The Aberdare Leader

The General Election. MR, KEIR HARDIE AT MERTHYR. The annual conference of the Merthyr Boroughs Labour Representation Com- mittee was held at Bentley's Hall, Mer- thyr, on Saturday evening, Mr. Illtyd Hopkins (Aberdare) presiding. There were over 200 delegates present. Mr. Morgan Thomas (Aberdare) moved, and Mr. C. B. Stanton, miners' agent, seconded the following resolution:- "That this meeting of delegates, re- presenting all sections, of the Trade Unionists, Co-operative, I.L.P., and general Labour Movement in the Mer- thyr Boroughs, heartily thanks Mr. Keir Hardie for his sea-vices in and out of Parliament on behalf of the work- ers, and cordially invites him to again become the Labour Candidate for the constituency." The Rev. G. Neighbour (Mountain Ash) supported the resolution, which was una- nimously adopted. The Chairman said he believed the feel- ing expressed at that meeting represented tpt the whole of the workers in the constituency, and he hoped that Mr. Hardie would be long spared to serve them in Parliament. Mr. Keir Hardie said his first word must be one of thanks for the remark- ably unanimous way in which they had carried the resolution. It was just five and a half years ago when they first adopted him as their candidate. At that time he was known to few of them per- sonally, and his reputation was that of a Pro-Boer—(laughter)—a Trade Union agitator, and a wild Socialist. (Laugh- ter.) But with all his faults thick upon him, they were good enough to invite him to become their candidate. During those five years the storms of calumny had raged more fiercely around their junior member than any other man in public life. He had not attempted to win popularity by pandering to their weak- nesses. He had always spoken out on what he believed to be the truth, and he intended to do so—(hear, hear)—and further, he had not endeavoured to win the favour of the comfortable and well- to-do classes. (Laughter.) It might be that in this respect he had gone to the opposite extreme, but he had always felt that he was safe so long as he was connected with the class to which he be- longed, and to make himself familiar with other classes of society was an ex- periment too risky. (Laughter.) He had not, he proceeded, retained their sup- port with money. A member of the House of Commons who was for three months a candidate foralerthyr told him when he was elected that he must spend at least JJ150 a year in gifts. His reply was that he could not, and would not if he could. (Hear, hear.) If seats could only be won and kept by a form of bribery, more demoralising than to buy votes by money or beer, 'he would prefer not to win or to keep one. (Cheers.) Pro- ceeding, he "said the future was going to be different from the past. There was a new Liberal Government coming- in, and great things were expected from them. If those expectations were real- ised, no one would be better pleased than himself, ;;¡.I no one would help more strenuously than he if reforms were go- ing' to be effected. But he. was not going to take anything on trust. He could not shut his eyes to the fact that there were 17 members of the House of Lords and 15 lawyers on the make—(laughter)—and it would require a good deal of effort to obtain genuine reforms. Mr. Frank Smith, who recently with- drew his proposal to contest Lambeth at the next e-lection, spoke, and also Mr. W. T. Hamson, Merthyr.

NOTICE. B. RUNGE, WATCH AND CLOCK MAKER, Has REMOVED from 1, Duke Street. to the corner of Cross Street and Wind Street. AH Orders executed as usual. A Post Card will have prompt attention HIS MAJESTY THE BABY Like a bad corn, is a bit of a troublesome time, but it's hard luck when that "some- time happens to come in the middle of the night. Youmustn'tblamethebaby—it's not his fault-the chances are ioo to i that he's in mortal agony through some bowel de- rangement, or the Feverishness of Teething, or it may be Wind, Gripes, or Convulsions, but, whatever it is, don't have another broken night's rest when a 1/1 t Bottle of 2 Joqes artd Sorts' RED DROPS will put the Baby's Bowels and Stomach in working order, and bring him back to his normal state. RED DROPS is a prepara- tion which can be given, according to directions to the youngest child, and many mothers keep it in the house in case of an emergency. Sold in bottles lilt and 2/9 from the following agents:— r, ABERDARE-MR HARRIS, CHEMIST. MR EMRYS EVANS CHEMIST, Hirwain—Mrs W. A. George, chemist. Aberaman-Mr Jones, chemist, Mountain Ash -Mr Williams, chemist. Penrhiwceiber-Mr A. M. Jones, chemist. Abercynon-Mr W. G. Williams, chemist. Cilfynydd-Mr Dance, chemist. Llwynypia Mr Richards, chemist. Pontypridd-From all chemists. Tonypandy—Mr Emrys Richards, chemist. „ Mr Davies, chemist. "Whelesale Agents London—Messrs San- ger and Co. Liverpool—Messrs Evans and Sons, Messrs Lescher and Webb. Or direct from the manufacturers on receipt of 15 stamps (1/3) post free. JONES & SONS, Chemists, Llaqidloes THEATRE ROYAL, Cardiff GREAT PANTOMIME PRODUCTION OF "Hobinsoij Crusoe." The following powerful combination of Pantomime Artistes will appear in this pro- duction :— Messrs. FRANK COUCH, CLIFFORD MOR- GAN, TOM OWEN, "LAROLA" and DOWNS and LANGFORD. Misses MAISIE ELLINGER, VERONICA BRADY, LILY BEVERLEY, BLANCH COURTENAY, FLORENCE OVERTON and CASSIE WALMER. The ALEXANDRA QUARTETTE fof Glee Singers. Supported by a full Pantomime Chorus, Every Evening at 7.30, and Wednesdays and Saturdays at 2, Prices: 4s, 3s, 2s, Is 6d, 1s & 6d. f. D. WILLIAMS, Accountant, Auditor, Valuer, and House Agent. LUATIONS MADE FOR PROBATE, MORTGAGE, &c. TRADESMEN'S BOOKS POSTED AND AUDITED. ALL KINDS OF INSURANCES ARRANGED. RENTS COLLECTED. Office: ——— 10, CANON STREET, ABERDARE. Furnish AT FREED'S the Old Firm, 2 & 3, Tower Buildings, Glyngwyn Street, Mountain Ash. For good, Substantial Furniture, cannot be beat. Terms arranged to suit customers' convenience, Large Discounts for Cash, ISsf* A HANDSOME PRESENT given with every Furnishing order. All goods delivered free. Train fares allowed to purchasers of 10s. and upwards. Note Address: 2 & 3, Tower Buildings, Glyngwyn St., Mountain Ash. PRINTING. PRINTING Every description of Prin- ting neatly and promptly executed at the "Leader" Office, Market St., Aberdare. Oxien for Indigestion. OXIEN is curing other people, why not you? A medicine that is guaranteed to be free. from poisons, and is doing others good, is just the thing for you, and as you may have a box for the asking it certainly ought to be worth the trial. OXIEN parities the blood, regulates the digestion, and feeds the nerve centres. OAJEN if a pure, natural remedy, made in tablet: form, that leaves lasting perman- ent effects. Try it for yourself—that is the best proof we can offer. 5, Pendarren Street, Aberdare. Gentlemen,—I have been troubled for years on a,ii(i off, with indigestion and a cramped feeling around the heart; I tried several medicines, but not to much purpose, until I tried OXIEN. Since that time I have not been trout-led with Indigestion or the cramped feeling as t efore. I think it my duty to make your Remedies known as much as possible, considering the amount of benefit I have received from them.—Yours truly, Thomas Jones. BOX FREE (Through your Chemist). Send us your name and address and we will give you an order on one of your local chemists for a box of the OXIEN Nerve Food. He will give you the medicine without any charge what- r^gad|l|^ so-ever, and you will be able to have the Treatment for nothing. If you wish ta buy the medicine, it can be secured of Boots Cash Chemists and other chern- ists, at 2s. and 4s. 6d. per box. For the free supply, address:—The Giant Oxie- Co., (Dept. 112 H.H.), 8, Bouverie Street, London, E.C. BUSINESS ADDRESSES. rjlYSON & JONES, BOOKBINDERS, MACHINE RULERS, AND ACCOUNT BOOK MANUFACTURERS, 17, SEYMOUR STREET, ABERDARE. Periodicals bound in latest styles at lowest prices. D. P HILLIPS, TAILOR AND DRAPER, 40, CANON ST., ABERDARE All Orders promptly attended to. Mournings a speciality. SAMUEL WILLIAMS, CARPENTER, BUILDER, AND Undertaker, 4, Elizabeth Street, Aberdare. Wall Papers, Paints, Oils, Varnishes, Rugs, Mats, Linoleums, &c., always in Stock. Best Quality at Lowest Prices. DANIEL JONES, Tailor, Draper & Ladies' Costumier, Begs to inform his numerous customers in Aberdare and district that he has re- moved to his New and more Com- modious Premises in 15, CARDIFF STREET (Corner Shop), ABERDARE, and while thanking them for their patron- age in the past, hopes to retain the same in the future by prompt attention to orders. FIT AND STYLE GUARANTEED. J. MAURICE, Pianoforte Tuner, and Repairer. American Organs & Harmoniums Tuned and Repaired. Lessons given in Pianoforte Playing and Singing. Solo Pianist and Accompanist for Concerts, Dances, &c. Humorous Sketch Artiste. MODERATE CHARGES AND SATISFACTION GUARANTEED. For Terms Apply—$ 471 Dean St., Aberdare. W. D. DANIEL & Co. 16, Belmont Terrace, Aberaman, Accountants, Debt and Rent Collectors, &c., Debts Bought or Collected on Commission. Prompt Settlements. W. D. DANIEL, Certificated Bailiff. Instructions for distraint for Rents, &o., PROPERLY ATTENDED TO. IF yon are troubled with CORNS, BUNIONS or INGROWING NAILS, call on D. JAMES, 68, Ynyslwyd Street, Aberdare. He has scores of testimonials from persons treated by him.

Among the Juniors. By "MUDDIED OAF." Association. Cwmaman have, after a series of struggles, succeeded in climbing to the top of the l,duer of the second division oi the South Wale's and Mon. League. i\ow that our premier club have gone down a bit, interest in Soccer has been on the waLle ill local circles, and local partisans look forward with no little in- terest to Cwmaman's doing. The team should, on present torin, easily win the League. They have players of singular worth, and we are proud of our little band of sterling Soccerites. The team had a vacant date on Saturday, and will entertain Pontypridd United next Satur- day in a League encounter. Appended is the league table showing the relative positions of the teams in the League up till this (Thursday) afternoon-.— P. W. L. D. F. A. Pts. Cwmaman 8 6 0 2 37 7 14 Cwmpark 9 5 1 3 32 13 13 Ton Pentre 6 6 0 0 34 7 12 Ynyshir Thistles 10 4 3 3 30 20 11 Pontypridd United 6 3 2 1 18 8 7 Merthyr Vale 5 1 4 0 10 16 2 Gilfacl*, Goeli 6 1 5 0 6 22 2 Williamstown 8 1 6 0 11 4G 2 Caerau 5 0 5 0 4 38 0 Cwmbach Lilywhites v. Great Western Rovers. Played at the Ynyscynon Grounds under the auspices of the Aber- dare and District Junior Association League, in unfavourable weather. The Rovers were minus several of their pro- minent players, and played Harry Wil- liams, of the local Thursdays, at outside right. Cwmbach were well represented, and Moss Price partnered Mog Davies at full back. Dan Jones, late of the Excel- siors, played in the forward line. From the very outset the game was in favour of the homesters, who soon settled down to some warm attacking, and the match was not many minutes old when George Davies, with a good shot, defeated the Shed's goal man. The Rovers made several raids on the Cwmbach strong- hold, but good forward rushes were broken up by Moss Price and M. J. Davies, the former playing in surprising form, considering his long absence from football owing to lan, injury. Some strenuous attacking and pretty dribbling on the, part of Dan Jones, W. R. Jones, and George Davies culminated in the latter adding Cwmbach's IsecondgOial. Both sides had great difficulty to gain a foothold, owing to the greasy state of the ground. Nothing was scored after the interval. Cwmbach played as one man, and the new players, Moss Price and Dan Jones, were a success. The Rovers, who were not well represented, had players of merit in their ranks, and had they com- bined a. little more and shown more ac- curacy in front of goal, the result might have been different. Harry Williams was very prominent in the forwards, whilst Will Thomas was the best of the half-backs. But on the whole, Cwmbach deserved their victory:- Final Score: Cwmbach Lilywhites 2 goals. Great Western Rovers Nil. jjavidstown Stars v. Treeynon Wind- sors.—Played on Saturday at the Park. A stubbornly contested game in which both sides showed good defensive work, culminating- in a win for the Stars. The scorer was Dan. Jones. Final Score: Davidstown Stars 1 goal. Treeynon Windsors Nil. The Schoolboys" Marches were post- poned on Saturday last owing to the unfavourable weather. For the same reason Rugby as well as Association League Matches were also postponed. The Cup Match at the Ynys was a great attraction. ABERDARE AND DISTRICT JUNIOR ASSOCIATION LEAGUE. The fortnightly meeting of the above League was held at the Castle Hotel on Wednesday last. Re the Cefnpennar v. Gadlys Rovers protest, in which Cefn- pennar protested against the referee's de- cision with reference to an offside goal, the committee resolved to accept Mr. Pickford's decision. Consequently, Cefn- pennar lose their two points, the match being awarded to Gadlys. Rugby. Mountain Ash Stars v. Mountain Ash Reserves.—Played at the Mountain Ash Athletic Grounds o;n Monday last before a good attendance. Great interest was centred in the meeting between these teams, inasmuch as the Reserves, who are, by the way, the "Glamorgan Times" prospective League Champions, have not been beaten on their own ground, whilst the Mountain Ash Stars have also an un- tarnished record. The Stars were a few men short of their regular players, whilst the Reserves turned out a full team. J. Jasper acted as referee, The play was of a give and take order, both sides playing a very hard game in the first half. The Reserves had very hard lines in not scoring on a few occa- sions. After lemons the Stars bucked up a little, and mø,.de it very warm for the Reserves. The game, at this junc- ture, was very fast, both sides showing very fine speed on several occasions. Great credit is due to the Stars pack for the manner in which they held their heavier opponents in the scrums. The game was then uninteresting, and both sides had hard lines in not scoring, and a draw about represents the trend of the game. For the Stars, E. Eyles, F. Taylor, G. Davies, and C. West, of the three-quar- ters, played a safe game all through. Anderson at half-back played decently, but if he would part with the ball often- er it would better his side materially. The forwards all played a good game, and with a little training, they would beat any pack in the League. Of the Reserves. England, Thomas, and Rogers of the backs were the pick. It seems there were a few passengers in their forwards. Now then, Reserves, buck up, if you want to make a bid for the cup this season. The Stars play Cefnnennar next Monday, January 15th, and the game should attract a large num- ber of spectators. Final Score: Mountain Ash Stars Nil. I Mountain Ash Reserves. Nil.

FOOTBALL NOTES. BY SPECTATOR. Association. Aberdare Thursdays v. Pupil Teachers. —Played at the New Athletic Grounds before a. smali crowd. Owing to the fixture being hurriedly arranged, the Thursdays ware unable to raise their full team, whereas the Pedagogues had out a powerful eleven. Referee, Mr. Ivor Davies. rr In the first half matters were fairly even, Willie Harris scoring for the Teachers and Tom Price equalising for the Thursdays. Had the referee fol- lowed the game a little more closely he would never have allowed the teachers their first point, which was certainly off- side. In the second half, however, the Thursdays were all over a beaten team, three further goals being added against them. Aberdare P.T.'s 4 goals. Aberdare 1 goal. On the day's form the Teachers were far and away the best team, and if any- thing deserved a few more goals. The display of the Thursdays- was ragged in the extreme, the only player in the side who did anything being Harry Williams, but was poorly assisted by his wing men. Alf. Pleace, a. rising young Rugger full-back, turned out for the Thursdays, and played in champion form, his long kicking being a feature of the game. Tom Thomas was not up to his usual standard, while the halves never properly held the opposing five in check. The teachers backs kicked w.ith judgment, their left half being in brilliant form. Willie Harris at centre forward played a dashing ame. The teachers won, and won handsomely, but they need not 'crow, as it is certain they would not stand much chance against the full strength of the Thursdays.

s"; i R Hot Custard Saoce J (The. rt'cipe foT which U enclosed in each }f packet of Bird's Gu»tard Powder.) Kith and Delicious y with Plum Paddffigs. The one thin? needed in Cold Weather j with Tinned, Bottled or^Stev^ed Fruit.

Letters on any subject of public interest are invited. It shouid be understood that we do not necessarily agree with the viewa expressed therein. Correspond- ents will oblige by writing on one side of the paper, and mu^t invariably en- close their names and addresses, not necessarily for publication, but as a guarantee of good faith. ABERDARE TRAINING SCHOOL. Sir,—Scanning the report of the Mer- thyr Board of Guardians in your last issue, I noticed that Mr. John Prowle took exception to a tender because it was lower tha.n the architect's estimate. If Mr. Prowle wanted to get nearer the cfstimate why not propose that Mr. Willis' tender be accepted? His excuse for not proposing the lowest is a very lame one. Is not Mr. Roderick a fit per- son to see that the work is carried out properly and according to specifications? and has not the contractor to give a guar- antee that he will carry out the work according to specifications? If tenders are asked for why not accept the, lowest ? Personally, I do not believe in this ten- dering business, as it means keener com- petition, and in the end less wages and longer hours to the workmen, as the em- ployers often state that owing to the keen competition they cannot afford to pay high wages, etc. I hope the Aberdare Trades Council will .take the matter up.—Yours, etc., A TRADES UNIONIST.

SHAM BOOKBINDING. Sir,—I would like to direct attention to a new move in the publishing trade, which, if not checked at the outset, will materially injure the bookbinding trade. It will be remembered that the work "With the Flag to Pretoria' could only' be properly completed by purchasing the publishers* cover, with which the title page, index, and frontispiece were given tlway. Now, thes3 are invariably put in the last part of any book, and are neces- sary to its completion. Large numbers of these volumes would have been pro- perly bound in leather but for that little dodge and many bookbinders would have found employment instead of sitting idle in society club rooms, or walking around the country looking for a job. Further, .a book stuck in a ready-made cover has no strength, as it is, merely fixed there with a piece of coarse gauze, and will fall to pieces in a very short time. I direct the attention of your readers to this fact as the same move is I' ov again being tried on -with the "Harms- worth Encyclopaedia" the bait this time being a pronouncing appendix (worth very little), so that eight common leather covers may be sold for twenty shillings, while the binder will get perhaps another ten for his part of the work. Now good, sound, old-fashioned binding will not cost nearly as much, and every sub- scriber will' find a job for some hard- working man in his own locality, instead of enriching a. soul-less syndicate and encouraging slop work at the expense of a declining industry.—I am, etc., WILLIAM COGHILL.

B Stubborn Coughs. 111 We are justified in claiming that for bronchitis and stubborn coughs there Sis nothing equal to Angier's Emulsion. It relieves the cough and breathing, allays the bronchial irritation and promotes easy expectoration, while at the same time it improves appetite and digestion and imparts a soothing, quieting feeling, which, even in the worst cases, affords much comfort to the sufferer. If, as soon as cold weather sets in, Angier's Emulsion is taken regularly, it will do much to prevent the usual attack of bronchitis, or, in any case, will greatly lessen its severity. Of Chemists, I/I$, 2/9 and 4/6. A FREE SAMPLE on receipt of 3d. for postage. Mention this paper. B the same time it improves appetite and digestion and imparts a soothing, mmj) quieting feeling, which, even in the worst cases, affords much comfort to MB „ the sufferer. If. as soon as cold weather sets in, Angier's Emulsion is taken regularly, it will do much to prevent the usual attack of bronchitis, or, in any case, will greatly lessen its severity. Of Chemists, I/I$, 2/9 and 4/6. A FREE SAMPLE on receipt of 3d. for postage. Mention this paper. B 1 THE ANGIER CHEMICAL CO.. Ltd., 38 Snow Hilla LONDON, E.C.

COPY OF CORRESPONDENCE. The Independent Labour Party. To the Editor of "Reynold's Newspaper." Sir,—In your issue of the 23rd inst. you print a letter from a correspondent who refers to Mr. Joseph Burgess, late editor of the 'Workmen's Times,' and Labour Candidate for Leicester, as "the founder of the Independent Labour Party." Mr. Burgess has done much for the Labour Movement in this country, and will, I hope, do more; but I must ask your permission to state that your corres- pondent is in error in ascribing to that gentleman the honour of having founded the Independent Labour Party. That honour belongs to one who himself never joined the party, and who probably never will. Messrs. Burgess, Hardie and Co., were only his instruments. I am, sir, yours truly, M. Maltham Barry. Springfield, South Norwood, Feb. 24, 1896. (Does Mr. Barry refer to Mr. H. H. Champion, or to himself?—Ed. R.N.) Sir,—In reply to the question you ap- pend to my letter, published in your issue of yesterday's date, I have to say that I do not refer to Mr. Champion. That gentleman joined the party. Your other conjecture is correct.—I am, sir, yours truly, M. Malthman Barry. Springfield, South Norwood, March 2nd, 1896. (We have it then, on his cwn authority, that an avowed Tory, a gentleman who is understood to do much organisation work for his party, is the founder of the I.L.P.—Ed. R.N.)

THE UNEMPLOYED. Sir,—Since I last wrote, letters have appeared from "Justice," "Eradreba," and "M.S.L. and you havei also dealt with the matter again. Several points have cropped up on which I should like to reply. • "Justice" hints that he does not agree with the principles I laid down for the refoim of society: he tliinks the salva- tion of the country lies in the sending of Z, a strong Labour Party to the House of Co unions, rather than in any reform of our Isocial system. Vvell, even tne Labour Party must have guiding princi- ples; and I should be glad to know what that Party is striving for, if it is not for the very reforms I have advocated? Does not the Labour Party believe in the right to live, and in equality of opportunity ? And how does it hope to secure these except by the laboldtion of individual ownership of the means of production? "Eradreba." agrees with State owner- ship. He suggests, however, for the im- mediate relief of the unemployed, that the hours of labour of those who toil should, by Act of Parliament, be re- stricted to eight per day. If this were secured, the present unemployed certain- ly could be found work—provided the amount of work remainjed the same! Ah! but do you not see the uselessness of such a scheme ? You are not solving the un- employed problem: you are only satjs, fying your feeling of pity. You are only deferring the problem until the popula- tion is bigger, the stress of living greater, and the problem, consequently, more painful: you are marking time while the enemy is piling up reinforcements. If you believe that the present system is wrong, confine your attention to alter- ing it. It is far better to face the matter boldly now. And the same remarks ap- ply to the "land colonies" suggestion of "M.S.L." All this patching and potch- ing that is going on throughout the country is so much time and labour wasted. Deal with the problem. And now, Sir, what shall I say to you ? You maintain that to abolish individual ownership is equivalent to reconstructing human nature; because "the element of individual ownership is as old as am- bitious human nature." But we are only dealing with the ownership of the means of production, and the tmnsier of this from individual to State would not in any way interfere with the real rights and liberties of the individual. Under the new system the individual would be more dignified and more of a man than he can be under the present system. In- stead of depending for a livelihood upon the fads and fancies of another as now, he would be entitled to work, and to work in the way that his talents best fitted him. Work, too, would no longer be done for the sake of profit, but for use. And every man would have equal opportunity. Thus the, liberties and rights of the individual would be really increased. Individual ambition would in no wise be discouraged: the only change will be that discovery, invention, and Labour will be applied for the benefit of the community, instead of for the bene- fit of the single individual. And I would point out that'this is the only equitable course, for the achievement of the in- dividual is the common heritage of man- kind: and, more thin, that, its applica- tion to exclusive individual profit means harm inflicted upon the rest of the com- munity. And then as to your contention that "if you did destroy individual ownership you would also destroy individual respon- sibility"; if the rights and 'liberties of the individual are increased, his respon- sibility is increased also. No; I cannot see anything in the pro- posals that requires 'he reconstruction of human nature. The inatter^is purely an economic one; it Has nothing to do with any standard of morality; and human nature itself, as it is, calls for the change. Further, the abolition of individual ownership is quite as possible for the lowest forms of civilization as it is for the highest: indeed, as I have be- fore pointed out, the foundation, of society is co-operation, and my Socialist- doctrines are simply the natural develop- ment of that essential principle of society. I think I may now, for the sake of clearness., summarise this discussion as follows.- In the first place, it is agreed that the existence of our masses of unemployed is an evil; secondly, it is admitted that the social system which produces such a re- sult most be bad; and, in the third place, my argument that every n.)-a,ii) has a right to live (and, therefore, to work), and everyone should have equal opporulllty —and that these cannot be secured without the abolition of individual ownership of the means of production (i.e., the aboli- tion of Capital)—has not been seriously contested. The only real argument I have had to meet is yours that we should require a, reform of human nature before we could institute the change'; and this argument I have replied to above. And now as to the scheme I put for- ward for immediate action. First, let, me offer a definition. of charity. Charity' is something given or done to others out of sympathy, and not because of any right or claim. You contend that the proposal that the State should provide work for the unemployed is a form of State Charity. That is not so, for you have conceded (at any rate, you have not contested) the Right to Live; and as men CEnnot live without work, they have a right to work; consequently, the State in providing work would not be giving charity, but simply doing- its dutv. Then' when you say that I propose to tax "the hard-earned increments of thrifty work- ingmen," you have, surely, overlooked two things: first, that I do not nropose to tax increments' at all, but Capital; and second, that I only propose to tax capital above -tiooo. in conclusion, I again submit that my proposal is the proper, practical, and only course to be pursued, and that v should be pressed forward at onee To repeat, th", proposal is that the State should recognise as its duty and under- take tho support of the unemployed; that 1^ should provide permanent work for them, as quickly as possible; and that the cost of the scheme should be met by a tax upon individ ual capital above < £ 1,000 —Yours, etc., Aberdare. INDIVIDUAL.

The Merthyr Bopoughs. A CONTEST CERTAIN.-MR. HENRY RADCLIFFE IN THE FIELD. By "Progressive." It was almost too much to expect that the Nonconformists ef this Borough would let this opportunity pass without a strong protest against the present state of .affairs. 'Liberal and Nonconformist Merthyr used to lead the van of Welsh politics, but of late it has taken quite a, back seat. The sceptre has been al- lowed to go to North Wales, with little "(Sr-VeXtr 1-1 irnpd f t country fias been stared a* it has never been stirred be- toie by the -unjust Education Act and bv the Welsh Coercion Act afterwards- Welsh0" N Wlle Ve W in the Cabinet a. S T) rflTi?rrm'st itt the Person of, tiiZ Lloyd Ceorge, the framer of the victorious plan of campaign, and also a stalwart labour and Liberal man in the person of John Burns, it becomes a sacred duty upon all Welsh Liberal and,! Labour Electors to return to the next Parliament meai that, aire prepared tn Wttt T. S- form -tho MnUtion1"Ao?' T"r' T strength i ct' and °"r whole- t0 Set a suffi-. ent of them ma-Jjrity mdepend- 1- ia|lso a Sowing feeling 0f pec lit^ 1 and Patriotism abroad, es- Ev i Welsh working men should 1° aiwi' ri-"htly so> Wales should be represented by Welshmen We iaI \l^e? .of "Slit mater- tlieu why should we go far afield? Mr. Henry Radcliffe, the new Liberal- Candidate, is a native of Merthyr and through hard labour and perseverance, has worked himself to a high position in toe commercial world. ,-5 „ 1(r speaker, a staunch Nonconformist as a broad Liberal prepared to give Ah* H holds that the speediest way Labour Party to get their wron~s re! c i sscd is -by working steadily great Liberal parfcv> and not by creating- another Irish Party. ci eating Ihere is one good feature in present contest, viz., that there is in danger of the seat falling into the hand« of the opposing party. There is no C0?' AlrVpUT 1coniil1" out' or if there were Radchffe would at once retire Tliio '^therefore, a fight to clear the air a because it is well-known that tlio sound Nonconformist working man is imf satisfied with the extreme So?iali tS Platform of the I.L.P. There is In Liberal that would not gladly vote fnr aye, and practically support a working- Tmn £ ani Tf! th|, type of Mabon" Rut w R' Iolm and others. Ei'w and the present c™Smce tI,ere a clasm-

To qualify himself for the X200 a year paid him by the L.R.C., Mr. Keir Hardie binds himself not to appear on any plat- form or support any candidate belonging to the two great political parties. And this man who has sold his principles for a handful of tainted gold sneers at John Burns! To compare Mr. Keir Hardie with John Burns would be something like comparing a Japanese lantern with the noon-day sun. John Burns' guiding star through life has been honesty—amazing honesty the Tories say, and they know; and, white- haired at forty-seven, and with the plaudits of his fellow countrymen, both high and low, ringing in his ears, he meets with his reward. Stands Merthyr where it did? From Henry Richards to Keir Hardie! What a falling off was there I-I am, etc., TKOS. WILLIAMS.