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Joint Conference of Educationists…
Joint Conference of Edu- cationists and Teachers. THE SCHOOL CITY SYSTEM DISCUSSED. On Monday, at Ynyslwyd School, a joint conference of teachers and members of the Aberdare Education Committee was held in connection with the newly-formed Education Society. The following mem- bers of the Education Committee were present: Mrs. Richards, Rev. J. M. Jones, Messrs. T. Walter Williams, R, L. Berry, and John Davies, Mr. J. Morris, Clerk to the Education Committee, and Mr. T. D. Jones, assistant clerk. Mr T Waiter Williams having been voted to the chair, the following were elected officers of the new society:-Secre- tary and librarian, Mr. W. (iriffitlu, Liwydcoed; treasurer, Mr. J. Williams, National School; president, 14eY- Jones; vice-president, Mr J. Gufeth., Park School. The following teachers were elected on the executive of the society- Miss George, Higher Grade; Miss Hastie, Blaengwawr; Messrs. Ben Davies, Higher Grade; V.7. W. Price, Park; and George Jenkins, The Chairman then called upon. Mr. John Davies t.) speak on THE SCHOOL CITY SYSTEM. Mr. Davies observed that when the question of corporal punishment was dis- cussed some time agj he thought that it would be well to have some alternative for corporal punishment. He noticed in walking the streets that children were verv prone to imitate their teachers. Children when playing "school in groups were in the habit of crying out at the top of their voices. If in this mat- ter the children imitated their teachers, it was an indication that the discipline methods of the schools were not satisfac- tory Discipline in its various aspects made the child either a good or a bad child. He did not believe in doing away altogether with corporal punishment, but he thought it could be greatly modified. In certain schools he noticed that one cr two children were sometimes put to watch the whole class while the teacher was absent. He noticed that the chief duty of the one on vigil was to find fault with the pupils. He thought that those defects could be remedied through the teachers being more vigilant. With re- gard to the loud speaking in schools he had noticed that the chief sinners were the female teachers. (Cries of "Shame.") At this point the chairman called Mr. Davies to order, explaining to him that he understood that he was going to speak on the City School System. Mr. Davies held that the remarks he made formed the introduction to an ad- dress on the City School System. He claimed that in introducing that system corporal punishment would be greatly done away with. Mr. Moseley, in his in- troduction to the report of schools in America, paid a very high tribute to the efficiency of the City School System in that country. Mr. Armstrong stated that children in America were being taught as young Republicans should. National as- pirations were infused into them. Prof. Rhys, of Oxford, saM that the American child was very fond of going to school, because he was there treated more as an adult than the child in this country was. Besides, the gulf between the teacher and the pupil was narrower there than here. In some schools the children elected leaders and governors to rule themselves from among themselves. Mr. Davies favoured giving a trial to the scheme in this country. He believed that in the Higher Standards especially the scheme would be found workable. Mr. W. Griffiths, Liwydcoed, said that he would have liked to have heard the personal opinion of Mr. Davies regarding the introduction of the School City Sys- tem into our schools. He (Mr. Griffiths) held that the system was not at the present juncture applicable to our schools. Nations varied in their forms of educa- tion, as they did in their forms of govern- ment. Again, the education of the American child was aided materially by the co-operation of the parentsl. He knew for a fact that parents in Aberdare en- couraged the children in an attitude of d2fiance towards the teachers. And this matter of degrading the teacher in the epinion of his scholars had of late re- ceived strong support when members of the Education Committee condescended to listen to every little tale carried to them by indignant parents. The welfare of the child demanded a unity of purpose and co-operation from all the agencies that had to do with the education of the child. The home life and the schcol life should each supplement the other. He understood that the School City System required the forms, titles, and methods of procedure of the municipal govern- ment of the locality in which the school was situated. And if the schools in Aber- dare adopted the local Council as a model for its charter he would predict a com- plete failure for it. (Hear, hear.) Coun- cil morals were at so low an ebb in their midst that it was no honour to elect chil- dren to bear the titles. Again, in a country constituted of various nationali- ties like America was, it was more neces- sary to emphasise the duties of patriotism and citizenship than in this country. The conditions under which teachers laboured in this country were obstacles to the in- troduction of the School City System. There was no pupil teacher system i; America. The school buildings where this system was in vogue, were ideal buildings, and the teachers were the best available. Such schools might be termed the Shop Window Schools of American Primary Education Educa- tion Authorities paid great attention to various methods and problems of educa- tion. He would like to see committees, and especially their own, attaching greater importance to the selection of teachers, and not thrust them upon the schools whether fitted or not. It was not neces- sary to adopt the School City System as a means of discipline in the schools. A great deal was said about the new spirit of discipline in American Schools. Our Transatlantic friends enjoyed freedom from codes and traditions of officialdom which had but recently been accorded to teachers in this country. Mr. Griffiths concluded with a citation from Prof. Armstrong, who said that the American system was one which imposed a fearful strain upon the teachers. Mr. J. Williams, National Schools, gave it as his opinion that the adoption of the School City System was Utterly Impracticable in this country. He could not see his way clear to carry it out in any school. Per- haps some of the younger generation of teachers, who were cleverer than he, could do something of it. (Cries of "No, no.") Perhaps it might be made in secondary school and Higher Standard Schools. Ideals of the Home not the City. I Miss Hastie, Blaengwawr School, main- tained that our conceptions of school methods were more advanced than those of the Americans. It was the ideals of the home that should prevail in the schools and not the ideals of a city. She would rather be a mother in her home than be Lord Chief Justice of England. (Laughter.) Councillor R. L. Berry said that he had read a book which explained the sys- tem, and he had come to the conclusion that it was somewhat idealistic. How- ever, he wa.s convinced that such a scheme would be absolutely impracticable with- out the whole-hearted co-operation of all the children of the district. He believed in discipline without corporal punish- J ment if that were practicable. He be- lieved that distinction should be made in the treatment of children who were physi- cally blind, mentally blind, and wilfully blind. Mr. D. J. Hughes Jones said that he had written to Mr. Coward, a member of the Mosely Education Commission, con- cerning the School City System. The following was an extract from his reply: "During my visit to the States as a member of tne Mosely Education Com- mission in 1903,1 spent a morning in an elementary school at Chicago where the system had been in use for about seven years. The head master was an enthu- siast, and certainly believed in the method he had adopted. The various classes each year elected officers called 'Tribunes,' and these settled all disputes, regulated punishments, etc., both in the school-room and the playground. Even little children of seven or eight years of age chose these officers, who were decor- ated with ornamental badges, which they wore as a sign of their office. There was, however, noth'ng remarkable about the discipline oi this school; in fact, in my opinion it was not so good as in many other schools in the same city where the system was not used. Pressed with ques- tions, the head master confessed that diffi- culties did sometimes arise with parents who objected to their children being ruled by other children instead of by the teach- ers. It is significant that although this enthusiastic head master had worked the system in his school for seven years, only one other school in Chicago had adopted it, and that was a high school, where the children's ages were from 14 to 18. The Superintendent who accompanied one to the school stated that personally he did not much favour the system though the authorities would not interfere with an enthusiastic teacher who was desirous of trying it. Personally, I have come to the conclusion that the system of the School City is unsuited for the young children who attend our elementary schools, though, perhaps, in a secondary school, where the children are old enough to understand, and to be entrusted with the responsibilities of self-government, an enthusiastic teacher may, perhaps, work it with success." Pamphleteering the Parents. Mrs. Jenkins, Cwmdare Schools, ob- served that what they wanted was the co-operation of the parents. If they as teachers could have the sympathy of the parents and the whole of the Education Committee the difficulties would be re- moved. The parents should lay a greater stress on (1) the regular attendance of the children; (2) punctuality; (3) obedience to and respect for the teachers. As an anti-thesis to the School City System she would suggest that they issue pamphlets pointing out these items to the parents. Mr. T. Walker remarked that he had written to the President of a School Board in Pennsylvania concerning the system, and his reply was anything but favour- able to it. Mr. Davies had referred to the practice of shouting on the part of the teachers. He believed that the structure of some of the schools and the presence of three or four classes in the same room made that absolutely necessary in some cases Mr. Notton Makes a Confession. Mr W. Notton proposed that the matter be adjourned, not sine die, but say for five years. In the meantime, let the Edu- cation Authorities betake themselves to the reduction of large classes. Regarding eorporal punishment, he would like to introduce it into Sunday Schools in order to see the practical effects of it there. Corporal punisnment could be abolished without any city system if they had the co-operation of the parents. He had had some experience with irate mothers in Abernant. Two women from Long-row had assailed him because he had chas- tised their children, and he had to threaten to thrash the mothers before he could get rid of them. He demanded an apology from those mothers before he would take back their children to school, although he knew that in doing that he was violating the rules of the Education Authority. He never had any trouble with the mothers after that. People should pay to the tutors of their children equal respect to that which they paid to a surveyor who inspected their build- ings. A vote of thanks to the chairman, and a few words in response by Mr. Williams, closed the meeting.
-------_ Merthyr Mayor and…
Merthyr Mayor and Council at Chapel. On Sunday morning Alderman Enoch Morrell (Mayor of Merthyr), the aldermen and councillors attended divine service at Mount Zion English Congregational Chapel, Troedyrhiw, this being the first Mayoral Sunday observed in the newly- created municipal borough. A procession was formed in a large open space opposite the GlantaffHotel, those taking part being a posse of police under the command of Superintendent Geo. Townsend, a detach- ment of local Volunteers, the Mayor and Corporation, prominent residents, inclu- ding Mr W. Phillips (postmaster of Merthyr), Mr Gomer Thomas (president of the Merthyr Chamber of Trade), Mr Purchase (station-master Merthyr), Colonel D. Rees Lewis. V.D., &e. The route taken was through Glantaff-Road, Bridge-Street, and Cardiff-road, to the chapel, where the police and Volunteers stood at attention while the Mayor and Corporation filed into the sacred edifice. An appropriate sermon was delivered by the Rev. Daniel Williams, M.A pastor.
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Mountain Ash Education .Committee.
Mountain Ash Education Committee. On Tuesday, Mr. J. Powell in the chair. The other members present were: Mrs. Owen Jones, Messrs. E. T. Williams, J. P. Davies, W. Davies, R. Parsons, Hugh Price, W. Fenwick. J. Charles, E. V. Tidman, W. Griffiths, W. Millar, D. Rogers, and Dr. R. D. Morgan, with Mr. Alfred Morgan (director of education), Mr. H. P. Linton (clerk), and Mr F. Stock (assistant clerk).
COMPLAINT.
COMPLAINT. H.M. Inspector wrote with reference to Penrhiwceiber Girls' School. Tlle, pre- mises, he stated, had been greatly im- proved, but there were some further im- provements necessary. A letter was also read from Miss White, headmistress, who complained that several things wanted seeing to. The sky-liglits were leaking, and these were supposed to have been placed in order last month. There were two leeks out of order, and the cloak-room was damp and unfit to place clothes therein. Mr. E. T. Williams observed that he was under the, impression that such a complaint was to be sent to the manager and not to the director. The Chairman replied that there was no resolution to that effect. Mr. E. T. Williams: I had a letter fiom this young lady telling me that there were certain things which required to be done. She asked me to come up, and replied that I would go as soon as I got better. Unfortunately I have not been able to go, and it is at a considerable sacrifice to myself that I am here to-day. To me, at any rate, that letter appears rather impertinent, especiallv when it i:- considered that I have spent so much of my time in connection with this. I think that that letter ought to have been sent to me. The Director said he was sorry if he had in any way omitted to comply with the wishes of the committee. He understood if these things were not aft ended to when the head-teache'r sent to the man- agers, that the director was to be written to. The Chairman said that the best plan would be to write in the first place to the director, so that he might keep a re- cord of work executed at the schools. He moved that the matter be referred to the Penrhiwceiber Schools managers, who should prepare a full report to the com- mittee of what was required to be done. Rev. E. V. Tidman secoHded. Mr. D. Rogers suggested that the Mis- kin Ward members be added, and this was accepted.
TEACHERS' EXTRANEOUS DUTIES.
TEACHERS' EXTRANEOUS DUTIES. A circular from the Board of Education relating to extraneous work required of teachers, was read by the director. The communication pointed out that it was not uncommon to place a provision when appointing a teacher that he or she must be able to play the organ at church, or to teach a Sunday School class. (Laughter.) This, the circular pointed out, was ille- gal. (Hear, hear.) Chairman: I see you fully approve of this letter. We had better "ask them to write again. Mr. D. Rogers: The general election is nigh—that accounts for it. (Laughter.) R-ev. E. V. Tidman They are now re- ferring to evils pointed out to them years ago.
NEW CARNETOWN SCHOOL.
NEW CARNETOWN SCHOOL. The Board of Education had sent a com- munication with regard to the site for the new Carnetown Mixed School. They oonsidered the site too large in proportion to the school which it was proposed to erect. The Director said he had replied stat- ing that experience had taught them that in providing school building's in rapidly increasing communities it was de- sirable to obtain more land than was necessary for immediate requirements. Mr. D. Rogers' moved that the action of the Director be confirmed. Chairman I am glad to see that you, Mr. Rogers, are in favour of purchasing this land. (Laughter.) Mr. E. T. Williams: But that is land for the living, not for the dead. (Re- newed laughter.)
ROMAN CATHOLIC SCHOOL.
ROMAN CATHOLIC SCHOOL. Education Board's Reply. "Bound to Make Provision." The next communication from the Board of Education had reference to the Roman Catholic School. It was a reply to letters sent by the committee a fortnight ago. It stated that with regard to the list of R.C. requisites, the Board held that in that case, the provision of furniture, etc., when necessary from time to time, were part of the maintenance of the school, and the local Education Authority were bound to make provision for same. That furniture, or appartus" would then, of course, become the property of the Authority. This principle would not be affected in any way by transferring the children from the old school to the new. If new furniture was required, it was the Boards opinion that it should be pro- vided by the Local Education Authority. With regard to dual desks, the Board wished to refer the committee to the re- commendation of the Inspector. In refer- ence to the question of maintenance since the 31st of May, the Board hoped that the R.C. managers would comply with the formalities which the committee con- sidered necessary, but at the same time they trusted that they would settle their claim at an early date. The Board were communicating w'ith the R.C. School Cor- Tesponden-t with regard to managers' meetings. Mr. E. T. Williams moved, and Mr. W. Davies seconded, that the letter be le- j ierced to committee. This was adopted and the committee were asked to meet next Tuesday morn- ing. The Director then reported that he had drawn up a modified requisition list, after seeing Miss Reardon, the head- teacher at the school. He had been through it, and having made certain re- ductions in the quantities he thought the total would cost about £ 35. Mr. J. Charles: I propose that thi' matter be considered by the same com- mittee, with power to deal with it. This was agreed to.
MR. TIDMAN58 RESOLVE.
MR. TIDMAN58 RESOLVE. Rev. E. V. Tidman proposed that the Director report as to the finances relat- ing to the R.C. School. He wished to know how much money had been received in the form of grants towards that school, what had been paid, and what was in hand. "I, for one," added Mr. Tidman, "whether you share my views or no, will not be a party to allowing money to go out of public funds for maintaining the R.C. School." Mr. E. T. Williams seconded, and re- marked that he believed Mr. Tidman was expressing the opinion of the members present. The motion was carried, Mr. Fenwick's suggestion that a copy be sent to every members being agreed to. The Chairman observed that last week the head teacher had called upon him, and had stated that then was no coal in the school. He had taken upon himself to order a load of coal, and he wished to have the instruction of the committee as to how to act in future. Rev. E. V. Tidman moved that coal be supplied. This was carried.
THE CATHOLIC LEVY.
THE CATHOLIC LEVY. Rev. E. V. Tidman pointed out to the Chairman that his remarks regarding the amount deducted from the earnings of R.C. workmen at the local collieries had been criticised by isome of the workmen in the press. He would like to know whether the amount was as stated by the Chairman. The Chairman said he had intended to refer to it. The statement was right in every particular with the exception of one thing. He had spoken of fortnightly deductions of 6d. per man and a further poundage of ljd. This was made fort- nightly, but what lie had intended to say was that that amounted to between £ 30 and = £ 40 per month instead of per fortnight. He had no wish to discuss their private business only so far as theii business was thrust upon the committee. He wanted to show that the persecution complained of did not exist, and that the Roman Catholic authorities had means at their disposal whereby they could pre- vent the children to suffer in any way. Mr. D. Rogers thought that the chair- man said "monthly." Chairman: It is quite possible that I made a mistake and said fortnightly. I believe the reporters are correct, for both the "Leader" and "Express" have it the same. ARE THERE ENDOWMENTS? Mr. Hugh Price asked whether there were any trustees to that school, and whether there were any endowments or funds which the school benefited by. He moved that the Clerk make enquiries in that direction. Mr. D. Rogers seconded, and the motion was agreed to. CHEQUE RETURNED. The Director stated that the cheque sent to Miss Reardon for payment of teachers and herself had been returned to him. She had also written a letter pointing out that the amount due was < £ 30 6s. 8d. and not Y,24 3s. 4d. If, however, the com- mittee wished them to accept that sum ) on account pending a final settlement, she had no objectuion in accepting it. Other- wise there was no alternative but to re- turn it. Mr. D. Rogers moved, and Mr. W. Davies seconded, that the cheque be can- celled. This was adopted, and the same committee was asked to deal with this matter also. EMPIRE DAY. Rev. E. V. Tidman had a motion on the agenda "To rescind a resolution favouring the establishment of Empire Day through- out the United Kingdom." Mr. Tidman withdrew the motion on the understand- ing that the Day should not take the form suggested in the circular they had re- ceived, but that they should adopt their own form. Mr. E: T. Williams said he agreed to observe a general holiday. Mr. Rogers: There is no necessity of observing it. It is all nonsense in my opinion. Rev. E. V. Tidman: We can consider that again. TEACHERS WHO "BEHAVE BADLY." Mr. Lin,ton had been asked to report on the legal position of the committee to- wards applicants for the post of teachers, who after being appointed did not accept the post. Mr. Linton was of opinion the only damages that could be recovered would be the difference between the salary pro- posed to be paid to such teacher and the salary that would be paid to one whom the committee had had to appoint in his t place. For instance, if he had appointed a clerk in his office, and that clerk had afterwards declined the appointment, lie (Mr. Linton) would consider that the clerk had behaved badly, but he would say nothing more about it. Mr. W. Griffiths agreed with Mr. Lin- ton, and added that the cost of recovering damages would probably exceed the amount of damages received. Mr. J. Charles: I suppose we must grin and bear it, then. Mr. E. T. Williams observed that he was glad to see two lawyers of the same opinion, for once. (Laughter.) The Chairman remarked that it was not the intention of the committee to take steps; they simply wanted to know their legal liosition. Mr. Hugh Price said some teachers were applying for five or six places at the same time. If one was appointed by two authorities, that particular teacher was bound, to disappoint one committee. RESIGNATIONS AND APPOINT- MENTS. The following resignations were ac- cepted Miss M. E. Salt (Miskin Mixed); Mr. R. E. Thomas, Penrhiwceiber (Duf- fryn Boys' School); Lizzie Anne Edwards, Ynysybwl. It was decided to defer appointments till after the King's Scholarship Examin- ation. Mr. Dowling (Newtown) was appointed headmaster of the new Pengeulan School, and Mr. Evans (Ynysybwl) was appointed head master of the new Abertaf School. The Director was- instructed to invite certificated teachers who had been six years and upwards in the service of the committee, to apply for the vacancies caused by these appointments. The Chairman asked whether untrained as well as trained certificated teachers would be allowed to apply. Mr. Rogers contended that no distinc- tion should be made. They possessed the same qualifications, only the un- trained had obtained them through their own exertion—by burning the midnight oil. Mrs. Jones was favourable to confining applicants to trained certificated teach- ers. inasmuch as they had sacrificed a good deal in attending college for 2 years. It was finally decided to let the appoint- ment open for both trained and untrained. Canvassing, it was pointed out, would be deemed a disqualification. CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS. On the motion of Mrs. Jones, it was de- cided that the chools should break up for the Xmas holidays on Thursdav noon December 21st.
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A DISCLAIMER.
A DISCLAIMER. Sir,—I wish to state through your paper that I was not the Septimus Jones who was fined last week at the local police court.—Yours, etc., SEPTIMUS JONES. 4 Ynysmeurigrroad, Abercynon.
-EIGHT HUNDRED POUNDS PER…
-EIGHT HUNDRED POUNDS PER ACRE. Sir,—Kindly allow me a little space to reply to Mr. John Powell's letter of last week. It seems that the criticism of "A Ratepayer' has somewhat disturbed his mind. Seeing that this question is a matter of public interest, Mr. Powell could have employed' himself better in defending his action than in trying to mislead the public by suggesting that a ratepayer belongs to a class that is in receipt of what he terms "unearned incre- ment." Mr. Powell justifies his action on the ground that the matter was extremely urgent. Then why did he not move that the matter be referred to arbitration, and force his Lordship, if possible, to sell at a reasonable price, and thereby demon- strate the principle of Labour represen- tation? NOI, Mr. Powelil, "Ratepayer is not one of the middle class capitalists, but just a miner, and one who thinks for himself, and cannot be misled by fine- sounding phrases. What a generous offer Ir. Powell makes in proposing to give an explanation to the Electoral Council or Work Committee. Why does he not come before the ratepayers generally and give the promised explanation ? Mr. Powell says "The Lord save us from our sym- pathizers." "Ratepayer" says, "The Lord save us from Mr. John Powell." Mr. Powell complains of me abusing Labour representatives. I cheerfully ad- mit that, but I have not blamed or abused labour representation, because it would not be fair to blame or abuse the principle of labour representation because a few of its representatives are prepared to sink their principles in favour of capital. I am pleased that Mr. Powell admits that it is the rent-payers that are the real rate- pavers. That being so, why did he not raise his voice in protest against such an 11nijust iimposition instead of plunging them into a debt which will take some time to wipe out? Mr. Powell savs that he1 is pleased to know that this is not the attitude of all ratepayers. I am afraid he has made a "grave" mistake. I am sure the workers of this district will agree with me that every labour member on that Council should have raised his voice in protest against such a wholesale squandering of the rentpayers' money.—I am, etc., A RATEPAYER. Sir,—Please allow me a small space in your paper re the proposed new cemetery at Mountain Ash. I was very sorry to find two of our labour members, one pro- posing and the other seconding, to accept the price asked by Lord Aberdare. Think of it, paying = £ 800 per acre for land to bury our dead! It is ridiculous. As I am a supporter of the labour cause, I do not want to jump too hard on our labour members. But I do think that it is full time for them to wake up from their sleep. And I also think that it is the duty of labour members to save the rate- payers' money and not throw it away in this manner. Personally I quite agree with Mr. Rogers, the labour member for Ynysybwl, to have a central cemetery at Abercynon. -But there were two points to consider, firstly, that working men could not attend any funeral without losing a dav's work; and secondly that people would be put to considerable unnecessary expense. But whenever there is a ques- tion of very great importance at band ot the Council, it is the duty of the Council to call a ratepayers' meeting to consider what steps should be taken, and the rate- payers' decision should be final. I hope that the Labour members will see that this step will be taken in future. I was very pleased to find that Mr. R. Parsons, our "Local Will Crooks," was nearer the mark when he said that Y.400 was suffi- cient, and which price I consider very reasonable for it. The electors of Caegarw jnust con- gratulate themselves on having a man of the stamp of Mr. Parsons to voice their cause at the Council Chambers, and I urge upon the electors to bear this in mind at the next election. If we had the services of more men of his stamp we would. I am sure, be a, different township in a short time. With regard to Lord Aberdare, he is no longer entitled to represnt the people on the County Council. Fancy this man elected to serve the people, and making such a big hole in the public purse! I hope that the electors of Mountain Ash will keep this < £ 800 per acre in mind at the next election.—I am, etc., YOUNG REFORMERS
PIOUS INSANITY AT TRECYNON.
PIOUS INSANITY AT TRECYNON. Sir,—Allow me to refer to that exhibi- tion of frenzy which was witnessed at Ebenezer Chapel, Trecynon, last Wednes- day week, which performance passed under the, name of a revival meeting. Your report of the absurdities of the meet- ing is by no means complete. I write not to ridicule, but to protest against grotesque tomfoolery being enacted in the house of God, and in the name of re- ligion. First of all, your correspondent does not state that when Sergt. Hopkins ap- peared in the gallery to give aid to some poor woman who was battling with a vio- lent attack of hysteria, Evan Roberts jumped on the communion table and en- treated the officer and all others to leave her alone, as it was only the working of the spirit! Another woman was so violent as to be- come a menace to those around her as well as to herself. At the end of her demon- stration of frenzy she was found to be bleeding profusely. The spirit again, I suppose. A section of those present appeared to be utterly irresponsible for their actions and their words. When the Rev. Grawys Jones at the close announced two funerals, one of them being that of a highly-re- spected deacon of that church where the exhibition was held, a man in the gallery made jocular remark concerning the meetii^s which were to be held on that day, and there was loud laughter. In fact hysterical laughter was one of the chief features of the meeting. It was really nothing but an exhibition of pious frenzy. Had there been some extraor- dinary conversions to cause those present to forget themselves in their joy at the reclamation of sinners, the proceedings would have been more justifiable. But the demonstrators must have worked themselves into mad emotionalism with- out any cause at all. I do not know of any one who was spiritually better after that meeting, but I know of irumv I who were physically if not intellectually worse. T'hos.i who were ambulanced out of tha chapel in fits outnumbered those who were ushered into the chapel fold that evening. Visions are frequent at Trecynon now. A woman declares with all seriousness that she saw Christ riding on an ass be- tween the Mount Pleasant Hotel and the Park Schools. You are wrong, my dear woman, the order has been reversed. Once upon a time Christ rode upon an ass, now asses ride on Christ. I observed one minister leaving the meeting before the close. He appeared to 1 be disgusted with the rowdyism. But 1 Mr. Evan Roberts was in the seventh £ heaven of delight. He assured the con- t gregation that the Holy Spirit was work- i ing mightily there, while at a most de- votional but quiet meeting on the prev- ious night he declared with righteous J anger that there were evil spirits present. Well, if of such is the kingdom of heaven, I am compelled to sign myself UNREGENERATE. J
] MOUNTAIN ASH INSTITUTE.…
] MOUNTAIN ASH INSTITUTE. ¡ Mr. Schaff's "Clotted Bosh." Sir,-Long and arduous has been the soarch for a fit term to apply to Mr. Schaff's conglomeration of pious puerili- ties. But at last I discovered the term which heads this letter. Mr. Schaff un- doubtedly coasiders himself a logician. So he is—a first rate type of the Christian logician. I quite agree that I am ignor- ant of that 'logical sphere" which Mr. Schaff refers to. He is not logical, and I cannot be expected to find logic where it does not exist. Mr. Schaff does not reason; he asserts, and assertion is not reason. Nursery arguments are trotted out by Mr. Schaff again and again with a solemn profundity as if they were the oracles of omniscience. "God," says Mr. Schaff, "is "he author and finisher of metaphysics and sciences." This is how my intellectual opponent sets about doing me good "intellectually if not spiritu- ally." The Holy Bible has led us to be- lieve that man was created some six thou- sand years ago—created perfect, and fell. Darwin came along and told us the facts. The same "source of England's greatness" led us to believe that the world was flat, that the sun travelled round the earth, that diseases were caused by demons, etc. long came the scientists and told us the truth, showing that the good Bood con- tained false science. And now God's agent, Mr. Schaff, comes along and dis. honestly tries to claim the credit for his God. Mr. Schaff is very fond of repeat- ing that phrase: "We see before we have eyes, but once this is known we perceive that eyes must have pre-existed in order to enable us to see." By this Mr. Schaff seeks to prove that beciuse he believes in God, God must pre-exist in order to enable Mr. Schaff to believe in him. This is a good instance of Mr. Schaff's fondness for arguing in a circle. He proves the existence of God by his belief, and his belief by the existence of God. But faith in an object is no proof of the existence of that object. Have not mil- lions believed in the existence of witches, dragons, and ghosts, which are mere fig- ments of the brain? Mr. Schaff believes he will do me "in- tellectual good," but I do not believe it. Now his argument, "those who deny the existence of God must tacitly assume his existence in their arguments," is a mere literary sleight-of-hand, a juggling with words, which is not worthy of an honest disputant. He knows if he knows any- thing' that scientists theorise and assume the truth of their theories, in order to prove whether they are true or not. Mr. Schaff and all Christians say there is a God, and describe him as a loving, all- wise, all-powerful being. I deny the existence of such a being. I assume the existence of God in order to prove that such a being as they have described can- not exist. I say, "if there is a God of love, wisdom, and power, would the world be peopled with imbeciles, cripples, and diseased persons P" Would God, were he wise and loving, give sight to human beings and create a microbe who feeds upon the optic nerve, thus robbing a human being of sight to .satisfy the appe- tite of a microbe? This form of argu- ment is perfectly logical; we simply assume the existence of God, in order to show that his existence would contradict the known facts of life. "The simple mental acts depend upon the fact that a God exists, who has so constituted our minds that they give us the knowledge of things as they are." Thus argues Mr. Schaff. To think is one of the acts of the mind, and because I think that there is no God, this according to Mr. Schaff is a proof of his existence. Strange reasoning this. Now, if God has so constituted my mind that I can- not believe in his existence, will it not be grossly unjust for him to make me suffer for this hereafter? Mr. Schaff says that the assumption which underlies all processes of knowledge is that of a self- existent intelligence. Let us just analyse one of these processes of thought, and see whether Mr. Schaff is right or not. Let us take evolution as an example. According to evolution, man has been slowly evolved from the lower animals by the iron laws of "natural selection" and "the survival of the fittest." Those forms which failed to adapt themselves to their environments simply died off. The operations of this law can; be seen around us day by day. We can see the weak, the imbeciles, the unfit, being pushed to the wall, and the strong, the shrewd, the fit, survive and flourish. If "absolute intelligence" underlies all, were these miserable beings brought into exist- ence only to be crushed cruelly to their deaths ?T If "absolute intelligence" exists why did he not create all Tit' ? Mr. Schaff dishes up afresh the cid or. gument of spiritual discernment when he tells us in a long paragraph that "God cannot be known by the intellect alone." How then can he be known ? The heart must go with the intellect to make know- lege of divine things possible. That is, the reason canot recognise God unless a love of God exists in the heart. To quote Mr. Schaff's own words, "a power of re- cognising God is practically inseparable from a love for God. Now, Mr. Schaff did not put his argument so plainly before the readers as I am putting it now. By the use of mystical language he tried to dish and lead some of them to regard him as a very learned person. One said to me that "Mr. Schaff's letter was fine," but when I asked him if he understood the arguments, he admitted that he did not. I protest against this dishonest mis- use of language. Now Mr. Schaff says "that we must love God, whilst we are trying to recognise him by the aid of reason." Will lie explain how we can love God before we know whether he exists or not? Surely, knowledge of the existence of an object should precede a love for that object. A newborn child has to be trained to believe in God. Now the only way to train a child is by its intellect, "but "we cannot know God by the intellect alone." The child must love God before he can have any knowlege of "divine things." So says Mr. Schaff. But is it possible to love a thing that you don't recognise, or know anything of? It is possible to make a. chiM say it loves God. A parrot will say the same thing. But neither the child or the parrot love God. They sim- ply repeat what they have been taught to sav. It seems that it is not a faith in God's existence that Mr. Schaff possesses, it is "simply certitude." How did he gain this 'certitude of spiritual realities?' By "the testimonay of our rational natures and upon the testimony of God." Now, my nature—whether it be rational or otherwise, it is the only one I have—does not testify to the 'certitude of spiritual realities.' If God exists and he gave me this rational nature which testifies against him, how am I to be blamed? But there is the testimony of God still i left. But has God testified? He has not testified to me. Has he testified to you, Mr. Schaff? Probably Mr. Schaff would say, "No, but he did to people in hygone days, the prophets and apostles." Very i well then. Mr. Schaff is only in the second- I hand business after all, and I want new 1 goods. „ Mr. Schaff accuses me of ignoring half lis letter. Your readers will note that ie does not offer to reply to any of my irgnments. He calls me ignorant. The :actics of Christian defence are, "When ¡au cannot answer youl- adversary, call lim ignorant. When your own arguments ire weak say that he does not understand rou, and ignore all his arguments, and rou are bound to whack him—or disgust lim." Mr. Schaff says he "has given a fair and logilc-al demonstration of the existence of a supernatural being." Dear me, when and where Mr. Schaff? We liave been waiting patiently for that "fair ind logical demonstration." Kindly send it on to the "Leader" in your next letter. Mr. Schaff. We will be pleased to read it. If a "supernatural being" exists, is it not strange that he allows the demon- stration of his existence to depend upon such objects? And is it not a strange way to demonstrate the existence of a "supernatural being" by insinuating that all those who do not believe in him are reeking in "sensuality and sin." Let Mr. Schaff come to the point. He can do so by answering the following questions. Is there a God? What do you mean by the term God ? Have you ever felt, seen, or heard God, if not how do you know there is one? How do vou know what properties and attributes con- stitute God? I hope Mr. Schaff will not shirk the answering of these questions a he has shirked the answering of my argu- ments.—I am, etc., THOMAS BENNETT. 10, Harcourt-terrace, Penrhiwceiber,
Mountain Ash Police Count.
Mountain Ash Police Count. Wednesday.-Before Sir T. Marchant Williams (Stipendiary), Major Morgan, and Capt. F. N. Gray. Drunks.—David J. Morris, in Ynys- ?noe7,h> Ips- and costs; Michael Murphy, J.R«Sai"w TT' Mountai" Ash, 10s. and costs; Wm H. Bartlett, in Cardiff-road, Mountain Ash, 5s. and costs. "The Other Fellow. "-Richard Milig was summoned for being drunk in Pen- rhiwceiber-road. The constable said that he was shouting at the top of his voice—Defendant denied being drunk.— —Were you shouting ?-No. Somebody else was making the disturbance.—Who was it?—Thomas Davies. He was drunk, and I was taking him home.-Stipendi- ary: You must have made a mistake. You thought the other man was drunk; instead of that, you were.—Fined 10s. and costs. Married Woman's Lapse.—Sarah Mor- gan, a married woman, was charged with being drunk and disorderly in Victoria- street. Miskin.—The constable said he saw Mrs. Morgan on the 18th ult. in the midst of a large crowd. She was quarrel- ling with her husband.—Stipendiary (to Mrs. Morgan's husband): Where is your wife?—The child is ill, and she cannot come. Stipendiary: She will have to pay the ordinary fine of 10s. and costs. Forty Years' Record Broken.—Joseph Blacker, an elderly man, was found drunk in Cardiff-road by P.C. Clynch. Not only was he in a helpless state of intoxi- cation, but he was cursing and swearing, and committing a nuisance. He also refused his name and address.—Asked if he had anything to say, defendant said: I admit committing a nuisance.—Stipen- diary: But you were making a great noise?—No, I can't remember that. I have lived in Mountain Ash for over 40 years and never gave the police any trouble before.—Stipendiary: How old are you P-I am 63.-Well, you ought to know better. You must pay 10s. and' costs. Row Over a Half-Pint.—Philip Mears, Mountain Ash, was summoned by James Lewis for assault. "A fortnight last Saturday," said Lewis, "I was in the Allen's Arms. I had a half-pint on the counter. When I turned round to drink. defendant interfered and said it was his. I told him it was not. He then wanted to fight me. Rather than have a bother, I went to the back of the house out of his way. But he followed me and struck me in the eye."—There was a cross-summons, and Mears gave evidence in support of his theory. He contended that the half- pint was his. It was Lewis who had chal- lenged him to fight, and they went to the back- Lewis delivered the first blow.— Mears was fined 15s. and costs. The charge against Lewis was dismissed. A Dangerous Practice.—Thomas Eviiip- (14) was charged by P.S. David Davies with stealing coal, the property of the Penrhiwceiber Coal Co. The Sergeant said that on the 14th Nov. defendant was on the colliery incline. When a journey of trams passed up, defendant ran along side of it for 50 yards and pushed several lumps of coal. down from the trams. He afterwards placed the coal in a sack. When he saw witness he ran away, and left the sack behind. The coal was valued at 4d.-Defendant's mother said that the boy had been sent for some coke.-P.S. Davies added that it was a very dangerous practice to run alongside of a journey- Not very long ago a man was cut to pieces on that very spot.—Stipendiary: This is a very bad offence. You must pay 20s.— Defendant's mother: I don't know where you'll get it from.—Stipendiary: I don't care. It is a very bad offence.
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