The Aberdare Leader

Labour and Liberalism. Political Meeting at Trecynon. Mr D. A. Thomas, M.P., and Mr William Jones, M.P., addressed a largely-attended meeting at the Public Hall, Trecynon, on Thursday evening. Mr D. Lewis Edmunds occupied the chair, and he was supported on the platform by the two speakers, Mrs D. A. Thomas, Mr G.George, J.P., C.C., and Mr Thomas Lewis, D.C. After a few per- tinent remarks by the chairman, Mr G. George moved the following resolution:— That this meeting strongly condemn the action of the Government in passing the Licensing Act, the Education Act, and the Defaulting Authorities Act, and their refusal to pass any social reform, and also condemn the Government for their excessive expen- diture, and calls upon them to appeal to the corntry" (applause). Speaking to the reso- lution, Mr George said that of all questions, social reform was the most urgent to the great mass of the people. One Parliament after another had neglected it. It was time to effect reform in the Land Laws. There was a dearth of houses in Aberdare to-day, not for want of speculation, but simply because the land-owner demanded an excessive ground rent. He strongly favoured the Bill for the Taxation of Land Values, so that the present taxes and rates be reduced. In a place just outside Aber- dare, the owner valued his land at X40 per acre, yet it was rated at only £1 per acre. If the land was rated at the value put on it by the owners, the present rates could be materially reduced. This ought to be done (applause). Councillor T. Lewis seconded the reso- lution, and referred to the honour conferred upon Mr D, A. Thomas in being awarded the Guy* Medal. Mr D. A. Thomas, in rising to support, was received with loud cheers. Speaking of the position of Labour and Liberalism, Mr Thomas remarked that it had been asked what had the Liberal Party done for Labour. The same people replied that it had done absolutely nothing, and proceeded to argue that the Liberals were really not in sym- pathy with Labour. The blame for all this must be put upon the workmen. The labour vote was in an overwhelming majority, and if they had not voted as they did at the last General Election, the present reactionary Government would not be in power. It was idle to blame the Liberal Party. He was prepared to work side by side with the Labour Members in the House of Commons. He was pleased to state that his relations with Mr Keir Hardie had been and were of the most cordial character (applause). They did not stand on the same platform, it was true, but that was no fault of his. He was in favour of direct Labour representatives in the House, and he considered the present M.P.'s of the Labour Representation Committee thoroughly sincere progressives. He was not only in sympathy with the aims and ultimate goal of the I.L.P., but also in sympathy with their aspiration for a Party of their own in the House of Commons. But as it was highly improbable that they would get a Party strong enough to hold in their hands the balance of power, at least in the present age, it was useless for him to join. As a practical man, he wanted to see something accomplished in his day and generation. He, however, felt confi- dent that Liberals would support the claims of the Labour section in the House of Comlhons. Mr Thomas proceeded to deal with the South Wales employers' demand for 5 per cent. reduction in colliers wages, and remarked that it was an inoppor- tune moment to make such a demand. He was very pleased that the Conciliation Board, including, of course, the employers side, had congratulated Mr Tom Richards on his victory. This would not have happened when a certain other gentleman led the employers. This vote showed an excellent spirit, especially when it was re- membered that three out of every four of the employers were Conservatives (applause). Mr Thomas referred to Temperance Reform, adding that the abolition of the Tied House System was a consummation devoutly to be wished. Mr William Jones, M.P. for Arfon Divi- sion, speaking in the vernacular, said that whilst everybody condemned Mr Chamber- lain, he felt inclined to praise him for his action in dividing his own Party and its leaders, and uniting the Liberal Party. The Duke of Devonshire and every Chancellor cf the Exchequer had deserted the Party. The speaker proceeded to speak of the Licensing Bill. He said that the great majority of publicans would not benefit a halfpenny by that Bill, because 80 out of every 100 public houses were tied houses. The men who were really endowed were brewers and distillers. He favoured the imposition of heavier taxes on beer and spirits. In New York alone more money was obtained from this source than in England and Wales put together. The Liberal Party were united to a man in favour of taxation of ground values. He would advocate introducing this in the form of a Budget resolution. If this were done, it would not be necessary to take it through the House of Lords. If it fell into their hands, they would do with it as they had done with all Liberal measures-bury it (laughter and applause). Continuing, the speaker referred to the better education systems prevailing in Germany and the United States than in England. In this country they quarrelled over catechisms. In the United States, millionaires, when nearing death's portal, founded schools and scholarhips. In this country they built a church, in order to go to Heaven (laughter and applause). I Questions were invited at the close, and Mr J. Griffiths, Park Schools, asked Mr Thomas why was he not present at the Education Meeting of County Councils, &c., held at Cardiff some time ago. Mr Thomas replied that he was absent for the sole reason that he was elsewhere en- gaged. He had written expressing regret at being unable to attend, but the letter was not read. Rev. R. J. Jones, M.A., proposed a vote of thanks to the speakers and also to Mrs D. A. Thomas. Rev W. Thomas, Cwmdare, seconded. Mrs Thomas and the two speakers replied. Mr D. A. Thomas, referring to a remark by Rev W. Thomas, that he should visit the constituency oftener, said that he came whenever he was asked. He would like to have been present at the Alderman David Morgan unveillng ceremony some time ago. He and the late Alderman were old friends. He had come to Cardiff with the intention of proceeding to Aberdare. The late David Morgan's son and daughters were anxious that he should attend but he felt that he could not without receiving an invitation, which he believed he ought to have had from the committee (hear, hear).

School Teacher Charged with Assault. A Dazed Boy's Illusion. At the Aberdare Police Court on Tuesday, David P. Jones was charged with assaul- ting Daniel Da vies, Jubilee road, Aberaman. Alderman Evans appeared for the prosecu- tion, and Mr C. Kenshole for the defence. Daniel Davies said he was 12 years of age, and attended Aberaman School. On September 28, after partaking of dinner at the School, he and Willie George Williams were playing on the P.D. grounds. Witness was astride on a wall, when Mr Jones, the teacher, came and pulled him down. He got up, and Jones pulled him down again and he fell unconscious. By Mr Kenshole: Willie George Wil- liams and Thomas Williams were also on the wall, and there were other boys on the road. He did not see a number of boys named by Mr Kenshole there. The wall was 6 feet 9 inches. His brother had measured,it. He did not fall from the wall on his side. Neither did he drop on his feet. After the jerk to his leg he came down violently. There were scratches, he said, on his head. It was not true that Mr Jones came there and assisted him to his feet, and told the boys to carry him to school. It was Mr Jones' blow with his fist that rendered him unconscious. Mr Jones did not say a word. The theory that he was frightened at seeing Mr Jones, and fell in consequence, was wrong. Mrs Davies, the boy's mother, said that having received a message from the school, she went there, and found the boy in a stooping position. He was carried home. She saw Mr Jones with regard to the charge brought by her boy against him. Jones said nothing and went out. She then sent for Willie George Williams, who made a statement. She sent for Mr Jones, who declined to come to bother with a lot of women." She then went to see the headmaster. In the presence of Mr Jones, Willie George Williams confirmed the boy's story. The boy Williams afterwards changed his story, stating that he had dreamt it. Dr Bullen said that on September 28th he visited the boy, who suffered from concussion of the brain. Then he had been removed to the Aberdare Cobtage Hospital, and placed under the care of Dr Trefor Jones. The wound could have been caused by coming in contact with a hard substance. It might have been caused by a blow,by a fist. One blow or a fall would have been sufficient to account for it. By Mr Kenshole If dealt by a fist, it must have been an extraordinary blow. Dr Trefor Jones said the boy was brought to the Hospital in a semi-conscious con- dition. He could detect no fracture on the skull itself, but between the skull and the membrane there was a mark. It might have been caused by any direct force-either a blow or a fall. D. P. Jones said he was assistant master at the School. On September 28th he was I coming down Clarence terrace when he saw the boy, Daniel Davies, falling from a wall. There were three other boys on the wall, I and several on the road. He went there and saw the boy on the ground unconscious, and gave instructions to carry him to the school. There was no one else there as far as he could see, The following day he was called to Mrs Davies' house, and she accused him of striking her boy. Mrs Davies had another interview with him at the School. There was no truth in the story that he had dragged the boy down and struck him. By Mr. Evans: He was at least 72 yards from the boy when he fell. He had not seen William George Williams with re- ference to this case. The boy Williams had told Mr Morris, clerk to the Education Committee, in witness' presence that he (Williams) had dreamt his story. A boy named Thomas Cartwright practi- cally corroborated the defendant's story. By Alderman Evans: He saw Daniel Davies picking leaves .trom the branches. He was sure it was Davies and no Williams. Jenkin Williams, lampman at the P.D. Colliery, said that on the day in question he and his son were returning from dinner. They noticed some boys and he saw one falling over down to the road. He saw Mr Jones coming around the corner from Clarence terrace, and going straight to the lad. It was impossible that Mr Jones could have struck him, because he was a good distance away at the time. The Stipendiary remarked that there was no need to go further. There was no case at all. The boy was evidently dazed in con- sequence of the fall, and therefore under a delusion as to what had happened. The case would be dismissed. Just then a woman in the court shouted out, "Why not call William George Williams ?" but she was ordered out by the police.

The Coal Trade. Five Per Cent Reduction. On Monday afternoon Sir Michael Hicks- Beach, the independent chairman, met the members of the Conciliation Board of the coal trade of South Wales and Monmouth- shire at Cardift to consider the demand made by the owners for a reduction of 5 per cent in the wages rate. After a lengthy discussion the right hon. gentleman deci- ded that his casting vote must be given in favour of the claim, and from the 1st December next the wage rate will be 38t 11 4 per cent. above the standard of December. 1879, instead of 43t per cent. as heretofore, This is the fourth application which has been made by the employers for a variation in the wage rate since the Board was estab- lished and dealt with by the independent chairman. In two instances they were un- successful, but on the 21st November, 1903, Viscount Peel, the then chairman, awarded them a reduction of 5 per cent., and now Sir Michael has decided that the wage rate r, must be still further lowered by a similar amount, making 10 per cent in close upon two years. COLLIERIES IDLE. For the past few weeks the coal trade in the Aberdare Valley has been exceedingly slack. The Powell Duffryn Collieries and Nixon Collieries at Mountain Ash were idle on Saturday. Nixon Collieries were idle again on Monday. A few stop turns have also taken place at the Marquis of Bute Collieries.

DRINK HORNIMVi'S PURE TEA- In Packets only and Full Weight without Wrapper. Always good alike. PRICES—1/6 TO 3/8 PER LB. SOLD BY: ABERDARE :-Evans, 10, Victoria-square; Harris, 12, Cardiff-street; Jones, 3, Victoria- square Phillips, 7, Victoria-square; Evans, Royal Stores, Gadlys-road; Phillips, 15, Canon-street; Watkins, 10, Cross-street; Hiley's Cash Stores, 22, Canon-street. TRECYNON :—Teague & Son, grocers; Smith, 70, Mill-street. ABERAMAN Maddy, grocer. For posters, handbills and cards in connec- tion with concerts and all kinds of meetings, go to the LEADER Office, Market-street, Aber- dare. PRELIMINARY ANNOUNCEMENT. MARKET HALL, ABERDARE. The SECOND EISTEDDFOD ANNUAL n (In connection with the ABERDARE MALE VOICE PARTY, will be held ON WHIT MONDAY, JUNE 12th, 1905. CHIEF -KDJUDICATOR Dr. CUTHBERT HARRIS, London. IN Music Male Voice Competition, "Hunter's Farewell" (Mendelssohn), prize 930. Choral Competition, "Magnify, Glorify" (C. F. Root), prize 925. Juvenile Choirs, "I sing because I love to sing," prize £10. Also Instrumental and Vocal Solos, and Recitation. Secretary, -JAMES HUGHES, 4, Graig Street, Aberdare. See our New Seasons Show of Lamps Latest Patterns, at Prices to suit all Pockets. CHARLES REED, Ironmonger, Aberdare. School of Music, Monk Street, Aberdare. TOM JONES, L.R.A.M., A.R.C.O., Professor of Music. Mountain Ash visited weekly. PUPILS PREPARED in Pianoforte and Organ playing, Singing, Harmony, Counterpoint, and form for the practical and theoretical examinations of the Royal Academy of Music, Royal College, Trinity College, and London College of Music. Pianofortes and Organs of all the best makers at the lowest possible prices for Cash, or hire system. LENDON BERRY & Co., Clobe Studio, Aberdare, FOR ARTISTIC PORTRAITURE IN ALL STYLES. Photo Christmas Cards a Speciality From 3/- per doz. M Order early to ensure delivery. PRINTING! Every kind of Printing now executed at the "Leader" Office, Market Street, Aberdare. Quality, j Promptitude Guapanteed. and Cheapness Note the address— "Leader" Office, Market Street.

Letters to the Editor. LETTERS on any subject of public interest are invited. It should be understood that we do not necessarily agree with the views expressed therein. Correspondents will oblige by writing on one side of the paper, and must invariably enclose their names and addresses, not necessarily for publication, but as a guarantee of good faith.

ARE WE GETTING SADDER? SIR,-The sadness of life is being dis- cussed in quite a merry mood. Individual" has become lyrical in his joy and his song rises and swells in a crescendo of jubilee. I described him as standing on the Bridge of Hope. But now I behold him dancing the jolliest of jigs around a bonfire on the mountain-top of glorious achievements. I hope to join him before long, but there is a good deal still to be done. Our desires are the same but we are divided about the reality of certain facts. We must not be led astray by such alluring similes as that of the ebb and flow of tides or we may find ourselves left for ever in the" shallows and miseries" of life. And because good often comes out of evil there is no reason why we should rest content. If men lazily think that a re-action will only be temporary it may become per- manent. The -1 survival of the fittest" is by continual struggle. Let us yield to idle optimism and we shall see in Tennyson's phrase Reversion ever dragging evolution in the mud." To discuss nothing but literature would, I admit, be to give an incomplete idea of modern sadness, and would became monotonous and wearisome. So I will only notice two or three points and leave that question. -1 Individual" asserts that fiction has greatly improved since the days when Browning in the passage I quoted so indignantly stigmatized French novels. To that sanguine statement I am sorry to reply that since the time of Browning, English novelists have been very much Frenchified. But I think we see now the beginning of a revolt, which I hope may develop into a revolution so that before long the Bastille of Realism will be pulled down, and imprisoned fiction set free. As regards Tolstoi I am one with "Individual" in admiration and reverence for that god- like hero. The appearance of such a man in such a country as Russia, deepens my faith in the great destiny of the human race. Though Tolstoi has adopted realism he is not a decadent-a realist who Wallows in the mire. Still it is true of Tolstoi that as he strides along-a giant among men-he picks up some mud from time to time and places it under his microscope. Even a Tolstoi cannot deal often with moral uncleanness without being in danger of causing some defilement. Being a preacher makes him grim and severe and tends to silence the artist in his nature. The artist is greater than the preacher, for beauty elevates, but the con- templation of foulness and deformity must most surely degrade. Give the mind foul images to gaze upon and foul it will become. Vice is a monster of so frightful mien That to be hated needs but to be seen, But seen too oft, familiar with her face, We first endure, then pity, then embrace." But enough of realism for the present. The atmosphere is tainted and I must have a change of air. And there are other monsters besides the wild beast of realism for knights errant to fight and destroy. Most heartily I agree with my friend Individual in saying there is no reason for despair. There are mighty elements in the world making for the victory of happi- ness and the perfection of man. Perhaps some day in the bright future "Individual" and "Knight Errant" may ride side by side under Humanity's Arch of Triumph and rejoice together in the Temple of Truth.—Yours faithfully, KNIGHT ERRANT.

IS IT THE HOLY SPIRIT? DBAR SIR,-Seeing your concise though rather cold leader in last week's paper, I with many others would be indebted to you if you would spare a little space that some exact information may be ascertained if possible. Order is the first law of Heaven "is aptly quoted by you. I have attended several meetings, and only one suggested any submitting to the inspired writer's instructions, Do all things de- cently and in order." Perhaps such im- portant subjects demand exact quotations, so I would use the words of a man under the direct influence of the Spirit, and under personal orders from the Lord himself, Let all things be done unto edifying Let the prophets speak, two or three and let the other judge. If anything be re- vealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. For ye may all pro- phecy one by one, and all may be com- forted, and the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all churches of the saints." (1 Cor. xxv. 26 to 33.) Will the present wave, be it what it may, have as a result such an effect that it will be true of the majority of those of us who have openly confessed our allegiance to the Christ of God that by one Spirit are we all baptised into one body, Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the word of peace ? The sword of the Spirit is the word of God and yet strange to say this weapon was not thejweapon used to overcome the enemy, and seemed to be left quite in the back-ground. I may have got a wrong im- pression, but at least I am seriously in ear- nest in my queries. I have been, I have seen. and now I turn to Search the Scriptures," and may we all, like those of old, become More noble in that they searched the Scriptures daily." When men cry Men and brethren what shall we do?" (may many sincerely cry), may our searching lead to answers with the Spirit's council as at Pentecost "Repent and b. baptised every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and he shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (Spirit) for the promise is unto you and your children and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." Desiring intensely that the Saviour's prayer (John xvii 20-21) :may be answered, and that the opening title be answered in the affirmative,—I am, el Cwmaman. J. HARRHY EVANS.

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I Aberdare Police Court. On Tuesday, before Sir T. Marchant Wil- liams (Stipendiary), Messrs. D. P. Davies, D. W Jones, G. George, and Dr Davies. DESERTER.—John Lewis was charged with deserting the Royal Field Artillery.— Remanded to await an escort. OBSTRUCTION.—Thomas Rawlings, brake- driver, was charged at the instance of P.C. Greening with obstructing the highway.— Fined 15s and costs. DEEDS OF DARKNESS.—William Griffiths, Cwmaman, was charged with putting out the lights in the streets in Cwmaman.—Mr W. D. Phillips prosecuted on behalf of the District Council.-P.C. Owen gave evidence. —The Stipendiary said that it was a bad offence, and the boy was fined 20s and costs. REVIVAL OR REFORM ?—Thomas Jones, 56, George street, Aberaman, was charged with being in arrears in the maintenance of his wife, to the tune of £ 72.—Alderman Evans, on behalf of the woman, explained that she did not wish to press the case, be- cause her husband had attended the revival meetings and had been reformed.—The Stipendiary: If he pays X72 I shall believe in his reform, and no sooner.—The summons was withdrawn on the strength of the pro- mise to reform. DAMAGING THH WOODs.-Margaret Davies and Jane Thomas were charged with doing damage to the property of Lord Aberdare. E. Common, gamekeeper, gave evidence for the prosecution.—Fined 5s (including costs). A MIDNIGHT AFFRAY.—David Harris was charged with assaulting William Davies, Trecynon.—Complainant said that some dispute arose between defendant and him regarding some debt, when defendant rushed at him like a madman and knocked him down.—Alderman Evans, for the defence Were you sober at the time ?—Complainant: Well I was not drunk. I had had a few glasses of beer.—Complainant admitted that be might have struck defendant on the shoulder with his stick. He went there at a late hour—11.30—but he had asked repeatedly for some money due and they had not brought them.—The Stipendiary said that he believed that complainant was in the wrong. He was not justified in going to defendant's house at the dead of night.— The case was dismissed, complainant to pay the costs. DRUNKS.—James Ridley, Charles Samuel, and Rees Williams, 10s and costs each. John Haddock 5s and costs. NON-ATTENDANCE.-The following were fined for not sending their children to school:—Walter Price, Thomas Powell, George Morris Edward Sweet, Hannah Elias, James Edevane, Benjamin Lloyd, John Morgan, Thomas Howells, and Thomas Rees.—The child of George Burge, Aberaman, was sent to the reformatory, the father to pay 3s 6d a week. DOMESTIC DESERTER GETS THREE MONTHS. —Daniel Collins was charged with abscond- ing and leaving his wife and five children, who had become chargeable to the Merthyr Union.—Mr Richards, warrant officer, said that the cost of their maintenance at the Union was X19.-Defendant said he had been driven from home, and asked to be allowed to make a statement. He then pro- ceeded to give copious extracts from his diary, when the Stipendiary interrupted him and asked him to summarise it. He then said that his wife had neglected the pantry and the beds. He complained to Inspector Rogers, who examined the beds and pro- nounced them to be in a very unsatisfactory condition. His wife had ascribed it to the dampness of the house, but that could not be, as it was a Council house. Defendant was driven from the street like a hound by his wife and some female neighbours. Defendant then proceeded to say that his extempore speech contained no acrimony, but the Stipendiary cut him short, saying, There is nothing in it. Three months."