is a great mistake to suppose that you get him by taxing mineral waters. (Laughter.) He is the last man to drink mineral waters. (Loud laughter.) A tee- totaller never drinks soda water. To tax that is only another way to taxing those who drink whisky.. (More laughter) Three-fourths of the mineral waters of this country are drunk by consumers of alcohol and half the rest by children. One's only chance of getting at the tee- totaller is by taxing tea. (General laughter). AI, this juncture Mr. Leif J ones, one of the staunebest teetotallers in the House, left his seat and walked out quickly. Satirical cries of "Goodbye" were addressed to him from several quar- ters. He reappeared in a few minutes, and Mr. Lloyd George welcomed him with the observation "I am glad my hon. friend has come back to face his tax like a man." Mr. Lloyd George regretted the necessity for it, but said he must impose an addi- tional 3d. on tea, explaining that that wouli bring in £970,000 this year and next year.

IAJIlPliTR BOi gian Lecture.—Presiding over a lec- ture at Coedmore Council School, on Friday evening, Sir James Hil>Johnes, Dolaucochi, refennng to the war, said it was terrible to think it had been brought about largely by one man. He trusted the country would read what Mr, Asquith had said and would all assist to bring Germany down so that she might never trouble this country again. He hoped young men would come forward to show "their affe-ction for King and country. M. Pascal Sampres, a refugee from Antwerp, in the course of a lecture on Belgium, Soilld they could not imagine the atrocities, com- mitted by the Germans and it was. perhaps. well that they did not know. as they were so horrible. On behalf cf his countrymen he tendered Wales his best thanks for their kind hospitality. In prooosing a vote of thanks to the Lecturer, Professor Tyrrell Green said Germany's moral isolation was significant. He hoped to see the day when the hosts of this aggression would be driven back and the Kaiser and his sons nunislied. The proposition was seconded by the Rev. H. James, Pencavresc. and poire^d to.. Thinks were accorded the Chairman and Lady Hills-Johnes on the nronosition of Mr. Ernest Davies, seconded by Mr. B. T. Davies, Talfedw .t.

LOCAL AND DISTRICT. Colonel David Davies, M.P., Llandinam, has been appointed to the command of the battalion of the Wellsh Army Corps to bo recruited from Anglesey and Carnar- vonshire, the headquarters of which are at Llandudno. The quarterly meetings of the Cardigan- shire C'ogregationalists were held at Wycklgrug for the first time in tho history of that place. The Rev. Gwilym Evans, Aberayron, presided. The Rev D. Evans, Drewen, was elected chairman for the ensuing year. A resolution congratulat- ing the Government on the passing of the Disestablishment Bill was passed The Rev. W James, Swansea, (x-chairmnn of tho Welsh Congregation il Union, attended in connection with the sustentation fund and explained that £ 50,GOO was required. Though only £113.254 had been promised in subscriptions, he had every confiden«e that when the scheme was placed before every church tho amount required would be obtained. A committee was appointed to oonsider a scheme for canvassing the county. The Shooting Times" Christmas num- ber, edited by Mr Arthur C. Bonsall, has made its usual appearance despite the fact that many shooting men and anglers are engaged in far more serious operations than the pursuit of game and fish. The articles, all contributed by sporting writers, deal1 mainly with shooting and fishing, some of them being serious, others merry and bright, with hero and there a reference to the great conflict. There are over 'sixty illustrations which greatly enhance the interest and vividness of the yarns. In the Lleyn Peninsula an agricultural centre lias been formed for Belgian refugees. Their knowledge of land culti- vation is said to bo the best in the world. It is announced that Belgian labour can be employed through, the labour exchanges. The Board of Education have suggested that if farmers experience special difficulty in carrying out agricultural operations owing to the scarcity of labour they may bring to the notice of the locn.1 education authority the question of reducing the school age of boys from fourteen to twelve years. In the House of Commons, on Mondav. it was stated that the Board of Agriculture were carefully v/atebing the NUPoly of agricultural labour and hoped, with the help of the labour exchanges, to prevent any serious interference with farming operations. In some districts wherp a shortage already occurred an increase cf wages offered httd had the resired result. The Board's forestry in- spectors surveyed several areas in Frmland and Wales and are in communi- cation with the owners of suitable land with a view to the utilisation of unem-1 ployed labour in afforestation if occasion should arise.

MAENTWROG. Concert.—On Saturday evening, at Maentwrog School, a miscellaneous con- cert was given under the presidency of Mr John R. Roberts, Oakeley Alms. 1Il order to raise a fund to obtain materials for the making of clothing, etc., for our soldiers, and to try to establishe a branch of the Red Cross Society in the village. The meeting was well attended. Praise is due to the Committee, and especially to Mr. Maddocks and Miss Groce E. Roberts (the secretary) for their training of the school children, all of whom went through their part and action songs without a hitch. The folowing programme was gone through Llwyn Onn" and" Ymadawiad y Brenin," the Choir, under the conductor- ship of J. R. Roberts; action song, Y Morwr Bach, the school boys; action song, "Little Red Cross Nurses," school girls; pianoforte solo, Miss Doris E. Morgans; song, Mr. Evan Roberts, Gellilydan; action son: "The King's Navy," school boys; address by the Chairman, who appealed for co-operation in the work; duett, Messrs Charles Jones, Talsarnau, and Evan Thomas, Penrhyndendraeth; sketch, Mr. and Mrs. Dienman Mamie Huntphr;0J"s P|enl;an, land J, Roberts, Rhosllyn; action song, Pigtail and the Fan," Gwen M. Richards. J. Morris Richards, and school party; song, Mr. R.. W. Roberts, Bronywern; song, The Island," by the school children; penillion singing, Mr. Arthur Fl'/is, Festiniog; sketch, "Doctor Quack." three boys; duett, Messrs. diaries Jones and Evan Thomas: kazoo band, school boys; piano- forte solo, Miss Doris Morgans duett, "you Mustn't," Gwen M. Rirhards, J. M Richards, and school- children; action song, "Wounded Tommies," school boys; song by Mr Evan Roberts, Gellilydan Japanese song (action song), by the school girls; action song, "On Parade." three school boys, representing a soldier, police- man, and a Jack Tar; song, Mr. R. W. Roberts, Bronvworn; vote of thanks, pro- posed by Mr Thomas Roberts, Shop Isaf. and seconded by Mr. William Pierce, the Home Farm; penillion singing. Mr Arthur Ellis, Festiniog; sketch, "A Terrible Mis- fortune," four school hoys and a girl; Suogan," by the choir: song. "The Union Jack," by tho school children," finishing off with "God Save the King," all tho aud^njeo i-.thnding and jo'inirnig in the singing.

LLANBEDR. Royal V/eTsh. Mr. R. P. -T.P.. has received a commission in the 6th Rnval Welsh Fusiliers and left for Northampton on Saturday. His son (Mr Trevor R<. Allaway' who h" been soeonrl lieutenant in the South Wales Borderers for some time, is now attached to the 2nd Welsh Regiment and is in Northern France. His last letter stated that he had been in the trenches for ten days and was unhurt.

CAPEL SEION. H~rP3.—Lance-cororiral John of C'lnel ceion. arrived homo for a few days from Northampton, where he has been stationed for the past few months. He will shortly sail fcr India. with his regi- ment. All his friends wish him success and a pleasant voyage.

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