The Cardiff Times

WELSH NOTES. CANON RYLE'S REBUKE. Incompanywiththatof the individual whoburnt the temple at Ephesus there ought to be handed down to posterity the name of the vicar of Brymbo. who has just laid down the dictum that Nonconformity is schism, and schism is sin." This narrow-minded ecclesiastic must be ashamed of himself after the dignified rebuke of Canon Ryle. The late Principal of Lampeter pays a warm and generous tribute to the work done by Nonconformity in the evangelisation of the masses of the Welsh people. It has been said of Sweden- borg that his "broad humanity transcends all sectional lines." Similarly, the Christianity of Canon Ryle rises above mere differences of church polity. His reply to the Brymbo cleric arouses the greater attention because of its unique character. It stands out in bold relief against the references usually made to Nonconformity by Church of England dignitaries, which are almost always illiberal, and not infrequently absolutely un-Cbristian. Canon Ryle supplies bis brethren with an example which they would do well to follow. He has shown that devotion to the Estab- isbed Church is perfectly compatible with a just recognition of efforts put forth without its fold. There was need for the lesson, and it is to be hoped that it will not have been in vain. A TEXT FOR THE WELSH LAND LEAGUE. The idea of a Land League for Wales has been scouted by some, the very existence of such an organisation has been denied by others, while its activity has been the means of bringing into prominence local grievances of which the outside world knew previously but little. The movement initiated by Mr Gee might very well be taken up more generally in South Wales, where the agricultural depression is now being severely felt, and where many farmers are on the verge of ruin. In this connection the following extract from a speech delivered by Mr Cobden, nearly a quarter of a century ago (November 23rd, 1864), is very apposite. He sain :—" If I were five and twenty, or thirty. instead of, unhappily,twice that number of years,! would take Adam Smith in hand, and I would have a league for free trade in land, just as we have a league fer free trade in corn. You will find just the same authority in Adam Smith for one as for the other and if it were only taken up, as it must be taken up to succeed, not as a political, revolutionary, Radical, Chartist notion, but taken up on politico-economic grounds, the agitation would be sure to succeed. And if you can apply free trade to land, and labour too—that is by getting rid of those abominable restrictions in your parish settlements and the like—then I say the men who do that will have done for England probably more than we have been able to do by making free trade in corn." A NOTE OF WARNING. Those who are either opposed to the; present movement ia favour of tb9 formation of a Welsh Parliamentary Party, or who, while not openly opposing it, are doing what little they can to render the party when formed of no practical value, should take warning and heed in time. Already there is a danger signal hoisted—none the less surely marking danger ahead that it wears the appearance of praise and commendation. There are political wreckers abroad, whose lights when hoisted to the view of the mariners in the Welsh Liberal barque, are intended, not to point out a harbour ot refuge, but to lure them on to destruction. When the Conservative press takes to praising Liberals, it is full time for such Liberals to make careful inquiry as to the position they really occupy. Our faint, hearted friends in North Wales, who are now receiving the congratulations of the Conservative press for attempting to emasculate the Welsh Parliamentary party, should seriously con sider the danger in which they are placed. While Mr Chamberlain, John Bright, and Lord Hartington were belaboured by the Conservative press, while they were held up to ridicule and opprobrium by the Tory party, they were honest Liberals, deserving and re- ceiving the approbation of the country at large. When, however, those who had been wont to curse them turned round and blessed them, these once staunch Liberals had become nothing but very milk-and-water Whigs, proud to form a caudal appendage to the Conservative party. Let our friends take heed and warning by the praise they are now receiving. It certainly betokens for them danger ahead," and should open their eyes to the tact that they also are far on the way to become Welsh Unionists instead of Welsh Radicals. SWANSEA AND THE NATIONAL EISTEDDFOD. Dear Sentinel," writes a correspondent who has had much to do with eisteddfodau, your pen has always been ready in furtherance of all matters of local importance, and as it is necessary to make a start so long before the event comes off, I send you this note with a suggestion that the 1891 eisteddfod be held at Swansea. A goodly number of my friends who are, and always have been, interested in eisteddfodau, have already talked the matter over, but we must ask your aid to give publicity to the wish. Surely a splendid committee could be got together, and, if successful in getting the eisteddfod here foi 1891, its success is practically a certainty." I may say that nothing will give me greater pleasure than to aid to the utmost the movement thus initiated. It is a long time since the National Eisteddfod visited Swansea. Our turn must certainly come in the year mentioned. A more musical town than Swansea it would be hard to find, and I am sure there is no place where our national festival could score a greater success.

A DANGER OF IHE PAST. Napoleon III. and England. "The more one reads it, tll" more one ap- preciates the noble qualities of the monarch." This is the verdict of the Dotty New. cor- respondent at Berlin on the diary of the Emperor Frederick. "During the roar and smoke of the battle his one thought was," says the correspondent, "how to promote the work of peace. An attempt to solve the social question was, in bis opinion, the prin- cipal task to be undertaken after the conclusion of peace. In another passage he saysMy indi vidual dislike to war is well known.' He proves himself alsoa \ery attentive observer, and 1D a few words he gives a sketch of all he se-s. The remarks about the Castles of Ferrifcres, Chaumont, and Blois, among others, show his artistic taste. Baron Rotbschlld g castle he compares to a chest of drawers with the feet turned upwards, and the inside to a cabinet of curiosities without any taste." He expresses satisfaction that the time Was past when feelings adverse to England were harboured in Germany, but yet he was not quite free from apprehensions that the predilection shown for Russia and America would result in hatred of Eugland. Very interesting isr also the fact that Napoleon, when a prisoner at Wilhelms- hoebe, proposed to the German Government to make an alliance with them for war against England. The entry alluding to this is dated March 8. It is very laconic:—"Napoleon quietly seeking a rapprochetnent withusj moderation of the peace conditions on promise of a common war against England." The feeling in Germany over the diary is intense. In political circles- parti- cularly the impression it has made is of the deepest.

FACTS FOR FARMERS. If Current Notes on Agricultural Topics. BY A PRACTICAL WELSH FARMER. [SPECIALLY CONTRIBUTED. J THE LAND QUESTION. Landlord and Tenant. Last week I made an appeal to those landlords who are creditably fulfilling their duty in that position of trust in which they are placed, those that have been generous in their sympathy towards their tenants. My appeal them was for permanent reduction of the rents to their real commercial value. I trust my outspoken appeal, and the silent appeal of general distress, will affect them. There is, however, another class of Welsh landlords, and these are, I am afraid the majority, upon which no appeal will have any effect. Their one object of life seems to be to grind as much money as they can out of their tenants, with no thought or care of after results. What have these landlords done, and what are they now doing to help their tenants to tide over this long depression, which has been so disastrous to so many ? They were alive to their own interest, and were well to the fore in increasing the rents about 40 years ago, and again in making a further advance 20 years afterwards. The consequence is that the rents of many farms in Wales are now more than double what they were 50 years ago. Yet we have it on the testimony of many that land is not worth nearly so much to farm now as it was from 40 to 50 years ago. I used the word help" unadvisedly we do not require help, but we want the land at its proper value. What have these landlords done ? Have they remitted a part of the rents ? Some have to the extent of 10 per cent.; others, wishing to be thought generous, re- mitted tbeii 5 per cent., but that was generally done conditionally upon the full amount being presen- ted them on the rent day; others, lost to all sense of justice, demanded their full amount, and, as I said some time ago, some even increased the rents of their farms within the last five years. When we come to consider that the rents of many of these farms are more than double what they were 40 years ago, and that land was worth more then to farm than it is now, it will be seen that it is only mockery to remit 5 or 10 per cent. Still, as a tenant remarked te me, Anything is better than nothing half a loaf is better than no bread and drowning men will clutch at a straw THE TENANT'S REMEDY. It may be argued with some reason that a yearly tenant may at any time insist upon a reduction of rent, having always the remedy ot giving notice. On the surface this argument looks as if it were all right, but on looking at the matter closely it will be seen to be otherwise, and that many are wholly at the landlord's mercy. The persons mostly in need of reductions are the very men who have the least power to bargain with their landlords, being most likely indebted to them for arrears of rent, and on the verge of ruin. The effect of changing and removing would be disastrous to this class. No one knows this better than the tenant himself. Through this cause they fear to approach the landlord on the subject of reduction, lest it would give the landlord a pretext for giving them the notice to quit, as he prefers to part altogether with the tenants whom he hag made bankrupts. The Difficulty Arising from Sentiment. There is another reason why another class of tenants cannot drive a bargain as they ought to. This arises from his love for the farm—the place, perhaps, where he was born and bred, and where bis family have been for generations. The associations bound up with such a place must be of the tenderest. The thought of leaving the old place makes him timid and hesitating when demanding the reduction. The landlord is not slow in guessing the reason, and quickly takes advantage of it to refuse a reduction, well knowing that the poor fellow will strain his resources to the utmost rather than risk the breaking of his heartstrings by leaving the loved old family home. The Sitting and Incoming Tenant. Another thing again. Most tenants know that many landlords will not agree to a reduction to a sitting tenant, which they would readily grant to an incoming one. I remember a few years ago one old tenant demanding £ 15^reduction in the rent, and some trifling repairs to the rather dilapidated farm buildings. This farmer was conceded to be one of the best, if not the best farmer on the estate. His farm adjoined tbe landlord's private land. and he and his forefathers had been tenants of tbe place for over 200 year.. He himself bad been over 60 years on the place, and he and his landlord being about the same age, they were playmates as boys, and their relations had for that reason continued in manhood to be more than ueuajly intimate. When farming was prosperous the rent of the farm was advanced twice but, in the altered state of things, when the tenant applied for the reduction mentioned, it was refHsed him, and he was allowed to give up the holding, which was then let to another tenant at the very sum it was refused to tbe old one. More than this, not only were the trifling repairs requested by but refused to the old tenant granted to the new comer, but substantial new buildings were erected at his request. Hero was a case of the landlord refusing to grant to an old and trustworthy tenant what he readily conceded to a perfect stranger. Not only that, but the new tenant had gratis the benefit of all the improvements made by the out- going tenant, which the landlord transferrd to him along with the farm, although he (the landlord) had no moral right to do so without compensating the old tenant for his outlay. Tenants should be wary of such transactions, as receivers of stolen goods are quite as bad as the thieves. WHAT THE RESULT WILL BE, By the unsympathetic conduct of these land- lords the rents will very soon come down to their proper value, but at what a cost ? It will be after the ruin of the present tenants, an end to which they are fast approaching. The supply of farms will then be more than the demand. A SIGN OF THE TIMBS. There are now indications of this. The demand is now quite different to what it was 12 or 15 years ago Then, when there was a rumour of a farm becoming vacant, there would immediately be fifteen to twenty applicants for it. But all this is altered now. The following instance is rather significant :— There has been for the last two months, in one of the most desirable localities for farming in South Wales, and one that has been noted for the demand for land, a placard posted on the walls of the neighbouring towns announcing that such and such a farm is to be let. This, to English farmers, may appear of slight importance, but its force will be seen when I say that such a thing has never been seen before in the district. A landlord has never before baen compelled there to advertise a farm before he could get a tenant. What makes it more striking still is that it is a small desirable farm, being under 100 acres, with good buildings, convenient to markets, adjoining tbe turnpike road, and quite two-thirds of it being good grazing land. It is, in fact, a Welsh farmer's ideal holding. If this farm was to be let 12 or 15 years ago, there would be a dozen applicants for it as soon as the least hint was given that it was about to become vacant; but now, as far aa I can understand, not a single practical farmer has applied for it! The Weather and the Crops. The continuance of this fine weather has much improved the general aspect of the country, harvesting being finished with the exception of some of the billy districts, although I have seen isolated instances of hay fields being cut this week. These had to be left until now, the farmers being obliged to leave the bay and attend to the more important corn which demanded their attention. Grazing lands have good keep on them, lattermath being also much batter than was prophesied three weeks or a month ago. Some of the most forward farmers are busy preparing the ground for autumn wheat. There is every pros- pect that good seed wheat will fetch a good price this year, probably higher than it has been for some years. Last Week's Fairs. Last week cattle dealers had a busy tine. Some of the largest fairs of the month for black cattle tef" fce&L Haverfordwest, on Tuesday, the 18th, was well represented in both cattle and buyers, the demand, partly through the favourable weather, con- tinuing good, and trade consequently brisk. Narberth, 19th.-A very large supply of cattle, but through Llandyssul fair being held the same day there were less dealers present, and prices were not within £1 per head as good as on the previous day at Haverfordwest. Newcastle, 20t,n.-Fa.ir attendance of cattle, and buyers being plentiful, the prices regained what they lost at Narberth. The general complaint with dealers is that tbey are ^too high here to meet prices up country, In all these fairs there is great scarcity of cows with calves, the demand being more than the supply. They therefore command good prices—in fact, much more than their value,

Samuel's Sentiments. Samuel on Some Singular Dreams and Coincidences. THE LADY WHO FIRMLY BELIEVES IN DREAMS AND OMENS. 1JRELY there is more in this world than is comprehended in our philosophy, my good sir. There is more in this world than meets the eye. I have often noticed this, sir, in the case of remarkable dreams and coinci- dences, records of which are frequently, under a big heading, to be found in the ever-veracious newspapers of this decade. I know that all these are true, be- cause I have invented and written a consider- able number of them myself at so much a coincidence. The lady whose husband is on a j ourney and who dreams that she sees the said husband fall down with a ghastly face at exactly la.m., and afterwards wakes to find that her husband did at that hour exactly, fall down from an exuberance of (Scotch) spirits, is familiar to all of us, and a very touching stoiy that is- when she gets him home. In these cases the philosophical inquirer and the psychological stu- dent would do well to, inquire what the lady had for supper; suppers, dreams, and coincidences often have a strong bear- ing on each other; at any rate, the supper, if it be big enough, has a strong bearing on the stomach, and the stomach bears on the dream or coincidence. This fact may not seem instantly apparent to everyone it wants a bit of thinking out, but once mastered it is a fact worth knowing. If you haven't leisure to think it out at home, go to the seaside for a month and try there. Then there is another singular coincidence often met with in the news- papers, which, strange to say, isneverheaded in good big type as "sich." I refer to SINGULAR COINCIDENCE THAT THIS GENTLEMAN SHOULD TOMBLE HEAD OVER HEELS IMMEDI- ATELY AFTER SINGING "LET ME LIKE A SOLDIER FALL." STRANGE THING THAT THIS LADY AND MY FRIEND SPOONRR SHOULD MKET (QUITE BY ACCIDENT) AT THE SAME PLAOE EVERY EVENING. the absconding bank- cashier coincidence. By a remarkable coincidence that ca- shier usually turns up somewhere in Spain, and yet the reports never com- ment ( upon the wonder thereof. I myself personally have often been con- cerned in remarkable coincidences. Not long ago I sent round to a friend for the temporary loan of a ten-pound note, but by the most singalai coincidence he had that very morning lent out to another friend all the ten- ners" he had — at least he said so, and I don't think that he is a bigger romancer than most coinci- dence inventors. It is funny bow these things occur. At the very moment that my butcher called at my domicile for the Inst half-year's bill, I was waiting to pay him at his own shop, at least my servant gal "told him that I'd gone there for that purpose, and I really have always found her a truthful girl, though she does keep company with a militiaman, It is the small country newspapers, my editorial Napoleon, which deal chiefly in coincidences. They are fond of inserting in their columns, side by side with the reports of transactions in the bullock markets and sheep-wash advertisements, such letters as the following REMARKABLE* COINCIDENCE. (To the Editor of the BxMockford Bulletin.) Sir,—I have frequently seen set forth in the columns of your valuable and widely read publication the record of certain singular coinci- dences. Let me add to these latter the following -Last Sunday, at 11 o'clock a m. exactly, my wife was eogaged in making a batter pudding, and placed the batter in the pan upon the kitchen fender for a moment. Having her attention distracted elsewhere at the time, my youngest, child seized the opportunity to sit down in the batter. Strange to say, almost precisely the same thing occurred, and at the same time within an hour or two, at the house of my wife's sister, wbo resides seme ten miles off. there being this difference, that the child in the latter case poured the batter over the household or domestic cat, which was reposing on the hearthrug. Let the singularity of this circumstance be my apology for trespassing on your valuable spaCA,- I an., yours, etc.. A. MUGG. A 1, Juggins-street. Then the week following, sir, someone writes to supplement the important communication of Mr Mugg, and to state that whilst he some time ago in Australia was chewing tobacco, his brother here in Bullockford was almost at the same hour of the same day in the same year doing exactly the same thing. As for dreams, sir, I must confess that they are quite beyond my philosophy. I have seldom known them come true, aod in my case I'm rather glad, as a general rule, that they haven't. On the one hand, sir, I have many a time dreamt that I was the owner of vast riches and baronial halls, and I have also dreamt that St. Peter accepted me with open arms at the gates of Paradise, but on the other side of the ledger, sir, I find that I have lost innumerable limbs, bad daggers stuck in all over me, fallen down pre- THESOBT OF PEBSO.V ONE DHKAMS ABOUT AFTER SUPPING ON DEVILLED KIDNEYS. cipices, been hanged, drawn, and quartered, encountered. dra- gons and endured nil inanuer of hardships — in dreams." I'mglad that dreams don't often come true. I have known dreams come true once or twice. I know a man who was going to engage in a prize fight, and who dreamt that he received a black eye-he did afterwards— two of 'em, in fact. I have several times on the eve of a marine voyage dreamt that I was going to be sea- sick, and i' faith, I have been, and "no error." Wilkie Collins, who follows in the steps of many eminent psychologists, maintains that all dreams can be traced back to their source, and that, fac by fact, the counterpart in actual wakefulness of each portion of a dream can be traced. I daresay he was right. I know a man who dreamt that be was a brewery, with all the brewing plant in full working order. He tried the Collins plan, and en- deavoured to trace back the origin of that dream. He wasn't long in doing it — he had called on several brewers the pre- vious day, and had had a tasting order. I have known the plan fail, though. Not long since I dreamt I was a millionaire, and I tried to ascertain what event of the day before could suggest such an hallucination. The only incident bearing upon the dream that I could in any way remember was the fact that I had been subbed half a crown by you, sir, the day before. IS THIS SLKEP WALK- INGOR IS IT A SEARCH FOR BURGLARS ? Sometimes the strong truth of dreams comes home to us in a most forcible manner. Only lately I dreamt that I bad fallen out of bed. Well, I had, and I've got the phrenological bump to show even now if you doubt my word. Once when I was a boy I dreamt I was swimming all alone in a vast ocean with. the surging waters on all sides threatening to overwhelm me. I awoke to find th -tmy irate male parent bad poured a can of water over me in order to induce me, after I bad beep pummelled, pinched, and had pins run into me, to wake up and go to school. He called it administering the water care. I I suppose, sir, that you will have seen what are called Dream Books "—manuals chiefly pur- chased by sentimental servant girls, which give you directions that, if followed, will enable you to dream about any specific thing. Thus you can dream that you are a lord duke or a belted earl, or that you have just come into an in. heritance of ten thousand a year. You could put I abitotbride cake under your pillow if you were a girl, and you would dream that you were married to tbe object of your choice. If you be a man, I should say (though I don't know that this specific is given in the books) that the best way to dream that you were married would be to put beneath your pillow a lot of unpaid bills and a buttonless shirt. The book does not give pork chops as a specific for procuring dreamfulness, if I may be permitted to use such a word, but they are invaluable. I'll warrant me that you'll dream about something or other if yon only take a dose of pork chops depend upon it you'll either be falling aown fathomlese abysses (a most pleasing sensation) all night, or you'll be hobnobbing with the Prince of Wales and smoking his best cigars. But beware about dreaming of smoking. I know a man—an actor, a friend of mine—who dreamt that he was smoking.and woke to find that he was not only smoking, but blazing as well. He bad been smoking before be went to sleep he did the btazingafterwards. Singular to say, I've just arrived at the conclusion that I'd better shut up for the night, and by a singular coincidence your foreman printer cherishes the same idea. Well, I'll not quarrel with fatf here's pleasant dreams to you. SAMUEL His SENTIMENTS.

TEMPERANCE AT HAVERFORD- WEST. Laying Memorial Stones of a Tem- perance Hall. Monday was a fcala day with the friends of temperance in Haverfordwest and its neighbour- hood, being the occasion of the public and formal inauguration, by the laying of memorial stones, of the movelLeut for providing the county town of Pembrokeshire with a temperance hail. The project was taken up in July last by a town's meeting, at which a large and influential committee was appointed to carry out the work. Auout JB200 was then subscribed, and up to Monday the sum had increased to £400, the cost of the hall being placed at £1,200. A site was obtained in the very centre of the tuwn, on a line with the new post-office buildings, with a frontage facing St. Mary's Church, but well in view from the top of High-street, and with a back entrance from the lane leading from High-street to Mariner's-square. This site, curiously enough, was for many years occupied by a public-house catiej the Old Dolphin, and was afterwards acquired by the Perrott trustees, for the purposes or town improvement, being by them sold to the Teuiperance-hall committee. The new buildings will consist of one large ball on the level of the Sr. Mary-street front; a smaller ball, kitchen, ana offices occupying the lower floor on the back of the site, which will have its entrance from Back-lane; and there will be rooms for committees and similar purposes, Mr D. E. Thomas is the architect. The proceedings on Monday commenced witli a procession of the members of various temperance organisations in the town. The procession was marshalled in the meat market house under the direction of Mr W. R. Morgan, and, accompanied by braes and fife banus,perambulated the principal streets of the town. The processionists wore the regalia and other insignia of their various orders and societies, together with a medal specially struck ill white metal in commemoration of the event of tbe day. This medal bore on one side the words—" In commemoration of the laying of memorial stontss of Temperance-hall, Haverford- wesr, September 24-;i.i, 1888 and on the other a Maltese cross surrouuetcj by tbe text-" Whatso- ever thy hand fiudeth to do,do it with thy might." The procession left the market almost punctu- ally at one o'clock, ana returned to the site of the hall at 2.30. Amongst those on the platform erected tor the occasion on the front part of the site were Lord and Lady Kensington, Mrs Philipps, of Pentyparc Mr W. Buwen Row- lands, Q.C., M.P., the mayor of Haverfordwest (Mr T. Rule Often), and other borough officials Canon Lewis, St. David's and a large number of ladies and gentlemen resident in the town and neighbourhood. A raised platform at the back or the site accommodated a juvenile choir of 4-00 voices, which, led by the baud, rendered several temperance selections during the proceedings. A very large number of people gathered in the street and other points uf 'vantage around. At three o'clock the bands ied off with the National Anthem, in which all present joined. The proceedings were directed by the Rev James Williams, Bethesda Chapel. Canon Lewis and the Rev O. Jacobs, Albany Chapel, prayed, and the stones were laid, with the formula: In the name and for the glory of God we lay this foundation stone in furtherance of the cause of temperance," in order as follows: 1st, Lady Kensington; 2ud, Mrs W. LI. F. Phihpps, Pentyparc 3rd, Mies Evelyn Bowen Rowlands 4th, the Mayor of Haverfordwest (Mr T. Rule Owen), each stsne bearing an appropriate inscription, including the name of the person wno laid it. An ebony mallet and cast- steel trowel were provided for each stone. After the stones were laid, the mayor, who was arrayed in his robes and chain, expressed his hearty good wishes for the success of the project, and promised to promote the cause of temperance by every means in his power. Cheers were given for those who had laid the stones, and a collection was taken up. The latter realised JE154 4s 4sd, and included jE25 from Lord and Lauy Kensing- ton, with a promise of £25 when the haii is com- pleted £20 from Mrs iJuilipps, with a similar promise; ten guineas from the mayor, and j320 from Mr Joseph Thomas. Mr Bowen Rowlands also promised a subscription. • Lord KENSINGTON thanked the company for the kind manner in which they had received the name of Lady Kensing- ton, who bad had the greatest pleasure in taking part in the proceeding of that day. If there was one cause which she bad more deeply at heart than any other, it was the cause of tem- perance, fcr she thought it was one of the best, if not the best, pessible way of elevating those amougst whom they lived. He hoped never to be backward in following the lead she gave him. With regard to the future of the hall he said ditto to the mayor's good wishes, and he anticipated with great pleasure mesting the people of Haverfordwest at another gathering on the completion of the ball. (Applause.) Those buildings were to be the head-centre of temperence work in the towo, and they would also provide accommodation for the meetings of friendiy societies and other purposes. (Applause.) Although they had two other halls in the town, they could not always be obtained for the purposes fur which they might be required. (Hear, hear.) The proceedings terminated with the doxology and the benediction. In the evening a public meeting was held in the Suire Hall. Mr W. Bowen Rowlands, Q.C., M. P., presided, and the other speakers wero Councillor K Beavan (Cardiff), Mr George Phillips, Revs J. Michael, E. Meyler, and J. S. Pryor, Haverfordwest. The CHAIRMAN, ID the course of a very eloquent address, saId it appeared to him that there were four ways of combating intemperance. The tirst, it appeared to him, was by precept second, by organisation; thirdly,oy legislation; and fourthly, by example. Mr Councillor BEAVAN, of Cardiff, in opening his address, said he was, after the very interesting, graceful, and eloquent address of the chairmau, prone to exclaim, in Biblical phraseology, What shall the man do that coiueth after the king ?" (Laughter and cheers.) Referring to the laying of the foundation stones of tbe new temperance hall, the speaker said the temperapce movement had made great advances recently, and the work commenced that day would not only live in the memories of the fathers of the movement, but also in the memory of the youngest child that had taken part in the procession. Every stone in that pile of masonry, as it was laid day by day, would be a standing protest against every publi- can and every sinner in the town of Haverford- west. (Applause.) The chairman had told them about an argument some people used in justifica- tion of their drinking, and had quoted what Paul said to Timothy. He (the speaker) had heard another interpretation of that passage. An old lady, an ardent teetotaller, was confronted with this passage, and asked what she had to say to it. Paul tells the young student to take a little wine for his stomach's sake. The old lady felt it was a poser, but after meditating for some time she said, I am sure Paul must have meant Timothy to rub it in—not to drink it." (Cheers.) Referring to the compensation clauses of the Local Government Bill, the speaker said be thought it was the teetotallers who ought to be compensated, aQil he boped their chairman would move for it. (Applause.) The Church of Christ ought to be compensated for the many lights that h*d gone out, for the many ministers that had been dragged from the highest pinnacles of honour that man could attain to the lowest depth of misery and degradation, and all through this terrible drink. Mr MBNEST BOWEN ROWLANDS and other gentlemen also addressed the meeting, and a vote of thanks to Lbe chairman tor presidIng brought the proceedings to a close.

A New York brewer allows his employees each 25 glasses of beer a day. We should think the brewer would have his hands full. We are told that hanging does not stop murder. Perhaps it does not; but it stops the murderer, and that is its chief beauty. Mutual courtesy oils the wheels of life and makes them roll easily. It sweetens what is inevitably bitter, and cannot bring about that result save by making the best of things. If the girls of a family are gentle and courteous one to another, the boys are sure for very shame to rub off the sharpest edges of their behaviour and be helpful and kindly to their sisters. "Are you going to Europe on business, Mr Bighead?" "Not exactly, sir." "On pleasure then, of course?" "Hardly that, either." "For what purpose then, may I ask V' Why; to get a reception on my return, of course." A Missouri woman lost 1,000 dollars which she had placed in her bustle. It is strange in what queer places some persons will put money. We recently heard of a man who lost 3,500 by putting his money in a patent corset. The corset didn't catch on.

The Royal Commission and Sectarian Education. BY IWAN JENKYN, F.R.H.S. LETTER 6,—THE "MINORITY" REPORT The Report of the Royal Commissioners is an important document. It is a colossal volume of 501 folio pages, and costs 5s bd. The commis- slOners 23 in number —were appointed 15tb January, 1886, to inquire into the working of the Education Acts," although its chairman, Lord Cross, in announcing the commission, expressed his opinion, and, probably, the opinion of the present ministry, "that the voluntary schools are suffering very greatly from the provi- sions of the act, and they ought to be placed in the same position as the board schools The commission sat 146 days and examined 157 witnesses. As many as 51 sittings were devoted to the drafting of the report. The first "minority" report occupies 13 pages, and is signed by eight commissioners, while the second "minority" report occupies 142 pages. This last report is signed by Dr R. W. Dale, the late Mr Henry Richard, M.P., the Hon E. Lyulph Stanley, Mr Thomas Edmund Heller, and Mr George Shipton. The commissioners in the very van of public policy were Dr Dale and Mr Henry Richard. No men in England and Wales possessed a finer grasp of the ultimate problem. Bnt I there was an overwhelming balance on the side of the" voluntary (?) schools for the primary object of the commission was not so much to improve the character of national education, but to strengthen the sectarian as against the school board system. The commission was carefully packed with a view to secure this end and the "denominational zealots" have not disappointed their masters. Of course, for the I mere look of the thing, it was necessary to appoin a few Nonconformists, but they were rendered harmless by the 15 rampant denominationalists Mr George Shipton was thrown in to represent the working classes, whose children are compelled by law to attend the elementary schools. The teaching profession is to be congratulated on the noble lead taken by Mr Thomas Edmund Heller, secretary of the National Union of Elementary Teachers. Though Mr Heller does not speak in the capacity of the secretary of the National Union, yet he has set the 14,000 mem- bers of the Union a splendid example. He declined to sign the majority report with its reactionary recommendations he signed the first and second minority reports—which make for the progress and extension of healthy education. Mr Heller steps out with the Hon. Lyulph Stanley, and declares that the real solution of the principal difficulties of the education question is the adoption of the school board system. It has been felicitously remarked that "this i3 one of the happiest incidents in this section of the report." Mr Heller's declarations than whom no one is more competent to speak with authority on the peculiarly scholastic aspects of the question—invest the minority reports with particular interest to the vast body of elementary teachers throughout the country. In these minority reports there is enough for weeks and months of analysis, discussion, and controversy. Only a few extracts can be given. The first minority report opens as follows: We regret to be unable to sign the report which has beeen agreed to by the majority of our colleagues. After a long period of co-operation in the work of hearing witnesses, digesting returns, and deliberating upon conclusions, we should have been glad if we could have so far agreed with them as to have been able to sign their report, subject to reservations as to certain points of dissent. But, unfortunately, in the present case the differences of opinion, which apply so much to the general tone and arguments of the report as to its summary of conclusions, have been 'so many and so important' that our signature would have conveyed a false impression. The pro- posal, more especially that voluntary schools should be enabled to claim aid from rates would, it appears to us, re-open the whole settlement of 1670; and. further, while we recognise that the formation of the character of the children attending our elementary schools is of paramonnt importance alike to the children, the parents, and the nation, we fear that the recom- mendations regarding RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION, contained in the report ot the majority would lead to a renewal of bitter disputes and rivalries, which were, and are, happily subsiding. These differences alone, even in the absence of any others, compel us to set forth our conclusions in this report." After summarising the principal points of agreement, the eight commissioners proceed to set forth the points of disagreement with their colleagues. Let the following extracts suffice :— VOLUNTARY MANAGERS." In reference to the paragraph on voluntary managers, and to the suggestion that the, prac- tically, sole control of so many village schools by the clergy has the confidence of the country, and has worked well, without in any way disparaging theunselfish efforts of the clergy, we are strongly of opinion that in the country, where there can generally be but one school for the compulsory attendance of all, whatever their religious belief, it is a setious disadvantage that the control of the school should be in the hands of one religious body, and that the community generally should be excluded from a voice in the selection of the teacher and the management of the school, and we shall be greatly disappointed if, among the many changes imminent in local government, provision. is not made to remedy this state of things. "PRIESTLT INTOLERANCE." A piteous tale of priestly intolerance comes from Cynwyd, Merionethshire. The village school is managed exclusively by the rector and two Churchmen, for the avowed purpose of educating the children in the principles of the Church of England. Of the 193 children of school age in the parish, 160 are children of Nonconformist parents. This so-called na- tional school was built by the contributions of Churchmen and Nonconformists alike; but, mark! was, without the knowledge of the parishioners, transferred to the sectarian "National Society." Notwithstanding this furtive transference, the school continued to be largely maintained by a "voluntary rate"—an old device of the enemy. This rate was levied by the vestry, merged into the poor rate, and the Nonconformists of Cynwyd dishonoarably paid it I Because the rector was conciliatory and popular the Dissenters supported the Church school I But a sterner clergyman was established in their midst, and the Nonconformist paribh- ioners declined to pay the "rate," ex- cept on condition tb&t they should parti- cipate in the management. Of coarse, the rector waxed angry at this proposed humila- tion of the priesthood, and resolved to institute preferential fees. The Nonccuformists held a meeting, and asked the rEJltor to graciously receive a deputation. He refused, saying he would not condescend to listen to them. On Tuesday, May 24th, 1887, over 90 Noncon- formist children, who did not present the raised fees, were expelled from school. Further, the rector attempted to have the parents of these 90 children prosecuted for not sending their children to school;" soontheStb of June, the parishioners opened a temporary school, which was attended. by 75 children, leaving the rector's Anglican 'H nursery with an attendance of 20 to 25 children, Finally, the parishioners decided to secure a school board. In face of the relentless opposition oi the rector and of the clerical party a poll was taken, which resulted in a heavy majority in favour of a board. The members of the board were elected, and they decided to take over the temporary schoo! under their control, but the Edncation Departmecf i; correspondence, refused to Bar (which was the village Asseir further, refused to allow the rate for the building of a ne' the Church school had only 135, while there were 193 childI the parish! Thus foiled b\ Department, the men of Cyi mined to build an adec their children, and pla » thoroughly undenominational b Ellis, M.P. Professors Micba Edwards, Bala; Principal Getb gollea, and otbara endorse material assistance. The case speaks for itself; comment is unnecessary. But it might be re- marked that (to a more or less degree) such is the case in every villagoe where there is only one school, and that one dominated by the clergyman f CONSCIENCE CLAUSE. As to training colleges, we do not think that chapter in the report does justice to the greatness of the need for better training. In reference to the conscience clause in residential training colleges, we dissent from the arguments and conclusions of the report of the maj >uty. The statement that its introduction would destroy all unity of Christian family lite, whether in a denominational or undenominational college, and would interfere fatally with the framework of ordinary domestic and moral discipline, has, in our opinion, no sufficient foundation." "OPPOSITION Of MAGISTRATES." We are also unable to agree with the report in omitting to condemn the manner in which compulsion has hitherto been administered. We think the evidence shows that the magistrates generally have failed adequately to sup- port the local school authorities in enforcing the law, especially in relation to the obligations of the Act of 1876 as to children between 13 and 14, which has become largely a dead letter through the opposition of the magistrates." RELIGION AND REGISTERS." U We recommend that where there is but one room and one teacher, attendance be not compulsory till after the time of religious teaching; but where there is more than one teacher and a class room, that children withdrawn from religious teaching be g-iven secular instruction in a separate room. We dissent from the proposal to finally close all registers before the religious teaching and observances." In no portion of the report is the cloven foot more apparent than here "SUPPORT OF VOLUNTARY SCHOOLS." We hoid Strongly thaL local public support implies local public management; and therefore we cannot see our way to support a proposal to impose on the ratepayers a contribution in support of voluntary elementary schools." "BUILDING GRANTS." We dissent from the recommendations of the report that where any structural or sanitary improvements are demanded by the Education Department in schools which have been already recognised for annual grants, the State shall contribute to such alterations. It is our duty to point out that a large number of schools are structurally much below any proper standard of efficiency. The Education Department, ever since 1870, having regard to the great pressure in the matter of school accommodation, has been extremely indulgent in tolerating unsatisfactory premises. Nevertheless, for several years past a steady pressure by the inspectors, coupled in many instances with a growing sense on the part of tbt managers of what is due to the children, has leu to great improvements in lighting, ventilation, class-rooms, furniture, etc., in many schools. There is no reason why those who have been most remiss in making the school buildings suitable should profit by their own delay, and get the help of public money ie do that which more public-spirited manager* have already done at their own cost. This proposal would amount to a renewal 0: building grants in their worst form as an encour- agement to long accumulated neglect. The proposal would also arrest voluntary action by managers in the way of improving school premises. Henceforward managers would bt tempted to wait till the inspectors insisted oi some improvement in order to obtain the Government subsidy before executing it. If thie proposal were conceded, then, if an unsuitable building were absolutely condemned, analogy would suggest a building grant for the purpose of supplying new premiser." EXEMPTION FROM RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION." "We dissent irom the h^smeat that tue 14th section of the Act of 1870 merely provided for perfect neutrality among Christian denomina- tions. Jews, Freethinkers, and any other persons who refuse to entrust the religious teaching of their children to others are all equally entitled, both under section 14 and under section 7, to a perfect exemption from any instruction in religious subjects at any time whiie the school is open."

THE STANLEY RELIEF EXPEDITION. Sensational Allegations. Assan Farrai;, uue of the three interpreterh engaged by Mr Staniey to accompany him in the Emin Pasha Relief Expedition,has just arrived by the Royal Mail steamer Portugal at Hull. He is an intelligent man about 35 years ot age, and speaks English fluently. He proceeded to London on Monday, where he will he seen by the Emin Pasha Relief Committee. Fa.rran left the camp at Aruwimi in June of this year, and three days afterwards Major Barctelot aud Mr Jameson started on the search after Stanley. Farran is tbe man from whom information was obtained as to the alleged iii-treatment of the Arabs by Major Barttelot. In conversation on Monday he said he heard in Lisbon of the death ot Major Barttelot, and he says that before that officer left Aruwimi he (Farran) felt satisfied that Major Barttelot would be killed In some way by his men on account of his being so much disliked. Farran has a high opinion of Stanley, and thinks he will eventually turn up. But he says he h?s mis- givings. His idea is that Stanley, if alive, is with Emin Pasha. Stanley would not allow the Europeans to ill-treat the Arabs, but as soon as Stanley left there was contmua iil-treatment. In connection with these statements it should be pointed out that the last message received from the late 111' Jameson cootallled a warning that the statements made by Farran, and likely to be repeated on the latter's arrival 10 ¥.n¡;{laoG, were utterly false, and that documents Droving their baselessness were on their way to this country.

A LION AT LARGE AT NEW BRIGHTON. Much excitement was created on Saturday night in an audience assembled at New Brighton Palace, Cheshire, where Madame Ssiziro goes thr ugn ióo performance in the lion's cage of Cross's menagerie. The usual approach to the den is by an empty cage, which by an oversight was not placed in position, ana failing this the Liou Queen entered the performing den by the maiu tutrance, which was no sooner opened than the lion jumped over her head among the audience, who 111 consternation fled in all directions. The lion meanwhile rushed into a corner of the room, and was at once caged by the keepers.

A ROUGH LOVER. A girl, named Rebecca Evans, met her death in a remarkable manner at Saeffield on Monday night. Early in the evening a iadj named Laite, made use of some insulting language to her, and on her seeing him subsequently she said she dare hardly pass him. She then ran away. Laite followed and assaulted her. She succeeded in getting away, but he overtook her, and catch- bold of her shoulder, pulled her back upon his knee. As she was falling he kicked ber. The poor girl fell lifeless, and it is supposed that he neck is broken. Laite was apprehended.

MY POEM. FIRST HOUR. I'll write—let's see—I'll wde, I think, a sonnet; And so o'ersweet shaH be each rhythmic line That, when 'tis done, I'll trace her name upon it, So she shall know she prompts my thoughts divine And then, when once at last she stops to con it, What sweetly growing praise will sure be mine. SECOND HOUR. The sonnet is too hard, in rhyme and metre, Those first eight lines are hr too long a task I'll try a rondel, for I'm sure tis sweeter, And she will read it—that is all I ask I'll praise her beauty and then when I greet bee, Shell give the smile" 'n which Hove to bask. THIRD HOUR. The rondel will not do, a ballad's better, For in it I can weave a love-lorn tale There I can gently hint I'll not forget her, And that my love so strong will never fail. Now Jet me r.1' vbat St. W.r.? ""d¡r.i; t o. liT1

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-+- f When a man and a woman discuss the subject of matrimony, one seldom gets the better of the other. It usually results in a tie. Mr Purseproud, who has just purchased a fine old vase, is endeavouring to impress his visitors with its nobility and antiquity. Mr Purseproud Ab. it's a beauty It belonged to General-er- I General—er—what's his name? Sarcastic friend (coming to his aid): Oh, ah, yes 1 General Dealer, wasn't itj? Purseproud and his friend never speak now when they meet each other.

ROYAL STATISTICS. THE QUEEN'S FORTUNE. The new Domesday Book discloses the fact that the Queen's private estates extend over 37,372 acres, the, annual rental, even at the lately depreciated prices, being £20,733. This does not include Claremont, which, in the year 1866, was granted to the Queen for life, with the reversion to the country. Some years ago her Majesty, act- ing under the adviceof Lord Sydney,purchased the property for the sum of £78,000, estimated at the time as being a little over half its market value. It is said to be worth to-day £150,000. The Queen also possesses property at Coburg, and the Princess Hohenlohe left her the Villa Hohenlohe at Baden, one of the best and most valuable residences in the place. As to personal property, there was the bequest of a quarter of a million left to her Majesty by James Camden Neild. This will was proved in 1852, and, at compound interest upon which it has been nurtured, the bequest must now have reached magnificent proportions. Then there was the property left by the Prince Consort, estimated to have reached nearly J3600,000, but as .the will was never proved, and so escaped probate duty, the exact amount is not known. These items are over and above the Queen's annual savings. The aggregate money sum at her Majesty's disposal for family purposes would hence appear to be, at the lowest computa- tion, such as to render unnecessary national solicitude on the subject. THE PRINCE OF WALES'S FAMILY EXPENSES, The attention which has been fixed upon the mere rumour that the autumn session is to be utilised for making application to the House of Commons tor an increased allowance to the Prince of Wales and his family will be useful to Lord Salisbury in estimating the fortunes of such a motion. It is already plain that if such a bill is brought in, the autumn session will run in very different grooves from those anticipated. In the meantime, the necessity of monetary assistance being provided to his Royal Highness in con- sideration of his performance of ceremonial duties pertaining to the Crown is g nerally admitted, and satisfaction is expressed that the Queen would be able to afford it without incon- venience. Her Majesty, as everyone knows, has an annuity drawn from the Consolidated fund of B585,000, which is specially allotted to meet those expenses connected with her high position, the partial weight of which has been transferred to the Heil Apparent. But that is only a portion of the enormous income which good fortune and frugal habits have placed at the disposal of the head of the Royal family.

A ROMANCE OF THE SEA. riiii'ty Years on a Desert Island, A Queenstown correspondent telegraphs that the National Line steamer Spain, from New York, which has arrived at Qaeenstown, brings intelligence that an aged gentleman named Murtagh, residing in Brooklyn, received a letter on the 11th inst., from Ojee, one of the uninhabited islands of the South Sea group, written by a friend of bis named Captain Green, who was supposed to have been lost at sea in 1858, in a vessel commanded by him, called the Confederation, which sailed from New York for Australia, and was not heard of afterwards. The letter was written on theslliJed leaf of the ship's log, and was dated July, 1887, and bad been put aboard a whaling barque. The writer related how the vessel foundered in a gale, and that the crew, numbering 16, and two women, having taken to the boats, after 40 days, landed on the coral reefs of Ojee, there being no signs of habitation, but abundance of game, fish, fruit, and water. No vessel came near the place until December, 1862, when eight of the crew put off in a boat to intercept her, but the weather Leing stormy she never returned, and Captain Green thinks the eight men were lost. He further states that the women became the wives of two of the men, and although there had been several deaths on the island the population at the time be wrote consisted of twelve persons, who felt quite con- tented. They were, however, badly in need of clothing. Captain Green states he was 68 years of age, and in good health, and requested Mr Murtagh to make the contents of the letter public.

ALARMING ACCIDENT TO THE PRINCESS OF WALES. Narrow Escape from an Awful Death. The Princess of Wales and her daughters bad last week a narrow escape from a sudden and awful death. The facts have, for obvious reasons, been kept as secret as possible, but the following particulars have been com- municated from a source which is absolutely trustworthy. It appears that the Princess was driving with her daughters in the neigh- bourhood of Gmunren, when the carriage approached a level crossing. It may be necessary to explain that on many of the Austrian railways the level crossings are protected by drawbars, which are dropped or raised to close or open the passage. These bars are worked by wir^s from distant signal boxes, an electric bell being sounded at the crossing as a signal that a train is approaching, and that the bars are about to fall. The bell rang as the Princess's carriage reached the railway, but her Royal Highness not hearing, or not understanding the signal, did not check the pony. The carriage had barely passed the first bar when it fell, knockiug off the bat of the Princess Maud, and placing a barrier between the rojal party and the equerries. Simul- taneously, of course, the bar on the opposite side of the railway fell, and the occupants of the carriage saw with alarm that they could neither advance nor retreat. The next moment the train was seen approaching, and the destruction of the whole party appeared to be inevitable. Providentially, however, Colonel Clarke. who was in attendance, took in the situa- tion at a glance, and in less time than it takes to t;ell had dismounted, ducked under the bar, and seized the pony's head. With great presence of mind he pulled the carriage off the line and into the fence just as the train, with brakes down and whistle blowing, rushed by within a few inches of the startled ladies. An eye-witness says that the whole thing occurred so rapidly that their Royal Highnesses hardly realised the horror of the situation until the danger was over and the barriers weie once more raised. Had Colonel Clarke been less prompt, or bad the pony proved obstinate or restive, all must have been killed. As it was the Princess, although naturally much shaken, was able to drive her daughters back to the Palace.

AN INCREASE IN VALUE.—Mr S. U. Burbl Want six;dollars for your pup, Mac? Why, only yesterday you told me the price was five: McKaynine: Oi know it, sor; but the baste is only just afther eatin' a doliar-bill I dhropped lasht noight; bad luck to him One day a masher walked into a large fruiterer's shop and asked the proprietor the price of bis peaches. r, Fourpence each," was the answer. And what is the price of grapes ¥' Eight- pence per lb." "And what is the price of pears?" Fivepeuce per lb." And what are the apples perib;" "Fourpence." Well, just give me a ha'porth of carrots, I'm a glutton for fruit." BUSINESS IS BUSINESS.—Two passengers in the tram became involved in a very heated controversy, which finally waxed so hot that one of them called the other a liar. What's that! a liar? and he was on his feet. "Y es, a liar!" was the emphatic response, "or my name ain't John Smith." What, the ironmonger ?" "The same." "Mr Smith, I'm delighted to know you. I represent Messrs Sharpedge and Co., of Sheffield, and was going to call on to-day, and I can show you a lot of samples that can't be equalled." AN UNGRATEFUL HORSE.—-One fine morning a tarmer went into his stable to harness up bis horse for ploughing, when be perceived that the animal was dead. "This," said the farmer, gazing at the dead horse, Mis what I call unlimited gall I'd like to be a horse myself under these circumstances. All winter long the miserable brute does nothing but eat and eat, and when spring time comes, gentle Annie, when there is work to be done, he just pegs out." Wonders will never cease It was only a little while ago that Boulanger was stabbed in the windpipe, and now comes the intelligence of a Maryland politician who has been shot in the chin, the bullet passing through his cheek. It is difficult to see bow he could have bean struck elsewhere than in the chin, which constitutes the average politician, but it is almost impossible to I conceive of a bullet being forced through his cheek.

WELSH GLEANINGS. I By Lioffwr. I am informed that the movement in favour of presenting the Rev J. Alun Roberts, of Cardiff, with a suitable testimonial in recognition of his public service is growing apace. The initiative was taken by the members of his church and con- gregation at Ebenezer, but the feeling outside his church and outside his denomination was too strong to permit the matter to be limited within such narrow bounds. On Satur- day a numerously-attended committee was held, at which were present representatives of other churches and denominations in Cardiff, and a number of public societies which have benefited in the past by Mr Roberts's services, and a fair sprinkling of outside districts extending from Pontypridd to Abera\on. It appears probable that the matter will be very warmly taken up. I am informed that the Rev Dr Herber Evans, of Carnarvon, rhas privately col- lected over £ 100, and that our worthy fellow-townsman, Mr Alfred Thomas, M.P., has contributed £25. Thus while the church at Ebenezer did well in initiating the movement, they did wisely in consenting to merge their com- mittee into a more general one, representing all the denominations in Cardiff tnd the surrounding districts. Major Junes, the worthy president of the Cymmrodorion, and the Rev George Har- greaves, who were, with a large number of other outsiders," present at the meeting on Saturday, were added to the officers of the general com- mittee, and the work wasenergetically commenced. I have no doubt the members of the church and congregation will take tins outside sympathy as a spur to incite them to outdo themselves, leat they be outdone by others. I have several times ha occasion to express regret at the delay shewn by the Nonconformists of Wales in taking steps to perpetuate the memory of the late Dr Thomas Rtes. That so long a time should have been allowed to expire before doing anything to keep greeji amongst us the memory of so eminent and worthy a man is not to the credit of Welsh Nonconformity. But I am glad to say that at last there seems a likelihood of something definite being done. I have a circular nrhich convenes a meeting at Ebeuezar Chapel, Swansea, on Friday evening, for the purpose of deciding on the steps to be taken. It is to be hoped the meeting will be well attended, and th»fcit will be decided to take immediate and energetic action. In the words of the circular, lh Rses's "long, active, and distinguished life, consecrated to the social, moral, and religious welfare of the principality, calls for some lasting memorial of his services." Sir Hussey Vivian, your readers will be pleased to learn, has consented to join tLe committee, and has promised a subscription. .¡. Last week I gave t. tianslation of IS Bydd myrdd o ryfeddodau." Here is another just to hand:— What mighty, endless wonders Will^tiii that glorious day When Z on's wtsary pilgrims Shall rise in grand array All clad in stuuiuKgaruieuts, And in immortal bloom, Resembling Jesus rising Triumphant from the tomb, a I was shown this week a couple of; relics of old Cardiff festivities. They were simply a couple of tickets, one for a concert, and another for a dinner, but as they were, in the one instance over, and in the other nearly 50 years old, they possessed some interest. I wonder how many of those who take a leading part in welcoming the Chambers of Commerce this week remember anything of events to which these tickets refer? I append a copy of them:— CARDIFF ROYAL EISTEBDFOD. FIRST CONCERT. Wednesday JDvenuix, August 20, 1834, Cooimen^inK at might o'clocK. Hall-a-Ciuinea. No. 364. ■ THOS. EVANS. OPENING of Lbe BUTE SHIP CANAL AND DOCHS, Wednesday, 9th Octobbr, ibid. Dmnsr Ticket. Caiditt Arms inn, At Five o'clock Precisely. No. 60. J. BUNV. One Sovereign. » The inaugural meeting of the Cardiff Cymmro- doriun at the Colonial Hall last Friday night can only be regarded as a thorough success. It was a bold move on the part of the society to convene its first public meeting tor the session in the Colonial Hall. The growth of the society has certainly been phenomenal. Started by a few Welshmeu meeting socially in a private room, it grew within the year to require a separate habitation, and last session saw the society comfortably housed at the Cymmrodoribn Chambers. Now, at the commencement of another season, they decided-and, as the result proves, wisely decided -to hold this year's inaugural meeting in a room which provided accommodation for a much larger number than their own hall afforded. If the other meetings oi the sessionrr-and the programme therefor is ana.ttractive ona-prove in proportion anything equal to the Success of this first meeting, the Cymrodorion will have scored another big success, and have gone far to reach the mark the presideut has set before himself and bis fellow-workers—an army of Welshmen and Welshwomen in Cardiff bound together by the common bond of the Cymrodorion Society, and numbering a thousand strong. Last year Major Jones taught his teliow-countrymen a mucii-needed- lesson by his inaugural address on "The Elements of Influence." This year he followed that valuable lesson up by one equally valuable and equally needed on "Self-reliance." » The great attraction of the meeting was the address delivered by t*e Hou. T. L. James, ex- Postmaster-General of the United States, and one of the most prominent and^most trusted members of the Garfield Cablet, Nothing could have been in better taste ttan the admirable address he delivered. Whetaer we look at it from the standpoint of Welshmeu listening to words of encouragement from a fellow-Welshman proud of his nationality or from the point of view of an Englishman gratified tojbear the warm-hearted expression of goodÙ'íll and fellowsbip uttered on behalf of our American coMins by so distinguished a man among them; or the-tactical suggestions be offered for discission a^t the coming meetings of the Chambers of Commerce-whichever way we look at it, nothing floSId have been more appropriate to the occasion, or more worthy the utterance of a great st&t&man trom another country. As ex.PoB:tnasterQeneraI. it was natural that Mr James should havtfTelferred to the question of postage and postal facilities.. It is to be hoped that in a very sbort time hence we shall see the fulfilment of the triple^bQpe he held out—a universal penny postage^-a-reduction in the cost of international postal, ra&niy orders, and a fleet of greyhound ocean steamers plying between Cardiff and New Vork. Fain sure all my readers will re-echo the wi«b. » 3*S'_ • The musical portion of- the meeting was ad. mirably rendered, If I" venture to offer any criticism, it is upon th|fr ymouut of English singing contained in tlie programme. The Cymrodorion, who grgye as their motto Pobpeth yn G/mraeg," -might perhaps, with (?reJ't appropriateness, hava nut most of the music in Welsh. Theresas ceroam-ly an excuse for a great portion of the speeches being in English, but even English ears culdhaveBnjoyed Welshmusic, while Welsh hearts would, have been more deeply stirred by the words of the songs being in Cymraeg. I warmly re-echo Major Jones's sentiment that every Welshman should be as conversant with English as with Welsh, and as ready and as able to speak Welsh as to speak English, But this is no reason why a greater proportion of the musical programme at these gatherings should not be in tho native tongae. "t.