The Cardiff Times

[ WHOLESALE & RETAIL IRONMONGERS, yVOV SANITARY ENGINEERS, YS &c. ^IST.MARY STREET, y/WVXDHAM ARCADE, SSQ?S CIJST0M HOUSE-ST., FT NEW STREET, CARDIFF. >" 13351 Experienced Workmen kept in all Branches

BY W. ABRAHAM, M.P. (MABON). HOME RULE FOR WALES. To bring this topic to a close allow me to notice lastly that clauses 10, 57, and 81 when Put together contain germs of change which, if exercised hy the county council, will prove of the Utmost value and importance to Wales. Clause 10 empowers the Local Government Board to transfer to the county councils certain powers and liabilities of such Government departments as the Privy Council, Home Office, Board of Trade, Local Government Board, and the Educational Department. These, sgain, include matters relating to gas and waterworks, tramways, piers, harbours, artisans' dwellings, burials, fairs, public health, charities, and education. THE POWERS ALREADY PROVIDED. Many of these matters relate to, and concern, Dot one county, but two or more. To meet this, clause 81 enables any county council or councils from time to time to join in appointing out of jtheir respective bodies a joint committee for any Ipurpose in respect of which they are jointly interested, having the same powers, and subject |to the same terms of delegation in all respects as %he councils appointing them. The costs of these ■fjomfc committees shall proportionately defrayed V>y the councils from which they are appointed, furthermore, by clause 54, whenever it is repre- sented by the council of any county to the LotJal feovernment Board that the union, for all or any jbf the purposes of this act, of any counties is tdssirable, the Local Government Board may, ^fter inquiry, make an order for the proposal Contained in such representation. Therefore in these provisions conjointly we have the .7 Possibility of a general council for the thirteen I Counties and the county boroughs of Wales, 'Deluding Monmouthshire, to deal with matters in which the Welsh nation as a whole is in- | terested. J THE WISHES OF THE PEOPLE, t. The people having taken such keen, intelligent interest in selecting men for the councils, and, in 60 doing, displaying such deep-seated sympathy *>th Liberalism, it is to be hoped that the gentle- men returned as councillors will be inspired with belief in the capacity of Wales for self-govern- ment and with a fixed intention to justify that belief. Then I have no doubt that the Liberal Governments of the future will grant our demands for large delegations,not only of adminis- trative, but of legislative powers to an assembly representilli the whole of tha Walsh people. The Rreat majority of our race—thanks to their Excellent powers of effective organisation—have lately shown that they are cow alive to their Political interest, and it cannot now be laid to their discredit, as it was laid by John Bright in *868, that "there is amongst the Welsh a great lnertness and great inactivity in regard to Political questions, and that they seemed to think that in their comparatively little country they had very little to do with the Pnblic affairs of a great empire." > Young Wales stands to-day in a national position which has been reached only by PtOgressive steps of political evolution, and in lata elections she has given a striking frustration of the growing force of the doctrine of :ationality, which strikes another blow at the theory that princes and diplomatists can portion Ollt a nation at all. This should aid the county ^incillors in arriving at the conclusion loug 'Pertained by some that political arrangements, they are to be permanent, must follow the Batural lines of cleavages, and they must take C?u°t of the ties of race, place, language, reli- ^,0n» the common past and traditions which up our nation, and they must spare no *«°rts to form this national council according to the Powers they have, and tbus pave the way for teal Cymtic rule. Wa.A. HOME BULK FOR WALES 2 It is to be hoped that our friends on ths will not lose sight of the fact that they *Ve now this opportunity within tbeir grasp grand opportunity of founding the basis of Rule for Wales. For what is local fovernment, proper local government, after all ut Home Rule ? The Times once said tbat local B°vernni(.nt and Home Rule are the same thing etynaologically, but that the latter term has a j^eaning jts own> Bignifying local government °r Ireland. However, Home Rule for Wales toeans a legislature, not a Parliament, having the ^°Wer to deal exclusively with Welsh affairs. Some have been terrified by the use of the word legislature," imagining that Welshmen are ^Posing to set up a "rival self-establishment" 2 ^e Imperial Parliament. Bnt that is nonsense, j that the most patriotic Welshman means by e8islature js the formation of a body whose ^notions are purely legislative. Nothing less this can bring about true reform in local pvernment Thus when we demand a • legis- a'Ur?, we are only claiming the right to a measure of} b ocal government more extensive than county °a*ds or county councils, either safer than the Present system, and yet impotent in imperial aflair8. Hence nobody need be terrified at this, and let those alone falter that lack confidence in Lbo legislative ability of the Welsh. Public Men on the Claims of Wales That Wales can claim to be regarded as distinct a Portion of the United Kingdom as either Ireland Or Scotland, and, like them, requiring separate special treatment in the future, is supported the testimony of many and liif?h authorities, We now know," said Mr A. J. Williams, M.P., 1111886, that there is already prepared a broad ;l1.d comprehensive scheme for representative °Ca] government worthy of the Liberal party—a board for South Wales, with county and Parish boards elected by the people under the Purity of the ballot, to manage their own "Sairg." So if turn to North Wales wsfind Mr Stuart T^del, M.P., also declaring that "Wales is l'Penmg fast under Liberal sunshine for national recognition. Were you to lose ground now and back, for many a year the recognition of ales as no longer a handmaid, but a sister na.tion, entitled to a voice in all those matters *kich most closely touch her religious and her welfare." the political programme prefaced by the jfjht Hon. Joseph Chamberlain, and which we ^'ghfc naturally conclude contained pretty ^irately his views on that subject at the time, 9 says—"Let us therefore look at the matter r°m what may be called the national point of Je*» The problem here is to entrust Wales, Gotland, and Ireland with the free and full ministration of those internal affairs which do involve imperial interests.. • « ^he j6clliarities of the Welsh people, and the J^cence between the circumstances under which jey and the English exist, give them a clear to domestic legislation. In addition to the boards, bodies of national authority and i jL^ction must be called into existence. Of bodies, which for the sake of convenience have called national aouncils, one should be s,*bli8hed in Wales." j ^he late Matthew Arnold said j—"A system of °Cal assemblies is but a national completeness of j 'borough municipal pystem. Districts neither too nor too small, not necessarily of equal °Pulation by any means, but with character* rendering them in themselves fairly hcmo- and coherent, are fit units for choosing a local assemblies—as Wales, North and °uth. The business of these districts would be °st advantageously done in assemblies of tbat ■ they would form a useful school for the number of aspirants to public life, and 6 Housd of Commons would be relieved. the other hand we have men like Mr J, T. j Llewelyn, who, when contesting f°r the seat Cardiff, said he would extend to Ireland the powers of local self-government which the a Gnservative party intend to confer on England, Jutland, and Wales, in addition to those which now enjoy." *'BO, the business connected with private bills O( very well be done by extending the powers 0cal Rovernment so as to enable those bodies (j eal with them, for the officials of the Local Pe VerniQent Office are not in touch with the and really do not understand local 5airs." /to°.ther Prominent men could be brought forward [ 'ampion the cause. Lord Derby, speaking at 41tl° n' told his audience that for himself, 'Ottgh he could speak for no one else, he »enSl(^ere^ *hat Wales bad a strong claim to be dealt with. The Welsh people f wted, jn many respects, of a distinct nationality, and he did not see they should deny to Welsh nationality what they granted to Irish sedition." Sir Charles Diike, in his celebrated speech at Halifax, approved of the principle, and referred to a speech wherein he had announced that:—" In my individual opinion the natural crowning stone of my larga edifice of local government must sooner or later be some such elective local government board for each of the three principal parts of the United Kingdom and for the principality of Wales. It is not known that there is a very strong feeling upon it in Waies, and my letters show me that an elective local government board for Wales would be accepted with great favour in that country." Finally, you can summon Lord Hartington to give his testimony on the matter. I do not desire to express my opinion," said his lordship, as to, or to attempt to limit, what may be the ultimate result of reform of local self-government in any of the three kingdoms. It is quite possible that when the task is taken in hand it may bb found that the desire which is felt by the people of these three kingdoms and the necessities of the case are not limited merely to the creation of county boards or municipal councils, but that some larger provincial, perhaps even national, organization and co-ordination by local authorities may be required m England, Scotland, Ireland, aud Wales." The foregoing are sufficient proofs, doubtless, as to the advanced attitude of most prominent politicians towards Wales. We can also expect that at the proper time these promises will be carried out and not ignored, Our claims are strong, and there can longer be no reason in refusing to consider Wales as a separate portion of the country, and which ought to be treated in such a way as to meet the expressed aspirations of the people, and now that our country is begin- ning to be less misunderstood, a new hope is addfid to our old determination that ultimately this principle will be carried to its complete logical effect by the enactment of proper measures in the proper time, and the inauguration of the principle fully justified by the county councils embracing every opportunity to exercise their combinative powers.

A WELSH EDUCATION DEPART- MENT. By E. JONESTLIVERPOOL. The Liverpool Welsh National Society did well in inviting Mr Beriah Gwynve Evans to address the society on the subject of the Welsh Language as an Educational Force." As the subject, however, is somewhat technical and professional, it was hardly to be expected that a mixed audience could fully appreciate the significance and the importance to Wales of the movement with which Mr Evans' name is associated. Underlying everything connected with the government of Wales is the question of the localisa- tion of the government, whether by means of an extension or combination of the county councils, by a national council, or what not. What Wales wants is a central executive to carry out arrange- ments specially adapted to the circumstances of the country In no department of business is this more urgent than in that of education. A Minister of Education for Wales, in Wales, under a Welsh executive, but subject to the control of tho Imperial Parliament, is whit is wanted, and what is coming. There is no portion of the United Kingdom which can present such strong claims to special treatment, and to self-government in educational affairs in particular, as Wales. Ireland has its own. Board of Education, and Scotland has its Education Department. Then why not Wales, whose distinctive characteristics are even more marked than the before-mentioned countries ? There is no country in the worid where a nation has done so much-and done it so well-for itself in education as Wales. By means of the Sunday school alone, and unaided, nearly everybody can read the vernacular. The facts stated by Mr Evans, that the weekly circulation of the vernacular exceeded 120,000, and the monthly circulation of magazines amounted to 150,000, and that £ 200,000 a year was spent in Wales on literatuie in the native toigiie, iliow6 1 iiejj»e« oj literary culture of which any nation might well be proud. All this in addition to English papers and books bought and read. For the Welshman having had a taste of knowledge in his own tongue, a burning thirst is created in him to find the key to the greater treasures of knowledge in English. The Welsh have established, supported, and managed their own theological colleges now for generations, and for some years the university colleges have been managed, and successfully, by the people of Wales. Will it then be said that the same people could not manage their elemen- tary schools without going to London for their code and their inspectors? N'jbody in Wales wants to discourage the study of English on the contrary, we know that to study Welsh side by side with English is the very best method of teaching the latter. From the known to the unknown is an axiom in pedagogy. The English Education Department has conceded some points as to the teaching of Welsh in elementary schools, but more than this is necessary. When the management of education is localised and the Welsh have their own code, many improvements will be effected. It is well known that the Welsh orthography is, with slight exceptions, perfectly consistent and phonetic. Mr Evans, in the spirit' of a true reformer, is urging the correction of the few anomalies that exist in Welsh orthography—that is, the use of V for F as in English, and F for F F and Ph. til ■ Learning to read Welsh simply means learning the alphabet. If Welsh children had English books printed in consistent notation like their own language, it would baa great help to their pronunciation.—From the Liverpool Mercury.

FEBRUARY PUBLICATIONS. Messrs Ward and Lock's serials for February include the History of the World, the second volume of which is cimmenced with the present part. The very many excellent illustrations form an important feature of the work, The editor of "Boston's Boys'Own Magazine, Mr Henty, claims for it that it gives more reading matter for 6d than any shilling magazine in the country. Unquestionably the Imperial History of England" and" Beeton's Encyclopedia" are among the cheapest serials that have ever been issued. It would be difficult to praise the latter too highly, for as au encyclopaedia within the reach of all it ranks high both for accuracy of detail and excellence of get up. In the '^History,' however, we are gravely assured that Llewellyn, the last king of Wales, who had intrigued with Mountfort, was "slain in battle. ouch nonsense as this will certainly detract from the trust. worthiness of the work. If England's Battles" (Part 4) contains what everyone will admit to be a. magnificent account of the battle of Trafalgar. Another wonderfully cheap and useful work is Mrs Beeton's Household Management, and the same may be said of the companion work, "Beeton's Gardening Book. oylvia this month will suffer nothing from a comparison with any other distinctly ladies' magazine. The principal contents of "Amateur Work are Tentmaking." How to make a Wheelbarrow," a "Cheap Writing Desk," the Diminishing Card Trick," etc. Other well-illustrated works are "The Fair Maid of Perth," The Land of the Bible," and that splendid work on physical Geography, "Gods' Glorious Creation.

JUST BECAUSE THE HAIR STOOD ON END. Mr Briagback: How does the coat bit you, Charley ? Mr Spokit: What kind of fur do you can it? Mr Bringback: Sealskin; What did you think it was? Mr Spokit: I didn't know, but I was sure that whatever it wall the animal must have died of right. „.

FACTS FOR FARMERS. Current Notes on Agricultural Topics. BY A PRACTICAL WELSH FARMER. CATTLE REARING. From different causes we may safely infer that farmers will this year pay more attention to cattle rearing. Among the causes which tend to this must be placed first the advance in price which has taken place; and from the present seeming scarcity we may deduct a sure further advance which will at any rate last a couple of years. This will induce farmers to rear more calves this year than they have been doing for some years past. Of late years a certain amount of loss was sus- tained by the farmer for every horned beast that be reared, and this accounts for the decrease in the number which has marked recent markets. I referred in a previous letter some months ago to this subject of cattle rearing for the market its importance will be my excuse for referring to it again. While it would be presumptuous in me to attempt to teach many of my brother farmers their business, at the same time I believe it would be for the general good if we, as Welsh farmers, were readier to give our views and experience through the medium of the press on any question which affects our interests as farmers, This would result in mutual benefit. BAILWAY RATES, Very few farmers know of, and less still take any interest in the present ad vance by the railway companies in their charges. I have seen no protest in the press from any Welsh farmer against this imposition, yet it affects our interest as much as anybody's, if not more. One of the largest cattle dealers in Wales, during a conversation I had with him to-day, informed me be has now to pay £6 a load in railway dues for cattle up to the midland counties, whereas prior to this advancement it was £4 10s, being an increase of 33 per cent. in rail charges. But this, as he truly remarked, affected us as farmers more than the dealers, as the money would have to come out of the farmers' pockets. We should protest against it. Even under the old rates we were the least favoured then, and this additional burden must seriously affect us. The same might be said about the carriage of grain, &c. But I am wandering from my subject, which is cattle rearingj and not railway charges, although there is a close relationship between the two, because we have, in calculating the cost of rearing here in Wales, also to calculate the charge in carrying our beasts to our customers—the graziers of the midland counties. The Rearing of Calves. To rear cattle that will pay, the old system must be done away with altogether. Starring in the winter months, and then turning them out to graze on rich, succulent grass during the summer months to make up for the deterioration of the previous six months, will no longer pay, if it ever did. This sort of treatment has, to a great extent, given place to another system, which has common sense to back it. But there is yet too much of the former mode prevailing. Calf- rearing for the market should be the same as calf- rearing for the butcher—always progressive, from the time they were dropped by their mothers to the time they are turned out, as yearlings or two yearolds, for sal.3. There are advocates of different ways to attain this object, and great is the diversity of opinion in the rearing and manage- ment of the calf. FOOn FOR CALVES. One authority prefers the system of hand feed- ing to suckling, while the other side say the only natural way is for the calf to suckle the mothtr. Mush may be said on both sides, and, in Ky opinion, one i. a&good aa tha. other. ,irk. agree that the primary object is to keep th^calf moving forward and not backward, and the Vays and means to do that should be left to the breedei's discretion. Miik is often scarce,and the breeder has to find a substitute. On this question, again, there are pet theories; fome think that oatmeal and skim milk boiled ftake a good substitute, while others tljnk linseed, boiled in water to a ttick consistency, thea added to the skim mik, makes capital food for older calves; while rat others say that linseed and flour is the neai^st approach to new milk. No doubt all these ire good food for them. There has been largfly advertised of late years a composition different makers as a milk substitute; b.1t farmers were prejudiced against it. One reasln for this was its dearness, its price for the first fey years ranging from 25s to 35* per cwt., wbi41 made it out of all practical value as calves' focj or any other food. Now, however, there is solj a good milk equivalent for about 12s 6d per cwo This I have used largely myself, and have founj it both more economical and giving better resulb than home productions. This meal is compounds on scientific principles, and is of such compositioi that it is capable of meeting all the requirement of the growing calf. There is another thing besidea food to make t calf thrive—that is comfort, and unless that attended to no amount or nature of food wit make it thrive. The calves' house should b> airy, but not draughty, and thoroughly cleap When supplied with nourishing food, comfortabl; housed, and provided with good bedding, w, shall have a thriving calf, and not otherwise. j To Correspondents. I cannot undertake to answer all letters bj post. When the subject is one of general interes or practical value to farmers, a hundred ma) be benefited by a reply in the press for every one who will derive any good by means of private information. Correspondents should, in every instance, write their questions on a separate sheet from the private letter which accompanies the queries. DISPOSITION OF MANURE. II HEN WLAD FY NHADAU."—The incident referred to was an actual fact. The farm was in a certain sense a small holding, for although the acreage might be about 150, yet the great part of it was so steep that it was next to impossible to carry manure to it unless it was done by manual labour. Therefore this part was kept for sheep grazing; the other part was kept for grazing fiire or six milking cows, while a field or two was used for corn growing and potato patch, the tenant only retaining enough manure for the potatoes, while the rest was disposed of as described. But try main point in relating the story was to illustrate the carelessness of many farmers in connection with an article upon which he depends. So much for the above incident, which is so bard to believe, and which, as I stated, took place nearly fifty years ago. But many farmers now treat their best fnend in a way that will hardly be credited fifty years hence. Take, for instance, the slovenly way the manure haap is kept; it is allowed to run all over the shop," being left in that state, perhaps not a foot in depth, during all the spring and summer, so that when it is applied to the land it has, through the action of the elements on its exposed surface, deteriorated to less than half its original value as a fertilizer. SALT AND ITS APPLICATION TO LAND. GLTN ÐAWE FAIUlER,-R6garding the applica- tion of salt to pastures, I have used it advan- *C#eously on most soils except peaty soils (tir ^awnog). Oil this sort of land I have not tried it, having none. On clay it answers the purpose well -"•^at is, to sweeten the herbage. On dry land, whatever the nature of the soil, the improvement m the quality of the pasture is more evident by a dressing of salt than on wet, yet there is on the I ;atter also an improvement, which is plainly to be teen. Its action on the herbage after applying is that coarse grasses, rushes, &c., die, and in their stead a. fine succulent grass grows, which the stock eat with avidity. As to what salt and the price, I used agricultural salt, which cost me £1 per ton carriage paid, but I am of opinion that H A Glyn Dawe Farmer" will be able to get it something under that, having, if I rightly understand, Jess carriage than I bad to pay but looal agents will give all information as to prices, &a. The Weather and thp Crops. The Mark-lane Express of Monday says The growing wheat shows a good even and often thick plant, and under tbe influence of spring-like I temperature it is coming on with dangerous rapidity. Wheat thrashings continue to take place on a larger scale than present low prices I would seem to justify. Barley, too, has been freely thrashed, and though not satisfactory in price, is less distinctly unremunerative than wheat, Oats are very low on imperial average, but local sales from farmer to farmer made with- out troubling the markets are frequently at better terms- than were quoted a year ago. The prices of both English and foreign wheat must be quoted Is lower on the week. At the chief markets American flour made from 1887 wheat is sought after at good prices, but that made from 1888 corn is far from being in equal favour. Mixtures made from English and Russian wheat give satisfaction, and are cheap in price. Hungarian flour, despite the recent decline at Buda-Pestb, is still for the most part too dear for English markets. Maize is uncertain. The trade in beans and peas have favoured buyers at the principal markets, and a fall of 6d has to be chronicled in linseed. Off coast trade is quiet,

WELSH NOTES. ALFRED AUSTIN GOES FÖR THE LACREATHSHIP. A rumour, which is backed by excellent authority (this is the style in which one who isn't in the know always begins), has it that the next Poet Laureate will be Mr Alfred Austin. What's Mr Lewis Morris to do, poor thing ? I always heard that he had the reversion of the post. The preliminary canter he had over the Silver Wedding was not,I understood, to show his paces, but to give him an insight into the work. It is to be hoped that Royalty was not displeased at bis performance, for it was quite aa good as Lord Tennyson's Jubilee ode. Moreover, Mr Lewis Morris might offer the same excuse as apoet did in the days of Charles II. This author compossd a panegyric in honour of the King. Said the Monarch, "You wrote a better one upon Crom- well." Felicitously replied the poet, "Sire, we poets are more happy in fiction than in fact," A POVERTY STRICKEN NOTE. The statistics for pauperism are very gratifying, Although not so low as in 1884-5, yet they show a marvellous decrease on thirty years, and this despite the fact of the large increase of popula- tion. In 1858 the number of adult able-bodied paupers was 126,849, in 1868 it was 156,208, in 1878 it was 91,008, and in 1888, 92,816. However, indoor relief has increased, but only amongst the males, the females having been comparatively staSionary since 1858. In this year there were 3,576 males and 11,051 females. During the three decades the number of males has gradually risen until in 1888 the largest total, 8,303, was reached, the females being 11,700. Of indoor paupers Wales had the lowest ratio, being 3'7 per 1,090 of estimated population. This ties with York, all tho rest of the divisions being higher. With outdoor paupers Wales heads the list, with 33'5 per 1,000. This last places it upon the whole list as being second to the South Western division, the total beinp; 372 per 1,000; whereas the average is 27 0. The worst unions in South Wales are Bedwellty, with a popu- lation of 55,000, and a total number of paupers 2,039 Pontypool, with 35,000, and 1,806 paupers; Cardiff, with 106,000, and 4,364 paupers Pontypridd, with 95,000, and 3,698 paupers Neath, with 49,000, and 2,415 paupers Llaneliy^ with 44,000, and 7,028 paupers; and Carmarthen, with 35,000, and 1,655 paupers Merthyr Tydfil, with 101,000, and 2,848 paupers, beats Swansea, with 95,000, and 3,089 paupers. GOOD NEWS FOB LANDORE. There is, I believe, more in the announcement that the Landore Relief Fund has closed than appears on the surface. It is anything but a remote probability that the works will be re-started—and that shortly. Their sale at auction is announced for this month, and there will be at least three parties represented there who are really anxious to secure the works at a reasonable price. There is a probability that steel will soon be one of the best of speculations— hence the anxiety of capitalists interested in the trade to take advantage of such an opportunity of securing works ready for restarting on short notice. The relief fund, I learn, reached nearly £900, and there is about B100 undistributed. There are on the committee men who think that this £ 100 will meet the necessary requirements, xf the rumo'urs wnich are now flying about are well-founded, it doubtless will but I would advise such of the old employes as have found temporary employment to retain it it till more certain intelligence is published, A BRAKE FOR SHIPS, If Industries is correctly informed, Mr Pagan's brake for ships is a grand discovery. In the Bute Channel it would prove invaluable. The experiments took place at Cherbourg. The Government for this purpose placed at the service of the inventor, Le Buffla, a powerful vessel of the Northern squadron. This vessel ha? a maximum speed of 14 knots, and when running at this speed, was, without reversing the engines, brought to a standstill within a distance of 55ft. I should like to see this tried on our flat-bottomed boats. Anyhow, it ought to avert many a collision, SAWDUST V. COALDPST. The manufacturers of patent fuel will have to look out. The Canadians are about to compete with them. They have at last found out that the mountains of sawdust which accumulate from tbeir vast timber trade are capable of utilisation. It is claimed that by a system of grinding the tefuse into a uniform fineness, mixing it with tar from the gas house, and compressing the substance into cakes, a fuel can be made in every way superior to soft coal for open fires. This is practically the manner in which patent fuel is made, substituting coaldust for sawdust, A CHIMPANZEE'S BRAIN. The Scientific American says :—Crowley was a chiiupauaee. He was an interesting feature at our aoological museum, and his human traits offered much amusement to visitors. He died a few months ago, and bis brain has been examined by Dr Spitaka, who finds that it weighs less than one-third that of a human brain, but in the course of the examination he made an important dis- covery. At the floor of the fourth ventricle in intelligent persons there are what are called auditory streaks, which are supposed to have something to do with hearing and the power to distinguish the different words of a language, and in the brain of this chimpanzee were found faint white streaks in this area—a fact more remarkable when it is borne in mind that in deaf mutefl these auditory strokes are not to be found. THE DECISION OF THE OIEAN WOLUBM. The workmen employed at the Ocean Collieries yesterday decided that no scale or arrangement of any kind be adopted for the future. I presume that this means war to the knife, and a most unfortunate war I'm afraid it will prove. It may be that the operation of the sliding-scale was unjust; but, nevertheless, I'm inclined to think that the principle was correct. Nothing could be Fairer than that the price of coal should deter- mine the rate of wages. It is not the fault of the scale if the balance is on this side or that bide; it is the fault of the people who constructed it. I can quite understand that a scale which would fit ono district, which would suit one seam of 2oal, would not do for another, and that in conse- quence the coat, as it were, should be cut accord- ng to the cloth. Nor should there be any lifficulty, as there has been, in determining he identity of the seam. Supposing, however, iat there is a diversity of opinion upon this bint, surely it becomes a matter for arbitration, bt for dispute. However, the action of the men \ows that the masters have not met them in that Mrit which should have been prevalent. Tho elliery proprietors in the Rbondda appear to ager from no lack of wealth. They fare &mptoously every day; they have their mansions ad their carriages, and servants to wait upon tern, and all this wealth is brought to them by t^ proletariat. Perhaps they need the word oiwarniug more than those who earn their bread althe risk of their lives and the sweat of their b\W8. Men in these days, taught by the wttings of Emerson and Carlyle, have learnt that lauur is to be honoured, not despised. Nobody resets more than I do that the Ocean colliers s*\ild have taken the step they have done. No on knows what it will lead to. Far better in: my opinion, had they insisted upon a region of the sliding-scale which would not slib either in one direction or the other. But I caisee nothing in this action but strikes, and the co*equent misery which they entail. The emioyers give way when the men are in the aidant; the employe yield when the reverse is xperienced. But the present is the time forf the men, and they should demand a 4le which is just to both. Capital has its rifrfs as well as labour. 1 cannot say that tha intLts of both are identical, for they are not So ng as one man can do more than another he mil necessarily be in a better position than his neitbour. We have not reached that age of chiwry yet in which the strong will succour the wea and until then Socialism, aa preached by Mr jesaoiti can never be practical. i\

I WELSH GLEANINGS. By Lloffwr. As I ventured to snrmfce some time ago, the establishment of County Councils in .Wales has given a great impetus to the native language ol the Principality, and has secured for it an tacknowledged official standing in the transaction of public business. Last week I noted what had been done in this connection in Denbighshire and Anglesey. Other counties have not been slow to follow. Of the South Walian counties Cardigan- shire has taken the lead. A number of councillors answered in Welsh when the roll was called, and he appointment of chairman of the Council was moved in Welsh, the elected chairman returning his thanks in the same language. y North Wales continues strong on the point. In Carnarvonshire the Chairman is a Welsh Welsh. man from one of the most distinctly Welsh districts in the county. The Vice-Chairman is Mr W. J. Parry, who in his election address and speeches pledged himself to use every effort to make Welsh the recognized official language of the Council. When, therefore, the new Govern- ment of Carnarvonshire actually comes into office, we may expect to see Welsh taking, for the first time in the history of the county, its proper place as the official language of its local authority. • Flintshire has net been slow to form into the Welsh line. In th.) face of the whole strength and prestige of the English and aristocratic element, carried by 3; strong majority as chairman Mr J. Herbert Lewis, among whose principal claims to that dignity were the fact that he was "not only able to understand and to speak Welsh, but to interpret it fluently." In returning thanks for the honour done him, Mr Lewis said that "as to the qagstioaof language he thought it would be unfair to those who could not express their views in iiinglish that they should be precluded from taking part in the deliberations of the council, and, therefore, he took it to be an understanding from the outset that each member should be permitted to speak in the language with which he was most familiar." « Merionetbsbire appears to be for the moment under a cloud. The Welsh element in the council is very strong, as strong, perhaps, as in any similar body in the country, while their Nation- alist sympathies are beyond question. It was expected that a formal motion would be made to establish We ah as the recognised official language of the council. instead of this, however, an Englishman, Mr Pope, Q.C., who is nnacquainted with the language, was unanimously appointed provisional chairnun, and in his opening speech he did what appears to be a near approach to placing a veto upon the use of Welsh by stating that in his opinion English was the only language which the council could legally recognise. It is safe to assort that the Merionethshire Council will not all>w the matter to rest. there. Steps will be take-.v^s-thwith to obtain authorita- th-e oa I* it be .Vuart mm under the existing law Welsh can be officially recognised as the language of the council, a determined attempt will be made to have it so recognised. On the other hand, if it be found that the law as at present constituted makes the use of English compulsory as the only official language of these bodies, an agitation will be commenced to secure such an amendment in the law as will tluly recoguise tbe claims of the native language. I remember hearing a distinguished speaker at a convocation in London denominating Wales that hot.bed of preachers." All that has been written during past weeks anent the grave of Christmas Evans has doubtless reminded many of the vent he gave to his grief at a memorable meeting when, noticing the youthful appearance of the ministers present, he asked in the anguish of his soul, "Where are the magnificent old nails?" and added, "These are only sparbles." But be quickiy corrected himself, considering probably that there was a time when he and the other old masters of assemblies were only sparbles and cheered himself with glowing hope of the future possibilities of those youngsters. Nor was the hope he cheribheddestined to be disappointed. Since then great strides have been made in the principality, and praiseworthy efforts have been put forth to facilitate the growth and developemgnt of preachers. A considerable number of scholastic institutions have been founded and sustained to remain as lighthouses in the land, many produc- tions of fertile pens have been issued by the Welsh press for the nutrition and admonition of ministerial aspirants, and still they come, The last of this genus, by no means the least, is that of the Rev A. J. Parry, who figured a couple of weeks ago with worthy comrades in the school board triumph achieved at Carmarthen. The title of this wcrk, the first part of which has made its debUt, is rather lengthy, but one would not go far out of the way if he were to venture to christen it "The Young Preacher's Assistant," or "The Young Minister's Guide." It is, however, a thesaurus containing literary pearls and gems that may be highly appreciated by the elders of the ministerial fraternity. Though permeated with modest egoism, the author, or editor, drawing largely on his own experience, it is totally devoid of any offensive egotism. This work is to be accomplished maiuly by Mr Parry himself, but he has secured competent assistance from others, and in the part already issued a niche is devoted to an exemplary contribution by his neighbour, the Rev J. Wyndbam Lewis, Carmarthen. "The object is to supply stimulus, and, it is hoped, instruction suitable to our younger ministers," and both are supplied in a manner which does not fail to sustain, the interest awakened in the reader. The necessity for originality and freshness is emphasised, but I fear that after all, strictly speaking, the only originality to be found in us poor mortals is original sin. Respecting the elucidation of truth, we ar3 told that "newspape records are often prolific sources of striking illustrations." "Forty years," said the old gentleman, in reply to the query how long it took him to make the masterly discourse lie had just delivered. Ditto may be said of these instructions emanating from a ripe peu, the wielder of which has been forty years and more with the Isiaelites in the wilderness making notes, all of which are key notes. 4O.. • I notice that the South Wales Press, following the example of the Brecon County Times and ()ym,.u Fut is about to start a column of antiquarian, topographical, and curious notes relating to Carmarthenshire,4 The venture is a capital one, more especially if old folk lore be readily forth- coming. As the! editor says, Much priceless material has passed and is passing away fot. ever and we shall try, as far as Carmarthenshire is concerned, to stem the current and retain some of the precious store are it leaves and is lost to the world in the darkness of oblivion. In the columns of the newspaper all sorts and conditions of men, poor as well as rich, can taste of the pleasures that spring from a study of the past. There is scarcely a household in the shire that has not some curious' fact, some scrap of old time lore, some shred of tradition too good. to be lost, yet which lost will inevitably be if not entrusted to the imperishable custody of printer's ink. South Wales as a whole has its antiquarian representa- tives, not only in, societies and institutions too well known to need a reference here, but in a more popular and get-at-able form- Carmarthen- shire, with it noble and varied associations, has mines of old-time wealth which a lifetime would not suffice to explore. There is, then, no lack o harvest; all tbati. required are willing labourers for the harvest." Last week, Mr Ivor James, of the South Wales University College, gave a lecture in the Cymmorodorion chambers, St. Mary-street, before the Cambrian Society of South Wales and Monmouthshire, on the source of Coleridge's immortal poem, the Ancient Mariner." Accord- ing to De Quincey, the poem is founded upon an incident in Shelvocke's voyages, where the mate is described as having killed an albatross, sup- posed to have a connection with the rough weather experienced by the seamen. Wordsworth, however, disposed of that theory, and said that the poem was founded upon a dream of Mr Cruikshank's, who fancied that he had seen a skeleton ship with figures in it. Mr Ivor James showed that Wordsworth's theory is equally untenable as De Quincey's, and produced ample evidence to prove that the poem is founded upon the narrative of an early voyage to the North West, undertaken by a Welshman, who, on his return, published an account thereof. Mr James pointed out no less than twenty coinci- dences between the incidents of the voyage and the incidents of the poem, and claimed that some of them were so striking as to be conclusive. He also contended that Coleridge had within easy reach a copy of this early Welshman's book. The paper is a pursuance of a similar line of study as that of previous productions of Mr James, and will probably meet with the same marked recog- nition which has been accorded to his other historical studies..

DESCENDING A MINE, To reach these tremendous depths, to which the work has granually descended in the course of centuries that have exhausted the upper portions of the mineral veins, is the first daily task of the Hartz miner. The simple, rough, and seemingly rude method employed is perfectly adapted to 8ecu."3 the greatest economy in the local circum- stances. The miner enters a wooden bouse that differs little from the other houses of the neigh- bourhood. Around it a few wooden sheds serve for the repair and construction of the machinery. Long beams that move on rollers extend to water wheels erected beside the neigh- bouring streams. Simple contrivances place these wheels under absolute and accurate control, and the entire work of pumping, raising ore, and raising and lowering the miners is accomplished by their agency. The miner writes his name in a book, lights his lamp, and enters a small wooden chamber, in whi;h a trapdoor appeats in the floor. Out of this trapdoor rise the heads of stout wooden benms, which are riring and falling in alternation. Each beam exhibits, as it rises, a small step, with an iron handle at a convenient height above it. The miner seizes the handle, and simultaneously places bis feet on the step. The beam descends through the trapdoor, the man sticking closely to its surface. Mean- while the other beam rises, bringing up another step and handle. Before both beams reverse their motion, the man springs from the one to the other. His new resting-place descends, while the one be has left ascends, bringing up a new step and handle, to which he again springs. So for some 2,000 feet the miner descends, simply springing from step to step as the beams rise and fall alternately, Each change of position enables him to be carried down to the extent of the swing of the beams. To apcend, he jumps on a rising step; and next, from that, on to the opposite step, that has just sunk to meet him, and that is just about to rise. He thus rises without once incurring the labour of lifting his body, or descends with the same facility or convenience. —jLeisure Hour.

COLD WEATHER RULES. (From The Sanitarian.) Never lean with the back upon anything that is cold. Never begin a journey until the breakfast has been eaten. Never take warm drinks and then immediately go out into the cold. Keep the back, especially between the shoulder blades, well covered; also the chest well protected. In sleeping in a cold room establish a habit of ocdJtttiifcg through the nose, aud never with the mouth open. Never go to bed with cold or damp feet. Never omit regular bathing, for unless the skin is in active condition the cold will close the pores and favour congestion and other diseases. After exercise of any kind, never ride in an open carriage or near the window of a car for a moment; it is dangerous to health or even life. When hoarse, speak as little as possible until the hoarseness is recovered from, else the voice may be permanently lost, or difficulties of the throat be produced. Merely warm the back by the fire, and never continue keeping the back exposed to the heat after it has become comfortably warm. To do otherwise is debilitating. When going from a warm atmosphere into a cooler one, keep the mouth closed, so that the air may be warmed in its passage through the nose ere it reaches the lungs. Never stand still in cold weather, especially after having taken a slight degree of exercise, and always avoid standing on ice or snow, or where the person is exposed to cold wind.

A PUBLIC SCHOOL IDYL. Ram it in, cram it in,— Children's heads are hollow } Slam it in, jam it in,- Still there's more to follow Hygiene and history, Astronomic mystery, Algebra, histology, Latin, etymology, Botany, geometry, Greek, and trigonometry,— Rum it in, cram it in, Children's heads are hollow Rap it in, tap it in,- What are teachers paid for? Bang it in, slap it in,- What were children made fur! Ancient archaology, Aryan philology, Prosody, zoology, Physics, ciinictology, Calculus aud Mathematics, Rhetoric and Hydrostatics,— Hoax it in, coax it in, Children's heads are hollow Scold it in, mould it in, All that they can swallow Fold it in, hold it in, Still there's more to follow Faces pinched and sad and pale Tell the same undying tale,- Tell of moments robbed from sleep, Meals untasted, studies deep. Those who've passed the furnace through, With aching brow will tell to you How the teacher crammed it in, Rammed it in, jammed it in, Crunched it in, punched it in, Rubbed it in, clubbed it in, Pressed it and caressed it in, Rapped it in and slapped it in When their heads were hollow

WHAT HE TOOK IT FOR. Police Judge (to prisoner): You found a young lady sitting on a bench in the park weeping bitterly. Prisoner: Yes, sir. And under pretext of consoling her and wiping away her tears, you stole her round silver watch. What did you take it for ? What did I take it for? Why, I took it for an onion that was making her cry. WM it really a watch!

We talk of immortality, but we do not even know what time is. Perhaps time has possibilities that dwarf immortality, and we are fooling our- selves with the poorer choice. Let us have the very best. Shopkeepers should do all things consistantly, even to the extent of Bending home stockings in a hose cart.

Musical and Eisteddvod Notes. 4 By Maelgwyn. THE EASTER EISTEDDVODAU. Next Easter Monday promises to be 8: very busy one for eisteddvodau. Already a large number of them are announced to be held in various parts of the country, and I have no doubt that several more will be announced in a few days. I am informed that a great eisteddvod—one on the magnificent scale of 1885 and 1886-will be held at Abergavenny, but no details have as yet come to hand. That genial Welshman, Mr D. W. Lewis, of Brynamman, will be the musical adjudicator at the Treorky eisteddvod, and the chief competition will be for £40, offered for the best rendering of When winds breathe soft." By the way it may be mentioned that JBSO will be given for the best rendering of the same piece at the Bridgend Eisteddvod at the latter end of June, but of this more anon. A great eisteddvod is also announced to be held at Swansea on Easter-Monday, but the list of competition subjects has not yet been published. The adjudicators will be Mr W. G. MacNaught, Mr George Oakey (both of London), and Mr John Thomas, of Llanwrtyd. But what a terrible fail has taken place at Neath, where for years past a most enjoyable and, as most people imagined, a most successful eisteddvod has been held on Easter Monday. True, there will be an eisteddvod this year, but it will be a very insignificant thing compared with those of former years. The chief prize will only be £20. But it must be admitted that the pro- gramme is a very good one. For the solo competitions a guinea will be given in each contest. Besides the eisteddvodau referred to there are several others of a minor character, and two or three of the large ones have not yet issued their programmes. WELSH MPNIO. I have received w thin the last couple of weeks some very good specimens of modern Welsh music, or music relating to Wales. Bryd byn chwi veibion Duw (" Twas then, ye sons of God ") is a magnificent chorus—the last number of an unpublished oratorio, called David and Saul, which has been selected as a test piece at several eisteddvodau during tbe present year. The melodies used in the chorus are bold and striking, and the work abounds in beautiful passages that will linger in the memory. It is not too difficult, but is just the kind of thing that adjudicators will consider a test piece. Mr David Jenkins' reputation will certainly not suffer from his having been the composer of this truly grand chorus (6d). Meib y Don" is a male voice chorus, by the same talented composer. Here again we have all the elements of a good test piece, and, if anything, the melody is even prettier than in the chorus just referred to, and the accompaniment is decidedly pleasing (4d). "Lie Treigla'r CAveri" is a fine duet for tenor and bass by that master of melody, R. S. Hughes. It will prove eminently suitable for concerts or eisteddvod competitions (is), All the above are published by Mr Dd. Jenkins, Aberyst- wyth. Harlech," a cantata, by the late Joseph Skeaf, of Liverpool, was published a short time ago by the widow of the composer. It is a work that by its excellence in every respect ought to be in the hands of every choral society in Wales. The Welsh words are by Mr Isaac Foulkes (Llyvrbryv), of Liverpool, and the English words are by the composer. The work only requires to be known to be a popular favourite. The music is for the most part very simple, but is never strained, ner is it common place. The story which the cantata tells is well known, and it is only necessary to say that the composer treated his subject in an able and musicianly manner. The pathetic sonjf "Fare- well," the inspiriting inetiumeatal uuUie music, the sad "Funeral March," and the rollicking drinking song all exhibit the wonderful talent of the late Mr Skeaf. To choirs in search of a really excellent work I would unhesitatingly recommend this beautiful work. There are various editions of the work, the vocal score (staff notation) costing 2% 6d. Orchestral parts may be had of ths publisher, Mrs M. J. Skeaf, 63, Grove-street, Liverpool. Can y bugail" is a pleasant tenor song by John Henry, who has within the last decade become of the most popular composers of the day so far as Welsh songs are concerned. Careful writing, sweet melody, and a bold climax are *he distinguishing features of Mr Henry's composi- tions, and they are prominent in this and in "Galwad y Tywyeog" ("Forth to Battle"). Both songs are now sung by Eos Morlais, and both will undoubtedly command the popular favour (Is each). It Cadair Wag vy Mam has a fault it is that of being too mournful; all the same, it is a beautiful composition, suitable for soprano or tenor (6d). Mr R. S. Hughes again appears to advantage in Adlais y dyddiau gynt," a pretty and effective song for cohtralto, with Welsh words by Tanymarian (Is). These may be bad of Hughes and Son, Wrexham. "Canig yr Ystorm" and Canaan Nefol" are two very pretty and unpre- tentious compositions by Mr Setb P. Jones. The first named is the more musicianly work, and would prove a good eisteddvod test piece. The latter will suit a choir of children, who cannot fail to be charmed with its sweetness and simplicity (Seth P. Jones, Penclawdd). MR DAVID JENKINS. This gentleman, who is one of the hardest working men in the Principality, is fortunate in having a greater share of the public patronage as regards the sale of his works than any other living Welshman. His last work, David and Goliath which at first was looked upon with little or no favour by his countrymen, is now being sought after by choirs in every part of North and South Wales. I don't wish to disparage the work, but, judging by the two excerpts—" Vengeance, aripe and 'Twas then, ye Sons of God *'—from David and Saul, which I have seen, I should say that the published work is decidedly inferior to it, except perhaps as regards the two last choruses. If the two published choruses are a fair sample of the music in David and Saul, I have no hesitation in saying that it is one of the best works any Welsh musician has ever produced, and it is hardly creditable to the Welsh nation that they cannot be trusted to give the work that share of public favour which would warrant the composer in publishing it. I am aware that the work was performed and was well received at the Mertbyr National Eisteddvod some years ago, but I was not present. Yet the work ought certainly to be published if it is, on the whole, as good as the two choruses that have been before the country for some time past. Mr Jenicins's first work of importance, Arch y Cyvamod, will be per- formed at Cwmbwrla and Morriston by different choirsduriug the present month. It will also be performed at the Welsh celebration at Oswestry on St. David's Day, David and Gfoliath was performed at Christmas-time at the opera house in Utica, America, and was very warmly received. This is decidedly gratifying, since Cousin Jonathan is generally credited with sparing his applause unless the thing he applauds is worth it. The same work will be performed in full character by the Aberdare Male Voice Choral Society, conducted by Mr Dan Jones, and it is new being rehearsed for performance at Pontycymmer and Bridgend. This recognition of his worth must be very gratifying to Mr Jenkins, who bas laboured so bard for the musical advancement of bis country- men. Answers to Correspondents. BILI C'B COED.—" Peidiwch govyn i mi ganu is published by David Jenkins, Aberystwyth, and 'Rwy yn cofio'r lloer yn codi by Seth P. Jones, Penclawdd. I have not seen either of these songs, but I think I bave heard them sung. If I get copies I will let you know in a week or two what they are like. T. TPNOB PRIMO.—Glad to hear from you again. There is no royalty to be paid to Harry Wall or anyone else for singing any Bong from Mariiana. You will get "My Blodwen, my Darling," from Dr Parry, Cardiff. JUNIOR CONDUCTOB,—Girls by alt means. Their voices are sweeter, and they are not so liable to force as boys are. PALETTE.—I believe you will be able to get the kind of book you want by writing to J. S. Virtue and Co., 26, Ivy-lane, E.Q. or to Gawell Md Co., Ludgate-hill,

Samuel's Sentiments. Samuel on Things He Regrets, F a truth, sir, life is made up of regrets. Few amongst us are there, "especially in the dread, unhappy night, and when the rain is on the roof," who do not dis- mally reflect on past mistakes and sins of omission or commission, and on the things that migbt have been that long, melancholy, and spectral list. Some men in indulging in their regrets go right back to the beginning and regret that they ever were born. I am not one of that sort, sir, at all-the cnly thing that I regret about my birth is that I was not born as the eldest son cf my father and with the proverbial silver spooa in my mouth. However, even in this regret, as in many others, I hive at least the satisfaction of knowing that I myself was I not to blame in the matter; I was simply the slave of circumstances. Though I do not, as I say, regret the very first act of my career. I certainly regret certain circum- stances which occurred not long subsequently. For instance, 1 regret experimenting with the wringing macnine, and most succeRsfnliy at- tempting to wring out my left thumb. I regret that I ever hurled defiance in the school- yard at one "Joe Harry Nawper.a boy of very ample propor- tions, who asserted that I bad disparagingly referred to him as "tin- ribs." "Joe Harry and I came to blows- VERY DILAPIDATED AFTER AN INTERVIEW WITH AHR JOE HAEET." that is to say, I came to all the blows, or all tbe blows came to me. I certainly do know that ever since that date x have been gifted with a patent bridgeless, flexible nose, which even a high wind can blow on one side—a nose with which, were it oniy a little longer, I could scratch the back of my bead, so "hillgy" and pliable is it. I go so far as to greatly regret my father's choice of a school for my due training in the way I should go. I regretted it even more at the time that I first went than I do now, for I can at least sit down with ease and comfort nowadays, a thing that waR THE BEV JOHN MCSTINGER, M.A." often quite out of the question whilst I was still at school McStinger — "The R'JV John, M.A." as he was doubtless 'described in Crock- fo rd's Clerical DirectiJrY was often referred to by my contemporaries ns a waxy man I myself should be more inclined to regard him as a Whackey one. I regret that he should have chosen to plant—ash-plant so much learning in me, but doubtless he acted out of pure caned-ness of heart—kindness of heart, I mean; what am I talking abouc ? I regret my choice of a career, sir. My original intention (a rather common one, I believe) as a boy was to be a soldier, and I don't know whether it was not a wise one. Soldiers haven't over much to do as a rule, their "grub is certain, they have lots of chances with the ladies (if their taste be not of too elevated a kind), and they have always a chance of promotion if they only elect to keep decently sober as a general thing. 1 almost regret that I was not a soldier; I should certainly always have been in time of war where the powder and shot are the thickest-bidden in an ammuni- tion waggon—and I am confident that I was made for a soldier, I have such a tremendous thirst on me at times. I rather regret that I joined the literary rank and file-a good deal mere file than rank about most of them; in fact, too only thing suggesting rank about a good many of them tbat I know of is their tobacco- smelling clothes. I regret becoming a literary mac because of the constant strain on such an individual, and the cold, callous, calcu- lating, cruel, criminal, cross, non appreciating editors-but I'll say no' more on that head. Amongst all my regrets, sir, I never regret having married — but I certainly regret that whilst I was about it I didn't marry a THE SUGGESTER OF INNUMERABLE REGRETS." bit o' brass," as a familiar phrase in this part of the country has it. I would never, sir, have been bit o' brass," as a familiar phrase in this part of the country has it. I would never, sir, have been so mercenary as to marry for money, but I certainly think that with a little honest f-ffort on my part, I could have liked a girl with a thousand a year or so as well as one wiio hadn't, other A MAN WITH A MESSAGE FROM HER GRACIOUS lUJKSTY-A MAN WHOM I GREATLY REGRET HAVING KET," things being equal. More even than this do 1 regret that I backed my brother-in- law's bills; that I travelled in the same carriage with a man who bad had small- pox thatjl once wrote a ptay that I sewed up the sleeves of a crusty but rich uncle's nightgown, and mortally offended him as a consequence; that I proposed marriage to Miss Peglegs,of the corps de ballet, and had to square her that I started a newspaper before studying the law of libel; that I used to lend half sovereigns to actors; that I went into a state of exhilaration to a temperance banquet and lost a berth worth JB500 a year; that I imagined that I could make a fortune by backing horses that I essayed foot- ball playing that I undertook to tak in an Encyclopedia in five hundred shilling parts that I borrowed twenty pounds from a monev lender that I Quarrelled with the parson of the parish, who referred to me at a public meeting as- sembled as a meddlesome heathen;" tbat I brought ani action at law against him; that-well, what need is there for me to go on with such a catalogue? I am the prey to heaps of regrets, chief amongst which are regrets that I am not earning as much as a "NItrate" King, a para- chutist, or a "comic"(?)nigger of the "star" order. I suppose, RATE Y(18 EVER REGRETTED CARRYING FUSEES IN YOUR TAIL POCKETS sir, that even in regrets there is some compensa- ting influence. Perhaps they spur one on to exertions, perhaps they incline one to walk so straight in the present that the future shall bring to one s share as few of them as possible. SAMUEL: HIS SENTIMENTS,

I A HARSH ACCENT. Miss Floy Trappe (whose mouth is undeniably large): Nellie, Will Dew said last night that my mouth had a sweet expression. Do you suppose he meant that for sarcasm? Miss Prunella Prism: I am afraid BO, dear; with an accent on the chasm t

CYMRU FY DO. BY ONE OF ITS PROPHETS. During the last two years political thought is Wales has been kindled, and interest in national and universal reforms awakened, as in no previous time in the history of our country. The long period of apparent stagnation has ended—with the awakening of the spirit of patriotism to newer and fuller life in the people. In spite of the organised oppression of centuries, the nation has lost none of its vitality through the dark ages which followed the Conquest it has shown I wonderful local attachment and constancy ot patriotism in maintaining its institutions,customs, I traditions, and language. But during this period its resistance to the aggressive influence of English ideas, and attempts to identify our country with Engiand, has been more or less passive but, at the same time, there were forces at work, silent!y preparing it for more active resistance, and slowiy it has been accumulating new strength and vigour. The idea that has awakened Welshmen to the consciousness of their gathered strength, and roused them to a new enthusiasm, is that of nationality. The acceptance and advocacy of the principle of self-government by the leaders of the democracy has been immediately instrumental in reviving Welsh nationalism, and my object in this letter is to briefly point' out the tendency and needs of this nationalist revival. Its tendency can be ascertained partly from the nature of the idea which has been its immeuiate cause, vir., the idea that every nation which has a just claim to a distinct nationality has in virtue of this an inalienable right to self-government. The motto of the nationalist movement — Cymru Fydd "-proves, that hopes have been generated in the hearts of the people of a bright future for the old country. In the first place, the Wales of the future" is to be a self- governed Wales, inasmuch as it is the principle of national self.government that has quickened the national spirit. The manner of this awakening justifies us in believing that the. self-governed Wales of the future will play an important part in the progress of civilisation. The people blive adopted the Home Rule principle not from any unusual pressure, but from conviction of its truth and justice, and from belief in the possiaiiities it is fraught with. When a nation is forced to adopt a new policy by despair, by the pressure of bunger or intolerable despotism, history teaches us that there is no real regenera- tion of life, but a passing transformation, accompanied by violent, convulsions, which pro- duce a re-action. The instinct of self-preservation has been the source of the ohange, and the aims which the nation will pursue under tue new conditions will be local and selfish. But a resolution which is wrought by convifition, as the outgrowth of experience, education, and observation, will be as idealistic in its aims as moral in its origin. The revival of nationalism in Wales can be traced to moral forces, and hence it is to be expected that when a Welsh Parliament has been established possessing wide legislative powers, it will introduce reforms based upon moral and universal grounds that it will proceed to settle questions of universal interest in a manner cap- able of universal spplication, and thus lead the van of civilisation. On these grounds I believe that Wales is destined to become the foremost of civilising agents in the near future and I think the spirit of the times calls upon us to consider bow best te work out our destiny. By past life and peculiar characteristics, and by its education, the Welsh nation seems to be pre-eminently fitted to take a foremost part in the progressive movement of humanity. The onward march of the worid depends upon the policies of nations, hence individuals ought to be unselfish enough to be patriotic, and so place their nation in a position to benefit the world. "Strange things we have iu head which must to band." At present Cymru Fyda" ideas have not been formulated into definite shape; there is no national programme before the conntry which embodies Cymru Fydd aspirations and the universal duties of a regenerated Wales. We must bring our action to harmonize with our thought. The machinery we have is totally inefficient to perform the work of emancipating the nation from those conditions ot life which necessarily prevent it from developing in accordance with its nativegenius. The associations we haveat present are not natiinalist in aim nor composition, and the manifesto recently issued by the" Welsh National Council" folly justifies this opinion. I therefore venture to appeal through your columns to patriotic Welsh- men whether the time has not now arrived when steps should be taken to unify and consolidate in one association Welshmen all over the world who are inspired with noble hopes for the future of their country, and with irrepressible resolve to do all that is possible to free it from the dominion of all degrading and cramping influences. An asso- ciation with such an aim, and composed of such individuals, would lay the foundation stones of a glorious national edifice. It would be a tangible representation of the aspirations and ideals of every true patriot. It would be a source of inspiration. It would be a means of educating the less advanced towards the aim and purpose of its existence. It would become a power that would have to be reckoned with. It would unite in one great aim Welshmen of all creeds and opinions. It would bring into contact sympathetic spirits, and kindle the enthusiasm of hearts that are now left to pine in loneliness, Wales would be united, and its best talent developed. Individual effort may do much, but united efforts and means can do more. Perhaps some of your readers will take up this question and discuss it in your columns by your kind permission. W. G. [NOTE.—The foregoing letter has been addressed to us by a prominent member of the Cymru Fydd Society. For the present we refrain from making any comment upon it. The subject is, however, one of general interest, and we shall welcome further contributions from whatever point of view they may be written. -ED. C. T. J

A LOSING BUSINESS. I Angy Topper (who has bought back his watcfc from a second-hand dealer) There must be 1 money in this business, Lowe, You only gave me seven dollars for this watch, and now you charge me fifteen 1 Lowenstein Ah, mine friendt, you told me yourselluf dot vas a thirty.tollar article 7 Vot brofit is there in selling such goots for fifteen tollars ?

What do you want?" exclaimed the woman of the house angrily, as she faced the tramp at the kitchen door breakfast or work?" Both, madam," said the hungry wayfarer timidly. "Bat that," said the woman sternly, placing a biscuit and a piece of steak before him, and you will have both." The meal had been prepared by her daughter. who was teaching a cooking school is the city.f Of what use is freedom of thought, if it will not produce freedom of action, which is the sole end, bow remote soever in appearance, of all objec- tions against Christianity ? And therefore the freethinkers consider it as an edifice wherein aU the parts have such a mutual dependence on each other, that if you pull out one single naii ,118 whole fabric must fall to tae ground.