The London Welshman

Notes of the Week. Wales Unanimous.—The great Conference is over, and we can to-day boast that Wales is unanimous in its demand for a National Educa- I α- tional Council. When we remember what bitter controversies have been agitating the Welsh mind for years, and how the fight for supremacy was carried on to the bitter end between the political parties, it is real joy to find that there are matters upon which men of all creeds and faiths are entirely at one. The spirit of Nationalism has proved itself stronger than every other spirit, and all differences, not only of politics, but also of sect and class have been forgotten in the desire to secure for Wales a system of Education in accord with Welsh ideals and controlled by people who understand Welsh needs. Bishops of the Church of England, Presidents of Nonconformist institu- tions, Radical Members of Parliament, defeated Conservative candidates, men of the hills and men of the plains, capitalists and working men, —all joined together to vote for Home Rule so far as Education is concerned. The day will remain a red letter day in the annals of the country, and its proceedings prove conclusively that Wales has at least learnt the lesson that it cannot be a power in the Empire unless it forgets all petty differences for the sake of the Nation. That there should have been various views upon matters of detail was only to be expected, and their free expression was not only tolerated, but welcomed. The Conference did not meet to discuss details, it met to affirm a principle. A thoroughly representative Com- mittee was appointed to draw out a detailed scheme, and that committee must meet not later than the 24th of May. In the meantime a clause will be inserted in the Education Bill of the Government authorising the creation of the Council, and giving power to the Committee of Council to define its powers by an Order. We do not anticipate any great diffi ulty henceforth, and before many months have passed we expect to see Wales in the enjoyment of privileges that will be unique in the history of any part of the United Kingdom. Political Demands.—The significance of the Conference's decision is brought out in bolder relief when contrasted with what took place at the meeting of the Welsh Liberal Council which met in the same town on the previous day. The proceedings of that gathering show con- clusively that the unanimity of the other was not secured by any compromising attitude respect- ing those matters upon which Wales gave such an unqualified pronouncement at the General Election. Wales expects Parliament to settle the controversies that have for such a long time agitated the Welsh mind. The Liberal Council passed two resolutions, one respecting Educa- tion, the other respecting Disestablishment. In the first it was declared "that any Bill to give effect to the pronounced opinion of the majority of the electorate as indicated by the late Parlia- mentary Election must contain the following provisions (1) Absolute popular control, in- cluding the appointment and dismissal of the j staff, and the character of the instruction to be given in all schools maintained by the Local Education Authority, notwithstanding anything in the trust deed, scheme, or other instrument affecting such schools. (2) All teachers and officers of such schools to be appointed and hold office free from sectarian and theological tests. (3) No statutory right of entry for the teaching of specific religious dogma in such schools shall be given to any denomination whatsoever." The second resolution expressed satisfaction with the pledges given by the Prime Minister that the Government intended to deal with the matter of Disestablishment at an early date, and earnestly urged it to do so not later than the third session of the present Parliament. The nature of these resolutions, passed by the body of which the Right Hon. Lloyd-George is President, is a sufficient answer to those who insinuated that the arrangements for convening the Educational Conference showed that he had modified his attitude respecting the political aspects of the question. Let us hear no more of such attempts to discredit the man who, without betraying one of his principles, has succeeded in uniting all Wales under the banner of Nationalism. The Late Judge Gwilym Williams.-By the death of Judge Gwilym Williams, of Miskin Manor, Wales has lost one of 'ler most patriotic sons, a man who was beloved by all who knew him, and one who devoted all his powers to the service of his nation. His experiences in a court of justice, first of all as Stipendiary, and afterwards as County Court Judge, brought him into contact continually with the dregs of the land, and many men in those circumstances would have become cynical. But Judge Gwilym Williams retained his faith in humanity, and worked hard for the elevation of the masses. His decisions in certain cases were questioned as to whether they were good in law or not, but no one ever doubted but that they were equit- able. To the Eisteddfod and Welsh literature he was the warmest friend. He could not well be otherwise when we remember the atmosphere in which he breathed. The son of Alaw Goch, a name that' will never be forgotten by lovers of Welsh literature and literary movements, he married a sister of Miss Jane Williams, of Aberpergwm, who did such service to Welsh music. And throughout his life the judge took the liveliest interest in everything Welsh. Miskin Manor was an open house to the bards and literati of Wales, as well as to all who laboured to promote education and higher morals among the people. His loss will be most deeply felt in Glamorganshire and South Wales generally, but Welshmen everywhere cannot other than feel sad because the kind and genial Squire of Miskin is no more.

MAE Pwyllgor Eisteddfod Genedlaethol Caer- narfon, wrth gyflogi cyfeilwyr i wasanaethu yn yr Wyl, wedi rhoddi rheol bendant i lawr nad ydynt i gyfeilio i unrhyw ymgeisydd fydd wedi bod o dan eu hathrawiaeth. Da iawn, ond oni allant basio rheol arall i wahardd cyhoeddi oddiar y llwyfan o dan athrawiaeth pwy y bu yr ymgeis- wyr buddugol ? Lawer tro nid yw llwyfan yr Eisteddfod amgen na bwrdd hysbysebu at wasanaeth ychydig o athrawon ac athrawesau cerdd.