The Cardiff Times

Congress at Bath. I OLD AGE PENSIONS TOTHE FORE I Civic Welcome: Speech by Mr Donald Maclean, M.P. The fortieth annual Trade Union Congress was opened on Monday in the Assembly Room, Bath, and the deliberations continue till Saturday. This is the most numerously attended congress that has ever been held. At Liverpool twelve months ago there were 491 delegates, representing 1,550,000 members. At Bath the delegates number 521, who speak for a membership of 1.700,000, embraced by 228 Trade Unions. About 36 Labour mem- bers of Parliament are taking part in the congress, where subjects are to be discussed dealing with Trade Union, political, and kindred subjects. The trades represented are practically the same as those at Liverpool last year, with the addition of delegates from the Actors' Union, the Artists' Protection League, and the Variety Artists' Federation. The delegates were welcomed by the Mayor (Mr S. W. Bush) and Corporation at midday. Mr A. H. Gill, M.P. for Bolton, and a repre- sentative of the cotton spinners, was in the chair as president of the congress, and amongst others who were present at the in- augural ceremony were Mr Maclean and Mr Gooch, members of Parliament for Bath. The Mayor offered the congress a most hearty welcome. Mr Thomas, J.P. (chairman of the local Re- ception Committee), was then announced. Upon Mr Thomas rising to speak a delegate shouted, Who sent the Socialist to prison ?" There was loud cries of Order and faint cheers, but without further interruption Mr Thomas proceeded with his speech. Mr Percy Browning, secretary of the Recep- tion Committee, in offering the delegates a wel- come, said possibly they would think their fellows in Bath were a little more polished than some who came from the North. The visitors, however, must not take that for uppishness." fLaughter.) They would find the Bath Trade Unionists all right when they knew them. (Hear, hear.) Mr Maclean, M.P., in extending a welcome, said Roebuck, a famous member for the city of Bath, was one of the earliest to raise his voice in the House of Commons on behalf of the Dorchester labourers, and owing to his advocacy, along with that of Daniel O'Connell and other great friends of freedom, he thought they could well say that some part, at any rate of the foundation of Trade Unionism was truly laid by the Parliamentary representative of the city of Bath. (Cheers.) The Trade Con- cress above all things consisted of a practical body of men, and much that they had advo- cated had found a place upon the Statute Book. (Hear, hear.) He noticed that the Cigar Makers' Association had put down a resolution dealing with the House of Lords. He hoped whatever might happen that the motion would not end in smoke. (Laughter and hear, hear.) They knew it was stated that wherever there was smoke there was lire, and he trusted that whatever form the proposition took at the conference it would bear fruit. He was con- vinced, after along study of the question, that the future of social reform in this country de- fended upon the House of Lords being thoroughly dealt with. Unless that subject were tackled the idea of social reform was hopeless. (Hear. hear.) Mr Gooch, M.P., also welcomed the confer- ence. He said they were told on high authority that Bath was a city of villadom and capitalism." (Laughter.) Perhaps he nlight venture to say so far.as his researches went that they might get honest men and women iving in villas—(hear, hear)—and he shoul' think that there v ere fewer capitalists in i than in any ot,i er town of an equal etee'-i Oreat Britain. (Hear, hear.) The 'esident, in moving a vote of thanks to the .layor and others who had welcomed them. s;ud last year the Labour party in the i House of Commons had the assistance of the two members for Bath, and they were hopeful that in the future they would give those gentlemen more chances of assisting the workers. THE COMMITTEE'S REPORT. The report of the Parliamentary Committee pointed out that nearly 20 Bills of benefit to the workers had been introduced during the past Parliamentary Session. The question of a Labour party on strict independent lines had been considered and conferences had been held on the subject. Representatives of the Parliamentary Committee, the Labour party, and the Trade Union group had conferred on the subject, but no definite arrangement had been decided upon. Reports were received from the different sections. After considering them the Parliamentary Committee express the opinion that it is essentially necessary that I a working arrangement should exist, as the opposing of Labour candidates by those to whom they looked for support was always injurious to Trade Union and Labour interests. The committee proposed to continue their efforts, and hoped that a working agreement would yet he secured whereby dissensions would not occur. If evidence were needed to Illustrate the beneficial results of united Labour-political action the Trades Disputes and Workmen's Compensation Acts supplied it. The report of the committee concluded :— Your committee desire to state that they have earnestly endeavoured to discharge the im- portant duties imposed upon them by the Liverpool Congress. One lesson, at any rate, can b. enforced from the Parliamentary work of the past eighteen months, and that is the political power that lies in the hands of Labour. It is overwhelming, and it is within the com- petence of Labour to alter the present unequal state of society. We have, for the time being, settled our legal position and workmen's compensation. We urge our members to take up the following social and industrial reforms :—Miners' legal eight hours day, and a reduction of hours in all trades, old age pen- sions, unemployed, compulsory State insur- ance, land nationalisation, amendment to the poor laws, and legal restriction of systematic overtime, with the same determination and energy both inside and outside of Parliament. Some men start life with a full stomach and end it with a full banking account. For them old age pen- sions and the workhouse system have no interest. Others are born in want, and after a life-long struggle for their daily bread end their days in the workhouse. Men and women who toil with their hands are tired of society as at present organised—a life which would often mete out to them starvation in their old age. Schooled in life's grim realities, we must be thoroughly earnest, and not use our power merely for pastime. The question of old age pensions is no new problem. Celebrated writers in the past have devoted much attention to the consideration of thissnbject. In the main people are poor because of conditions over which they have no control. The working classes serve their countrywith their lahour the same as others do with the sword, pen, and states- manship- Your committee have during the past Session done their best to press forward this most urgent of all social problems. And in order that we may bring this matter home to the Government we appeal for a vigorous campaign to he held throughout the country during the coming autumn. It is with satis- faction that your committee note many of the trades are already taking up the matter very heartily, and we must not leave this question for a moment untij a satisfactory scheme has been placed upon the Statute Book- The congress proceeded to elect officers, and the following were appointed on the General Purposes Committee :—Pete Curran, M.P., John Ward, M.P., Watts Morgan (South Wales miners), A. Shaw (weavers and tex- tiles), and J. W. Wignall (dockers). Strange Mishap to Detegate. Mr Joseph Edge, J.P., of Bolton. one of the delegates attending the Congress at Bath, was riding on the top of an electric tramcar on Satur- day when the trolley pole broke and fell upon Mr Edge's head, inflicting a serious wound. He was conveyed to a neighbouring surgeon, ttnd after being treated was taken to his lodgings, where he lies.

Mr Burns a "Lost Soul." LIVELY EPITHETS PLENTIFUL. CARDIFFIANS & THE SABBATH. The deliberations of the Trade Union Con- gress were resumed on Tuesday in the Assemhfry Room, Bath. Mr A. H. Gill, M.P. (Bolton), in his address lIS President of the Congress, reviewing the Parliamentary Session and discussing the policy of the workers for the future, put in a fcremost place the miners' hours of labour- The agitation for an eight hours' day, he said, bad grown in strength. The Home Secretary had introduced his Bill, and the miners would |taT»«n opportunity of considering it in the aotenxn. If it met with the approval of the Earners the congress would assist them in every possible way in getting it made law. (Hear.hear.) Another measure which must be pressed for- ward was that of compulsory weighing in the iron and steel trades. On the question of un- Mnptoyment, the President said that many thparands who wanted work could not get it. Tha# state of ihihgs was as bad or worse on 4 iW-Continent and in America as it was in this country. He spoke in favour of the reclama- ttatjof ftceshores aaa means of giving employ- ment, and said another remedy was to get more of the land into cultivation. The House of Lords was the stumbling block in prevent- ing thorough land reform. (Hear, hear.) He believed if the House of Commons were supreme a complete change would be wrought i within the next few years. (Cheers.) There was, however, still the question of the aged poor who were unable to work, and he thought they would be acting wisely if they made the question of old age pensions the first plank in their programme. (Cheers.) The only satisfactory solution of that problem was that the scheme should be universal, non-con- tributory, and non-discriminatory, and that it should provide not less than 5s per week at the age of 60. (Cheers.) It was no part of the workers' duty to show how the money could be found. That was the function of the Chan- cellor of the Exchequer. (Hear, hear.) If the { right hon. gentleman would turn his attention to the unearned increment which had accrued to landlords from the .land and the mining royalties he would find sources which could be legitimately tapped. (Hear, hear.) MR BURNS A LOST SOUL." The congress proceeded to discuss the report of the Parliamentary Committee. Mr Knee (London) criticised the action of Mr John Burns in the administration of the Un- employed Act. Perhaps, he said, it was a waste of time to talk about a lost soul." (Laughter and cheers.) The unemployed were drifting to the workhouse, and who cared ? But the unemployed question would never be solved unless the organised workers achieved Socialism. (Cheers.) The Unemployed Act was a miserable farce at the best, but Burns had determined that the Act should never have a chance of success (Cries of Bosh.") His friend said Bosh," but if he wouki show what, Mr Burns had done to make it a success he (Mr Knee) would withdraw the expression. The Labour party in Parliament were far too tender about keeping this Liberal Government in power. (Hear, hear.) This question of the unemployed must be pushed to a settlement. Mr F. Kennedy (London) said it was no use the workers talking to Burns, because what went in at one ear went out at the other. (Laughter.) He opposed the constitution of the Central Labour Committee of London, which consisted, he said, of parsonsandrantcrs and all those kinds of people. (Laughter.) Mr Cummings (Newcastle-on-Tyne, president of the congress last year): I am sorry that this congress should be used for an attack upon Mr Burns or any other person. (Hear, hear, and cries of Why ?") Well, I do not think it adds to our dignity to make on a side issue attacks of this description. (Shouts of Rot.") Mr Ben Turner (Batley) I am surprised at Mr Cummings' attempt to defend Mr Burns. (Interruptions.) Mr Burns is never afraid to use sledge hammer blows aganst past and pre- sent friends when it serves his purpose. (Dis- sent. ) These people toil not neither do they spin, yet they live like fighting cocks. (Laugh- ter and cheers.) The subject was then dropped. LABOUR UNITY. The conference subsequently discussed the question of Labour unity and the recommenda- tion of the committee to continue their efforts to seoure a working agreement in order tbat dissensions in the party may not occur. Mr Ben Turner (Batley) urged that further negotiations were not likely to end in any- thing being accomplished, as oil and water would not mix. (Oh, and a Voice Nonsense.) He did not see how other sections of the party could agree to work with Mr Maddison and Mr Vivian. (Hear, hear.) Mr Gould (Hull) moved to delete the para- graph in favour of further negotiations being entered into. I declare," he said, that the whole thing is a miserable failure. I protest against the Parliamentary Committee being a procurer for the Liberal party and seeking to induce the Labour party to whittle away their principles in the interests of a political party. (Loud cries of Bosh and Nonsense.') Let the Labour party work with the Socialists and leave behind those vultures and jackals." (Loud interruption and cries of Order," Withdraw," and general commotion.) The President You must not use words like £ hat. Vulture and jaokals are not Parliamentary expressions. (Cheers.) Mr Gould Well, I will withdraw the word "vulture," but I cannot for the life of me apply any word but jackal to the indi- viduals who want to oppose Peter Curran and Victor Grayson. (Cheers and dissent.) Mr Brace, M.P., the vice-president of the South Wales Miners' Federation, hoped there would be some spirit of toleration in matters on which they disagreed. He dissociated him- self entirely from the rather contemptuous expressions which had been made use of, be- cause he had long since c-Ome to the conclusion that it was not good policy or kindly treatment to consider people who differed from them as knaves or fools- He was a member of the Trade Union group,and claimed to be as good a Labour man as any in the House of Commons. If the discussion could be conducted in a spirit that would not give personal offence there was a probability that the debate would bring them much nearer together. He thought that, fail- ing complete unity. which he favoured, there should be a concordat between the two Labour groups in Parliament and the country, but if there was a concordat, men would havc to feel some obligation not to come into their con- stituencies and endeavour to undermine their reputations and positions. Surely they were entitled to be saved from that kind of thing. (Cheers.) He pleaded for toleration and respect, believing they were nearer to unity than they had ever been. No man would dare to say they had betrayed Labour. (Cheers.) Granted they were honest men and had loyally served the cause of Labour, then they should not have for- bearance shown, and if they could have one party in the House of Commons, then they should have a concordat which would enable them to co-operate in the House and the con- stituencies. (Cheers.) Mr Shackleton, M.P., believed that Mr Gould's speech was violent and unnecessary at the present juncture. (Hear, hear.) There was not going to be any compromise of opinion on the part of any of the parties. The only condition which should exist was that those who met the Labour party in conference should not light them in elections throughout the country. They could not have unity of action in the House of Commons if there was disunion in the country. (Hear, hear.) It was not possible for the Labour party to meet Messrs Maddison and Vivian if on every occasion there was a Labour man in the field they were prepared to go and support a Liberal e-andidate against him. (Cheers.) He believed that conduct was not approved by the majority of the members of the Trade Union group. (Hear. hear.) The unity sought must not be jeopardised of the indiscretions of two men. (Cheers.) They must have a concordat in the first in- stance. He considered the effort at unity should not be given up. The-committee should continue their endeavours for the next twelve months to see if there was a chance of unity of action. (Cheers.) Mr Enoch Edwards. M.P., felt that a gross blunder had been committed in the Labour world when any man representing Trade Unionism went into a. constituency to oppose another Trade U mnnist. (Hear, hear.) Mr Pete Curran, M-P., said he was pleased to say that so far as the debate had gone there was a. complete absence of recronination. (A laugh.) As to the conduct of Messrs Maddison and Vivian, a.11 he would say was that any Labour candidate who was opposed by Fred Maddison was a. lucky person. (Laughter, and hear, hear.) He was almost sure to get a larger number of votes. (Hear, hear.) There was nothing to justify Mr Vivian flourishing his Trade Union card on behalf of capitalists as against labouk. (Cheers.) He believed alli- ance was impossible so long as these men remained members of the party. (Cheers and some dissent.) Mr Richard Bell. M.P., opposed the resolu- tio and said he was glad that Mr Gould was oloue in his venom and vindietrveness to the members qf other Labour groups. (" No, no," -And "hear hear.") He was not going to admit, because all Trade Unionists were not con- vinced out and out Socialists, that they had not the interests of Labour at heart. (Cheers.) On the suggestions of Mr Abraham, M.P. (Mabon), the vote was then taken, with the result that Mr Gould's motion was defeated by a very large majority. Other items were discussed, and ultimately the report was carried with the addition that the question of the housing of the people should be added to the list of reforms which the-Labour party should advocate. WORK AND THE SABBATH. A lively debate arose on a motion by Mr S. Fisher (dardiff), that "recognisingthat great and permanent principles which are essential to the well-being of human society underlying the ancient institution of the Sabbath, this congress resolves to do all in its power to dis- courage such employment on Sundays as will prevent any section of the community from obtaining thereon a natural and. humane right to a weekly day of rest." Mr H. Williams (Cardiff), seconded. Mr W. Thorne, M.P., said he objected to everything being closed down on Sundays, and that was what the resolution meant. (Hear, hear.) Why it means," he added, that everything is to be shut down on Sundays, including the pubs-(la.ughter)--and as a matter of fact we shall all become Mormons one day in the week." (More laughter.) There shoulld be a clear day's rest in the week, but not necessarily for everybody on the Sunday. Several delegates wanted to know whether it was proposed to stop all the men engaged in the printing trade on thf Sunday, and Mr Bayley (of the Vanety Artistes Federa- tion), pointed to the hardships which would be inflicted on theatrical companies and artiste if the trains were stopped an. S ucdayf., ,1'[1.. A delegate suggested that perhaps the idea was t > stop the work of Socialist orators on the Sunday. Mr G. H: Roberts, M.P., deprecated the con- gress taking sides on the question of Sab- batarianism, and that was what they were asked 0 do. (Hear, hear.) Mr Pickles (Huddersfield) If you arc going to stop the Socialist agitators working on Sunday you must stop the parsons. The vote was taken by card, when the motion was rejected by 685,000 to 649,000 votes.

"BLACKLEG EXPEDITIONS." Belfast Riots: "No Need for Shooting." The deliberations of the Trade Union Con- gress were resumed on Wednesday in the Assembly Rooms, Bath, under the presidency of Mr A. H. Gill, M.P. "DIRTY WORK." Mr R. Baxter (Manchester) moved a resolu- tion declaring that the practice of some Trade Unions admitting into their ranks men whose occupation was separate and distinct from that of the bulk of their members was cal- culated to retard the progress of Trade Unionism, as it divided the workmen and established two rates of wages in one district for the same class of workmen. Mr E. Mealing (Bath) seconded, and in the course of the discussion, such practices were denounced as dirty work." The proposition was carried. BLACKLEG EXPEDITIONS." Mr John Ward, M.P., proposed a resolution expressing severe censure upon those Britishers who engaged themelves to cosmopolitan syndi- cates to interfere in foreign labour disputes, and suggesting that the British Government should seek powers from Parliament to apply the principles of the Foreign Enlistments Act to such as organised these blackleg expedi- tions to other States, and so prevent the pos- sibility of foreign complications arising from such dangerous conspiracies. Mr J. Anderson (London) seconded. He said he had never known such an infamous event in English history. Where were the Board of Trade to allow 1.500 blacklegs to go out herded on board ship like cattle 1 As these men were enlisted they were branded like cattle. (Voices So they ought to be.) He quite agreed, but they ought to be branded in a different manner, and he should have liked the job. It would have been with a hot iron on the forehead. (Laughter, and Hear, hear.") The name of the Britisher now stank on the Continent. (Hear, hear.) Mr J. Henson (Sailors and Firemen's Union) supported the resolution, and described the workers who had gone to Antwerp as damn- able blacklegs. (Cheers.) The resolution was carried unanimously, THE HOUSE OF LORDS. Mr Ben Cooper (Cigar Makers, London) pro- posed That this congress condemn the action of the hereditary House of Lords in rejecting measures passed by the people's representa- tives in the House of Commons, upon which the country has expressed its judgment, there- by impeding national and political advance- ment and social amelioration; and strongly urge i.,p;)n the Government to take such steps as will secure the abolition of, or restriction of the power of that privileged assembly, and thus remove an obstacle to the efficient carry- ing into effect the declared expression of the people's will through their elected representa- tives. The following amendment was down to be taken as a separate resolution. After the word amelioration strike all out and insert instead :Seeing that the present Government continue to create new Peers while at the same time talking of abolishing them, we call upon the workers to refuse to have their attention distracted from the real working class ques- tions, and at once commence to alter the con- stitution of the House of Commons by sending independent working class representatives to carry out the wishes and aspirations of the people." In moving the resolution Mr Cooper s.'1id 3.'> the House of Lords was at present constituted babies were earmarked in their cradles for the House, whether they were statesmen, fools, or rogues. (Laughter and Hear, hear.") Mr F. Knee (London) rose to speak, amid cries of Vote," but persisted in his right to address the congress, tledeniedmost emphatic- ally that the question of the House of Lords was necessarily an important one for them at all, (Cries of "Oh."). What immediate quarrel had they with the House of Lords ? Did the House of Lords reject the Trades Disputes Bill ? The trouble the Parliamentary Com- mittee met with was not in the House of Lords, but to force the Government to take the pro- per lines. (Hear, hear) If they took a strong attitude towards the House of Lords their Lordships always gave way. (Cries of No.") Mr Shackleton, M.P., said what was wanted was total abolition. (Cheers.) The discussion which followed showed that the view of the congress was that the resolu- tion was not strong enough, and in the end the resolution was referred back to the General Purposes Committee to redraft. BELFAST RIOTS. The Belfast riots were then considered, and Mr A. Boyd, a member of the Belfast Corpora- tion (Municipal Employees' Association) moved that it be an instruction to the Parliamen- tary Committee of this Trades Congress to urge upon the. Government the gre2t necessity which has arisen to hold a searching inquiry into the facts and circumstances leading up to the death of the two persons who were shot by the military forces in Belfast on August 13th, 1907." They were told by the capitalist Press of the country that when the military were called out there was rioting and smashing of property, but as one who was engaged in the struggle, he wanted to state emphatically that when the military were called out by the Lord Mayor at the request of the employers in the city there was no rioting and no smashing of property. When the Riot Act was read the magistrate was standing behind the soldiers, and it was an impossibility for anyone to hear the words at a distance of five yards. The soldiers were brought into the city for the express purpose of intimidating the men. (Cries of Shame.") Mr Sexton, of Liverpool, one of the organisers who went to Belfast, said he had the novel sxpcriencc of addressing the Bobbies" on strike in their own barracks, with an inspector stamping about holding a Royal proclamation. (Laughter and applause.) Had there been no riot there would have been no settlement to- day. The men at Belfast at least knew how to fight. (Hear, bear.) Mr Pete Curran, M.P., identified himself with the resolution. The rights of humanity were more than the rights of property. (Cheers.) Alderman A. Gee, Huddersfield, who was in Belfast throughout the riots and strikes, said that as a disinterested spectator he would like to say that from the tirst day he arrived in Belfast he never saw the slightest necessity for the presence of the military. The resolution was carried unanimously. THE PROFESSIONS." A debate followed on the question of over- time, and it was resolved that steps should be taken to secure its speedy abolition. Amongst those who spoke on this subject were Mr Joe O'Gorman (Variety Artistes' Federation) and Mr F. Gerald (Actors' Union), who considered that the multiplication of per- formances was a matter seriously affecting the profession." Mr Gerald remarked that actors were the greatest sufferers by overtime in the way of matinees, rehearsals, and extra performances. They felt that they were labourers, and were worthy of their hire. (Hear, hear.) The congress adjourned, and afterwards attended a reception by the Mayor of Bath at the Pump Room.

ENGLISHMAN ATTACKED. Dastardly Assault near Paris. Paris, Wednesday.—An English gentleman named Vivian Worth, staying ior the summer at Fontainebleau, was last rught the victim of a brutal attack. While walking in ahamlet of theCommuneof Bois le lloi about midnight, he was savagely attacked by two individuals, one of whom knocked him down with a bludgeon, rendering him nearly senseless and covered with blood. The second man was about to complete the attack with a knife when his accomplice stayed his band. saying that the Englishman's account was already settled. The two would.be assassins then made off, and Mr Worth lay some time in the road. At length he was able to drag himself to the villa in which he resides. He is greatly disfigured and in great pain, his eyes having been so seriously injured that his sight is despaired of. The police strongly suspect a young man, aged 20, in the service of Mr Worth, whom he had occasion to reprimand severely yesterday, as having been one of his assailants.—Central News. According to the Petit Parisien (quoted by Router), Mr Worth says his assailant was his valet.

i ) —— £88,932 14s Id CONTRACT. New Dam at Ystradfel Ite. At a special meeting of Neath Rural District Council on WTednesday the tender of Messrs Morris and Mason, contractors, of Glasgow, for the construction of the dam at Ystradfellte water works was accepted, the figure being £83.932 14s Id. The chairman, Mr W. Howell, said the appointed time was four years, at the conclusion of which he hoped the work, would be completed. Mr Grice Lloyd said he hoped the work would bo pushed forward with the utmost rapidity. It was unanimously decided to proceed with the work as soon as possible.

THE "TRADE." Licensed Victuallers to Meet in Wales. The autumn sittings of the General Council of the Licensed Victuallers' Defence League of England and Wales are to take place in Car- narvon on the 25th and 26th of September. On the council agenda prominence is given to The best method of counteracting the attempts of prejudiced partisans to influence the Government in its drafting of the Licensing Bill, and the best means of securing the sym- pathetic and active support of the public in any movement devised for the protection ef the licensed trade and the irnportant-industry with, which it is connected."

ANNUAL ASSEMBLY OPENED. Public Meeting at Lianelly. DISABILITIES OF FREE CHURCHMEN. The annual assembly of the Baptist Union of Wales was opened at Lianelly on Monday. Meetings of various committees were held during the afternoon, and their reports will be submitted to the conference, which opens this morning. In the evening there was a public meeting in the Market Hall, and in the absence of the Right Hon. D. Lloyd George, Mr Llewelyn Williams, M.P., presided. Prayer was offered by the Rev. D. Powell, of Liverpool, after which the Rev. Hugh Jones, chairman of the local committee, read a letter received from the President of the Board of Trade. (This letter is reproduced in another column.) The Rev. D. Collier, Abertillery, delivered an address on Creed in its Relation to Life." True morality, he submitted, was not possible unless it was animated by a belief in God. If they believed that the soul of man was Fo precious that it needed Christ to shed His blood to save it, was it right. that they should spend as much money on smoking or on sports as they did on spreading the Gospel ? I"[ JOB, Secretary of Local Committee. (Photo, by Anthony, Lianelly). The Rev. David Davies, of Brighton, de- livered a temperance address. He said we had arrived at that stage when most of the points contended for by temperance reformers ot earlier days were generally admitted. While this was gratifying it presented n. new danger. While there was a difference of opinion, men thought more or less earnestly, but when there was a general concurrence there was a danger of indifference. When the principle of local option was accepted by the House of Com- [nons many yea.rs ago the subject was prn.c- tically shelved. As ministers of the Gospel they were troubled most by those who ad- mitted everything, but whose admissions ended in nothing. It was therefore import- ant that the points which were generally admitted should be repeated and emphasised. In conclusion, he said they must see that the rising generation were cared for in legislative measures and in religious work, so that there should not be handed down to the generations to come the wail of neglected children. Mr Llewelyn Williams, M.P., said that the message which he brought from Parliament .was that new charters of liberty were being granted to Labour, to the Welsh language, to education, and to religion. He refused to recognise that there existed in Wales those class distinctions which made the rise of an Independent Labour Party inevitable in Eng- land. Wales was a nation of working men, and it would be a sorry day when the Free Churches and Radicalism were too narrow to comprise the working men of Wales. Whatever was gained for Labour—and enormous benefits had been gained during the last two Sessions—was gained for Welsh N onconformity and for Wales. After dwelling on the more generous recogni- tion which the Welsh language had received of late, Mr Williams went on to refer to the Education question. He continued to think that Nonconformists had made a cardinal mistake in not taking their stand with Henry Richard and the older generation, and go in for the secular solution. It was illogical and inconsistent to demand Disestablishment on the one hand, while on the other they acquiesccd in the establishment and endow- ment of Cowper-Temp-te telching in the schools. The secular solution was not only logical, but it was the only possible solution.. As for Disestablishment, he was absolutely REV. HUGH JONES, Chairman of Local Committee. (Photo, by Anthony, Llanelly). confident that the Government intended to, and would, deal with the question before going out of office. Let Welshmen be patient. It was easy to carp and cavil and find fault, but he had unflinching faith in the Prime Minister and Mr Lloyd George. If he thought the great national question of Wales was in danger of being betrayed he would be the first to sound an alarm. But he was under no such apprehension. A Session on Public Questions. Public questions affecting the social and religious life of the community loomed large in the deliberations of the Welsh Baptist Union at their second session at Llaneily on Tuesday, The education controversy, licensing reform, and the Disestablishment of the Anglican Church in Wales all came under review, and resolutions defining the attitude of the Union on each were passed. The various depart- ments of denominational activities were also investigated, and an important decision was recorded affecting the constitution of the Union. The business meetings were held at Bethel Chapel under the presidency of the Rev. J. W. Maurice, Dinas Cross. Century Loan Fund. It was reported that the trustees had signed the deeds of the Century Loan Fund, the capital amount in hand being £4,569 6s 6d. Thfi secre- tary, who said the fund was in its early stage, announced that loans would be given as soon as arrangements had been completed. It was, he said, absolutely necessary that every sup- port should be accorded the fund by the various associations throughout the country. Rev. D. B. Richards, Brynhyfryd, read the minis- terial death roll "for the year, and a vote of condolence was passed with the relatives. Mr J. Philip Gibbon, Maesteg. presented the report of the Sunday School Fund. At the end of June there was a. debit balance of £ 102 2s 3d, a fact which did not speak well for the Union. The report was adopted. Principal Roberts Elected President. Principal T. F. Roberts, M.A., Aberystwyth, last year's vice-president of the Union, was elected president for the ensuing year. The names of Rev. J. R. Jones, D D Pontypridd, and Rev. T. E. Williams, Newtown, went to a REV. J. W. MAURICE, President. vote for the vice-presidency. The former was elected. Mr J. P. Gibbon, Maesteg, was re- elected treasurer and the Rev. E. Edmunds, Swansea, was re-elected secretary, Mr T. Job, LlaneUy, was elected auditor. Message from America. Principal Edwards, South Wales Baptist Col ege, Cardiff, read a cordial ILPssngc from the American Baptists, who also invited their Welsh Baptist brethren to attend the second [ .session of the Baptist World Alliance .r'' _°- Philadelphia,, Pa., U.S.A., in 1910. The Welsh Union, in the approved reply to this message, congratulated their American brethren on the absence of all State patronage and control of religion in their midst, and trusted that the same might be said of Wales at no distant date. Home Mission Society. Rev. J. D. Hughes, St. Dogmaels, presented the report of the Home Mission Society. It was stated that three years ago the society was £2,000 in debt, but by the end of March last this had been reduced to i450. The secre- tary announced that he had secured a condi- tional promise of SGO if the denomination cleared the JE400 at that meeting. The committee submitted the following scheme to the conference to be laid before the churches (1) That the work of the Home Mission Society be carried forward in co-operation with and under the direction of the various associations (2) that the associations make annual appeals to the society for grants according to the nature and extent of their work (3) that the fund for the pur- pose be formed from individual contributions and annual collections at the churches. A collection realised the zEZ5 to make up the re- quired jb400 to entitle the society to the zE60 offered by the anonymous donor. The report was adopted. Amended Constitution. At the afternoon conference the president (Rev. J. W. Maurice) was supported by Principal T. F. Roberts, M.A., S;r Alfred Thomas, M.P., and Mr J. Jay Williams. The Investigation Committee's report on the new constitution was considered. The secretary reported that six general meetings, represent- ing 73,675 members, were in favour of the pro- posed changes, while two general meetings, re- presenting 8,031 members,had not passed a reso- lution either for or against. It was, he said, proposed to add to the constitution the follow- ing :— That the annual meetings be conducted both in Welsh and English according to the discretion of the Union committee also, That the claims of the English churches to take a fair part in the conferences be fully recognised, and that a committee be ap- pointed to consider this and submit a report to the committee next October." He moved the adoption of the proposed new constitution. Principal Roberts, in seconding, said the proposals would not make any alteration in the principles which they held. Alderman Thomas said that every oppor- tunity bad been afforded the English delegates to address the conference in English, and he disapproved of the proposal recommended, as it deprived the chairman of authority. A delegate said all the correspondence received in connection with the Union was in Welsh except the application for a subscription, which was in English. (Laughter.) PRINCIPPArL esidTen. tF-E. leRctO.BERTS, 1 I Dr. Morris, Treorky, wished it to be definitely stated in the amended constitution what their position was as to doctrine. It was not enough to state their position with regard to strict communion and baptism, but also with regard to the Person of Jesus Christ and the Atonement. The Baptist churches did not comprise freethought members, and could not reduce the Saviour to the level of John Smiths. An amendment that the question be referred back was defeated, and the motion was adopted. Children's Gathering. A striking feature of the day was the gather- ing of children in the spacious Market Hall. The chair was occupied by Mr Jeremiah Wil- liams, M.A., headmaster of the Aber-gele Inter- mediate Schools, and the children were cate- chised by Mr Joseph James, Copper Works School, Lianelly. Mr John Lewis, school- master, Ammanford, read an interesting paper on Keeping in the middle of the road." The singing, which was very effective, was under the conductorship of Mr J. A. Thomas, A.C., Bethel.

PUBLIC QUESTIONS. Temperance and Religious Equality. Rev. Hugh Jones presented the report of the Temperance Society. There were, it was stated, 130 public-houses in Llanelly, which was equivalent to one public-house for every 194 of the inhabitants, whilst the Royal Com- mission of Lord Peel laid it down that one public-house was sufficient for every 750 inhabitants. Of the 130 public-houses 103 were tied houses 107 were within a radius of 100 yards of one another, and in one street there were seven public-houses for 11 dwelling- houses. (Shame.) The various Bands of Hope in the town were making every possible pro- gress, and some of the churches in the town had decided that no one having anything to do with the drink traffic should be received into membership. Temperance prospects in the Union were very bright, and inestimable good was being done by thair general meetings and by their churches throughout the country. The committee were pleased to note the step recently taken by the Methodists in framing a total abstinence rule for deacons. If the com- mittee could not legislate they could, with the permission of the conference, at all events appeal to all deacons of churches to place themselves in the midst of total abstainers. Rev. T. Morgan, Skewen, pointed out that at the last general meeting it was decided that all deacons should be total abstainers. Rev. Hugh Jones thought the committee and the Union would incorporate such a rule with pleasure. The Rev. Hugh Jones said the committee had framed a resolution expressing joy at the intention of the Government to introduce in the next Session a Bill dealing with licensing laws, and expressed a hope that it would occupy the first place in the programme further, that the But should include provision whereby all classes of licensed houses and clubs be placed under one licensing authority an i pohce supervision, subject to direct public veto. The report of the committee was adopted, and the resolution was carried. Resolutions were also passed in favour of an appeal to magistrates for the abolition of the bottle and jug department." THE NEW VICE-PRESIDENT. I REV. J. It JJ'VJ'N. New Y [•"■ !v/5ident: (Photo, by Forrest, Pontypridd.) The Disestablishmeut Demand. Principal Edwards, of Cardiff, proposed a resolution regarding with deep concern the present position of the great national -ques- tion of Disestablishment for Wales the con- ference deeply deplored that the Government had not placed this question in the forefront of their legislative measures as of supreme urgency and they called on the members for Wales and Monmouthshire to insist by more definite and united action that a measure of justice to Wales be introduced in the present Parliament and passed through all its stages. Principal Edwards said they had been living long enough in the wilderness in fact, longer than the Israelites- (Laughter.) He believed if they had adopted the tactics of Ireland the question of Disestablishment would have been settled long ago. But they in Wales had been humble, and had gone cap in hand to the Government. Instead of demanding, they had said" If you please." They should prosecute their suit to the very end. Mr W. B. Jones, Llaneily, seconded. Sir Alfred Thomas said he had been asked to expla.in his position, and it was this-Ðe was in the forefront, and there he intended to remain. (Applause.) At the same time, he sympathised with' every IDan who was dis- appointed, and he was disappointed himself, but he was not cast down. He had perfect confidence in Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerinan and the Cabinet. Rev. E. K. Jones, Brymbo, supported the resolution, which was passed unanimously. Social Legislation. On the motion of the Rev. W- Saunders, seconded by Alderman E. Thomas, a resolu- tion was passed expressing approval of the I legislation passed by the present Government enabling the working elates to develop a hig> Me. N' iormist League. N' iormist League. ran Dr. Morns. Trec^fcy. it.4'ITA.<; decided that the Union should co-operate with other denominations in Wales in the formation of a Nonconformist League, under the auspices of which it was proposed shortly to hold a national conference to further the claims of Disestablishment. Delegates were appointed to represent the Union. The Secular Solution. Rev. W. Maurice, Talywaun, proposed a resolution calling the attention of the Gov- ernment to the demands of the majority of English citizens for full recognition of equality in all educational matters, and for full public control in the management of all public edu- cational institutions. The resolution urged the Government to bring insuchaEill as would establish purely secular education and emancipate the country from all clerical arro- gance and injustice. Rev. E. U. Thomas, Carmarthen, in seconding, said the Baptists had always been consistent in demanding secular education. The resolution was unani- mously adopted. Rev. Charles Davies, Cardiff, moved a reso- lution calling the attention of the Government to the Congo atrocities. This was unani- mously carried. Public Meetings. In the evening a public meeting was held at Bethel Chapel, which was presided over by Rev. J. W. Maurice, Talywaun. District Coun- ciilor W. P. Thomas, of Treorky, delivered an address on" The young people and the prob- lems of the day," and Miss Ellen Williams on The duty of women to advocate temper- ance," while Rev. W. G. Owen (Llifion) dis- coursed on The danger of Wales from the Papacy." A public meeting was also held at Bethle- hem, PwiJ, and Rev. D. C. Harries, Glyn- Neath, and Rev. W. Evans, Cross Keys, de- livered addresses. The Rev. J. R. Jones, D.D., Pontypridd, the new vice-president, and who will in due course succeed to the chair of the Union, is a native of Brymbo, Denbighshire, where he was born on March 28th. 1846, being a son of the late Ailtyd Glyn Maelor. and a brother of the late Rev. W. Jones, Fishguard. In his 13th year Dr. Jones was baptised by the late Rev. H. C. Parry, D.D., ;-t Brymbo, and four years later entered LIangollen Baptist College. In 1866 he was ordained to his first pastorate at Aber- dulais, Neath, so that he has now been in the ministry for upwards of 40 years. In 1872 he removed to Liverpool, and four years later accepted a call to Llwynypia, Rhondda Valley, where he spent 13 years, and during that period baptised no fewer than 536 persons. In 1899 Dr. Jones succeeded the late Rev. Dr. E. Roberts at Tabernacle Church, Pontypridd, where he has laboured very successfully. The eause at Tabernacle is a very old one, dating back as far as 1809. During Dr. Jones' ministry two branch churches have been formed—one at Cilfvnydd and another at Ynysybwl, the mother church undertaking when the branches were formed to pay £150 of the debt on each of the new chapels. Dr. Jones has taken a keen interest in the material and social welfare of the locality. For upwards of 16 veal's he was a member of the old Pontypridd School Board, and is now an active member of the Pontypridd Board of Guardians. He is regarded as one of the fore- most pulpiteers of his denomination, his ser- vices as a preacher being in great request throughout South and North Wales, and a few years ago he went on a preaching and lectur- ing tour in America. Dr. Jones is a past pre- sident of the East Glamorgan Baptist Associa- tion, and in June of la^t year the degree of D.D. was conferred upon him by the Demson University. Ohio. On that occasion the mem- bers of his church presented him with an address of congratulation and of admiration of his services.

DEAN FOREST OFFICER'S WILL PECULIAR PROVISIONS. £10,000 for St. John's, Cam- bridge. Mr Philip Bay Us, M.A., of Whitemead Park, Dean Forest, Gloucester, and of Ledbury, Hereford, barrister-at-law, J.P. for Gloucester, H.M.'s Deputy Surveyor of the Royal Forest of Dean, and Steward of the Royal Manors in the Hundred of St. Briavels, who died on the 7th June last. aged 58 years, left estate of the gross value of £11,179 15.:3 4d, of which the net personalty has been sworn at £9,339 16s lid. Probate of his will, dated 6th September, 1902, has been granted to his cousin, Mr Thomas Ballard, of Bye-street, Ledbury Mr John Torrington Chappie, solicitor, of 79, Gresham- street, London and Mr Charles Lacey Smith, barrister-at-law, of 3, Plowden-buildings, Temple, London, to each of whom as executoi-s the testator left twenty guineas. He left JS110 to his housekeeper Elizabeth Brown ("Mary "), a life-long friend of his faTv- y £ ?r- t<:> Row- land Hill, the Crow11 book-keeper. ¡ He desired to hic b-oried by the side of his father and mother in the U"ilJm("I<1f1 Rea. Churchyard, and directed that lorty-eight hours before his bunai all the important veins and arteries of his b.dy should be opened by a duly qualified medical man. He further stated :—" I direct that my horses j shall never be'sold, but that aft.; my sisters shall have no further use for any uf thèm, they be well fed and then painlessly shot and de- cently buried, and that my dogs be kindly treated and kept so long as they enjoy life, especially my little friend Satan," who is to be allowed to live as long as he can. He left a Harford table, 1571, from the Old Manor House at Bosburv, and now in his house at Ledbury, to the county of Hereford to he placed with a small brass tablet on it in some part of the Shire Hall. but if the county shall decline this bequest, it is to be given to the city of Hereford for the Public Lihrary all his books, pictures, engravings, and curiosities, except furniture, to the Woolhope Club and the city of Hereford for the Hereford Public Library. All other his property he left upon trust for his sisters or the survivor of them for life, and on the decease of the last survivor, left all of his property to the master, fellows, and scholars of St. John's College, Cambridge, upon trust to found a mathematical scholarship to be called the Philip Baylis Scholarship of the value of £100 per annum to be held by the best matbemtical scholar of the year, in which it may happen to be awarded for three years, and to apply any balance after providing there- for, in founding other" Philip Baylis Scholar- ships," to be held as the master and fellows may direct, declaring that it is an express con- dition of the above bequest to St. John's Col- lege that the holder of the £100 Philip Baylis Scholarship do reside during the time that he may hold the scholarship in myoId rooms, first floor, South Letter E. Third Court, and I desire that my carved antique furniture be placed in the library and combination room of St. John's College, or in the rooms occupied by the Philip Baylis scholar." He also declared that his house at Ledbury and the gardens and grounds adjoining, in which he had lived for many years, should be kept as far as possible as it might be at the time of his death, and that it be not altered from a private house, and only such buildings allowed thereon as may be necessary for the comfort and convenience of the occupant.

TARIFF REFORMERS HECKLED. Unpleasant Attention by Socialists The Tariff lieformers holding meetings in Cardiff every night lately do not get it all their own way. As soon as Mr T. N. Thomp- son, Tvlorstown, had finished his address "n Wednesday night before the Union Work- house, and stepped from the ginger-box plat- form, soaked b y the downpour of rain, there was a torrent of questions. Then Mr H. Long- staffe got upon the box to strongly protest :1gr1Í!13t the Liberal Government for giving a contract for horseshoes to the United States." Five or six shouted together, and a little man in the front threatened a persistent Socialist with something unpleasant You leave the interrupters to me," Mr Vmgstaffe confidently put in. This is a public meeting, and I have a right to question, resumed the Socialist- Yes, but called under the auspices of the Tariff Reform League. You go to your party and ask them to go to the expense of holding public meetings to ventilate their views. Give somebody else a chance to ask a question-" Subsequently the vote of censure on the Government of Great Britain for giving out the said contract was declared carried.

CONVICTED BEFORE. It wasn t stole at all," was the reply given by Mary Murphy, a voluble Irish colleen,of 23. when charged by Detective Little with steal- ing a piece of beef, a bed sheet and a pillow case, value 3s 6d, from the nse of .Anna Evans, in Edward-street, on Saturday night. On Wednesday Murphy was brought up before Mr F. J. Beavan and Mr J. H. llallelt, at Cardiff, and it was explained to them how she went into the house when Mrs Evans was out shopping, and that the pillow and sheet were found in a house in Bute-street where she st:.¡.yec1. The prisoner begged to be let off. and that if given a chance she would go away to America and never trouble the court any more. It was pointed out, however, that in May last she had been cautioned under another name. and the magistrates now sent her to prison for 14 days.

THE WAY TO A MAN'S HEART. The old saying that the way to a man's heart is down his throat may have been cor- rect at some time but if he suffers from his liver no amount of good meals will make him more lovable or cheerful. At this time of the year the liver is very liable to get out of order then follows lassitude, headache, shortness of temper. Ajt eminent authority prescribes Tincture of Buchu, one ounce Karox Com- pound, one ounce Syrup of Lemon, two ounces; which, if taken in doses of a teaspoon- ful after each meal and at bedtime, is said to correct the trouble quickly. Any chemist keeps these ingredients, and will make the prescription up, or it may be mixed at home. This simple remedy also has a peculiar heal- ing and soothing effect upon the entire Kidney and Ur' uary structure, often overcoming the wor: f jas of backache and bladder weak- nes sst a little while. This mixture is sail nove all blood disorders and relieve Rb sm. Our readers should try it for a cW£ npt" rmnttn

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Baby's Abnormal Taste. FATAL DRAUGHT OF GIN. On Wednesday at the Wandsworth Town Hall Mr Troutbeck and a coroner's jury-resumed the inquiry into the circumstances of the death of Gladys Staite, aged 3i years, the daughter-of James Staite, a milkman, living in Brookwood- road, Wandsworth. According to the evidence of Dr. Freyberger, the child's death was due to failure of respira- tion from acute alcoholic poisoning. He and Dr. Wheelwright, who attended the child, both agreed that changes found in the internal organs were such as were usually the conse- quence of chronic alcoholism. The mother explained the child's condition by suggesting that t11P child poured some gin out of á. bottle into a glass, and took it into the bathroom to dilute it, but the Coroner said the condition of the child was such as to show that she had not taken alcohol for the first time, and adjourned the inquiry in order to make an endeavour to test the parents' evidence. Mr C. Atkinson appeared for the London, Gloucester and North Rants Dairy Company, by whom both mother and father are em- ployed. Inspector William Reynolds, of the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Chil- dren, said he had been making inquiries, as the result of which he had been unable to trace in any quarter whatever details of ch ink having been taken into the house or used for this par. ticular child. The parents had the highest of reputations for kindness to their children, and were certainly cleanly in their conditions. Neighbours had told him this. The deceased child, he was informed, was lively far beyond its years. He could not trace any fact points ing to the child ever having taken alcohol be- fore. Everything tended to show that the parents were of the highest degree of respecta- bility and had done their duty towards their children. The mother, recalled, said she usually drank stout, having it every day. The child had never taken stout, as witness took particular care always to put it out of the way. The Coroner You have had time to think this matter over. Can you suggest any explana- tion as to how the child could have taken the gin ? Witness The only one T"" .est is that j-he wa* verv. v' "y :l1"Y a.nd got up to at ♦1. Seeing the stuff in the botUe she took it. The Coroner The last tame you '\jggnsted t^at tut- cLiid £ ut water into the gin''—Yes. and I still think so. You suggest that she poured gin into the cup and took it into the bathroom and poured water into »i,—That w<*s m\ suggestion. A Juror: It is a mere, suggestion, I think, of the witness that the water was added to the gin. Dr. Freyberger, recalled, was asked by the eoronerwhether the abnormal condition of the liver, splœn. and kidneys which he had de- scribed at the first hearing could have been produced by any single dose of alcohol. A reply in the negative was given. The Coroner And the conditions are such as are usually to be met with in the case of chronic alcoholism ?—Yes. Answering further questions, the witness said he had known of other cases produced by othei means than alcohol, but he had never known a combination of cirrhosis of the liver, spleen and kidneys, and chronic catarrh of the gullet in any case other than by chronic alcoholism. Can you suggest in this case any other possible cause i—I am afraid personally I have had no experience of any other cause. Questioned upon the enlargement of the brain, Dr. Freyberger said that the result might be that the child would be precocious. Do you think there might be abnormal tastea developed ?—1 should say so. An abnormal wit—Yes. Dr. Wheelwright, recalled, said he had no doubt that the chronic condition was due to alcoholism. The Coroner said there must be a. certain amount of doubt in the case. The child had dearly died from an overdose of gin. He did not think there was any doubt at all about the child having taken the gin itself. He did not think there, could be any suggestion that it was administered to the child. But medical men had said they knew nothing except chronic alcoholism which could produce such a condition as had been found. That was a serious and weighty opinion which the jury must regard with great respect, and they must seek for an explanation. It might be found in the child's pecuiiaf nature or in the abnormal development of the brain. The child waa. said to have been very lively and very clever, andNvas mentally developed aigreatdea1 beyond the normal of itij age. It might be its fast* were abnormal that was to say the t.<>r,ie ot alcohol might not have been disagreeable tel it. The high character of the parents and th</ medical evidence given made the case very perplexing. The jury, after a brief consultation, found that the child died from incidental causes* and that no blame attached to the parents.

WINTER IN SEPTEMBER. WITHIN 8 DEGREES OF FREEZING. In the past few mornings the air has been sharp and chilly, indicative of a keen autumn, and of the departure of a summer that has really never come. The minimum temperature registered in Roath Park, Cardiff, on Tuesday night was 39"5 degrees Fahr., which is only degrees above freezing-point. On Monday night the minimum was 44"5, while on Sunday night the lowest recorded as high as 52"5, and the highest 60*2. As an example of the great variation in temperature within a period of 24 hours, Saturday last may be cited, for then the highest temperature recorded was 69, an<f the lowest 43'8--a difference of more than 21 degrees. A terrific hailstorm occurred early on Wednes- day at Broadstairs, accompanied by a. gale of wind and great eold. Six hours afterwards the. hailstones, frozen together, still lay on the ground t,() a depth of 2in. The cold round Swansea has lately been exceptional. At Killay Mr Webber hit* registered 35 degrees, while at Swansea the lowest so fa.r has been 45. At PenUergaer, how- ever, the Rev. Mr Morgan reports that ice hat been found on water left out overnight.

CONGRATULATIONS. At Llandaff and Dinas Powis Rural Council on Wednesday a letter was read from the clerk of the St. Andrew's Parish Council congratu- lating the Rural Council on the excellent con- dition in which the road between Dinas Powis and Eastbrook had been kept during the sum- mer month, and asking them to see to the better maintenance of another stretch.—Mr R. Forrest (the chairman) Well, that's tha first congratulatory letter we have ever had. I suppose after that we ought to see to that other road. (Renewed laughter.) The matter was referred to the surveyor.

ALL DRUNK TOGETHER. At Newport yesterday Marv Ellen Dixon and Mary Carpenter were charged with stealing fl 3s 4d from Sidney Ed. James, of Rugby-road, and further with king drunk. James was pæ- viously fined 5s for being drunk. Frederick Wnt- Pearce, railway carman, said he saw tha. women with their hands in James' pocket. Om;, of them had a bottle of whiskey which she tried to force down his throat. Carpenter atstt hail a bottle of whi5key Jamessaid be was too drunk at the time to recollect what took place. Dixon was sentenced to two months and Car- penter to one month.

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