Welsh Newspapers
Search 15 million Welsh newspaper articles
7 articles on this Page
Hide Articles List
7 articles on this Page
OUR VOLUNTEERS.
News
Cite
Share
OUR VOLUNTEERS. COLONEL C. H. DARBISHIRE, D.L., whom we congratulate upon the new and well-merited honour he has received, made a very important as well as interesting speech at the annual dinner of the Penimaeimawr Volunteers, on Satur- day. Before dealing with the gallant Colonel's remarks, which demand careful 'public atten- tion and no small 'degree of public gratitude, we desire toO offer our felicitation's to Captain Jenkins the officers, the non-commissioned officers, and men of the Fenmaemmawr Com- pany upon beinig able to meet once more under such happy circumstances. The F. Company will bear comparison, for ,efficiency and en- itihusiasm, with any other Volunteer company in the Kingdom. And it is greatly to the credit: of all concerned that'>■ the Penmaienmawr corps, which is so thoroughly representative of the tlOwn and enjoys such a large measure of popu- lar support, should have so quickly attainted a hiph standard of efficiency when under the command of Colonel (then Captain) Darbishire and so thoroughly maintained that standard under the command of his able successor, Clap- tain Jenkins. It is very gratifying indeed to find that at Peimmaenmawr a Volunteer enjoys to the full the prestige which his position as such entitles him to. We wish it could be said that in every other town in North Wales the uniform of the Volunteer carries with it the same uni- versal respect as is shown towards it by the pulbLiiC of Penmiaenmawr. It is not too much to say that the degree of respact won by a Volunteer company is no bad indication of the respect enjoyed by its principal officers. Plen. imaeramawr has been exceedingly fortunate in its officers. We cionclude, our observations by once more congratulating Captain Jenkins iand all his colleagues, down to the latest recruit, upon the completion of another highly .successful year. Thoroughniess is the key-note of the career of Colonel Darbishire, who exerts such a dominating and salutlary influence upon the life- of the town, and thoroughness is. the characteristic of every department of activity at Plenumaenlmawr. What Colonel Darbishire dilated upon, like Captain Jenkins ibetme him, was the new Territorial Army Scheme. Many columns have written on the subject, 'but we are all of us somewhat in the dark as to. what is really soine to happen after March 311st next. Buit whilst there is so much that we do not know, therp are some things which we all know quaite well, and upon these matters, whilst exerlCisiÏng ,all the reserve and caution recommended by Coloneil Diarbishire, we may be penmaittted to express our opinions in a frank and open man- ner. In the first place, it is common knowledge that the scheme has been drawn up by Mr. Haldane, the ablest War iMinisiter we have had in this coumitary for many years. In the next place we are all aware that the sichettme is thoroughly democratic in spirit, whiaite-ver it may prove to. be in, actual practice. And las but by no means least, there is every reason to believe that it has the cordial approval of our 'splendid King himself, who recently in- vited all the Lords-Lieutenants and Deputy- lileutenamtis of counties to meet hiim. that he mishit urge upon them the need of their cordial co-operation in order to ensure the success of what is hoped will nrcve a great step towards the realisation of the nation's hopes nn, the direction of Army reform. A scheme launched undier such auspices deserves to ibeaipproached in a svmpialtlhieitic spirM by all true, patriots, especially when w,e that it is a reform which carries within itself tne seeds of one of the ^raaitest revolutions eiverr witneslsed in this country. What: is its underlying principle, the principle from which it must derive its motive force71 It does not involve Caniscripltioin, as Colon eil Darbishire rightly points out But it does involve Universal Service, and unlesis there ii« a fiititiiner response on the part of the manhood ^f the nation the scheme cannot possibly suc- ceed. The scheme is a grand one on paper, but without the, necessary supply of men a scheme on paper, and not a. working scheme, it must re- main. And what will happen then? One of two things. Either we must adopt tne. principles of the National Service League, as, laid down by Lord Roberts, or we must resort to com- 'oulsory service on the lines of Conscription. For our own pant, whilst we implicitly believe that the ,syste!mi of compulsory military training and" voluntary service in vogue m ^JtoerLamd and Norway, and advocated by Lord Roberts, ts the one "best adapted to the needs of our own court tfly wla say thtelt ilt is thb diuty of he nation to give Mr. Haldane's scheme a fair chance of showing how it can supply the acknowledge deficiencies in our existing 1m.l1- SVsvstem. We have followed with the greatest eagerness the numerous speeches delivered by by" Mr. Haldane before and since ithe of Ivs plan was announced, and from what he has i oaid on, miany occasaonis wie are con- PU "d ythrte is pSnally in sympathy with the aims^nd methods of the National Service T erpue. But Mr. Haldaae is not the whol- Cabinet There are Ministers who are no wtoUy in agreement with him. Their vaews U L be considered. We live m an age of av'e -CP Pianty ^O'verarment would TTE MH- com,promxse No PouM possibJv succeed in, passing through Par- tS&TSV Wta' alo«, «d M not the :adwmt,age of a strong loac?^ °rraWn Mr. as.irjss's » h !f 5tkvV fa Sely to receive the substantial ^sed to he MI c,oirtm,ena pi £ Uthy and approval- of Scheme to tne SY P y pubkc MI generaL If, a & we shali claim reform turns o ardent advocate of Colonel Darbishwre a National Service the plan suggested by tne League 1 i,nipd the Volunteer is As 'the Colonel exp, > ^is pre|Sen^ about to be extinguished so iar as )/ Same and status and conditions of service are oonrerned. In the expressive phrase thait wa need "the Volunteer is to be thrown into the not He will emerge from that un- "S'St; place in the torn, of Regular soldier. There will be no more Volunteers, !hut the three Auxiliary Forces wall be welded tne am k work under one na,me. BuT although the Volunteer will cease to exist S, r,SnZ the whole fabric reared up by Mr. tt u folic to the (ground HI W ceases to Haldane falls to m name? ,e^xist as a fact it is defendin|g our that 'Ci°™1? invader. Mr. Haldane, for whose sagacity and clearness of view we a 1 wnose o j admiration, has iset be- gigantic rbl0mf ^eVnnVot, which, forces of the on], for *&<> This P—nL £ S Army and a Territorial or Home Force. The Field Force, presumably, will correspond with our present system of Regulars," about which We say nothing at present. The Territorial Force (as explained by Mr. Haldane in the House of Commons) is to be composed of Militia, Volun- teers, and Yeomanry, liable to be utilised on the outbreak of war, but in the first instance only for systematic training." Thus, even if, as we hope, the Territorial Army does succeed in drawing into its .ranks any of the classes which fail to serve at present, and even if there is an ample supply of men, we axe face to face with the fact that this National Army cannot be gant to meet hostile troops until aftter it has received six months' training. In, other words, it will not be prepared to take the field until six months after the commenice-ment of hostilities'. Here is a serious weakness to be overcome. That some provision may yet he made to mleet it is our profound'eisrt wish. What is needed is some method by which it will niott .be possible for the loiafers and shirkers to continue to d,eleigate; their duty to others as in the past, and by which it will ble possible to give the period of training before the •crisis, not after it. In stating these facts, we are in no sense of the term trying to be critical. We must confess that the country is not yeit ripe for universal service, itihough we considter this no relason for deeding the work of edu- casting public, opinion in that dunection. Under all the circumstances, let uis unite in regarding Mr Haldane's scheme as the best that can he: drawn up, and let us also unilte in giving t s g .ijt a fair and full trial. If ilt breaks down, if the men fail to respond, then, there is no further allternaJtiver but to try the National Service League's proposals, and if that scheme in turn should also fail, then the end must be com- pulsory service, a system; of Conscription. It i's quiftfs evident thalt the, existing .system, which is so inordinately dear, is aliso quite ineffective, and that our -nat-,ilo-nal defence is not in safe hands. Some change we must have, and Mr. Haldane's reform, whilst not nearly dtraisitiic enough, is a sltep in the night direction, and it is now the duty of the nation as a wholle to. assist him in carrying out the -objects which he has in view. The War Minister believes that there will be no. lack of men, and that we in this countay possess a striking abundance of military cap- acity." 'But wie want somelthing quitie as valu- able as military capacity. We want patriofislm. lit is to be feared that Mr. Henry Lewis, J.P., in a iledeint ;speech at Carnarvon, Wats_ Vdry near the Imark when, he declared that patriotism in this country is at present at a very low ebb. Never much inclinied to pessimism, we are ritemipterfi ik> agijee w,ilth this ,*a¡t'clmlein¡t, of the case". As Bishop Well.don recently remarked, it is doubtful whether the majority of English peiqple even understtand what patriotism is. The Japanese understand it, and are prepaned to ,mlake great and continued sacrifices in its name. Hie,re, the average person wants tjo get all he can out of the country without giving somJe- itlhing and making some great sacrifice for its good. There is great fear of the eneimies of our Empir,e. But the chief enemies, are within, not outside, (the Emiipre. They are Bieen to be at work in the form of indulgence and pleasure sleeking and heedlessness,. Our people .are too many of them d'eistroyinig itheiir power of service in the gratification of animal passions. But in spiiit'e of these unfortunate tendencies, Colonel Dlaihishire, like the true democrat that hier its, believes that the great majority of people are capable: of being stirred up to a :slem,se of their dutv, and he places great reliance upon, their patriotism, even though that spirit may appear to be dorimanit at present. Let us assume that he is right, as we certainly hope he is. Where, then, are we to look for the workings otf that spirit of patriotism? We must not look to one class alone. We must not lay the whole of the burden .at the door of the working man. The working man, who its not a little' proud of his citizenship, has a great part to play in_the new scheme of national defence. But there are others who miuisitl also be prepared to give a good example in the direction of practical patriotism. There are the gentlemen of means ,and position who ,are to form the County As- sociations, presided over by the Lords Lieuten- ant. In this cOUlneCltlion we feeil bound to pro- test against the, conduct of a certain. Lord Lieutenant in North Wales, who in a. political speech derided the new scheme, although 'neither he nor the party to which he belongs has ever shown any readiness to submit a work- able alternative. It cannot be too strongly en- forced that the success of the Territorial Anmy depends almost entirely on the elem'etnts of which the County Associations are formed. We hope thatt in North Wales, the memfDers of the Associations, will in every case place patriotism before party. Another important matter is that both employers and employed should be fairly represented on the Associations; in fact, that all classes of the: community should be so re- presented ,as to be capable of dealing with any and local problem that may arise. Great Britain, is now entering upon a new era in its history. The old notion was that the Army was something apart from the. people. But now we iare. beginning to .realise that the Army, to be alive and to be succeissrul, must come ¡ very near to the people. We are at lastt en- deavouring to1 live up to the ideal of a nation -in arms. This appears to be a warlike and mischievous ideal to some timid minds. But the truth is (that the only way to ensure peace is to be prepared for war. The party which is endeavouring rto put our national military or- gan.isation into shape and ready for every em- ergency, that its the real peace party. And it now -ftemiainis for each lilndiividuiail lef'(tttizen. Ito ooime forward and say that he is prepared to bear his rightful share of the national burden. Colonel Dartbishire showed in his speech how some men are already making great aa-Grifices ran.d rendering valuable service as members of public authorities. Whilistt these men were thus serving the ratepayers, he asked, was it asking too much that the young men should do some- thing to defend our country from its enemies? lit is oentailIlily not too much to expect.
PERSONAL AND SOCIAL.
News
Cite
Share
PERSONAL AND SOCIAL. Mr. E. G. Heimm'erde, M.P. for East Den- bighshire, returns from Jamaica, where he has i, been engaged in several cases, arising out of the recent earthquake, early next monrtih, and 'during the month he will visit the principal centres im his constituency. The Rev. R. Robemts, B.A., Ph.Dd., formerly of B.angor University College and Leipsic Uni- versity, has just issued two works, one in Welsh ,and one in German. Dr. Roberts is the Cail- vtiinLsftic Mathodiist minister at Trefnanrt, North Wales. » Dr. Joseph Llewelyn Williams, of Holt-stmet House Wrexham, died laite on Friday night lafiter a brief illnless. Dr. Williams, who was the fourth son of the liate Dr. Edward Wil- hams of Wrexham, was 63 years of .age. After passing through Sit. Bartholomew's Hospitail, London, where lie tooK nis aegree, He was ap- pointed house ,surgeon at the Northern Hos- pital, Liverpool. Subsequently he joined his father in practice at Wrexhatai, anid resided there until his deiath. He was the first medical officer of health for that borough, resigning the I' appointment in 1881. He was an honorary •surgeon of the Wrexham Infirmary and a magis- trate for Denbighshire. In 1876 he married a sister of Sir Edward Evians, leader of the Liber- al party in Liverpool. She died some yeiars ago, but a son an-d daughter survive, the son beimg an officer in the Royal Munsiter Fusiliers.
IWEEK BY WEEK.
News
Cite
Share
I WEEK BY WEEK. On the high ground lying between Holywell (and Flint a large number of foxes have con- gregated. The other day eleven were seen in the fields, and farmers ialong the oid coach road 3Jbove Baguis complain of having lost a great many head of geesie and poultry. The Flint and Denbigh Hounds hunt the district, but have not this iseaso,n melt nearer than Halkin, the seat of the Duke of Westminster, where the meet took place last Wedensday. The meet, it is expected, will shortly be arranigd nearer to Holywell. < < Mir. W. J. P. Storey, ex-High Sheriff of Flint- shire, has again generously undertaken to defray the cost of the -Christmas hot-pot distribution by the Rhyl Poor Relief Committee. St. Asaph Guardians have decided to grant an extra shilling relief to outdoor paupers at Christmas, and by a large majority it was left to the relieving officers to decide where it would he best to grant ,iit in money or in kind. This will apply to about 800 cases. The "Christian World" relates that at a certain denomin.atianal school not a hundred miles from Liverpool, the head mistress recently found, to her disgust, that a proportion of the younger children, were not at all sound in re- ligious knowledge. Figuratively, the diocesan inspector was on the door-step, and maitltiers were acco.rdin.gly desperate. "What is to be done with these duffers?" wailed a panic-striken assistant. "Here," said the mistress, "before the inspector arrievs turn them into the play- ground, and then tell him they're little Wes- leyans." And it was done, adds the religious weekly that vouches for the story. Dr. Thomas W. Evans, the famous, Welsh- American dentist who helped the Empress. Eugenie to escape from Paris after Stedan, left nearly his entire estate- to found a museum and institute society in Philadelphia, to be c.alled by his name. His wealth was great, but a considerable part of his princely gift has i" been frittered away in litigation. It is sraid that this is. now ended, and 'the meuse-um and institute will receive about ^250,000. The "British Medical Journal" says that the lawyers in the course of the litiga.,iiton have received about three times this amount, in addition to interest on the estate. Two golfiinig stories are told of the President of the Board of Trade. He had been playing with a colleague one afternoon, and in the evening was speaking on the same platform with him. He wished to demonstrate the meagre proiporitioniSl of some small holdings which were being discussed, anid said: "lvhy put ten of them side by side and you could easily drive a golf ball over theim"; adding, "Why, I be- lieve your member could do it with a niblick. The President seeimis to like his niiblick, for on another occasion, when certain Government Bills wane making slow progress, he was met with his bag off duhs under his arm. "Going to take thoi-qe to the Treasury Bench?" he was asked. "No, he replied, "but," and he loving- ly handled his ndlbiick, "would'mt that íbe use- ful for getting the Bills out of the bunkers?''— ("Western Mail.") "There is an evil practice in this part of North WaLea," a (carresipond'eint to "Country Life" writes, "which threatens to destroy one of its characteristic beauties. Anyone who has fished about bere knows the extraordinary beauty of the mosses that cover the rocks in the beds of streams and in the woods. This moss is being stolen in great quantities and sent off by rail, presumably rtloserve as packing. It iis no unlcommoin ithing, for (as much as twenty sacks to leave one of our .little stations -Ar,thog-in one day." How many of our readers are fortunate enough to find pearls grating between their teeth whilst 'enjoying their favourite mollusc? This was the experience of a young lady at Splott last wseek, who whilSjt partaking lof mussels camie across two small objects in one of them which proved to be pearls. Pearl-fishing at one timle formed quite- an important industry on our coasts. The River Conway was cele- brated for its. pearls, and it is related that Sir Richard Wynn, Chancellor to the Jueen of Charles II., presented her with a Conway pearl which is believed to occupy a place in the British Crown to-day—("Western Mail.") Tuesday of last week was the six hundred and twenty-fifth anniversary of the death of Llewelyn, the last Prince of Wales. His, final •stand for the liberties of his native land will ever remain green in the hearts of his country- men. It does not, however, speak well for the patriotism of Welshmen that the erection of a national -monument to the memory of one of their greatest heroes should be ISla long delayed. < A special comlmi ssioner of the Homiletic Review" has been makng careful inquiries re- garding 'the atftermath of the Welsh revival. iHis conclusion is that there has been no re- action whiatever, except one which corresponds to thei customary sequel of every genuine re- ligious revival. Large numbers of converts who were too hastily received into fellowship by certain churches have fallen away, but, the net gain is enormous. There is a wonderful east window at Dyserth Church, near Rhyl. It is many centuries old, and it is said thalt j.be like of it can only be found in one church in the Principrality-Lllan- rhaiadr. Two things are represented on t- Christ's genealogy down to Jesse, hence the designation, "Jesse window" and the other is ,the Twelve Apostles. An object of greait inte- rest in connection with this ancient church con- sists of the picturesque canopied tomfbs in the churchyard, bente.ath where are interred the re- mains of ,many generations of the family of Hughes, of Llewerllyd Dyserth. The Hugh-eses are descended iin the male line from Prince Cadwaladr, thesceoond son of Gruffyidd ap Cynan, King of North Wales from 1079 to 1136. In .the church a brass tablet was recently erected to the memory of his ancestors by Mr. H. D. 'Hughes, of Kinmel, Lord-Lieutenant of Flint- shire.
SA YINGS OF THE TVEEK.
News
Cite
Share
SA YINGS OF THE TVEEK. MR. F. H. NEWBERY. The early isicribblings of children, though ap- parently ,meaningless, might be shown to be instinctive art products.—At the Brutish As- sociation. DR. DOLERIS (OF PARIS). More women become tired through itight- lacing than by exercise.—At the Imperial Institute. MR. A. R. ANDREW, H.M.I. A cookery teacher ought, in the initere,sts of the girls, to be constantly teaching the gospel of soup and broth, and passing lightly orver cakes and crumpets.—In the Scottish Educa- tion Blue-Book. LADY VIOLET GREVILLE. Japaneste visitors, asked as to our besetting sins, have unanimously answered: "Laziness, dirt, and supe,rFotition.In the "Gr.aphic.
I THE GREAT RUSH FOR GOVERN-IMENT…
News
Cite
Share
I THE GREAT RUSH FOR GOVERN- I MENT PREMIUM BONDS. HOW AND WHY IT HAS COME ABOUT. AN OFFER TO READERS OF OFFICIAL PARTICULARS OF THIS FORM OF GOVERNMENT SECURITY IN WHICH ^5 CAN PRODUCE £ 5,000 IN A FEW MONTHS. Wild speculation and unsound business methods have of late years been the curse of America. The nation seems to have forgotten the maxim that Sound Investment is the key to Prosperity, and in the chase after wild and chimerical schemes, promising fortune to those who were willing to take risks, it has met with shattering catastrophes. The lesson has not bten lost by investors in this country, and one of the results of the reaction against speculation is seen in the present rush among all classes for Government Premium Bonds, which carry no risk whatever, but which give to the investor just as good a chance of earning a large fortune as do those securities to which lisk is attached. For this absounding merit—the combination of absolute safety with prospective reward-Premium Bonds have long been the popular investment in France, where it is said on good authority, no less a sum than £ 400,000,000 is invested in this way, and it is to France-it is interesting to note-where these sound business methods have long been in existence, that America is now turning in her difficulties for financial assistance. What is this system, so popular in France and on the Continent generally, so rapidly attaining equal popularity in this country ? ABSOLUTE SAFETY COMBINED WITH PROSPECTIVE FORTUNE. Briefly, it is this. The French Government, in common with other Governments, have authorised the issue of a large number of interest-paying and non-interest-paying bonds, which investors may frequently take up at a reduced price. A large number of these bonds are redeemed by regular drawings every two months, some at par-in which case the investor gains the difference, often a considerable one, between the price he bought it at, and the price for which it is redeemed-some with large cash prizes L20,000, CIO,000, [5,000, and so on, added on to them, in the form of Bonuses or Premiums. Here is an example For is-which may, if desired, be paid in the form of instalments—you may purchase a Premium Bond guaranteed by the Government of Belgium, A large number of these securities are redeemed by regular drawings every two months, on the 20th of February, April, June, August, October, and December, for £ 8, so that if you invest now, and your Bond is one of those redeemed on the 20th of December, you will secure £ 3 clear profit on every t-5 thus invested. But in addition to the Bonds thus bough tin 150 are redeemed with the addition of a prize ranging in value from £ 6,000 downwards, the whole amounting to the total sum of £ 20,480 per annum. It comes to this, then, that every £5 invested in this way is invested in a Safe Government Security free from all risk, and gains at the same time 150 opportunities every year of a return in cash ranging from £ 6,000 downwards, whilst at the very least a profit of £3 is assured. Moreover, these Bonds, now valued at £ 8, increase in value by 5 per cent. every year, so that each twelve months the figure at which they are redeemed advances. Another very popular security, which is being called for particularly by British investors at the present time, is issued and guaranteed by the Municipality of the City of Paris. In these securities it is possible to invest any amount, gaining in return 4 per Cent. Interest per annum and 84 Opportunities every year of a Cash Premium of £ 6,000, C2,000, £400, £ 200, or £80, or, in another issue of similar Stock, 4 per cent. per annnm; and 136 Opportunities every year of a bonus of £ 4,000, £ 2,000, £400, £200, and £ 40- The excellent interest attached to these Bonds, their perfect Security-they are secured upon the rates and revenues of the second largest city in the world, by special authorisation of the French Government-and the prospects they give of earning a large profit, without risk, in a very short time, make these Paris Bonds an extremely desir- able security for those who are discontented-by the small interest of 2t per cent., which is all that is given by gilt-edged stock such as Consols. £ 20,000 PROFIT ON £ 8 INVESTMENT. To take a final example. You may invest -8 upwards in safe French Government stock, giving ascertain profit of 100 per cent., and in addition 366 opportunities per annum of a return of £ 20,000, £ 10,000, £ 4,000, £ 400, and other sums. Particulars of this really marvellous investment are to be found in the pages of the Premium Bond Blue Book, a copy of which may be obtained free of all charge by any reader of the above on application, either personal or by letter, to the Secretary, The Anglo-American Finance Corporation, 41, King William Street, London, E.C. When one looks around'and sees on all sides the reports of failures or great losses caused by reckless and unsound speculation in risky stocks and shares or when one considers how it is possible to invest a large sum in Two and a Half per Cent. Consols, and then have the misfortune to see them gradually depreciating in value-thus, not content with giving a meagre interest at the best of times, but actually causing a loss in the capital vajue of one's invest- ment, one cannot be surprised at the avidity with which investors of all classes and ranks are trans- ferring their investments to Premium Bond Secur- ities, which combine Safety with Prospective Fortune. Any sum, however large, however small, may be invested in this way. Investments may be made on the instalment system or cash down. Deposits of 2s 6d a week will be accepted. Write at once, then, to The Anglo American Finance Corporation, 41, King William Street, London, E.C., agents for Government and Municipal Premium Bonds, for presentation copy of Blue Book of official details of these securities issued or guaran- teed by the Governments of France, Belgium, the Suez Canal Company, and the Municipalities of Paris, Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent and Ostend. This book will be sent free of all charge or obligation to any address, together with information of the plan by which these securities may be purchased on a convenient system of instalments, full benefits of the bonds being secured on payment of the first deposit. 3064
j Christian Socialism. --
News
Cite
Share
Christian Socialism. To THE EDITOR OF THE Weekly News. Sir,—The few avowed Socialists in this part of North Wales are very grateful to you for affording them such splendid opportunities for sitaltiinig their case, while a much larger circle of readers will have been greatly interested in your report of Mr. J. D. Jones' striking address on "Christian Socialism." Mr. J. D. Jones has studied the writings of Messrs. Blatchford and R. J. Campbell to some purpose, and will find many staunch snppofltells of his conitellltion that 'Socialism is elslsentilailly Christian, and 'Christianity essentially Social- istic, for Socialism is nothing but the practical application, of the precepts Otf Christ to our ma/tiiomal and individual life. Let our political and theological opponents beware of the danger of stigmatising Socialism aisi Infidelity, for the charge is one that recoils with crushing force upon their own heads. There are no greater infidels than those who, knowing the vast amouniti of sin. and suffering in the world, assert that there is nio remedy in our powet; that it is not1 contrary to the Will of God that it is to some extent "necessary to salvation," because the human soul may be "purified through suffering." The root cause of nliinertyi-nintei per ctenit. of all our miseries is Selfishness, and the whole spirit of Christ's life and teaching is that man's welfare is only to be found in the subjection of self to ,the service of others. We have had many centuries of Christian pre. cept, but very little of practice. To-day we are forced tocoruslilde-r the appalling contrasts be- tween riches and poverty, palaces and slulmis, profitable idlen-ess and sweated industry. We see scoundrells in. purple and fine linen, while honest men go in rags. We weep over fictitious sorrows in novels and plays, but treat the reality with censure, contempt or indifference. Last, but: by no means least, we rarely hear the Sermon on the Mount preached from our pul- pits, excrp't to hear, as once an Archbishop of York assured us, that it its wholly impossible for us to follow its precepts. The Churches are in a maze of contradic- tions from which they cannot escape with credit. Either our records of Christ's teaching are pertfect, or they are not iso. If they are not so, down goes the pat dogma of the Infallibility of the Bible. If they are perfect, how comes it that the Churches have never been foremost iin Social Reform, but have too often been found allied to the they professed to -be fight- I ing? To-diay the whole civilised world is under the sway of Anti-Christ, and the Churches are 1\ not at the head of the reform movement. Never was there a greater error.,than the idea that the Church should only "save" souls for lejternity. Under present cm-i-ditions millio-ns of souls are destroyed while few indeed are saved." The Church 'must now make a momentous choice. She must either in com- mon honesty renounce the title of "Shepherd of God's Sheep," or she must earnestly take up ,the duties of that office. Like to David of old she must defend her flock from the ravages of the lion and ,the bear, and take measures to effectively prevent th. m in the future. In plain words, she must take up the cause of the poor and weak against the oppression of the landlord and .the capitalist, and work for the establish- ment of a sitlate of society in which such evil- doers shall have no existence. The foundation of the laws off that society must be Justice and (rheiT inspiration, Love. Such, and none other is the Kingdom of God, for which we are taught to pray, and such it is the object of Socialism to establish. Socialism, therefore, is doing the work of the true Church of Christ, and as such is entitled to that name. The others may port- disr over Christ's stern r'eproval, "Why call ye Me, 'Lord;, Lord,' and do not the things thialt I say?" Are we Socialists, then, to look for help to the Churches of to-day? Frankly, I ifhriimk not, despite the numerous active Socialists within the Churches at present. They are but a very small minority, and 'the great majority of influ- ential people in the Churches are hostile to OUT movement, some merely from ignorance or mis- understanding of our objects, and many from base and isordid motives. We Socialists, therefore, appeal to all people who desire to see poverty and crime abolished, life made bright and beautiiful, manhood erect and free, womanhood honoured, and childhood loved, to study Socialism impartially in all its aspects. There are already a great number of good and cheap books on the subject also many reliable books throwing light upon the appalling miseries under which our brothers and sisters (yea and our children) lose body and soul in the present foolish, criminal and un- necessary struggle for existence. We appeal to them to read these books, to realise the true state of affairs and to exercise the power that is in everyone's hands to bring deliverance to each and to all. "Choose ye this day whom ye will serve." "Ye cannot serve God AND Mam- mon."—Yours, &c., 4, Castle-street, Conway. E. DOWNS.
Advertising
Advertising
Cite
Share
POOR BLOOD: Anaemia, Emaciation, Weakness, Pallid Complexion. Shortness of Breath, Feelings of Faintness and Weari- ness quickly yield to Guy's Tonic, because it makes the Blood rich, pure and vigorous in Flow. If you have ,vi taken Iron without success, give Guy's Tonic a trial and notice the immediate improvement. Guy's Tonic is sold by all Chemists and Stores at 1/lj per Bottle (Family size -2/U;.