The Cardiff Times

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WORKMEN'S TOPICS. THE MINERS' CONFERENCE AT f' EDINBURGH. jpjF By MABON, M.P. The Annual Conference of the Miners' Feder- On of Great Britain was this year held in ancient city of Edinburgh. It was the r*?est of its kind ever held in Great Britain, there were represented thereat something jj 600,000 mine workers of this country. No ^strict or part of a district was unrepres- ^ited. There was a long business agenda, of the items thereon referred to matters 2*irreat importance to those engaged in various 2*alfields, such as the question of a minimum the amendment to the Workmen's Com- r^JSation Act, a better system of inspection of mines, and a new Mines Act. Added to j^8 list there were but few subjects that may ffeaid could not be dealt with by Trades to i?n effort. Among the exceptions was a standing in the name of the South ^TWes Association—" That the Miners' Feder- of Great Britain's Executive Committee asked to take up the question of preparing hh for raising funds for Parliamentary ^poees." The South Wales representatives, JjOeving that such a scheme was so obviously J^essary to preserve the unity of the Feder- districts for Parliamentary purposes did t think it necessary to press their resolution lengthy speeches. But they soon found that Jjteir thoughts and their ways ware not the Sights or the ways of many of the exfcre- jjkte on this question, who doubtless had Jj^Qght the time had arrived when some jjjter method than the peaceful method of ob- eying their ends and maintaining their mem- ^*8 by means of a voluntary levy should be oPted- So with their usual tactics of abusing 'W'ho do not agree with them, they began ftbuse the South Wales section for daring to such a proposition. Twist, one of the Labour M.P.s for Lan- r^hire, commenced his speech by imputing motives to our men. He could i « see what they, theSouth Wales men, meant Jy their proposition, unless they meant to quash the whole movement," or words to t:I.t- effect. Then we were treated to the usual e. We must do something strong," u We must be courageous "—we must strik e iron while it was hot, even if we had to defy law. There was no use in trying such pal- jfy useless means as a voluntary effort. A cheered these sentiments to the echo—but in this case, I am glad to say, were YjBide the mass from South Wales. Boon became evident that in the opinion section of the representatives at the Con- w^Oce, peaceful Trade Union means of sur- tin ting this difficulty were far from their Ik A3" The South Wales men proved easily in proposing their resolution they were Meavouring to persuade the conference to to. the only practical thing in their honest tlnion that would retain the unification of various miners' associations in obtaining Ce means of maintaining their representatives Parliament awaiting the necessary amend- M^t in law to give them again the power maintaining them by their own Trade i1^on funds. The whole matter was relegated i conference of miners to be held in London ^November. other of the exceptions was rather a piously worded resolution standing in the of the Lancashire miners. Seeing after years of Trade Unionism it is v pessary that some drastic actions should take we move that our leaders organise ngs nationally, with the view to bring thenationalisation of mines, believing w be the principal means by which the ^°rker can improve his position." This ques- has now become one of the hardy annuals eJ*'ch are passed with the least possible dis- ^sion. ^Another of the exceptions was that of ^kingmen being evicted during labour K^Putes—this is a very vexed question—and Conference felt that the Government tli uld be urged to introduce and carry through House of Commons legislation to prevent I^.Ployers using such an unfair and unjustifi- ^weapon. It was pointed out by the mover the resolution that in international warfare tb. eWomen and children were always left out of I, o fighting ranks-or what they term the thVng line "-and that it is now quite time jj** they should be affected in that way during ta retrial warfare, and that the wives and ah°uld be left out of the firing line And this view of the question seems to be highly justified. For so long as ^Ployers of labour have the right to evict on the roadside the wives and children 'elt r workmen those people could never be W' °r be held to be, equal in their position K^re the law. A request is to be made on the r^b°ur representatives that they should call t? the Government to pass a law in ^defence of the wives and children of ^kmen, who had nothing to do with Imputes between the employers and their 118bar ds and fathers, and which led up to their Ulg evicted. to It Was decided unanimously to recommend ^the International Miners of Europe that the be68 International Miners' Union should broadened as to enable the International leers' Committee to at once deal with jujjonal strikes and threatened inter- jtfonal wars, so as to prevent the and make the former successful, we all know, is a big order to be (.^tually executed. But the whole mining j^munities of Great Britain, and the leaders and all, are terribly in earnest over this <*tter—and though the sages of the trade fi~^ement from Mr Thomas Burt to Mr Thomas t^j^an are agreed that the strike as a weapon Jjj^Qot be absolutely given up, they are earnest jwP^gh in their endeavours to find means of Urging its use to a minimum. The whole j. '^tion that meets with a degree of greater jjrftaimity with regard thereto is the desire to the ravages of all international wars vj^een the peoples of the world put an end to *d they will not fail in the end. The 20th Rule Policy. The 20th Rule Policy. 'rhe rational and humane feeling exhibited by the sages of the International and haf'ional movement as well in dealing with Warlike spirit of the age and its sad affect l^be poorer peoples of the earth accounts for the proposition sent in by South ^ftles to broaden the use of the 20th rule so make it applicable for aggressive as well tjVtefensive purposes. In that proposition n^as sought to provide that whenever any W^ty federation or district, has to tender ^es to terminate contracts because of a ^Pute upon the wage question, whether for advance or reduction, all members con- ^ed with the Society shall tender a notice fheir contracts if approved of by ttj°nference called to consider the advisability ch joint action being taken. This pro- received but very scant consideration at ^hands of the conference. Evidently a vast ij^ority of the mine workers of the country aje <« f and tired of the din and dangers of the 'It¡ <lo\Vn tools policy so often advocated now fcw Wales — that when the mover Jjjj" seconder of the proposition had finished speeches, and before anyone was o,ed to support it, the previous question tnoved and was demanded to be put and 11 Pu^was carried without any support (•^•tever but that of the South Wales delega- lljj11 During my thirty years' attendance at L lers' congresses I have never before exper- such a wholesale one-sided decisioh on ^^hiatter placed before them. Neither have I *b] I^enced such a complete and unquestion- fevei-sal of what by many miners and leaders is thought to be a popular demand, y of our friends have been thinking and OjPfresdjng themselves that they only wanted iffOrtunities to go among the workers of er districts to convince them of the wisdom ^7 Necessity of the "down tools" policy. But 's an irstance where the resolution simply b^J°cated the use of the 20fcli rule for agresssive l^l'oses as well as defensive purposes, have before the various organisation districts branches and from Yorkshire as well as ^jJ^bumberland, and from Lancashire as as Derbyshire, have allowed the order to the obnoxious, so called, Welsh pro- "I.Ition. So the time for the adoption of a 4moderate and sane policy pf conciliation t common sense has now arrived—may it ain for ever.

REVOLUTIONARY ARSENAL. A Russian Raid. H^colaiefT, Wednesday.—The arrests of K^la,list revolutionaries at Kharkoff continue, lit the police have made important seizures j rt»s and ammunition. 5 cwf secrefc store raided yesterday were fou nd of explosives, chiefly pyroxoline and Hl^^ite, 27 finished bombs with Bickford vQ|^s> 120 Manser pistols, 96 Browning re- Wi^rs' ^'000 pistol and revolver cartridges, ^jM'ances for the manufacture of bombs. a quantity of revolutionary pamphlets.— ^trai Kcws.

Bombastes of Amapala. PETXY RULER'S MOCK HEROICS Defiance to Britain and America New York, Wednesday.—A San Salvador telegram ieports that the United States gun- boat Princetewn has arrived at Amapala, Honduras, and is demanding the sub- mission and surrender of General Valla- dores, commander of that port, who maintains a reign of terror over the American residents, abusing, oppressing and robbing them at will. British residents were similarly treated. The British Consul, who after being shot at found refuge at San Salva- dor, declares Amapala is practically in a state of anarchy. A British cruiser is reported to be at Amapala. General Valladores is mounting rapid firing guns for his defence. He defies the authority of Dr. Davila, President of Honduras, who ordered him to comply with the American demands. General Valladores replied, I am not subservient to American pigs." Times," per Press Association. Washington, Wednesday.—According to advices received by the State Department from Amapala, Honduras, the Commandante of the town, who recently ordered all English- men and Americans to be put in gaol, and their property to be confiscated, has agreed to the request made to him by President Davila that he should retire and go to Tegocigalpa, the capital of Honduras.—Reuter.

REBELLION IN PERSIA, Teheran, Wednesday.—The Government troops appear to have entirely dispersed the rebels. Northern Persia is therfore calm, but reports of disorder in the South col ti lue to be received. The energy of the Government has already been demonstrated, and if the authorities had had at their disposal sufficient funds to equip two or three military expedi- tions order might already have been restored. In view, however, of the importance which the British Government attaches to the re- storation of order and the serious in- convenience to English trade which re- sults from the actual condition of the roads, commercial considerations are likely eventually to prevail. Curiously enough, de- spite the prevailing disorder, the Customs re- venue from the Gulf ports shows an increase of E10,000 for the last five months, compared with the corresponding period last year.- Reuter.

PRESIPENT OF THE NEW REPUBLIC. The President of the first Portuguese Repub- lican Government, Senhor J. Thoephile Br&ga, enters upon the duties of that important post, in the 67th year of his age, having been born in i1 f!i I" 17 Senhor Braga. the Azores in 1843. Aster baork as 1870 he avowed his sympathies,in a literary work that disclosed distinct poetical power, with a repub- lican form of government. His tastes are liter- ary, and he is the author of two voluminous works, entitled History of Portuguese Litera- ls are," and a History of Portuguese Law." His poetical efforts are conceived in a revolu- tionary vein, and he has been compared to the late Robert Buchanan. His ideals are framed on the Positivist pattern. It was not until recently, however, that he identified himself with the p-aotical side of politics, his con- nection wi' which does not quite cover 12 months.

AMERICAN RAILWAY MILLIONS. Case for Higher Freights. Washington, Wednesday,—At the hearing by the Inter-State Commerce Commission to- day of evidence with regard to the reasonable- ness of the proposed increases in rates on Eastern railways, Mr McCrea, president of the Pennsylvania Railroad, said that during the last ten years 262,000,000 dollars had been spent on the company's lines east of Pittsburg for improvement and betterment, and for much of this no immediate return was to be expected. There had also been increases of wages entailing extra expenditure amounting to between seven and eight million dollars a year, and it was absolutely necessary to re- coup this outlay by advancing freight rates to a level much higher than at present. Mr McCrea predicted a markedly slower growth of business than hitherto east of the Mississippi River.—Router.

CARUSO'S CONCUSSION. Severe Blew on the Stage. Berlin, Wednesday.—Caruso while singing at Munich yesterday in La Boheme, sustained an injury which is more severe than that to his knee. At the close of the second act Caruso, who was appearing in the part of Rodolphe, was called before the curtain to acknowledge the enthusiastic applause of the public. In stepping backwards the singer struck his head violently against a piece of iron-plated machinery which the scene-shifter had lowered into position behind the curtain. Caruso was stunned, and he remained unconscious for a long time. He insisted, however, on appear- ing iu the third act and played his role until the end of the opera with his accustomed brilliance. The doctor to-day reported that Caruso is suffering from concussion of the brain and has forbidden him to fulfil the rest of his engagement here.-P-outer.

DEMAND TO SURRENDER. American Marines to Land. New York, Wednesday.—News has reached here from San Salvador that the United States cruiser Princeton, which arrived off Amafrala, has demanded the surrender of Commandante Valladares, who is said to terrorise American and British residents in Western Honduras. The Commandante refused, consequently the Marines are preparing to land from the cruiser. —Exchange.

BILLS OF LADING CONCLAVE. New York, Tuesday.—A conference between Sir Edward Holden and American bankers regarding cotton bills of lading has not resulted in a settlement of the points at issue. Other conferences will however, be held, at which an agreement may be arrived at. The hope that this will be the outcome is strengthened by a statement made by Sir Edward to the effect that he believed a satisfactory settlement would be contluded.-Reutot-.

BESIEGING A MADMAN. Desperate Struggle With Police. Rome, Wednesday.—The madman Moncada, after successfully resisting the siege of his house since Monday evening, and killing a woman and woanding two others, was cap- tured by the police this morning after a desperate struggle. The police were cheered by a large crowd.—Reuter.

SUICIDE OF A BISHOP. Cattaro Dalmantia, Wednesday.—Bishop Jovic, a Greek Oriental prelate, who resigned his See a shorh time ago, has committed suicide by sh, ot ng himself with a revolver. Pecuniary diffi ult. s are said to have been the cause.—Reuter.

TERRA NOVA AT MELBOURNE. Melbourne, Thursday.—Captain Scott's Ant- arctic Expedition ship Terra Nova has arrived here, after an excellent trip from the OHne. All on board are wel).Reiiter. <

WELSH COUNTRY HOMES. XLIV.-Usk Priory. A TALE DF EIGHT CENTURIES. Incursions of Owain Glyndwr. ADAM OF USK AND THE POPE. In all the fair land of Gwent—a region so rich in natural beauties and historical interests —few towns present more varied attractions than Usk. The hoary ruins of the fortress which the Normans reared upon the hill at its north east- ern extremity still dominate the scene, link- ing the past with the present and stirring the soul of the antiquary to bridge these centuries and people the eight-span structure with the men and women who lived and loved and fought and died and made history there through the long years. An Old World Residence. The Priory of St. Mary, Usk, the residence of Mr Robert Rickards, is one of those charming old-world houses which can relate an age-long USK PRIORY FROM THE SOUTH SOUTH-WEST. v (Photo. H. Dunning, Usk.) story fraught with many vicissitudes, and in- stinct with human interest. Its present owner, who possesses a pronounced taste for history and the associations of ancient days, takes the keenest interest and pride in the Priory which be pui chased rather more than twenty years ago, and which during the past couple of de- cades he has done much to restore and beau- tify. Mr Rickards has, moreover, collected into a handy little volume what is known about the Priory. 1 To this we are indebted for much of the history which appears in this article, while for personal impressions of the Priory as it is now we have to thank Mr Rickards for the privilege of a visit there on a recent day when this choice and Arcadian corner of Usk was bathed in glorious autumn sunshine. USK PRIORY--THE GATE HOUSE AT THE PRESENT TIME. (Photo. H. Dunning, Usk.) You might visit Usk half a dozen times with out finding the Priory, for it is tucked away in an unobtrusive corner on the south side of the Church of St. Mary, and is well screened on several sides by fine trees. Cheek by jowl with the church yard entrance stand' the ancient gate house of the Priory, a well preserved piece of Norman work, which gives access be- neath its broad low-pitched circular headed archway to the drive. But, before describing the Priory as it is to- day, let us hark backward to emphasise a few salient features in its fascinating story. Some Historical Points, The temporal conquest of those districts in South Wales in which the Normans obtained a USK PRIORY—THE GATE HOUSE A CENTURY AGO. (From a idrawing by Sir Richard Colt Hoare.) f I oothold was followed by efforts—into the I motives of which there is ho need to make un- I due inquiry—for the spiritual advancement I motives of which there is ho need to make un- I due inquiry-for the spiritual advancement I not only of their own retainers, but of the race which they had dispossessed. Hence it came about that the building of the castle was fol- lowed by the erection of the church and the foundation of the monastery. South Wales possesses many such instances and one of these is at Usk. x The Conqueror, William, assigned the Lord- ship of Usk to bis Standard Bearer, Turstin Fitz Rolfe, a gallant young noble, who figures in the Bayeaux tapestry. Whether Turstin the Fair began the erection of the castle at Usk is uncertain, but it is generally agreed that his successor, Richard de Clare, was mainly responsible for making it the service- able stronghold which it eventually became. It is reasonable to suppose that it was also he who built, some little way below the castle walls, and amidst the huddle of rude huts which nestled on the flats by the river, the cruciform church which was dedicated to St. Mary the Virgin. There is evidence that the Priory was founded early in the 12th century. The first Richard de Clare died in 1114, but whether the actual foundation of the Priory took place during his lifetime or by his bequest cannot be definitely determined. There is, however, in existence a charter of Richard Strongbow, the grandson of the first Richard, confirming all the donations of his forebear's, and Strongbow succeeded to the Lordship in 1148. A Benedictine Priory. Like the Priories at Bassaleg, E venny, Car- diff, Goldcliff, and other places in the diocese, the Priory at Usk was of the Benedictine Order, some of whom had come into Mon- mouthshire before 1071. The foundation at Usk consisted of five Benedictine nuns and a Prioress, and Mr Rickards remarks that "the founder appears to have annexed the Parish Church and to have bestowed it, with the rectory and endowments on his proteges." The Priory, which in its early days was well en- dowed, was occupied by none but virgins of noble birth," who, in the words of a contemp- orary priest," served God with the greatest devoutness." The architecture of a portion of the present Church of St. Mary at Usk indicates that ex- tensive alterations and enlargements took place during the latter part of the 13th century, and that this work was possible would appear to provide some evidence of the sufficiency of the Priory endowments at that period. Of the original cruciform Norman church, little or nothing, save the tower, remains in situ. Of the alterations, to which, during many genera- tions, the church has been subjected, the con- tribution of the later 13th century was the erection of a north aisle and the arcading which separates it from the nave. The Sword of Glyndwr. Three centuries of religious work, under sunny skies, by the little community of holy women, at Usk Priory, was to be followed by storm and tempest. The desolation wrought by the Black death, swift in its attack and sweeping away many souls," was followed by the sword of Glyndwr, who, in the words of Adam of Usk, did deeds of unheard of tyranny." To-day, the ruins of Llandaff Castle, the then residence of the Bishops, bear silent I but none the less eloquent witness to Glyndwr's power. Many of the religious houses suffered, and among them the Priory at Usk. The re- I duced condition of the inmates inspired Adam to petition the Pope, Boniface IX, on their behalf. Adam of Usk pointed out how owing to the burnings, thefts and other misfortunes, which have been caused by the war which raged in these parts, and otherwise, this same monas- tery hath come to such want, that unless rea4y help be forthwith found by Your Holiness, the Sisterhood will be forced to beg for food and clothing through the country, and to stay- in the private houses of friends, whereby it is feared that scandals may in likelihood arise." The Pope hearkened to the appeal of Adam, who wrote with a full heart, for he Wflp an Usk man by birth, and some of the nuns were his kith and kin. Pope Boniface granted an Indulgence to all who should give alms on visiting the Chapel of St. Radegund at the Priory. Of the Chapel of St. Radegund, not one stone now remains upon another, but Mr Rickards treasures among the pieces of ancient masonry which have been discovered in the Priory grounds some bases and capitals of shafts, evidently of the Early English period of architecture, which was, of course, subsequent to the Norman and anterior to the age which witnessed the construction of the north aisle of the church. Mr Rickards inclines to the very reasonable theory that these may have formed a portion of the Chapel of St. Radegund. A Crisis in its History. t But powers more potent and permanent in their effects than those of Glyndwr gathered force in the century which followed. In 1535 came the dissolution of the Monasteries by King Henry VIII. The Priory of Usk suffered the fate of all the other religious houses of the land, and the spiritually-minded Benedictine virgins trod it peaceful precincts no more. Thus ends after a period of 400 years the history of Usk Priory as a religious institution. Henry VIII. granted its site and various lands to Roger Williams, who was the ancestor of the Llangibby family, and there are records of grants of portions, including the tithes of a fishery in the Usk, to others. Roger Williams conveyed the site of the Priory and eight acres adjoining to his brother-in-law, Wm. John ap Jevan, by licence of King Henry VIII. This Wm. John (or Jones), was an attorney, and his eldest son married the daughter of Wm. Herbert, of Coldbrook House. The issue of this marriage resided at the Priory during the 17 th and part of the 18th centuries. Subsequently it was purchased by the Duke of Beaufort, who sold it in 1865 to Mr Thomas Watkins. The latter I appears'to have spent a good deal of mone^in I- o repairing it, and he subsequently let it. Among Oe, occupants while he retained possession was Sir (then Mr)William H?athcote and after his tenancy expired it wai occupied by General Sir Charles Barnard, K.C.B., who was the last tenant before Mr Rickards purchased it in 1888. Usk Priory To-day. Axchdeaion Coxe in his H storical Tom- Through Monmouthshire," published in 180. mentions the fact that at the time the Prioi, was a farmhouse. What a change has been wrought during th past century. To-day the old place appear in an Arcadian setting, admirably adapted t display it to the best advantage. From the Gate House the drive, passing be neath stately trees, winds between well trimme; greensward to the main front. The priory is, somewhat low-pitched, rambling sti-uctur-, with its greatest length east and west, and pre senting to the south a long front of irregula formation, but well suited to the site. It need, but a glance to see that the central portion j: the oldest, and a good deal of this is the origin3 fabric. Of course, even here windows hav been enlarged, but you may note single o double-light windows the fashioning of whicl reveals the handiwork of the original builder The effect of the quaint gables and irregula- contour of this portion, surmounted by high clustered chimneys set askew in the Tudo manner, is very pleasing. The larger window are mullioned in the style of the 15th century The west wing is original, and has been onh raised and re-roofed. The east wing repre sents subsequent additions, and the broac gable end of the latter which presents a prom inent feature in a general view, was added by Mr Rickards, who, it goes without saying, wa, insistent upon the architecture beinf thoroughly in keeping with the rest of th building. Adorning this gable-end there is a sundis." bearing the legend Let there be light," an' Mr Rickards recalls the fact that though when it was erected the sun had not been seen for many days, the dial had not been in position half an hour before the clouds lifted and the sun shone! Its Charming Environment. The flora of the Priory grounds reveals the tastes of a keen amateur gardener, who loves unusual shrubs and plants, and has a penchant for the rock garden and the Herbaceous border. The grouping of the trees as seen from the leyel mead which extends from the southern boundary of the garden, is very charming. Gaunt Scots Firs, ruddy of stem, rise in picturesque outline above the western gable, the drive is flanked by giant beech, while nearer at hand dark Wellingtonias sweep the lawn with their spreading lower branches. The house itself is clothed in verdure, a magnolia, with its- oval fleshy leaves and large white flowers, lending distinction to the west wing. As backing to this picture are the upper branches of the lofty trees in the churchyard, And the grand old Norman tower which dom- inates the whole. The Gate House is one of the most alluring features of the Priory buildings, and our phot- graph of this massive structure will give an adequate idea of it. It is now, thanks to well- ordered reparation work, thoroughly sound, and looks as though it has centuries of life yet before it. The hinge holes of the old gates may still be seen. To the left hand on entering, are the remains of the old postern, while to the right, a narrow doorway gives access to the ancient stone stairs which lead to the spacious upper chamber. The latter has been converted into a billiard room, and a cosy apartment it makes. Some Features of the interior. As may be gathered from what we have al- ready said of the irregular character of the edifice, the interior is rambling and full of the most delightful nooks and corners imaginable. The main entrance, which is at the western ex- tremity of the older portion, and behind the angle which the projection of the west wing forms with the line of the old front, gives access through a low entrance lobby, to the hall, from which a long passage extends eastwards the entire length of the building. In the spacious hall, which is to the left on entering, and also in the dining room which opens from it, near the foot of the staircase, may be seen the old chestnut beams which have probably been there since the 15th century. At the eastern end of the dining room, is a fine ex- ample of Dutch wood-carving, while from ad jacent walls portraits of the present owner's ancestors gaze solemnly down upon you. To the left hand in the entrance hall, is a finely carved representation of the Conventual Seal, which represents the Virgin Mary seated on an ornamental chair, with the Infant Jesus in her lap. In the space between the Virgin and the trefoil headed arch which rises from the pilasters on either side of the chair, are a crescent and a star. Around the seal, which is oval, is the legend S see Marie et COB- ventus de Uske." Halfway along the passage and in about the centre of the older portion of the house, a stone archway of Gothic mould leads to a quaint recess. This, there would appear to be no doubt, was the original entrance to the Priory, and it must have been approached from without by a porch probably containing a parvise over it. The Famous Refectory Frieze. When Archdeacon Ooxe went to Usk Priory a century ago, he found in what he describes as "an apartment of the first floor," a remarkable frieze, decorated with thirty emblematical devices and emblazoned arms. Only a portion of this frieze containing 24 devices, including, among others, those of King Henry VII, Catherine of Arragon, Joaccline de Louvaine, Bluet of Langstone and Clare (the foandcIR remained in 1860, and this portion was removed in that year by Lord Raglan to Cefntilla Court. Thus was Usk Priory despoiled, not only Of this, one of its chief glories, but also of much fine old panelling of the linen pat- tern description, so characteristic of the early Tudor days. The original frieze being ir- recoverable, Mr Rickards did the next best thing and had a replica made of it, and this now crowns the wall of the library, an ex tremely well proportioned room which occupies the ground floor of the east wing. The frieze, which is a good example of early Tudor work, depicts the arms of the many beneficiaries of the Benedictine Order, and forms a most inter- esting and instructive succession, from the Clares to the last Prioress of Usk. Had space permitted, we should have liked to make further reference to the church, the south and east walls of which abut upon the Priory grounds. In the restoration work on the church, in which Mr Rickards has for many years past taken the most generous and sym- pathetic interest, much has already been ac- complished, but it is hoped to do further work in the near future, when the parapet of the tower, and possibly the beautiful north and west porches will, should funds permit, receive that attention which their antiquity and the beauty of their architecture so richly merit. It is gratifying to know that in its hale old age, this Priory of tJsk is in the possession of one who thoroughly understands and ap. preciates its interests and past associations. The cynic may scoff and the callous Philis- tine may pass unheeding on the other side, but to every one with reverence for earnest and self sacrificing effort, the service, rendered in the dark days of Mediaevalism by those who worked, as did the Prioress and nuns of Usk, for righteousness and the glory of God, must ever remain a fragrant memory. Next Week-WENVOE CASTLE.

THE TURKISH LOAN. Paris, Wednesday.—It seems that there is still a bare possibility that the Turkish loan will be furnished from French sources. The New York Herald" publishes a Berlin telegram to the eliect that Djavid Pasha has extended by six days the period for carrying through the negotiations. It is added that the Frenrh Ambassador in Constantinople has informed the Turkish Finance Minister that, t.he French Government is prepared to waive its claim to control the Turkish Treasury ser- vice.-Centi ul News.

Revolt Against God." ARCHBISHOP BOURNE'S ALARM.. The Archbishop of Westminster (Dr. Bourne) n Wednesday formally opened the convent nd the chapel of the Spanish nuns who have ecently come from Spain and taken up their csidence at No. 11, Upper Belgrave-street, .Oaton-square. They have been in London since anuary. The Archbishop, in the course of a sermon, said that at, the present time there was a revolt gainst Almighty God even in those countries hat had seen fit to preserve for a longer time he teachings of the Catholic Church. The evolt was terrible. Those who participated in t seemed to desire to get rid not merely of Jhristianity but of the very idea of God Him- elf. What was it characterised very out- >urst of popular passion at the present day ? t was a revolt against all revealed religion, a cvolt against restraint, and the worship of eason set up to take the place of Almighty God. He had come to this point: Whenever my great disturbance of public opinion took place they expected almost as a matter of ourse that it would take upon itself an anti- Catholic, anti-Christian, anti-religious aspect, i.s though the very first thought in the minds f those who set afoot those disturbances was ,o get rid of God, of the fear of God and of His control.

Irish Railway Crash. SEVERAL PASSENGERS INJURED. A serious mishap occurred on the railway at Newmarket, County Cork, on Wednesday. It is itated that while shunting operations were in progress an engine crashed into two passenger caches, with the result that six persons were more or less seriously injured, while several others complained of being shaken.

NEW GOLD MINE YIELD. Prospecting in Western Australia. Perth, Western Australia, Wednesday.—The Mines Department has issued the report of the Government geologist, who has just returned from a visit to Bullfinch gold-mining leases, situate about 20 miles north-west of Southern Cross Mine, in the Yilgarn Goldfields. Judging from the limited work done, the report says, the prospects of the mine are bright. The bulk sample taken by the geologist from No. 1 shaft, 100 feet deep, assayed over 21 ounces per ton. Another sample from the wail of the same shaft assayed over 2 1-6 ounces per ton. In No. 2 shaft three samples were taken across the for- mation which assayed respectively 33oz. lOdwt., 4oz. 13dwt., and 151oz. 5dwt. per ton. The Government geologist considers there is a large extent of auriferous country in the vicinity that should well repay prospectin.- The last parcel of 60 tons from the mine r.g turned 6oz. 16dwts. 17 grains per ton.-Reutere

NEW LORD OF APPEAL Sir William Snowdon Robson, who becomes a Lord of Appeal in place-af Lord Collins, recently resigned, became Solicitor-General in §ir H. Campbell-Bannerman's Government, and afterwards Attorney-General. As a bar- rister Sir William was hardworking and suc- cessful. He made a speciality of trade cases. He sat for Bow and Bromley in the short parliament of 1885-6, and as a member for South Shields, in the parliament of 1895, he succeeded in scoring as big a success as any »• Sir William Robson. private member can almost ever hope to achieve, by placing an important measure on the Statute Book-the Half Timers' Bill. In the last two years Sir W. Robson has added greatly to his parliamentary reputation. He is not an eloquent speaker, but he has a per- suasive and incisive style. He is said to be the first holder of the office of Attorney- General to flout tradition by wearing a mous- tache without a beard.

WOMEN WORKERS'CONFERENCE The National Union of Women Workers have been holding their 15th conference at Lincoln during the week, under the presidency of Lady Laura Ridding. Progress in many directions was reported. When it was formed in 1895, the Union consisted of ten local organizations on behalf of women and girls, and 75 societies. Now there are 42 local unions and 163 societies affiliated with it, and it has called into being I Lady Laura Ridding. new sections for health, education, interna- tional business, and Indian study. The Central Bureau for .1 the Employment of Women, the Rural Housing and Sanitation Association, and the Association of Teachers of Domestic Science, all had their origin in special committees estab- lished by the Union. With such wide inter- ests it has been decided this year to change the name of the .organisation to that of the National Council of Women."

? REPUBLICAN DISARMAMENT. French President's Declaration. Paris, Tuesday.—M. Briand, speaking at a banquet given by the Republican Committee of Commerce and Industry, said he had never spoken of the disarmament of Republicans, who would be foolish to do so while their opponents retained their weapons. It seemed that the workers were separating themselves from the Republican party, yet their pro- gramme of reforms could only be realised by Republicans, who ought to range themselves round the Government. Instead, a number of them had turned against him at a time when their opponents were turning to their own account his words. You must," he conclu- ded, give the workers a means of escape from that feverish and disquieting agitation, which at any moment plunges the country into distraction, and forces upon the Govern- ment the necessity of taking steps which are so painful that they can only be taken at the strongest dictates of conscience. As for me, I persist in my confidence in the Republic, and I declare for the Republican Government of the nation." -Reuter.

AMERICA'S POSTAL SERVICE. Washington, Wednesday. Mr Frank Hitchcock, the Postmaster General, issues a statement with regard to the United States postal service, in which he estimates that the service wiJJ be self-supporting within twelve iiionths. --Central News.

WELSH GLEANINGS. News and Views in Lighter Vein. Out of 22,485 applicants for small holdings in the year 1908-09, only 2.3 per cent. desirea to purchase their holdings. v Out of the 14 incorrigible rogues dealt with at the Cardiff Quarter Sessions. 13 werS women, and ranged in age from 18 years to 40. -< Mr Jones or Mr Loraine, the aviator, and his intended wife have both risen high in their profession, but Mr Loraine has risen highest outside it. Mr Lloyd George, in his offer to Llanys- tumdwy of a free public library and assembly hallmtended embracing his old cottage in the scheme, but the owners declined. Alderman F. J. Beavan, Cardiff's youngest freeman, was Mayor of Cardiff in the Corona- tion year of the late King, and his brother, Mr Ebenezer Beavan, was Mayor in Queen Victoria's Jubilee year." Mr Robert Loraine, the Welsh aviator, ap- peared on the stage a year before his pro- spective bride, Miss Marie Lohr, was bom. She did something to Catch him up though, for she made her debut when only three years old. The late Rev. Llewelyn Etowards, of Ruthin, bequeathed all his Welsh books and books re- lating to Wales to the National Library of Wales, including Salesbury's Welsh New Testament, 1567, and Carwr y Cymry," 16301 Cymdeithas y Blodyn Eira is the title of a ladies' society in Portdinorwic. The winter session consists of readings, singing, and needlework, with occasional lectures and, of course, tea parties. It depends on which side yon are. At the Cardiff County Court certain flooring wail described as a mudheap of primeval chaos. The other side likened it to the floor of the New Jerusalem. The Welsh bishops are conspicuous in the principal hieroglyphic for 1911" in Old Moore's Almanac," just published. There will be during the year, writes the prophet, considerable agitation in Church circles, and the question of Welsh Disestablishment will cause much trouble." A sturdy battle is going on in the columns of The London Welshman and Kelt" as tb the similarity of verses by Talnant and Llinoø Wyre. Llinos Wyre's song appeared in The London Welshman and in this column, and Talnant's in the Cardiff Times." It is a caws of alleged plagiarism, and some expressive language is being made use of. There were numerous peculiarities connected with the delegates at the A.S.R.S. Conference this week. Of course O'Meara came from Ire- land and had many grievances}; it was the pro- verbial cry of injustice to the sister isle but a Mr Souza" was a Scot from Auld Reekie, but one of the Jones' came from Newcastle. In speech the Lancashire diâlecli mixed with the brogue of the Irishmen and the fine adjectives of the Cockney were broadened by the thunderous roll of the r s n by Welsh- men. Notwithstanding uncertain health during the past months, Vice-Principal Hugh Williams, of Bala, has been able to complete his work on the British Church, which is now being printed by the Clarendon Press, Oxford, and will be published shortly. This work, which supply a long-felt need amongst students, will contain elaborate discussions of the most con- troverted points in connection with the be- ginnings of Christianity in Britain, a subject in which Dr. Williams enjoys a European reputa- tion. Mr David Thomas, Swansea, the author of The Bard," which was so well received at the Cardiff Festival, belongs to Pontardulais, and Y Bont is very proud of him, too. Twenty-five years ago Dyfed composed the following englyn to Mr Thomas Y brawd hwn wna i'r berdoneg-i siriol Siarad bron yn groewdeg Mae yn y bachgen dalent deg, A than yr hen Frythoneg." The Chancellor of the Exchequer bad counted without his hostesses when he decided to ban them from the coming demonstration at Mountain Ash. The right honourable gentle- man must have forgotten also that in South Wales we have had our Women of Mumbles Head," and the red-cloaked women of Fish- guard to complete the trio complement. Will the women of Mountain Ash have a white shirt parade on the 20th ? We shall wait and see with extreme interest. The work of preserving the structure of Tintern Abey still goes on. During the past year a scaffold has been erected to the whole of the north front of the transept, and a close examination has, the Architectural Review says, fully confirmed the report of 1909. The condition of the stonework of both the window and the gable and staircase was such as to re- quire immediate attention, especially as regards the tracery, parts of which would soon have fallen if preventive means had not been adopted. The whole has been made sate with as little disturbance as possible. Says the Globe We should like to see some public recognition of the brfiavrour of the nursemaid Davies, who saved the life of the little boy under her charge by an act ot singular devotion. The child, who was out blackberrying near Carmarthen, was bitten in the leg by a viper, and would almost certainly have died if the nurse had not promptly sucked the poison from the wound. It is no light thing to do, for the slightest scratch upon the lip means that the rescuer will be poisoned as well as the victim. Nurse Davies deserves a niche beside Queen Berengaria, of whom a similar action is recorded as the most glorious in her life. Numerous as memorial committees are < in Wales just now there is none more deserving than that which intends honouring the memory of Carnelian" the collier-eprigrammist of Pontypridd. He was a man of the but in witty conversation he would have graced a Royal drawing-room. His englynion are among the pithiest in the Welsh language. The promoters of his memorial, headed by his old friend Brynfab," require but a very modest sum indeed to mark his last resting place at Groeswen (the burial place of so many other Welsh worthies). If his contemporaries will not respond to the present appeal, Carnelian's friends will have cause to be disappointed. A curious story of absent-mindedness, or rather, of absorption of mind in official routine, is told of a South Wales G.W.R. stationniaeter. He was having a half-holiday, and had been spending it With friends some distance from htt post of duty, and entered another station with the view of catching the last train homewards- In a few minutes it Came along. A lady de- sired to enter it, and the courteous official gal- lantiv opened the door of a compartment for her, saw her safely in, stood by while the loco- motive steamed away, and then strolled into the waiting-room. Suddenly it occurred to him that he was not on duty there at all, ana that the last train, with which he ought to have travelled, had just gone. He was then obliiged to walk home. The Literary Committee of the BoOtlA Young Wales Society, of which Mr H. B. Evans, Liverpool, is hon. secretary, have ar- ranged for the coming winter an exceptionally interesting syllabus. Mr W. Garmon Jones, the eminent Welsh historian, and Mr J. Glyn Davies, lecturer in Welsh literature at the Liverpool University, will between them de- liver a series of ten lectures treating of The Sources of Welsh History ("PfynoneUau Hanes Cymru "). Mr Garmon Jones will deal first with The Tribal System in Wales and Wales as a Military Power," and later with the castles, the boroughs, and the Church while Mr Glyn Davies is to speak chiefly on the poetry of the country. A Cardiff gentleman, who desires his name to be withheld, writes :—The- writer is able to give exact information as to the authorship and publication of the very amusing verseS, The Collier's Wedding," now become so popular. The song was one of the many humorous pieces written by the late Mr R. W. Jones, of Newport, who assumed for such pur- poses the name of Eos Porthlleidiog." The verses were first printed privately as a fly- sheet, one of which was sent to the writer of this note by the author. The sheet has 30 verses. A little later an Olde Englishe Fayre" was projected in Cardiff, and a Booke" of the fair was published under the editorship of the late Dr. Sheen in 1882 The author was re- quested to allow publication in the Booke," and willingly acceded in a letter in dialect, which was printed with the verses. As it ap- pears in the Booke six verses are omitted. The late Mr Philemon Thomas, bookseller, of St. Mary-street, wished to publish a little pamphlet. A copy of the Wedding waa supplied to him, and he re-published it, with the exception of several verses. When Mr Ph. Thomas gave up his shop Mr B. Grey took the pamphlet up, and printed a great number, which he sold, as stated by your correspondent, or gave away with purchases. All of these want several verses. In the death of the author of these verses Wales lost one of her most talented sons, eminent in business, literature, science and friendship, and withal a man of infinite jest." He and his brother, the late Alderman Tom .Tones, of Newport, were truly Arcades Ambo."