Llangollen Advertiser Denbighshire Merionethshire and North Wales Journal

— ————————————————— WREXHAM: "TVIN D." CHESTERFIELD: "CALM." BIRMINGHAM: "BLIZZARD." LAST Thursday's storm accomplished many re- markable feats; and by no means the least remarkable was that of causing the collapse of the huge marquee in which the monster gather- ings of Welsh Liberals was to have assembled. However, the wind was not all generated by the storm; there being an abundance of the dis- turbing element in the public hall which the unhoused politicans were driven to use. After all the effervescence has cleared away the sediment that remains is neither very clear nor very tangible. Of course the Government was vigorously condemned—that goes almost without saying-but the delegates venture a step in the direction of constructive suggestiveness which is unexpected from pro-Boer platforms. They propose "that a Special Commissioner should be sent to South Africa with a view to securing a safe, honourable and lasting peace upon the basis of concession at the earliest possible moment of full rights of citizenship and self-government such as are enjoyed in Canada and Australia. The meaning of this is plain it is a suggestion that Lord Milner should be set on one side and this, supposably, because Brother Boer" does not care for his methods although they are approved by the great majority of his own fellow-countrymen. Lord Rosebery, however, in his epoch-making speech at Chesterfield, indicates that to do anything of this kind would be to violate all historical precedents. To with- draw a pro-consul at the dictation of a broken and beaten foe is not a course that commends itself to sane Britons, aud the wise and prescient statesmanship of His Majesty's chief represen- tative in South Africa is one of the brightest spots in a policy that does not lack dark places. Peace overtures are not likely to be made again by British statesmen; as a matter of fact the Boers know the terms perfectly well upon which the war, with all its manifold horrors, may be terminated. They have been dinned into their ears over and over again; and if they had not been accompanied by the insidious and mis- leading assurances of mistaken fanatics in this country even the Boer brain would long ago have grasped the fact that "unconditional surrender" is the only possible termination to the struggle. Not the slightest good purpose is to be served by harking back to the genesis of the war and discussing policies pursued im- mediately after the Jameson Raid. Possibly, as Lord Rosebery suggests, had the Government of the day been keener in their supervision of the actions of the late republics they might never have been able to set up a citadel of defiance in South Africa against this country. It must be borne in mind, however, that politics eonstitute a practical science; and though not despising the lessons which the past teaches we must deal with the situation as we find it. This is the key-note of Lard Rosebery's Chesterfield speech. It will not please all parties no political speech ever did-but it will attract a substantial section of both and it is worth the great statesman's while to quit his lonely furrow in order to do this. Lord Rosebery clearly indicates the possibilities of forming an Imperial party embodying all that is virile in Liberalism and disregarding all that is effete in Conser- vatism. This may well be the party of the future; and to such a party may confidently be entrusted the working out the destinies of the Empire in the years that are to be. Lord Rose- bery places his great abilities at the service of the State to forward this policy; and with such a leader no cause can fail. What is his policy so far as the war is concerned for South African complications still bulk biggest in the political sky ? It is to secure the largest, promptest and most liberal amnesty that our security will allow under present circumstances; to place all in- habitants in South Africa in a position not inferior to British subjects in Canada or Australia provided they take a drastic oath of allegiance. These things, however, can only come to pass when the Boer has acknowledged himself beaten and sued for peace. The pano- plied hatred and insensate pride must change to loyalty and submission to British government that is everywhere synonymous with the most abounding individual liberty and freedom; and the bulk of Britons to-day will, we are confident, recognize in the policy defined at Chesterfield one that fittingly advances the highest aspira- tions of our race; and in the hands of Lord Rosebery the strong steel hand, in the velvet glove, that may well sway the baton of our Imperial destiny in the future. After Chester- field the Blizzard. It is always regrettable to contemplate disorderly political gatherings but one can feel but scant sympathy for Mr. Lloyd George in his Birmingham experiences, more especially as he was wounded in the house of his friends—the meeting that refused to hear him, and that showed a disposition to turn upon him and rend him, having been engineered by the Birmingham Liberal Association. If Mr. Lloyd George entertains any lingering doubts as to the true sentiments of the Man in the Street re- garding South African policy the lesson of Wed- nesday night will not have been properly learned unless it dispels them. The vast majority of the people of the country are dead against any bucking at the last fence and in this connection the masses of the people must decide. Govern ments, as has been well said, may deceive some of the people all the time, and all the people some of the time, they cannot deceive all the people all the time. The country knows very well what it wants and the most enlightened city out of London has shown Mr.LloydGeorge that quite enough pro- Boer matter has been spoken during the last few weeks to cause the gorge of all men who hold honest opinions to rise. We do not attempt to justify, there is no possible justification for, scenes of disorder such as that at Birmingham, but men who deliberatety insult the intelligence )f their fellow-countrymen and who persist in notoriety hunting, though the pursuit involves the lives and the peace of law-abiding citizens, must be held mainly responsible for this. At any rate this was what Mr. Lloyd George and the segment of a party of which he is the most talkative member, told the Uitlanders of Johannesburg, when the Boer agents deliberately broke up their meetings in the Amphitheatre and Market Place at Johannesburg. Why do you go against the opinion of the people of the country ? What can the South African League expect but riot and disorder?" we were then asked. May we not return the compliment to-day and ask what can Boer advocates in this country expect when they pose on public platforms as champions of the enemies of their King, friends of men who are waging war against their country? To attempt to preach Pro-Boerism in Birmingham was to court disaster; but on the whole it is well the i's should be dotted and the t's crossed in the policy of Imperialism and we know of no place where this can be done more forcibly and more effectively than in the city that has for so long been faithful to a Colonial Secretary who knows not "the craven fear of being great." + —

NOTES AND NOTIONS. Phantom Coal. ACCORDING to a correspondent, re6ent reports as to the possible big new development of the Ruabon Coalfields are entirely without founda- tion. The colliery that rumour stated was to be open is, it appears, "impossible." It could not be pumped dry-according to expert testimony -unless some eleven or twelve other old collieries are dealt with at the same time; and operations, on this scale, are held to be out of the question at present. It is gratifying, how- ever, to learn that the supply of coal in the pits is unlimited; it remains, however, like treasure at the bottom of the sea that cannot be got at. + Child Flessengers. IT is well that parents of the working class no less than publicans, should take due note of the provisions of the Sale of Liquor to Children Act which will come into force with the New Year. It will not be legally possible, after January 1st, to send children to public-houses for intoxicants, whether it be dinner beer or any other form of liquid refreshment unless certain specified con- ditions are complied with. Furthermore, it is made an indictable offence for publicans to supply liquor to children under fourteen years of age except in corked or sealed vessels, and in quantities of not less than one pint. It will be interesting to see how the Act works out in practise. The N.U.T. MR. HUMPHREY LEWIS, F.G.S., is, we notice, actively pursuing his candidature for a seat on the Executive of the N.U.T., and on Saturday, whilst delivering the excellent address which we print elsewhere, at Newtown, he was nominated by the Anglesey Teachers' Association for re- election to the position in which he has opportunities of doing sterling service for the profession to which he belongs. It is to be hoped that there will be no relaxation of effort, no falling away in endeavour, to retain the advantage gained for teachers in this part of the kingdom twelve months ago. If a thing is worth having it is worth fighting for, and Mr. Lewis has abundantly proved that service of the kind he is positioned to render as a member of the Executive is invaluable. It is the paramount duty of his constituents to see that they retain it. » < Christmas Boxes. WE are informed that the grocers and confec- tioners of the town have decided this year to discontinue the practice of giving Christmas Boxes to their customers; and we are further informed that purchasers may be gainers rather than losers as a consequence. If these gifts in kind are given, tradesmen say, they have to come from somewhere, and it is idle to suppose that they do not come out of the pockets of the consumer. If a shopkeeper donates a nominal gift, he gets its value back somehow, how we are not prepared to say, but the obvious inference is that goods of an inferior quality at superior prices supply the deficiency. There is a good deal in the contention that if a woman requires a pound of tea and not a pound of tea plus an ornament for the mantlepiece, she should purchase the article she requires. The same principle applies to Christmas Boxes by tradespeople; although we should be last to write a word in fauour of curtailing the outpouring of generosity at the festive season. »

LONDON LETTER. [FROM AN OCCASIONAL CORRKSPOKDKKT.j THE speech of Lord Rosebery has been the subject of considerable discussion during the week. On Monday most of the evening papers had cartoons about it. On Tuesday many of the journals received it with a meed of praise, but the Standard declared it to be a lamentable fiesco. It was talked about almost everywhere on Tuesday. The Spectator on Saturday contained a letter from a correspondent suggesting two alternative Governments to the one now in office. Mr. Lloyd George was suggested as a possible Home Secretary in one of the two suggested Cabinets. I understand that an English translation of a Welsh novel by the late Dr. John Thomas, of Liverpool, has made its appearance, and is, with other Welsh books that seem to have some vogue just now, having a good sale. Extraordinary care seems to be taken just now in the giving of credit. At a meeting of creditors the other day the chairman, one of the best known trustees in London and the country of insolvent estates, stated that he did not think there would be many large failures next year, because merchants were so cautious as to the giving of credit. Many at the meeting doubted whether the statement would be fulfilled by events, but it was certainly received with satisfaction. Latterly we have had a considerable choice of concerts, and I am glad to note that Mr. Francgon Davies seems to be increasing his 11 9 reputation. At the recent performance of Elijah at the Queen's Hall he took the part of the prophet with great success, and his expressive rendering was very much appreciated. This part has generally been rendered by the veteran Mr. Santley, and it is pleasing to note that Mr. Francgon Davies appears to be one of the most promising candidates for the mantle of Mr. Santley. On the 1st of January next, the new Factory Act, which consolidates previous Acts and which in its present form is one of the longest on the Statute Book, comes into operation. It provides for the health and safety of persons working at factories, and for an enquiry to be made as to the cause of accidents, on the direction of the Secretary of State. It also deals with the hours of employment, especially as to young persons, women and children and safeguards for persons employed in dangerous trades. The Act in part applies to laundries and bakehouses. It will, no doubt, receive attention from District Councils, School Boards, and the proprietors of factories. 1 am pleased to note that in Wales and Monmouthshire preference is to be given to candidates who can speak Welsh, when inspectors are appointed, and a copy of the regulations and rules appliable are to be posted up and published in Welsh as well as in English. +

RURAL NOTES. [BY AN OCCASIONAL CORBESPONDENT.] IN such days of wintry trials as those of the 1.2th and 13th inst, it was consolatory to look back to all the glories of our splendid, genial iutumn, which also served to usher in this very iireful month of December. The twelfth was memorable only for its gloom and misery, wet snow and sleet never ceased to fall so long as our apology for daylight lasted, the former weighting the evergreens to breaking point, until gusts of wild tempest shook the boughs, or some of them, free from the encumberance. And what havoc for the electric wires of telegraphs, causing inter- ruptions to communications, almost disarranging the commerce of the world. On such days as these, when outdoor exercise is impossibl, one sits close over the fire indulging in reminiscences of what once was, the trials and pleasures of life, its satisfactions and disappointments, the successes and reverses that chequer every career. After all life is much what we ourselves make it, and in a retrospect often the pleasures far exceed and serve to banish all thought of its crosses and trials. Often when thus indulging in reverie, days of sport and relaxation on the hills, with dog and gun, come most prominently to mind early feats and friendships,later losses and deprivations, and, alas at times, of too many lost opportunities irrecoverable. Judging from the birds about the house, some scarce able to hop or fly, what sad trial and discomfort is this snow for all out-door life, birds and animals alike. It seems but the other day one drove in comfort below Plas Berwyn, the leaves of autumn covering the lane In patches, drifting into a mass below the old sycamore, through which the pony went knee-deep, with a swish like that in fording a stream. Swans too were on Llantysilio pool, and cattle out pasturing on the land adjacent, on abundant fresh-grown grass, fostered by the noontide sun and genial temperature of late November—no more such scenes for us yet awhile. Of late, before this dire storm afflicted us, had I been wise enough to read the omen of warning, flocks of birds never before seen down here in my recollection, passed rapidly by, all in the same direction. One proclaimed themselves red wings; another, roused" apparently by a shot across the river, seemed from their flight and appearance to be golden plovers, found here in summer when nesting on the moors about. Looking abroad in ordinary weather on these extensive mountain scenes, one detects at once the varied interests excited by a surface every inch of which displays innumerable differing lights, lines and colouring necessary to represent them. This again is added to by rocks, trees, streams, the fern and heather, and a diversity of objects lying broadcast on the surface, the rooks and daws, ever on the move, giving a living interest all their own, too apparent to be over- looked by anyone. How many of the finch tribe are now to be seen, the sexes in separate flocks; but alas, squirrels are not to be found as usual (it is the exception now to see one where half a dozen seldon failed),fand they of all wild aninals most agile and most lovable, and by no means averse to being looked at. No depression arising from the most trying of weather conditions can possibly erase from the most unfortunate pessimist mind the restorative effect that the glories of all the blessed days of natures' resurrection bestow. When the lark rises from the dewy grass to carol his sweetest lay as the sun bursts through in all his splendour, the thrush pours forth his stirring lay from the topmost bough, while the blackbird from a lower stand murmurs to his mate in full toned mellow notes only to be heard when leaves un- fold and spring flowers speak of the blessed change in progress. Nor must we forget the luxury of refreshing showers falling on a thirsty, steaming soil, mingled with other grateful vernal incense arising from bursting vegetation. No one can overlook all this or forget, nor yet with- hold his gratitude to the great Giver of far more than is here set down. Surely with these blessings in prospect it is ungrateful to "despond when ills betide," for do not the trials of winter give an added zest to all the delights enumer- ated above? How often in earlier years, when seated on the moor in pleasant converse with the keeper, has one been convinced that there was far less injustice in the distribution of fortune's favours than was at first suspected, and it became appa- rent that good sound common sense was as often found under a fustian coat, as under the best cut Norfolk jacket. What more welcome rest than that of the mid-day meal, when relieved of the weight of the gun and the constant drag of the heather, we sat to rest and feed on a sandwich if only of cold bacon, and what better than that to carry one through the labours of the longest day's sport. So much for meat, and as to drink, what can equal that from nature's inexhaustible supply, babbling and sparkling forth ice cold from nature's rocky cisterns, stored away in the mountain masses above and behind us. Llangollen, 18th December, 1901.

Hot Water Heating.—Chapels, Churches, Sic. heated Estimates on applieation. J. DATHS, Hot Water Engineer, Ty Coon, Llangollen. "If TOU want perfect rest and quiet," said XHr Qwge iffewses, at- the Advertisers' IkkibitioiR InKsheas, "go into Mae (Map at a Han wit. UrirtiH."