Glamorgan Free Press

.q..n:. CHRISTIANITY Atm PROGRESS. To the Editor, "Glamorgan Free Press." Sir. n your last issue Mr J. Lewis in charg- ing me with intolerance says: "Here is Mr Hammond candidly telling as that it is quite right to disqualify Freethinkers to hold property for propaganda purposes." If your readers will refer to my previous letter, they will find that I said nothing of the kind. What I did say was in reference to their periodicals, which I main- tain should be excluded from all public libraries. I must, therefore, ask Mr J. Lewis, to stick to the. truth in future. Infidels do not require the right to hold property, for there is very little reason to think they would back their opinions with their purses. Mr Lewis complains of the manner in which his letters have been treated. He Has conducted his side of the controversy in the most offensive manner, and yet he expects consideration from those opposed to him. I can only say that he has been treated better than he deserves; he commenced this correspondence by an attack upon Christianity, and ho must be prepared to defend himself. However, I might be permitted to say that as a private individual an unbeliever is of all men the most to be pitied. He is without faith in God, and without hope of a life hereafter; in fact, a future life is to him a thing to dread. The infidel is in tha position of Felix, of whom it is recorded that "as Paul reasoned of righteouanass), temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered "Go thy way for this time; when I have a con- venient season r will call for thee." That "con- venient season" never came; indeed, it never can come to an unbeliever unless he consent to bend his .stubborn will to that of God and put aside his pride of intellect. How appropriate is the grand hymn of Newman to a man in such a doubting frame of mind- Lead, kindly Light, amid the encircling gloom, Lead Thou me on." I have spoken of the pity inspired in us to- wards an unbeliever as a private individual; but this does not apply to the man who attempts to pervert others. Your correspondent repudiates the Bible and a belief in God, and yet he asks, "Wha,t it was that the Titanic courage of Luther the learning and eloquence of Melancthon, and others, struggled for and won for us?" These are evidently men that your correspondent ad- mires; but they were not infidels, they were Christians, distinguished as reformers who fought for the right of the people to study the Bible-a book affected to be despised by infidels —instead of it being as hitherto only accessible to the monks who chose to chain it to their desks Mr Lewis claims "reason as the criterion of truth." There is nothing new in this proposi- tion ,for we are bidden in the Bible to "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good" (1 Tlies- salonians, v. 21.), and "Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind" (Romans xiv. 5.). A recent writer says; "Reason itself is not a guide, but it helps us to find out the best guide we can get. We must reason on something, and the reason of the great majority in this country tells them that Christianity is the best guide." But your correspondent forgets that om' there is something higher than reason, although not contrary to it. "There is Faith." A certain Bishop demonstrates faith in this manner. "When a little boy he was flying his kite, which became lost to view ,and he exclaimed, "Father I can- not see it." "No." said the father, "but you can feel ib pull." With regard to Slavery, which your corres- pondent bakes up so pointedly, Darwin says: "One morning t walked out an hour before day- light to admire the solemn stillness of the scene; at last the silence was broken by the morning hymn, raised on high by the whole body of blacks; and in this manner their daily work is generally begun. On such fazendas as these, 1 have no doubt the slaves pass happy and con- tented lives." These do not sound like the words of an unbeliever. Again, the says when speaking of slavery: "ft is a consolation to re- flect that we afc least have made a greater sac- rifice than ever made by any nation to expiate our sin." Your correspondent also appears to be unaware of the fact that at the jubilee, which was held under the Mosaic dispensation every fiftieth year, every Hebrew slave was set at liberty, and returned home. (Leviticus xxv. 10). So that the Bible does not sanction slavery in the sense that he would have us believe. It was due to Christian influence, Christian effort, and the money of Christians that the crusade against Slavery, pioneered by Grenville Sharp, Wilber- force, Towell Buxton, and others, was at length erowned with success. Does Mr Lewis maintain that the twenty millions of money voted by the British Parliament for compensation to the slave-owners was the property of infidels? Now, we will see what Darwin, the author ot the theory of evolution, thought about Christian- ity. Darwin had once maintained that all the pains bestowed upon the Fuegians would be thrown away, but Admiral Sullivan. referring to the missions to these people, found the trans- formation of character so great that he in- formed Darwin of the change in the natives, who had been under the influence of the mission. As an illustration, he said "that during eleven years the mission fowl-houses had remained unlocked, and not one egg had been stolen." Darwin replied that "he could not have believed that all the missionaries in the world could have made the Fuegians honest, but he now acknow- ledged his mistake, and became a regular sub- scriber to the funds of the South American Missionary Society." Professor Huxley, another scientist to whom Mr Lewis has referred, in speaking of the Bible, says: "By the study ot what other book could children be so much humanised and made to feel, that each figure in that vast historical precession fills, like them- selves, but a momentary space in the intervals between two eternities; and earns the blessings or the curses of all time according to its efforts to do good and hate evil, even as they also are earning their payment for their work?" Now, sir, I want to ask Mr Lewis a few ques- tions. Can he tell us where we can find any hospitals for the sick, infirm, aged, or the or- phan maintained by Infidels? Can he tell us where their schools are for the training of the ycung? Can he tell us how much a year, or how little is contributed by them towards their organisation? Do they ever visit the sick,feed and clothe the poor, or contribute by one act of kindness to minister to the spiritual wants of the dying? Let me quote the words of one who was ence an infidel, viz., Joseph Barker, who says with regard to a young woman who was taken ill and died in his house: "I attended her during the last sad night of her sufferings. I heardff her moanings as her life drew slowly towards a close. I wanted to comfort her, but I had not the power. I could once have spoken to her of a Father in heaven, and of a better world; but I could speak on those subjects 80 longer. I could once have kneeled by her side and prayed; but I could pray no more. I would neither comfort myself nor my dying charge. She passed away without a. word of oonsolation, or a whisper of hope to cheer her as she trod the dark valley of the shadow of death. I stood by, afflicted and comfortless, when her lifeless form was committed to its final resting place, unable to speak a word of hope or consolation to. the sorrowing minds that were gathered around her grave." Can Mr Lewis tell us of a single individual who on his dying bed regretted that he had been a Christ- ian? On the contrary, how many infidels have writhed in their agony of despair at the last moment, and have even caused their writings to be burned lest they should perpetuate their misery and their folly? Mr Lewis describes the force of Christianity as being like that of "an earthquake or a tor- nado." No doubt to an unbeliever its tremend- ous power would strike terror in his heart which he could not describe better than to say it appeared like an earthquake or tornado; for it entirely uproots the tree of infidelity and scatters its trunk and branches to the winds. As regards his statement that the church kept the world in utter intellectual darkness for over a thousand years, he ought to be thankful that notwithstanding their ignorance as compared with the present generation, the monks and their monasteries were almost tne soie repository of the knowledge which has been handed down to us. He is referring to the most barbarous ages in the history of civilised nations, and does not reflect that the religion a.t which he scoffs was the one that administered punishment to kings for their crimes, and was the only means, con- sidering the primitive state of the laws to keep the evil doer in check. He also appears to forget that the art of printing, to which we owe our present intelligence, was not discovered until 1471. I am not concerned in defending the atrocities committed in the dark ages, or at any other time, by men who supposed they wero advancing the cause of Christianity, but who really understood nothing more of Christ- ianity than the name. But there is a lesson to be learnt from these terrible persecutions which your correspondent has failed to gather from its record—namely, the fact that so many thousands of Christians died worthy of their profession, for the- would not abjure their faith to save their lives. However, I must again call attention to the gross inaceurraoy of Mr Lewis. He says that "in the Netherlands the Duke of Alva, at the behest of Christ's vicegerent, led out three, mil- lions of people of all ages to be ruthlessly mur- dered." I have consulted several histories, but can find no corroboration for this statement. Murray's Student's Hume Rives the following information: "Phillip determined to lav hold of the popular disorders as a pretence for en- tirely 'abolishing the privilege r r Ltsw CountriM; 1J fer ruling them _Jl 7.v„;i military and arbitrary authority. In the execu- tion of this violent design he employed the Duke of Alva, a proper instrument in the hands of such a tyrant. (1567). Multitudes of all ranks were thrown into confinement, and thence delivered over to the executioner." The number who died in this political warfare was thirty thousand, according to the "History of France." But your readers will see that it was not insti- gated by the Pope, and. further, they will ob- serve that Mr Lewis multiplied the number by one hundred to arrive at his figures. I doubt very much if the whole population of the Netherlands numbered three millions in 1857. I also find that "Foxe's Book of Martyrs" does not mention the name of tka Duke of Alva as a persecutor of Christians. Your correspondent said in his last letter that he was seeking after truth. I have en- deavoured to furnish him with soma, and I hope he will appreciate it.-I am., etc., Pntvpridd. JOSEPH HAMMOND 26th July. To the Editor. Sir,—Confusion and perplexity in writing are indeed without excuse, because any one may, if he pleases, know whether he understands and sees through what he is about and it is un- pardonable for a man to lay his thoughts before others when he is conscious that he himself does not know whereabouts he is, or how the mat- ter before him stands. It is coming abroad in disorder, which he ought to be ashamed to find himself in at home. Who would have thought that such an able logician, geologist, evolutionist, etc. et.c.. as Mr Lewis would have been in any way upset by the little personalities of a "quibbler?" My experience of so-called "Infidels" is, that they seem to think that ridi- cule is their monopoly, and nothing hurts their feelings more than to be treated to a dose of their specific. Notwithstanding the fact that Mr Lewis has joined the "Protestants" and his extreme sensitiveness, I am not to blame. Why? Because seems? that there was no "Crea- tion," and that an things came by evolution (according to Mr Lewis) then I am irresponsible because I am so evolved, I must be careful now how I proceed ,for if his future epistles contain as many changes of front as the one under con- sideration, our positions are apt to become re- versed. Hitherto, I have refrained from using the Bible, or anything pertaining to it, as an authority; but now, as Mr Lewis cannot uphold his case without so doing I shall, if need be, follow suit. So much by way of generalities. Equivocation and contradiction, again flourish abundantly, and will be his undoing. Com- mencing at the top, our "convulsions" over, we join the "Free Thinkers," and pass on to the "fires of Smithfield," calling to see "Calvin and Servitus" by the way; rejecting with scorn the "Catholics and Pope," Bible and "Protestants," we arrive at the Reformation (time too). Al- though intending to take "our stand on this principle," equivocation again impels us forward, demolishing in our progress "Divine authority for Scripture, Divine Church," etc., etc., we arrive at our destination, "crippled and disquali- fied by Act of Parliament. "What an Evolu- tion! Come now, Mr Lewis, and let us "quibble" together, and may revealed truth result from our so doing. With your permission, we will return to the two points arising in your previous chapter and continued in this one ,and there we stay until plain talk and facts take us fur- ther. First, that the Bible has a science; second, that Christianity is a force. Now, for a few minutes be man enough to stand by your text, and let us examine it a little. You said "Bible soience teaches that man fell," etc. This was perfectly true and definite. Then you say "Biblical science," which is indefinite, and define that science as "primitive ideas or guesses," which neutralises the whole. if you meant "ideas" why say "Bible science" If you meant "guesses" why say "Biblical science?" In writ- ing of rooks, would you say peacocks? As I mean that you are foolish, would I not be equally foolish in saying that you are wise? We are obliged to you for so clearly "demon- strating" "Bible science," which view I willingly endorse, at the same time reminding you that it is not a scientific book. Second, "Christianity a force." This state- ment you reiterate several times, proving that you are convinced of its correctness. Your definition of its being "the force of an earth- quake or tornado" I readily accept. Then you state that "the primary element in Christian civilisation to-day, after nineteen centuries of Christian cant, is force." Still the same "foroe," I presume. (How will we agree). But, how are we to reconcile these truisms, with your next silvery sentence, "And Christianity is as impo- tent and helpless as a tiny craft on the crest of a tidal wave?" However, let us make a brief analysis of your "force" definition as applied to Christianity. (1) It is irresistible in its opera- tions, (2) it is invisible in action, visible by re- sults, (3). its elements are always present.though not always active, (4) it totally defies human agencies to originate it, or to limit its extent, (5) it is rroportionate to, but always greater than, the opposition it meets. A better, clearer, broader definition of Christianity I have not seen, and if Mr Lewis is satisfied, surely I am. Schopenhauer's remark, if properly quoted, is obviously wrong. Naturalists, Darwin included, teach and prove that glow-worms do not require darkness to shine in, but that the shining is made visible to us through the medium of the darkness, and the more dense the darkness, the more intensely brilliant the light is seen. Even so with Christianity. In the ages to which you refer, when the "church" by its pandering to Materialism and Infidel immorality, brought about a darkness and depravity, morally and spiritually, the illimitable force of pure Christ- ianity was displayed, and the intense light of the "Sun of Righteousness" was seen in the Re. formation(by which you have promised to stand). overcoming all opposition, and dispelling all darkness. It seems strange that you should so lightly pass over the quotations from your own authorities. With regard to the use of the word "Creator" by Darwin, it does not in any material way affect the point at issue (your sar- casm is very amusing. Further, I am willing for you to substitute any other word you like, interpret science in any sense you .Ke, but of course, the justice of a reading public, Infidel or Christian, will allow me to do likewise. You say Darwin does not use the word "Creator" in a theological sense, nor in the orthodox sense; then there is no sense in his using the word at all, or anyone else. Apply your new rule to "Prof. Owen's remark: "Also, it will be well to bear in mind that by the word Creation, the zoologist means a process—he knows not what." Perfectly true and admissible. Creation does mean process or act, then Creator means one who conducts the process or acts. Again, ren- dering the foregoing quotation, according to your new ruling, we read: "Also, etc., by the word Creator the Evolutionist means a person- he knows not who." This is eating the oystei and the shell. I must correct another of your mis-statements, "Mr Baker says geology does not," etc. I said nothing of the kind. Dar- win, whose statement I quoted and here repeat, says "Geology gives no evidence in favour of Evolution breaks are incessantly occurring -n the organic chain there is scarcely a single point on which facts (not theories) cannot be adduced opposite to those to which I have arrived." ("Origin of Species" and "Descent of Man," vol. 2, pages 385-387.) Let me endorse and again quote one of my favourites: "Of all the senseless babble I have ever had occasion to read, the demonstrations of those philosophers who undertake to tell us all about the nature of God would be the worst, if they were not surpassed by the still greater absurdities of those philosophers who try to prove that there is no God." (Prof. Hux- leys, "Science and Culture," page 241). In con- clusion, I say that if you are going to find truth, whether by the "criterion of reason or research," you must cease equivocating, and not render synonymous the terms theory and fact, Church and Christ, Churchism and Christianity, Dar- win's Agnosticism, and Lewis' Gnocticism.— I am, etc., North Road, Porth. JAMES BAKER.

The Ynysangharad Street Disturbance. On Wednesday at 'the Pontypridd Police Court, the adjourned case in which Henry Wii- Kama, smith, Pontypridd, was charged with assaulting Morgan Jones, an insurance agent, living at Cilfynydd, again came on for hearing. There was also a charge prepared against Jones of assaulting Williams' wife. Mr James Phillips, solicitor. Pontypridd, pro- secuted, and Mr Charles Matthews, solicitor, Pontypridd, defended. In addition to the evidence given last week, evidence was now given by P.C. Clinch, William Edwards, and Evan Davies, the two latter stat- ing that Morgan Jones first struck Mrs Williams on the arm and then ran away. They after- wards saw Henry Williams on the ground, and three men on top of him. Jones and Williams were ordered to pay Es each towards the costs. Summonses had also been taken out against Morgan Jones, Evan Griffiths, and Henry Wil- liams, but after hearing the evidence the Bench dismissed the cases. „

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♦ Prize awarded this week to A. J. Jones, Tony- pandy House, Tonypandy, for "Just Escaped." JUST ESCAPED. An English newspaper of recent date tells an interesting story of a little Scotch boy, who, while playing on the docks of a well known sea- port. town, fell into the water. An ohlsailor, seeing the accident, jumped to the rescue, and with great difficulty managed to get the boy boy out of the water in an unconscious condi- tion. When restored to consciousness, the boy was soon oi-i his feet again, and appeared as weli as ever. He was about to resume play as if nothing had happened when his rescuer said kindly, "You ought to be glad I was near by when you fell into tho water." "I am," replied the little lad, "an' I'm sa glad ye got me out. What a liekki' I wad a got from my muther if I'd been drooned."—A.J.J., Tonypandy. DIDN'T MEDLE WITH IT. One morning a young man was stamping about the sitting room when the landlady ap- peared. 1 "Terribly cold morning," he remarked. "1 see the glass has fallen again." "The what, sir?" asked the landlady. "The barometer has fallen again." "Well, sir, if it has, it must have been the cat, for I didn't meddle with it," replied the landlady.—D.M., Treorky. HOW HE MANAGED IT. The late Rev Dr Sutton, once said to Mr P., a veterinary surgeon. Well, Mr P., how is it, you have not called upon me for your accounts?" "I never ask a gentleman for money," said Mr P. "Indeed, how do you get on if he don't pay?" "Why, after a certain time I conclude he is not a gentleman, and then I ask him," said Mr P.—D.M., Treorky. AN UNFAIR DIVISION. Mary Lad been to Church for the first time, and on her return her grandmother asked her what she thought of it. "I liked it very much," she replied; "but there was one thing I did not think was fair. One man did all the work, and then another man came around and got all the money."— J.A., Pontypridd. HATING A HAND IN IT. Some unlucky boys at a boarding school were spiteful against the master for what they called unjust punishment. Secretljy one night they went and tarred the rail leading to the master's bedroom. The master coming down in the dark soiled his hands and coat, apd in a rage ke sent for the boy whom he most suspected. We lad denied that he had done it, but he said he knew someone who had had a hand in it. "That's it," said the master, "always speak the truth. Who was it? "Yourself," said the boy. The master could not help from smiling at the boy's cleverness, which saved him from hav- ing a good thrashing. -H..H., Halifax, York- shire. AN AWKWARD INVITATION. A country parish minister, who lately visited Glasgow, met in the street a servant girl who had left his congregation to go to a situation in the city. "Well, Mattie," said he kindly, "how do you like your new situation?" "Fine, sir; but I'm gey lonel yamang sue mony strange folk." "I was thinjring so, Mattie. Well, I'll call and see you before I leave the town." "No, sir," very dolefully; "ye matrna dae that, for our mistress allows nae followers; but-" brightening up—"if ye come tae the back gate when it's dark, I'll try tae let ye in at the windy."—D.H., Birmingham. DR BROWN AND HIS INAMORITA. The noted Dr Brown had been keeping com- pany with a young lady for many years, and in the course of that time he used to drink her health before any other. But one evening he left that toast out. A gentleman present said, "Come, Doctor, where is your usual toast?" Why don't you drink to your dearest?" "Well," answered the Doctor, "I have been toasting her for many years, but I could not for the very life of me make her Brown, so therefore I'll toast her no more.'—D.W., Ponty- pridd. TOM AND HIS MASTER. "Now, Tom," said his master, "I want you to take this parcel to the station, and put on the top of it, 'This side up, with care.' Now, do you understand me"? "Yes, sir," said Tom. In half an hour Tom came back. "Well, Thomas," said his master, "did you do as I told you?" "Yes, master. I took it, and I wrote on top of it, 'This side up, with care,' and to make sure they would not make a mistake I wrote under- neath as well.—D.W., Pontypridd. +

A Barmaid Assaulted at Diqas. A CUSTOMER WHO WAS PARTICULAR ABOUT HER BEER. At the Porth Police Court on Thursday- before the Stipendiary (Mr Ignatius Williams) and Dr T. W. Parry-Elizabeth Morgan, mar- ried, Dinas, was summoned for assaulting Rachel Ann Morley, barmaid, at the Colliers' Arms. Dinas, on the 15th inst. It appears that the defendant is an aunt of the complainant, and on the day in question, she sent for a pint of beer, and subsequently sent it back saying that she did not want "slops." Miss Morley said that it was not "slops." Defendant then came in herself, and threw the contents of the pint in complainant's face. Corroborative evidence was —Ven by Thomas Davies and John Ace. Defendant was bound over to keep the peace, and was also ordered to pay the costs.

TO GET RID OF HIS MOTHER-IN-LAW He Bought a Revolver. STORY OF A PENYGRAIG HUSBAND'S CRUELTY. THREATENED TO SHOOT HIS WIFE. HE WOULD "SMASH HER HEAD." At the Porth Police Court on Thursday- before the Stipendiary and Dr T. W. Parry-a Williamstown baker named Owen Leet was sum- moned for persistent cruelty to his wife Kate. Mr J. Phillips, solicitor, Pontypridd, prosecu- ted. The couple were married five years ago, and four children of the marriage are still alive. Some time ago they moved from Devonport to Williamstown. About Easter the defendant gave his wife some money to buy goods. She paid 4s 6d for the goods, and gave him the change. He demanded that she should tell him of every penny that had been spent, and he was very quick tempered. He occasionally smashed crockery if she refused to let him know of every halfpenny that had been spent. He also threatened to shoot her. In Jubilee week her mother came to visit her, and the defendant abused her mother very much. He pushed his wife off the chair, and told her that if she was not in bed in half an hour's time he would smash her hea,d. She stayed away from the house for two nights in consequence of his vio- lence. Corroborative evidence was given by Lucy Terry and Ann Wills. For the defence it was urged that defendant bought the revolver in order to get rid of his mother-in-law, who was the root of all this disturbance. The hearing of the case occupied some time, and the Bench ultimately granted a separation order, and ordered defendant to pay 12s 6d pei week towards his wife's maintenance.

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MEDICAL CERTIFICATES IN THE RHONODA. Straqge Case at Pontygwaith STRONG REMARKS BY THE SCHOOL BOARD. A medical certificate was the subject of con- siderable discussion and some strong comments at Monday's meeting of the Rhondda School Board, Mr T. Bevan (chairman) presiding. The following paragraph appeared in the re- port of the Attendance Committee, of which the Rev W. Lewis, vicar, is chairman: "We have had under our consideration the case of Geo. Williams, a boy a -ending the Pont- ygwaith School. It appears that the attend- ances made by this boy during the past School Year were only 71 out of a possfble 4s30, and during the present quarter only 13 out of 93, and notwithstanding the fact that the Attend- ance Officer submitted to the local Doctor the list of proposed summonses (including the name of this boy) a medical certificate, which we herewith submit,was presented in Court,and the summons in consequence was dismissed. We submit these facts for the consideration of the Board." Rev W. Lewis: We thou-ht it was only right to bring the matter before the Board, and it is a serious case ,1 think. And this is not the first time we have had to call attention to such cases arising in that part of our district. I think doctors should really try to help the Board. This is not the first time such a thing has happened, although the Clerk has been over there on the matter. The Clerk: Yes, some time ago. Replying to a member the Chairman said the certificate bore the signature of an assistant doctor. The Clerk read the boyfs attendance—or, more correctly, non-attendance—record. From the year 1896 up to the present time he had made 71 attendances out of a possible 430, thus being absent 359 times. During the first quarter of this year he had made 13 attendances out of a possible 93. Mr Harris (Pontygwaith Schools) was of opinion that this was a case ot wilful neglect. He complained that at the time the boy was certified to be ill he was riding about in a local milk-cart, apparently in good health. Three weeks ago Mr Harris wrote to the parents for an explanation of the boy's ab- sence, and they replied that they thought he was in school. The Clerk (continuing); I saw the boy myself last week. The Chairman: Mr Lewis saw the milkman, who has not allowed the boy to follow him since. Miss Ada Jones: And yet he doesn't attend school. Rev W. Lewis:' No, he doesn't. Rev W. Morris. What is the general health of the boy? The Chairman: He seems to be healthy. Rev W. Morris: Then what is the committee's view of this statement? Rev W. Lewis: I should not like to say it was given with the knowledge that it was incor- rect. I think it was given carelessly, thought- lessly. Mr W. Jenkins, J.P. (reading the offending dooument): This is really not a certificate at all. Rev W. Lewis: The doctor says"f saw him last about three weeks ago," and yet the magis- trates dismissed the case. Mr D. R. Jones: There is nothing on this certificate to show even where the doctor lives, or anything else. Mr Jenkins: The doctor is well-known. After a further discussion, ill which the Vice- chairman (Rev W. Morris), Rev W. Lewis, and Rev T. Williams, took part, a resolution was unanimously adopted directing the Clerk to call the attention of the medical gentleman to the certificate, and also to the fact that the magistrates had dismissed the case upon the evidence of this document.

Funeral of Mr. Ivor John, Ynyshir. The funeral took place on Thursday, at the Lledrddu Cemetery, amid every manisfestation of sorrow, of Mr IVOR John, Eagle Hotel, The deceased, who had resided at Ynyshir for many years, expired at Barry Dock on the 17th inst., whence he had proceeded to spend a few uays with his brother. For many years he was chief clerk with Mr Robert Duncan, of the Glamorgan Coal Company. He was an able controversialist in both .unglish and Welsh, and possessed ex- ceptionai capabilities. The esteem in which the deceased was held was clearly demonstrated by the large number that attended the funeral ob- sequies. The service at the residence was con- ducted by the Vicar, the Rev Samuel Jones, L.D. and the well-known hymn, "Mae 'nghyfeillion adre n myned," was most feelingly • The mournful cortege, headed by the members of the "Lily of Fairfield Lodge," of the Loyal Order of Shepherds, and Bristol and West of England Society, of which deceased was an honorary member, then wended its way to the oemjetery. Amongst the mmediae relatives present were: Mrs John (widow), Mr Davies and Mr John Davies, Windsor Hotel, Pentre; Mr John John Miss John, and Mrs John, Barry; Mr George Davies, Tonypandy; Mr Martin John and Mrs John, Blaengwynfi; Mr and Mrs John, Ystrad; Mr and Mrs Llewellyn, Taff's Well; Mr Robotham, Treforest; Mr and Mrs Wil- liams, Nantgarw; Mr and Mrs Davies, Maesy- ffynon, Trealaw; Mr John Williams, J.P., Clyd- ach Court; Mr Tom Davies, Court Villa, Tony- pandy; Mr Thomas Williams and Mrs Williams, Pandy Inn; Mr and Mrs Evans, and Mrs Evans, Ynyscynon, Trealaw; Mr Evans and Mrs Evans, Cilfaelfydd Mr George Williams, registrar; Mr Thomas, Metropolitan Bank, Pontypridd; Mr Reeves, Penarth; Mr and Miss Davies, Imperial Hotel, Porth; Miss Williams, Wyndham Hotel, Treherbert. The service at the cemetery was again conducted by Rev Sam. Jones, L.D. At the church, Dr Parry's soul-stirring hymn,"Aber- ystwyth," to the words "Beth svdd i mi yn y byd?" was sung with so much pathos that many were unable to restrain their tears. The coffin, which was beautifully decorated with floral tri- butes, and was of polished oak, was laid in the family vault to the strains of "Bydd myrdd o ryfeddodau." Tha whole of the funeral ar- rangements were most efficiency carried out under the supervision of Mr Jones, undertaker, Ynyshir. Much sympathy is being expressed with Mrs John and family in their sad and sudden bereavement.

The Trumpeter's Christmas. [From the "Wednesbury Herald."] To talk of a trumpeter who cannot blow a trumpet sounds rather anomalous. Yet a bands- man acknowledged that he had been in the un- fortunate predicament of being unable to per- form even this simple and elementary piece of work. "Yes, I was taken with what the doctor- who was called in by my friends—told me was bronchitis and influenza. I felt very low and weak. I had a bad pain in my side, and my head was all wrong. The sensation of giddiness was never absent. Work was out of the ques- tion, and I could not read or do anything to pass the time. I could not even blow my trum- pet—for I am a member of the Aston United Brass Band. I took quinine to strengthen me, besides a lot of doctor's medicine. But no- thing seemed to do me good. One feature of my complaint was persistent diarrhoea, which weakened me very much. Altogether, I was very ill and low-spirited." "But you are looking very well now." "Never felt better. I read in a newspaper about Dr Williams' Pink Pills for Pale People, and the wonderful cures they have worked in cases which seemed to be like my own. I pro- cured a box, and received immediate benefit. By the time the pills were finished I was quite well again, and able to spend a happy Christmas I am back at work now, and I have had no re- currence of the unpleasant symptoms of my ill- ness. I have no hesitation in ascribing my cure to their action, and if I am ifl at any future time it is to Dr Williams' Pink Pills that I shall fly." This is only one case out of many which Dr Williams' Pink Pills have cured. They are praised amongst all classes as a strengthening and tonic medicine for men, women, and child- ren. They are not like other medicine, nor can they be imitated ,as is sometimes dishonestly pretended take care that the package bears the FULL NAME, Dr Williams' Pink Pills for Pale People ,and in case of doubt send direct to Dr Williams' Medicine Company 46, Holborn-via- duct, London, E.C., as the Pills can be had post free at 2s 9d, or six boxes for 13s 9d. They j have cured numerous case of rheumatism, para- lysis, locomotor ataxy, sciatica, influenza, aim. mia, palpitations, and the disorders which arise from impoverished blood, such as muscular weak- ness, loss of appetite, shortness of breath, pain in the back, nervous headache, early decay, and all forms of female weakness. The trumpeter whose cure is described above kindly consented to the publication of his name and address. He is well-known and widely- respected, and will be instantly recognised by thousands of readers—Mr Alfred Partridge, of 61, Franchise street, King's hill, Wednesbury, a forger by trade. Ha follows his employment at Aston, almost within round of the roar of the traffic in the busy streets, cf Birmingham.

EVEfHjiC CLASSES IN THE PIHOVDDA Arrangements for the flew Session. LAST YEAR'S RESULTS. Tho committee which has charge of the ex- cellent system of evening instructions which obtains in the Rhondda Valley presented the following report to Monday's meeting of the School Board, Mr T. Bevan (the chairman) presiding "Rev T. Williams, chairman of this Committee has tendered to us his resignation, which we have accepted. We have appointed Mr D. R. Jones as chairman for the remainder of the triennnial period. We have had before us the reports upon the Schools, for the session ended 30th April last, for whieh we beg to append the following totals: Average attendance, 588.5; grant earned, E629 6s 6d; reductions, L115 15s lid; grant received, E513 10s 7d. "We have also had submitted to us a Summary of the income and expenditure on the evening schools for the past session, which show: Total expenditure, E803 19s 8d; total income, £ 48V 8s; total from rates, C316 lis 8d— £ 803 19s 8d. "We recommend that the next session shall commence on the 13th September; that evening schools be opener as under; and that the head teachers be appointed as follow: Blaenrhondda, Mr S. Davies; Dunraven, Mr T.Davies; Treher- bert,Mr M. O. Jones; Park, Mr W. Howell; Tre- orky, Mr E. R. Jones; Pentre, Mr H. Howells; Ton, Mr R. W. Griffiths; Gelli, Mr W. Parfitt; Bodringallt, Mr J. Jenkins; Llwynypia, Mr L. M. Davies; Tonypandy, Mr J. W. Jones; Cwm- clydach, Mr R. R. Williamus; Trealaw, Mr T. P. John; Penygrai? Mr T. D. John; Ynyshir, Mr J. W. John; Pontygwaith, Mr H. Harris; Tylorstown, Mr D. Hugh; Ferndale, Mr D. L. Williams; Mardy, Mr G. Lewis; Dinas, Mr J. H. Jones; Williamstown, Mr U. Salmon; Cym- mer, Mr D. E. Jones; Porth Mr E. Rees; Hafod, Mr B. Gabe; Aberllechau, Mr D. Phil- lips. "We recommend that paragraph 8 (a) of the Evening School Regulations be amended so as to read as follows: Head Master, 5s per even- ing, and this sum may be augmented on the receipt of the annual report by an additional payment of 2s, 2s 6d, or 3s per week, if the re- port shows an average attendance of at least 15, 30, or 45 scholars respectively. "We recommend that, in future, the appoint- ments of head teachers of the evening schools under the Board shall, as far as possible, be given to certificated assistant teachers." The report was unanimously adopted.

HONDDA SCHOOL BOARD. The Board and its Appointments. DO THE ATTENDANCE OFFICERS WEAR THEIR UNIFORMS? An extra-ordinary meeting of the Rhondda. School Board was held on Monday, Mr T. Bevan (chairman) presided, and the attendance included the Rev W. 3,lorr.- F.G.S. (vice-ehair- man), Miss Ada Jones, Rev W. Lewis, R.D., Rev W. Charles, M.A., Rev T. Williams, Messrs W. Jenkins, JP., W. W. Hood, Daniel Thomas, D R. Jones, David Williams, J. E. Jones, and John Davies; with the clerk, Mr W. G. Howell, the deputy-clerk, Mr T. G. Jones; and the archi- tect, Mr J. Rees. THE RECENT APPOINTMENT OF ASSIST- ANT MASTER. On the minutes being confirmed, the Rev W. Charles referred to the appointment, made at the last meeting of the Board, of an assistant master for the Pupil Teachers' Centre. The rev. gentleman asked that the advertisement of the vacancy might be read. The Clerk read a copy of the advertisement, which was for a trained certificated assistant master. The Rev W. Charles said that in raisins; the question he was about to put he did not wish in any way to reflect upon the qualifications of the gentleman appointed. The Vice-chairman here interposed, with refer- ence to the advertisement, that it was not in accordance with the resolution to advertise. The resolution having been read, there ap- peared to be a discrepancy between it and the advertisement. The Vice-chairman pointed out that nothing was said in the resolution about a trained assist- ant master at all, but only that the appointed person must be qualified to teach Welsh. Rev W. Charles went on to say that the terms of the advertisement- had been the means of discouraging several of the Board's teachers from applying for the post, and, in fact, had misled many would-be candidates. Mr David Thomas: It is quite clear that the action of the Board in making the appointment is quite consistent with the resolution passed by the Board in June, and no mention was then made as to the words "trained teacher." Mr Charles knows that so anxious were the mem- bers of the Board to recognise the Welsh language at the Centre that it was thought some months ago to appoint a local Welsh teacher to devote a. few hours a week to that subject. But when Mr Burgess left, it was decided to adver- tise for an assistant who was qualified to teach Welsh efficiently, and Mr James was appointed. The committee is not responsible for the terms of lIle advertisement, and it is a pity that Mr James should suffer in consequence. Rev W. Charles: Hitherto we have adhered to the terms of the advertisement. The Vice-Chairman: Yes, when we have authorised that advertisement. I think we should get the terms of the advertisement clear before us henceforth. The Chairman: Hencaforth. It is too late now. We will go on with the next business. Before we advertise next time we had better come to some understanding. Rev W. Charles: I think so. Rev Thomas Williams remarked that a simi- lar difficulty presented itself some time ago over an appointment to the Porth Centre, when the Board offered £10 extra for Welsh. The Chairman: We must be more consistent. The Vihainnan: Certainly. Let the resolution of the Board be the substance of the advertisement. Rev W. Charles: That is why I called atten- tion to the matter. APPRECIATION OF SYMPATHY. The Clerk read aletter from Miss Ada Jones Ynyshir, who desired to convey to the chairman and members of the Board her sincere gratitude for their kind resolution of sympathy with her in her brother's death. THE MISSIONER TO THE DEAF AND DUMB. The Clerk said he had just received a letter from Mr Edward Rowland. According to the report of the committee which investigated this case, and wliich was adopted by the Board at its last meeting, it had been decided to take no further notice of communications from this man. Rev W. Lewis: I think it should be read. It any one threatens you with legal proceedings it should be read. I had a letter from the schoolmistress of the deaf and dumb school, and I think the writer was prompted by the writer of this letter now before us. It was a scanda- lous letter, I think. A long discussion followed in which theVica. j chairman contended 'that the letter ought to be referred to the committee. It was not right, he thought, that, a letter which might possibly be libellous should be read in the Board meeting at which the Press was present, because that Board might thus be the instrument of conveying libel- lous insinuations. Ultimately the letter was referred to the Committee. THE BOARD'S FINANCES. The Finance Committee had examined ac- counta amounting to £4,661 14s (P,4,549 18s in the General Account, and ;11 16s in the Loan Account), and reoommended the same for pay- ment. The Committee had examined the treasurer's books, and found that the General Account shewed a balance of £ 2,157 7s Id in favour of the Board, and the Loan Account a credit balance of £1,566 11s lOd. After to-day's payments there would be a balance of £2,392 10s lid asrainst the Board in the General Ac- count, and in the Loan Account a credit balance of £1,454 15a lOd. There was a sum of £1,500 now due from the Overseers, and they were in- formed by the assistant overseer that this sum would be paid to the treasurer of the Board by the 29th inst. The balance of the precept, amounting to L4,000, would also become due on the 1st August. Adverting to their report of the 2nd ultimo, they begeed to report that Messrs Treharne, the solicitors acting for the Board in the matter of the purchase of the Maendy site, had succeeded in getting the Ven- dor's solicitors to reduce the costs by jE6 Os 8d." Mr Daniel Thomas, chairman of the Finance Committee, said that after that day's disburse- ments the Board would have P,1,197 8s to the good. ATTENDANCE OFFICERS AND THEIR UNIFORM. Paragraph No. 2 in the report of the Attend- ance Committee read "The time has now arrived when the uniforms of the Attendance Officers should be renewed." The Vice-chairman: What is the meaning of No. 2? 0 The Clerk: Simply to call attention to the fact. The Vice-chairman: Doesn't the Committee recommend ? The Clerk: It's a question whether you shall advertise, as was done last year, or we'll accept the terms upon which you bought last year. Mr D. 11. Jones: Do the officers wear their uniforms when on duty? (Laughter). The Chairman: Yes, on our side of the valiey at any rate. Mr John Davies: Yes, and on our side, too. Mr D. R. Jones: I have never had the plea- sure of seeing our officers in uniform yet, except Mr Yorath. I venture to say that the clothes are not worn. The) Clerk: They are worn out, anyhow. (Laughter). Mr D. R. Jones: Well, I move that the officers be ordered to wear their uniforms during their Hours ot duty. Mr J. E. Jones seconded, and the motion was adopted. On the motion of the Vice-chairman, seconded by Mr Daniel Thomas, it was decided to ad- vertise for tenders for the supply of new uni- forms. A CONFIRMED ABSTAINER. "We (the Attendance Committee) recommend that the attention of the authorities of the Truant School be called to the case of Dav Thomas Evans, 17, Marion street, Clydach Va e, who, notwithstanding that he has already been throe times to the Truant School, still persists in truanting." This was adopted. STIRRING UP THE BOARD. The Building Committee reported: "We have had under our consideration two letters written bv Mr Edwards, H.M.I., in which he states that the Grant of the Cwmclydaeh, Ystrad Higher Grade, and Pentre Schools are likely to be delayed, on account of the fact that no im- provement had been effected in the ventilation of those schools. It appears, however, that the requirements at Clydach Vale had been met a few days after the Inspector's visit, and we have given instructions to the architect to have the requirements at the Ystrad Higher Grade and Pentre Schools completed with as little delay as possible." PONTRHONDDA SCHOOL. "We recommend that Messrs Treharne and Treharne, solicitors, Pentre, be instructed to prepare a contract for tho erection of Pont- rhomtUU School." THE MAENDY SITE. "We beg to report the receipt of tho convey- ance of the Maendy rite duly esccutsd by the Venders ,.1 rcecsrjnen'.l 4 ing those of the Vetidor's solicitors and Messrs Treharne) amounting to £50 2s lOd be paid." THE BOARD TURNED "LANDLORDS." "As there is a small piece of unoccupied lareT adjoining the Treherbert Cookery Centre, and belonging to the Board, we recommend that Mr D. R. Jones and Mr D. Williams be authorised to let the same at a reasonable rental." MANUAL INSTRUCxiuN CENTRE. "Having regard to the resolution of the Board at the last meeting to establish a Centre at Llwynypia School, for manual instruction, we have had under our consideration the question of making the room underneath the school suit- able for such purpose, and we recommend that the existing stone floor be left undisturbed, but that it be boarded over. We also recommend that the architect be instructed to order the necessary number of benches and sets of tools for the Llwynypia and lsu-iiu Higher Grade Classes." THE BOARD'S LEu—j ADVISERS, Referring to one of the items in the report of the Building Committee, who recommended that a Pentre firm of solicitors should prepare certain deeds, Mr W. Jenkins asked why that particu- lar firm was mentioned. It was explained by the Clerk that the Board's custom was to go round the local solicitors in turns. Mr Jenkins disagreed wit hthe arrangement. The Board should appoint one firm of solicitors, to whom they could always iook for adviee. If the Board continued to run here and there, to Dick, Tom, and Harry, they would never know their position, and unpleasant complications might arise. The Vice-chairman expressed opinions coin- ciding with those of Mr Jenkins, and suggested that the matter be placed on the agenda for the next meeting, which was agreed to. "EFFICIENCY AND ECONOMY." The Building Committee further reported: "We have had under our consideration the architect's report, which states (1) That satis- factory progress is being made with the work at Dunraven School, (2) That the work at Porth School has been completed at a total cost of L120 19s 9d, to which is to be added jE5 lis JJ (subject to correction) for the plumber. The above figures include the architect's commission (L5 4s 3d), and the value of the extra work done (£26 Is 6d). The tender that was sent in for this work amounted to L109, and if the architect's commission (£4 7s 2d) were added to this sum, the work would have cost bv contract E113 7s 2d, withou the extra work. the differ- ence therefore between the two sets of figures is -0 £14. 9s tu. (3) That the improvements to tho Bodringallt Schools are completed (with the exception of a little plastering) at a cost of £ 295 8s 5d." Mr D. R. Jones: As this is the first. job we have done ourselves, without being contracted for, I should like to have a list of figures shew- ing how much money has been spent in time and how much for materials. It seems to me this paragraph has been got together very hurriedly. I move that the architect prepare a statement shewing the various items of expenditure. This was seconded by the Vice-chairman, and carried. There was standing on the agenda.. in the name of Mr D. R. Jones, a motion in reference to work carried out by the Board's own work- men, and by permission lie now submitted that proposition. It is evident, said Mr Jones, that the proper course to adopt in the alterations and other jobs done at our schools by the Board's workmen, is to consider the work from the dual standpoint of efficiency and economy. This cannot be done except the architect, upon whom we rely for advice in these matters, submit his estimate for any work to be done. It was per- fectly understood, when we employed extra men for carrying out this work, laat estimates were to be submitted and proper accounts kept for the purpose of comparison of cost. It wotuu be impossible, otherwise, to carry out improvements with any degree of intelligence and tact, es- pecially when we consider the arguments pro- duced in favour of employing extra hands some months ago to do any special small jobs. I therefore propose "That no alteration be carried out by the Board's workmen at any time or place until the architect submit his estimate of the amount required for such alteration." This was unanimously agreed to. THE BOARD'S MEETINGS. Mr Daniel Thomas ha,, -riven notice of the following "To consider the present arrange- ments for holding the Board and School Man- agement meetings, and to move a "Olution." Permission was given to Mr Thomas to postpone the matter until the next meeting. A COMPLIMENT FOR CYMMER. The Management Committee reported: "We have received the annual reports on Cymmer, Graigddu, BLtenMchau, and Dinars Scjhools. Tbe grants earned are as follows: Boys. Girls. Infants. T'l Grant. 's, d. s d. s. d. £ s. d. Cymmr-r 20 6 20 6 17 0 608 4 0 Graigddu 18 0 15 0 14S 16 0 Blaenllecbau 15 0 140 5 0 Dinas 20 6 — 15 0 178 17 0 We desire to express our appreciation of the high state of efficiency attained by -the Cymmer School esjpecially the Girls' department." "Mrs Johns and Mrs Jones, the head mis- tresses of the Graigddu Girls' and Infants1 Schools, have appeared before us in reference to the reports on their Schools. We recommend that the Clerk be instructed to write to Her Majesty's Inspector, calling his attention to the staff at the Infants' School during the past year, and to point out that the remark in the annual report does not appear to be borne out by the facts." WHERE THE HEAD TEACHERS LIVE. "We also recommend that the Clerk be in- structed to obtain the following particulars re- specting the head teachers no win the service of the Board 1, Place of residence; 2, Distance of residence from sehool; 3, Whether maraied or single; 4, If single, whether they live with their parents. DRAWING REPORTS. "We have received the drawing reports of th") following schools Porth, "Good; Williams- C town, "Good;" Cymmer, "Excellent;" Dinas, "Excellent." WELSH HYMN BOOKS. "We recommend that a committee consisting of the following gentlemen be appointed to com- pile a suitable Welsh hymn and tune book for the use of the schools under the Board: Rev T. Williams, Rev W. Lewis, Rev W. Morris, Rev W. Charles (members of the Board); Mr M. O. Jones, Treherbert; Mr H. Howells, Pentre; Mr W. Thomas, Treorky."

A Change of Air. WHY IS IT NECESSARY, AND HOW TO BENEFIT BY IT. "Oh! for a change!" is the cry from town and country, and packing for the annual visit to the seashore or the Wells is the oirder of the day. The various health resorts arc frequented not so much by those who are actually invalids as by those who wish to be protected from becoming so. The routine of every-day life, the close application to business or study, the pressure of home cares, all tend more or less to put the system out of tone, and to make a change neces- sary. And it should be remembered that it is in the "change" the chief benefit lies.. is true that the ozone-laden breezes of the coast the matutinal dip in the sea. and the orthodox drinking of the mineral waters, have their uses, but the benefit derived from them is greatly en- hanced by the "change" the health-seeker under- goes the change that is of air, of scenc, of diet, and of habits of fife. Neither is this all that is necessary. Most experienced medical men now-a-days advise the taking during the change of a course of some good tonic medicine—as, for instance, that popu- lar preparation "Gwilym Evans' Quinine Bit- ters," which has secured the approval of many leading physiciars, and whose praises arc sung by most people who have tried it. As a remedy for Weakness, Nervousness, In- digestion, Low Spirits, Sleeplessness, and Chest Affections, it has no equal. Gwilym Evans Quinine Bitters, the Vegetable Tonic is sold in bottles at 2s 9d and 4s 6d each, and can be ob- tained from all chemists an 1 patei.: ,Iicina vendors, or, carriage free, by parcel post, direct, from the proprietors: The Quinine Bitten* Manufacturing Company, Limited, South Walea, Beware of Imitations. See the name "Gwilym Evans on Label, Stamp, and Bottle.

BUILTH. The "Glamorgan Frie Prr-ss miy be obtained every Saturday from Miss Owen, Stationer, &c., 2, Broad Street. LLANWRTYD. The Glamorgan Free Press may be obtained every Saturday from Mr. Thomas Lewis, Newsagent, &o. rORTITCA WL.-The "Glamorgan Free I i, may .be obtained every 1'ëdaY L k