Glamorgan Free Press

NOTICE TO CORRESPONDENTS. GOMEH REES—Your letter a".1^je^>P° next insertion in this issue. It will ajp Tfreck.

Pontypridd. For Best and Cheapest Working B00^ *3 6a, 4s lid, and i>3 Ud, go to Davies, FRth Pbk&S ■Buildings, 23, Taff street, Pontypridd. For all kinds of Game go to FENNELL'S, 12, Market street, i/ontypmid (opposite tne os. Office). The visit of Messrs George's and David's Cele- brated Cirque, Hippodrome, and Menagerie, to Pontypridd, this Saturday, 15th inst., should undoubtedly prove a great attraction to the public of the town and district. The colossal sLow returned to this counfry a couple of Months ago, after a remarkably successful tour through almost the entfre of Europe. As will be seen by our advertisement column it com- poses a numerous body of male and female ar- tistes, a gigantic collection of horses and ponies, and in addition, a menagerie 011 ten dens of nai- tnals. It should beboted that there will be two circus rings and a central stftgfe, thus admitting of as many as five performances simultaneously. "You can see with half an eye "that FKANX TaoMAs (" My Hatter,") sells the best 3/P Hat. 2838 For Dancing and Dress Shoe." of all description go to Davies's FREE PRESS Buildings, 23, Taff Street, Pontypridd. 4284 BUBINO THE STRIKE Dr. Tibbies' Vi-Cocoa reducd to 5d. and 7d. per tin at W. H. Key's, The Peof le's Chemist, 90, Taff street, Ponty- pridd. 4225 A very successful smoking concert was held a.t the White Hart Hotel, Pontypridd, on Sat- lifdav evening last, under the auspices of the local branch of the Social Democratic Federa- tion. In the unavoidable absence of Mr Moses Severn, checkweigher, the chair was taken by Mr John Collier. During the evening Mr J. Spargo, who is one of the lecturers of the S.D.F., and of the National Federation of Trades Councils, gave an address on "Organi- sation," which was well received. The musical programme, which was an exceedingly good one, was furnished by the Messrs Rees (2), Evans, and Collier, the Tonypandy Minstrel Quartette, Richards, Jones, and Davies. The accompanists were Messrs W. Collier and Ivor Davies. "Professor" CoHier, of Llwynypia, also delighted the large audience with an excellent ventriloquial entertainment. NURSERY HAIR-WASH promotes the growth of the hair and keeps it free from nits, &c 6,1 per bottle, or post free 9d.Key, The People's Chemist, Pontypridd. 4225-2 The Pontypridd Coacbbuilding Company (prize winners for carriages) are now doing and are prepared to undertake the best class of work in the trade; carriage trimming a speciality. Showrooms are now open,—Carriage Works, Morgan street, Pontypridd. 4123

Ynysybwl. Special preaching seces were held at the New Road English Congregational Mission Room on Sunday last, when the Rev B. Jenkins, B.A. (Pontypridd), and Mr-W. E. Davies, New Col- lege, London, officiated. At the afternoon ser- vice a Welsh sermon was pleached by the first, named. Thanksgiving services are being held at Taber- nacle and Noddfa Church each evening during this week, conducted by the respective pastors, the Revs J. C. Lloyd and Theophilus Jones. I At Zion Chapel, the Rev H. P. Jones, of Mer- tbyr Tale, preached a thanksgiving sermon on Wednesday evening, and services were also held en other evenings during the week. Jerusalem Church devoted Thursday to thanks- gt A thanksgiving sermon will be delivered 4t Glyn street (C.M.) Chapel next Wednesday eVening by the pastor. The Rev T. Goshen Evans, Ebenezer (W.), Church will probably hold services of a similar nature next week, as also win the English Wesleyans. The thanks- giving services of Christ Church (Churoh of England) will be held on Sunday, Monday and Toesday next, when the following will take part 1t1 the services:—Revs Ll. Ll. Davies, M.A., Vkar of Llanwonno; Thomas Williams, B.A., YnYshir, and Charles Eavns, Ferndale.

Abercynoq. Calfaria Welsh Baptist Church held their annual meetings on Sunday and Monday last. The pastor, Rev J. F. Williams, officiated in the morning, and the Revs J. R. Jones, of Pontypridd; W. Saunders, New Tredegar, and T. T .Hugbes, Mountain Ash, in the subsequent meetings. The sermons were most eloquent, and are much spoken of, each service being attended by a large congregation.

Aber. It is singular to note that of the three classes set up for competition in the sheep-dog trial matches, one prize of each class was captured by three different members of the Garth Farm household. Mr Gomer Phillips (son) shared in the open class. Mr John Phillips (son) shared in the second class, whilst Mr W. Rowen (ser- vant) shared in the thir3 class, the names of the dogs respectively being Batt,Rats, and Moss.Our hearty congratulattons to the Phillipses for their successful debut, and may their excellent train- ing of sheep-dogs win them many a future prize-

Rudry. tiollal The worshippers of Ebenezer Congregational Chapel, Rudry, held their anniversity on Tues- day and Wednesday last. The congregations were very large at an the meetings. The Rev J. J. Williams, Rhymney, and the Rev J. M. Eees, Tynewydd, Mynydd-Islwyn. were tlie preachers for the occasions. The sermons throughout were powerful and edifying, and taking into consideration the depression in trade in the locality the collections realised a good sum.

SengHeiydd- On Monday night, at the Gwern-y-Milwr Assembly Rooms, the Senghenydd and Aber Debating Society, held their first meeting. The Rev Y. D. Jones, B.A., ourate, occupied the .chair. The subject for discussion was "Should Football be Supported?" Mr Thomas Wil- liams took the affirmative, while Mr J. E. Lloyd the negative side. The arguments set forth by both gentlemen wr-e of a ,und and highly in- structive character, and were well received by the meeting. Both gentlemen were loudly ap- plauded. y3ined in the dis- cussion, which tended to make it all the more entertaining. On being put to the vote it was carried by a majority of 13. that "Football should be supported,'q' the number present being 70. It is gratifying to note that the female portion of the inhabifants of Senghenycld and Aber take an Interest in this class. Several ladies have already promised papers. The next, meeting of the above will take place on Oetober 18th, when Mr E. Owens, J.P., of Cardiff, will read a paper on "Workmen's Ifibraries."

Trealaw. We regret to announce the death and funeral of our respected friend Mr D. W. Jones, Royal Hotel, Trealaw, which sad event took place on Friday last. Mr Jones had been ailing for some time, and has not enjoyed the best of health since his advent to the Rhondda. The funeral took place on Wednesday, the body being con- veyed from Dinas station to Abergavenny. Much sympathy is evinced in the neighbourhood for the bereaved mother and little one.

Pentre. On Saturday evening last, the first series of entertainments were held at the Assembly Hall, Pentre, given by the Cory Temperance Brass Band, under the able conductorship of Mr P. Ambler (late of the Black Dyke Band). There was a very good attendance. It is the intention of the Band Committee to continue these series of concerts on every Saturday evening through- out the winter season. The proceeds are to be devoted to the Band Fund.

Treherbert. On Monday evening an interesting lecture was delivered at Bethany (English Baptist) by the pastor, Rev J. Lloyd Williams) on the "Wails of the Sanctuary. In the unavoidable absence of Rev H. Rosser, the chair was filled by the Rev W. Evans, G. and L., of Blaenycwm. The lecturer introduced his subject by a reference to old customs, which have died out, but were at one time "wails of the sanctuary," such as keeping the head uncovered during a portion of divine service, smoking and card playing when in the sanctuary, the old fashioned prejudice against congregational and instrumental music, and the use of stimulants for the benefit of the officiating minister, and spoke in a very pithy manner on evils which cause the "sanctuary to wail" at the present day, such as the conduct of supposed Christians at home—Sunday Pleasure-seeking—congregating at doors, late arrival, with its usual disturbances, etc. After treating on varied misconouct in the sanctmary, over-senesitiveness of the individual members, the lecturer concluded a most interesting lec- ture.

P ON T Y Pltii) D GUARDIANS. Mr Godfrey L. Clark, J.F., occupied the chair at Wednesday's meeting of the Pontypridd Board of Guardians, when a letter was received from the Shoreditch Union with reference that the recent decision of the Revising Barrister at Merthyr to disenfranchise those who had re- ceived outdoor relief, and asking for an expres- sion of the Board's views on the matter. No notiae was taken of the letter, and the Board proceeded to transact other business, when Mr Lewis Williams (Llawtwit) asked if no one had anything to say upon it. He did not see why a man should be disenfranchised for receiving relief. They worked for the pay given, and the circumstances were not ordinary ones. He thought they should pass a vote ex- pressing disapproval of the barrister's decision. Mr Richard Morris said it appeared to him it was a question for Parliament to deal with, anrl the only thing the Guardians could do was to petition Parliament to amend the law. He thought the opinion of all the Guardians was that an injustice had been done to those elec- tors on the ground that they had received pay- ment from the Guardians. If they had re- ceived payment from the District Council— exactly the same payment—they would not be disenfranchised. There should be an alteration i i the law, and he moved that Parliament be petitioned to amend the law,making it impossible in future in cases of that kind to disenfranchise wholesale people, who were, perhaps, as honest as any of them. Mr Rhys Davies seconded. Mr Lewis Williams pointed out the hardships of the Dowlais ironworkers' case. They had had nothing to do with the strike, nor could they help it, yet they were disenfranchised. Mr Richard Morris observed that he would not ge Be far as to say that ordinary out door relief should not disenfranchise a voter. He only referred to special cases of a similar na- ture. The motion was carried without dissent. Mr E. H. Davies proposed that the plans of the new workhouse at Llwynypia be approved of. They appeared to be rather insignificant buildings, but they would answer the purpose for that district. The motion was agreed to. Dr Ivor Davies: Is there an isolation hospi- tal in oonnection with it? The Chairman: No, not yet. Mr R. L. Phillips: Is there any accommoda- tion for old married people to live together in thic place? The Chairman: Yes. On the motion of Mr Edward Williams, a committee was appointed to visit St. Michael's Home, Treforest, the members being Mrs Wal- ter Morgan, Mrs Hill-Male, Mrs Abraham, Mrs Phillips, Messrs Edward Williams, James Rich- ards, William Thomas, and R. L. Phillips. Mr Enoch Davies, Trelferbert, proposed that a sub-finance committee should be appointed. Invoices were not dealt with quickly enough, so as to save all discounts possible. Mr Davies' motion was adopted, and the following were appointed on the committee: —Messrs Enoch Davies, Isaac Protheroe, R. L. Phillips, Wm. Evans, Daniel Bryant, Richard Davies, W. S. Brinson, and William Williams.

LLANTRTSANT & LL A NT WIT DISTRICT COUNCIL. At Wednesday's meeting of this body, Mr Godfrey L. Clark, J P., presiding, the Cnurcil, in considering the estimates for the half rear, resolved to provide JE300 for the immediate drainage of Edmundstown, the suggestion being to erect a ducat filter.

EPPS'S COCOA.—GRATEFUL ANU COM'ORMN* -"By a thorough knowledge ot the natural iaws which govern the operations^rf "'legation nutrition, and by a careful ui-itlicatkm oi the fine properties of n-e'1 selected COCOA. Mr. Epps has provided for our I breakfast and supper a delicate!" flavoured Deverage which may save us r-any b-avy doctors' bills. It is by the jvdH »:w use of such articles of diet that a ennstituti"; may be gradually built up until strong enoo<*h to resist every tenancy tn disease. W(, escape many a fatal shaft bv keeping ourselves fell fortified with pure blond and A properly nourished frame."—Civil Service Gazette.—Made simply with boilinsr water or mills. Sold only in packets and pound tins, by Grocers, labelled —"JAMES Epps & Co., Ltd., Hrmceor-^ie t Chemists, Loadon." 3721

Letters to the Editor. The Editor, while welcoming letters on all pablio topics, does not iiold himself respon- sible for the opinions contained therein. Con- tributors must write on one side of the paper only and letters brief and to the point have preference for insertion. All communications must be accompanied by the correct name and address of the writer, not necessarily for pub- lication, but as a guarantee of good faith.

Llantrisant School Board. BEDDAU BOARD SCHOOL. To the lditor. Dear Sir,—Please allow me space in your widely-read paper to take exception to one statement made in your report of the proceed- ings at the last meeting of the above Board. The report in other respect is accurate as fat as it goes. The statement is as follows: He (Mr Chubb) would wager that there was not a school in South Wales with such a poor attend- ance." What I actually did say was that I would wager that the Board could not find many schools in South Wales with such a low attend- ance as mine, that showed such creditable re- sults." I must do the Board members the jus- tice to say that they did not call me before them to be complained of, or censured, for the first thing the chairman did on my entrance into the Board room was to compliment me upon the results attained by my school. He could not very well do otherwise, as the grant per head earned by the lower standards of Beddau School amounted to Pl Os 10d, and in the Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh and ex-Seventh Standards, to £ 1 2s 9d.—I am, etc., Beddau Board School. W. CHUBB.

f4usical Examinations To the Editor. Dear Sir,—I was greatly interested in your article on the above subject last week. The pamphlet you mentioned shoudl not be missed by any student in music. I have just had the pleasure of reading it through. The informa- tion given is of the most vital importance. It is surprising to see how many of bogus musical colleges exist, and issue their diplomas, drapery, etc., lavishly upon their misguided victims. But the reason for some teachers patronising thes3 concerns is not far to seek. Of course, a teach- er who is not competent to pass pupils at our recognised institutions, and who is anxious to please the parents of his or her pupils rather than see them failing a good examination, would prefer entering them for one of these bogus col- leges, so thai they pass with "honours," and the teacher is looked upon as being very cJever in obtaining this result. I hope that the parents of all students in music will pursue this pam- phlet wiJ not allow themselves to be misled into paying fees for examinations to obtain cer- tificates and diplomas which are not worth the paper they are written on. It seems that these frauds are not able ro do much in London, or in any of our larger towns (where they have been exposed so much), but. are kke quack medicines thrcwn down the throats of the ignorant and 19 innocent in the provinces. Of course, it is hardly necessary for me to say what all musi- cians know, that the R.A.M., R.C.M., R.C.O., Trinity College, and the I.S.M., are genuine, and recognised institutions.—I am, etc., ONE OF THE ENLIGHTENED.

The Tylorstown Pon-Burial Case. To the Editor. Sir,—In the hope of arresting the flow of abuse and insinuation against our public men, which commenced with the letter of your con- tributor "A Sympathiser," in last week's "Free Press," I should fee glad if you will allow me to state the facts of the casei which are as fol- lows: On Monday, September 19th, the mother made an application for the burial of her child, which died on the previous 3ay. After investi- gation, she was informed that ker child's father (who had during the strike enlisted in the Army) and his father (who worked at one of the Tylorstown Collieries, and in whose house the body of the child lay), having the means, would have to bury She child. I quite agree with "A Sympathiser" "that after a 5! months' lock-out money was not flush," but please note! The child's grandfather, knowing his liability, on the same day as application was made for burial went to the Colliery Office, and asked for an advance of £1 (which was granted him) for the purpose of burying the ohild. And again, the father of the child, during the time the body lay at his father's house, returned home from Aldershot, which he could not have done unless he had means. It is evident that the travelling expenses to and fro from Aldershot would more than cover the burial expenses of a baby three months old. In the face of the above facts, will "A Sym- pathiser" say that this family had not the means to pury their child, if they so desired? And that the Guardians neglected their duty in re, fusing the application? Would "A Sympathiser," or any other rate- payer, commend the Guardians for supporting and encouraging applications on the part of such parents, to bury their children, at the ex- pense of the ratepayers? In consideration of the above facts, does "A Sympathiser" believe this family to be deserving of the sympathy, which, he is so certain, will be extended to them, by the readers of the "Free Press?"— I am, etc., THOMAS J. THOMAS, Relieving Officer. Ynyshir, October 11th, 1896.

Inauguration Meeting of the Pontypridd United Choir. To the Editor. Dear Sir,—Will you be so kind as to spare a small portion of your valuable space to call public attention to the inauguration of the Pontypridd United Choir, which will be held at Messrs Heath and Sons' Assembly Rooms on Thursday, October 20th, at 8 p.m., when the supporters of tbo movement, including the lead- ing townsmen and music lovers connected with nearly every place of worship in the town are expected to be present. The most cordial in- vitation is extended to all who desire the wel- fare of the youth of the town and district, for whose sake principally the movement is set on I foot. A very large number of gentlemen of position have willingly become viee-presidents, and it is intended, after fully discussing the ter, to pr'bct'.eJ at once to elect a President. Songs will be rendered during the evening by the leading artistes of the town. Other towns have made ample preparation in forming choirs to compete at the National Eisteddfod at Car- diff next year, and it is to be hoped that all lovers of the ffne art of singing at Pontypridd will do his and her best to make this effort a decided success. Thanking you in anticipation, I beg to remain. Yours faithfully, R. BEVAN, Hon. Sec.

South Glamorgan Liberalism. — + Alderman Walter Morgaq at adyr. TRADE AND POLITICS. A public meeting of Liberals was held on Monday evening in the Board Schools, Radyr. Mr Edward Jenkins, The Laurels, presided, and amongst those present were Alderman Walter H Morgan, Mrs Walter H. Morgan, Mr Frank- lin Thomas, Mrs Franklin Thomas, Messrs D. B. McCullum, John Jenkins, Evan Morgan, W. Seward, Mrs Lourie, Captain Pryce, and Mr Morgan Thomas, secretary for the division. The Chairman said he was glad the Liberals in the division were moving. It was of the utmost necessity that the organisation Of the party should be strengthened, and felt proud of having that opportunity of hearing Alder- man Walter Morgan as their adopted candidate. (Cheers). Mr Morgan Thomas, after arging the im- portance of organisation, said he trusted the Liberals of Radyr would see that an association was formed at once. lIe concluded by referring to the votes of Major Wyndham-Quin during the past Session. Mr Morgan, in the course ofhis remarks, said We have now been under the rule of the present Government for over three years, and it is time to consider whether it works for the benefit of the country or not, and if not, whether it is time to think about changing if. In old times the economy or extravagance of a Government was a matter which concerned the public very greatly, but of late this seems to be escaping notice altogether, and, indeed, in some quar- ters their extravagance has become more a mat- ter of praise than censure, but the day will come when the British public will open their eyes and keep a sharper look out as to the ways in which public money is spent. EXTRAVAGANCE OF THE GOVERN- MENT. Well, gentlemen, we might as well look at the little bill of this Government for the last three years. I find they have spent at the rate of 12 millions a year more than the Liberals did in the previous three years. That is the total expen- diture, and if we look at the net expenditure it comes out just as badly, for in the three years they have spent C34,000,000 more than the Liberal Government did in the previous three years. If your money is spent at this rate, is it not time to consider whether you are having value received for it? No Government ever came into power with better prospects of a good harvest to be reaped from the seeds of Liberal- ism, and Sir William Harcowrt left them a splen- did surplus, and the country had a fair right to expect a reduction in taxation, but your expec- tations are in vain. TEA DUTY AND INCOME TAX. There are two impositions that are particu- larly felt by the middle and poor classes. The ineome tax at 8d and tax on tea. at 4d. per lb. The workingmen believe that the income tax does not affect them, but that is a great mistake; they are indirectly affected in many ways. The grocer comld let them Bave their provisions cheaper, the tailor their clothes, the landlord would be satisfied with less rent, and the employer could afford to pay better wages if the taxes were lower. MAJOR QUIN VOTES AGAINST REDU.T- OF TEA DUTY. There was a proposal in Parliament this yrar that the tax on tea should be redi»'«<i to 2d, and who do you think voted against it? Wl v, the member -for South Glamorgan, who, thought, was specially selected because of his interest in the working classes. Well, gentleiiiei- you have to put up with this until the next election, by whieh time another 34 million will have dis- appeared, but it is time you should think about is. You, the electors of South Glamorgan, helped to put the Tories in power, and it is for you to assist to put them out again. Some people think that you have secured some won- derful advantages in having two Members of the great House of Dunraven to represent you in Parliament, one in the Lords and one in the Commons, but I venture to think that it is a doubtful advantage. They appear to me to be like two sportsmen, one standing on a high level field and the other on a low level field. The birds which the one misses the other brings down, but who gets the game? Not the far- mer who fed them nor the labourer who beat the bush; and so with the legislation they jointly promote. Do you,the general public, or they, and the class they represent,get the benefit OL it. Take for instance the Landlords' Relief Act, but I could easily multiply the number. It extravagance was the only sin of the present Government you might be disposed to pardon them, especially if some good Acts were on the other side to counterbalance the evil, but un-. fortunately the credit side of the account is practically blank, for it has not accomplished anything which has received universal approval or even the unanimous support of its own party. The few Acts which have been passed are half measures and full of imperfections. As to the promiieS they made at the last General Election I am tired of referring to them; they were made wholesale without due consideration as to the possibility of fulfilling them, and no attempt has ever been made to carry out the large majority of them. You have only to read Mr Balfour's address, which was distributed through this constituency. When we reflect on the matter seriously can we expect any good from this Government? It is composed of men of totally differefit characters and opposite opin- ions, and the one section cannot honestly sup- port the measures of the other section. It is called a Coalition Government, but there is not much Coalition about it at heart. It is formed and exists for one purpose only, that is, of keep- ing the Liberals out of power. I believe the time has arrived when many sensible men who joined in the compact are seeing through it, and like Mr Holdeo at Stockport will have the courage to break through the shackles and let the Government know that the country will not stand their Foreign or Home Policy any longer both of which are disastrous to trade and the best interests of the country. No Government can exist for the good of a country unless it is actuated by honesty of purpose and carries out it3 objects by the exercise of strong common sense coupled with firmness of will. I think you will all agree with me that whatever quali- ties some members of the Govemrfievt tied the reputation of possessing before they "entered into the unholy alliance called the Unionist cause, all the characteristics of good Govern- ment have disappeared, or, at all events, have been dormant for some time. Whatever laws arc passed no country can gain much for its citizens unless its trade and commerce flourish, and unless it has a free and open hand to ex- change its commerce with the world, and once it has sectired foreign markets they should never be allowed to be closed if it, oau possibly be helped. No graceful concessions should be made by any Foreign Secretary which affects our trade. England has, it is true, made greater strides during this century than at any previous period of history, and greater than any other country, but let us ask ourselves the question, to whom are we indebted for this state of affairs? Why during two-thirds of that time the Liberal party have been in power, and will any one dare say that without Free Trade we should ever have reached the stage of pros- perity we have attained. We all know the de- termined resistance it met at the hands of the Tories, and when at last Sir Robert Peel felt the force of the demand to such an extent as to compel him to give way he incurred the ever- lasting hatred of his party and was left by them deserted and discarded. Free Trade has far more than realised the benefits to this coun- try that were predicted by the most sanguine of men. It has made us the chief trading em- pire in the world. You hear occasionally some people say that Free Trade in England is a failure because other countries have not fol- lowed our example, but the answer is that that is the very reason why we are the premier trad- ing country of the world. It is the cheapness of the raw material and the necessaries of life that enable us to produce our goods at a less cost than our neighbours, and that places us in a better position to compete with those who tax the raw materials and artisles of food, and therefore, if all of the chief countries did adopt Free Trade, it would be a loss and not a benefit to us. SALISBURY AND CHAMBERLAIN BLIND. It is interesting to read "Lord Salisbury's for- mer opinion of Mr Chamberlain and vice versa. They clearly demonstrate that Mr Chamberlain looked upon Lord Salisbury and his class as little short of robbers and Lord Salisbury looked upon Mr ChamBerlain as a sort of rebel, but now they work in the same team for the good of each other; and for fear of opening old sores have made a little compact. not to read each other's speeches, which is the only real part of the bargain. The way the business is managed is thus: The Foreign Secretary says to the Colonial Secretary, "Will you, in order to keep the party together, support my little Bills, al- though I know you think I am robbing Peter to pay Paul." "Yes," said the Colonial Secretary,"I will if you support mine." "Well," says the great leader of Toryism and of constitutional rights, "I suppose I must, although you know I have said that your doctrines are those of ran- som and restitution, but no matter, we must keep together, and although I shall have some trouble wfth my fellow peers I'll put my foot down and make them swallow the Brummagen doctrines whole as the whale swallowed Jonah," and so the play goes on; whilst the credulous British public pay the piper. Well, you know how docile the House of Lords is in the hands of its leader. Did any public body ever lose so much self-respect as they did over the Vac- cination Bill? I am not dealing with the merits or demerits of the Bill, but with the remark- able conduct of the Lords, who are entirely subservient to the will of one man and one party. Whenever we, Liberals, propose mea- sures of reform, however good they may be, the Lords always oppose, and it is inconceivable to me how it is possible fro a progressive com- mercial country like England to be governed successfully by a retrogressive party constituted of the medley of which this Government is formed, and in conjunction with the still more retrograde House of Lords. I DESCRIPTION OF THE HOUSE OF LORDS I That institution is, iÐ8itself, like a mill dam placed aciiosg the stream of progress. It is true that it opens its sluice gates to let the stale water flow from the ancient wells of Tory- ism which pollutes and poisons everything it comes in contact with, but it blocks the flow of the fresh water from the pure springs of Liber- alism,which, if allowed to flow in its uninterrup- ted course would, like the waters of the Nile, fertilize all the land it passes through and re- fresh and brighten every human being who comes within its reach. SHOULD ENGLAND SHOW SIGNS OF DECAY? Having secured the premier position in the commercial world, and with the Army and Navy we possess, is it right that we should begin to show signs of weakness and decay? With keen- er competition every year can we afford to be making presents to other nations of our trade and territories? I ask you the question. The Tories talk loudly of not being little Englanders, but if they continue to give slices of our territories to any country that chooses to demand it, is that the way to make England greater? If anybody deserves the title of little Englanders, it is the present Government. You are acquainted with what they did in Madagas- car, Tunis, Siam, and 'West Africa, and you have seen the latest rumours that Zanzibar is to be conceded to Germany, but whther that is true or not we cannot say. CHINA. But let us come to China. We did the larg- est trade of any country with China, and until recently the Russians had no hold at all upon any part of its territory. The Chinese Govern- ment showed signs of great weakness, and it was pretty certain in that it was about to break up. One of our Admirals had the sagacity to see what was coming, and he sent some ships to Port Arthur, which at the time was an open Port. Russia demanded to know what he meant. Lord Salisbury, instead of replying "They are there by my orders, and will stay there until Chinese matters are settled," he climbs down and says, "It was a mistake of the Admiral, and they shall be removed." From that time we have lost port after port, and sphere of influence after sphere, and in a short time will probably be elbowed out altogether, and where then will our trade with China be? None of us want war, but is not this policy the very way to bring about war sooner or later; fot on every occasion when we have a dispute with a foreign country, they will in the face of England's weakness make bolder demands. To secure peace and good trade we must win the good will of our neighbours, and above all the good will of our Colonists.I regret to observe that the Colonial Sec. is acting in direct oppo- sition to the will of the Australian Colonies in parting with rights over 250,000 acres of land to a private syndicate in British New Guinea, and unless the Government gives in it may cause serious dissatisfaction amongst our true and loyal Colonists in Australia. They must know how to govern New Guinea better than Mr Chamberlain. It is not the Liberals alone !-who are attacking the present Government, but- the Conservative papers almost wii-hout exception are censuring them in a severe manner, a.nd every man who has the interest, of his country at heart irrespective of party must feel that a change is necessary. Southport is a real index to the feeling of the country. The electors there are chiefly the great merchants of Lan- cashire,and they with no unmistakable voice pro- claimed against this Government. The Liberals who had joined the Unionists in 1895 led by Mr Holden departed from the Tory camp and re- J turned to their old home, and when the next election comes I believe the electors of South Glamorgan will follow the example of Southport and help to put an end to a Government which, if continued, must bring ruin and disaster to our dear old country. A hearty vote of thanks to Alderman Walter Morgan for his able address was unanimously adopted. It was decided to call a meeting on Monday next for the purpose of forming an association. Mr Seward was appointed secretary pro. tem.

Local Religious Life. ♦ ¡" "1.. qarvest Thanksgiving Services. PONTYPRIDD. Harvest tBanksgiving services are to be held at the Wesley Church, Pontypridd, on Sunday and Monday next. The Rev A. Duerryhouse Smart will preach both morning and evening on Sunday, and the Rev W. Maltby, chairman of the Cardiff and Swansea, district on the Monday evening. The sacred edifice will be decorated for the occasion, and suitable pieces will be rendered by the choir, including an anthem by F C. Maker, "Is it not wheat harvest?" Jack- son's "Te Deum; and the "Lord's Prayer," set to music by J. Reid. There should be large congregations present at all the services. In. ST. MARKS MISSION ROOM, GELLI. On Sunday and Monday last the annual har- vest festival in connection with St. Mark's Mis- sion Room, Gelli, was held, when powerful and appropriate sermons were preached on Sunday by Captain Davies and the Rev D. Thomas, Llwynypia, and on Monday by the Revs H. Williams, B.A., Pontypridd, and Thomas Tib sington,' Gilfach Goch. Great praise is due to the lady members of this little Mission Room, for their hearty response te the call for gifts. Their busy hands and willing hearts made the Mission Room equal to the most elaborately decorated church in the parish. The sidesmen were also prominent. The services were musi- cal throughout, great pains being taken to per- fect the singing for the occasion, for which the parties interested were highly complimented by the officiating clergy, the soloist being at her best, leaving a lasting impression on the con- gregations. Crowds failed to gain admission to the services, which brought the Church-going people of this district to feel sorely their cramped position and their great need of a larger place of worship. ST. ANDREWS, LLWYNYPIA. The annual harvest thanksgiving services were held at St. Andrew's, Parish Church, Llwyny- pia, on Thursday evening last, and the following Sunday. A most appropriate sermon was de- livered by the Rev H. J. Watkin Jones, M.A., Vicar of Christ Church, Swansea, on Thursday evening, while the Rev Precentor Lewis, R.D., Vicar of Ystradyfodwg, officiated throughout the services on Sunday. There were crowded congregations on Thursday and Sunday even- ings. Special selections were rendered by the choir, which, by the way, has been well trained by the choir leader and organist, Mr David Lloyd, M.I.S.M. The sacred building was most tastefully decorated with exquisite flowers and farm produce by the lady members of the church. ST, PETER'S, PENTRE, The annual thanksgiving service for the har- vest will be held at St. Peter's Church, Pentre, on Thursday next, the 20th ins" when the order of the services will be as follows: 8.30 a.m., Holy Communion; 11 a.m., matins and sermon, preacher, Rev Henry Morgan, B.A., vicar of Eglwysilan; at 3 o'clock, an organ re- cital and saered solos; evening at 7, matins and sermon, preacher, Rev D. LI. Jones, Maindy, Newport. It is to be hoped that an earnest effort will be made by 0.11 to attend these services Collections will be made at each service in aid of the Additionaf Curates Society. ST. MATTHEW'S, TREORKY. Harvest thanksgiving services were held on Thursday last at St. Matthew's Church, Treor- ky. The preacher at the morning service was the Rev D. Jessie Evans, Hopkinstoa-u, who delivered an eloquent sermon. In the evening the Rev W. Meredith Morris, M.A., Treher- bert, preached. The church was very tastefully decorated for the occasion. The lessons were read by the Revs Thomas Harries, B.A., (vicar of the parish), J. E. Davies, B.A. (curate in charge), and W. M. Morris, M.A., Treherbert. On Thursday evenin the anthem, "Exalt ye the Lord," was rendered in a masterly manner by the choir under the able conductorship of Mr E. R. Jones, Ynyswen. Mr E. Norman, with his usual efficiency, presided at the organ during the festival. These services were con- tinued on Sunday last, the preacher at the morning service being the Rev J. Baite, B.A., curate of St. Mary's Church, Treherbert, and at the evening service, the Rev J. E. Davies, B.A. (curate in charge), preached to a large congregation. The offertories on each occasion were devoted to the Additional Curates Society.

SINGING FESTIVAL AT TREORKY. On Monday, the 10th inst., the last of the series of Singing Festivals being held in the district under the auspices of the East Glamor- gan Baptist Association was held at Noddfa, Treorky, when the following churches were re- presented:—Blaenycwm, Soar, Blaenycwm,and Libanus, Treherbert; Ainon and Noddfa, Tre- orky; Bethel, Cwmpark; Hebron, Ton; Silo- am, Gelli, and Nebo, Ystrad, 1,600 children taking part in the demonstration. The presi- dents during the day were County Councillor David Williams and Rev E. W. Davies. The programme for both meetings was lengthy. Much praise is due to the various conductors of the respective sections for their assiduous atten- tion to the children. Mr John Brown, Cwm park, the conductor of the day, deserves credit for hi" able leadership. Great. assistance was nature 11 y derived from a powerful orchestral band, imder the leadership of Mr Tom Davies, while +he following accompanied: Miss Emily Edwards. Libanus; Messrs G. D. Thomas, Blaenycwm; D. J. Jones, Ainon; E. T. Michae'. and T. H. Edwards, Noddfa, and Lewis Ed- wards. Th" "xecutive committee, wit.h Mr .T Roderick as chairman, Mr W. Jones treasurer, and M: John Samuel as secretary, will doubtless b' sl imiii.,ifPO by the success of this Festival to further ciiiornrise in this direction. 1_

-==: :=-:==-==-==-=- A fragrant, grateful, and comforting cup made in a Tpome* t by using Symington's Mubnrstfi Coffee Essence. In ] bottles from all Grocers- 3798

Tilings Theatrical. — 0 ROYAL CLARENCE, PONTYPRIDD. The beautiful and romantic drama "Mizpah" has been well received and much appreciated by Iceal playgoers during the week. The company, under the able management of Mr Leonard Pag den, made a good repuiaion on ta previous visit, and the excellence of the present repre- sentation leaves nothing to be desired. Mt: Pagden as Jack Forrest plays with his accus- tomed finish, and is supported by an all round company of recognised artistes. Next week wo see announced in our advertising columns a re- turn visit of "THE NEW MAZEPPA. The thrilling story of "Mazeppa," whose life was perhaps as varied in adventure as M. de Rougemort's doubted statements of his career, lends itself to dramatic treatment of which the auftor has taken full advantage. The play is to be placed on the stage in the usual "Clar- eiict." manner, anil the gifted actress and eques- trienne, Mies Olga Andre, sustain the principal rcle, with which she has been associated in all the best theatres in the kingdom. In London a well-known and eminent critic said her per- fc rmance of Mazeppa was the finest lie bad wit- nessed this century. This is high praise indeed, and the continued excellence of dramatic bill of fare provided at our local theatre will no doubt b; duly appreciated by large audiences. In addition to the carefuiiy-seMed company they also carry the beautiful horse Akraine and the famous acting dog Waina. THEATRE ROYAL. TONYPANDY. During this week, the Theatre Royal, Tony- pandy, was crowded every evening with appre- ciative audiences to welcome the visit of Mr F. Marriott, Watson's Company in the "Trail of the Serpent." The play is magnificently staged and capitally acted. Mr George Whftby as "Sir Gerald Kingston" is really good. Mr Leon Ainssliffe shows off to advantage as "Gerald Kingston," and is exceptionally good as "Old Jack." A capital display of acting is given by Mr Gaorge Tremayne as "Ralph Hammond." Mr J. Stuart infuses earnestness and spirit into the part of "Jipsy Jake," and is ably seconded by Mr Lee Edmonds as "Ben Chucks." Miss Bronterre O'Brien takes the part of "Rachel" with very much taste and realism. While Miss Louise Sidney is af home as "Ethel Maynard," which part suits her admirably. The comedy is well supplied by Mr Walter Dale as "William Higgings" and Miss Kitty Russell as "Rose Wil- son," their songs, dances, etc., being much ap- plauded. Scene 3 in the second Act gives a very graphic display of the blowing up of "Ten- ton Crib," the grand Mechanical change show- ing the Crib in ruins. The "PselTent" casting "Ethel" over the fiery furnace by means of a crane and the rescue by "Old Jack" is a most novel and thrilling scene. Mr Duckworth is to be congratulated upon his splendid selection of companies. Next week we understand that he has secured Mr F. Benton's Company in the play- "A GUILTY MOTHER," straight, from the Grand Theatre, Cardiff. We anticipate a treat. THEATRE ROYAL, CARDIFF. The famous Adelphi drama "In the Ranks" is receiving adequate and artistic treatment at the Theatre Royal" Cardiff, this week, when Mr and Mrs Harry Doonton's Company are pay- ing a return visit. "The Lady Slavey" by Mr Carl Beryl's princi- pal Company is billed for next week, and will doubtless attract crowded houses.

Pontypridd Cricket Club. ANNUAL DINNER. The third annual dinner of the Pontypridd .P Cricket Club was held at the Maltsters' Arms ou Friday evening, when a large number of en- thusiasts of the summer pastime participated in a very recherche repast. Amongst those pre- sent were: Mr Vazie Simons, solicitor (a gentle* man who has contributed very largely to the success of the team during the past season), Messrs Frank Thomas, F. E. Davies, Ack Llew- elhn, Teddy Lewis, Gwilym L. Morgan, and Willie Roberts. After ftie cloth had been removed, Mr Vazie Simons was unanimously elected chairman of the subsequent "smoker." After the usual loyal toasts had been honoured, Mr Ben Lewis gave an excellent rendering of "Old Familiar Faces," which was loudly applauded. Mr Barker proposed the toast of "Kindred Sports," to which Mr Ack Llewellin, in a rattling speech, responded on behalf of football. Mr Charles Brown, Treforest, was next con- spicuous, and sang "The Missing Boat" in fine style. The energetic secretary, Mr Parry Wil- liams, then read the list of avem- for the season, the best batting 'being si. by Mr Oliver Morgan, with an average 12.4- runs per innings, Mr Iveps being a good second with 11.5 per innings. The popular captain (Mr George V. Evans) headed the bowling averages, taking 47 wickets at a cost of 5.3 runs per wicket. Mr W. S. Kuner then sang "The Longshoreman," which was well received, and tlie chairman read the account of the League table, and commented upon the splendid position of the Pontypridd Cricket Club. Mr Oliver Morgan was presented with a hand- some cricket bag and pads, anil Mr George V. Eva ns with a cricket ball (both gifts being suitably inscribed). Both gentlemen returned thanks, and promised to make an effort to do the same in the coming season as they had done in the past. More jollity prevailed. Mr Ben Lewis bring- ing the house down with an excellent rendering of "Mona." This was followed by the toast of the "Town and Trade of Pontypridd," by Mr Tom Williams, and responded to by Mr Frank Thomas, following which Mr F. E. Davies sang a rollicking song. Mr GwÍlvm L. Morgan then proposed the toast of "The Leaguers," to which Mr Teddy Lewis responded. Mr W. AneHrin Thomas sang a parody on the "Men of Harlech," which was vociferously ap- plauded. Mr Ben Lewis again obliged and sang "Let me like a soldier fall." and Mr Tom Wil- liams sang "On the bridge at midnight," fol- lowed by Mr F. E. Davies with another song. Mr George V. Evans then p-oposed "The Host and Hostess," which was accorded musi- cal honours, Mr Edward Williams briefly re- sponding. Mr Vazie Simons sang, and Vr Ack Llewellin proposed a hearty vote of thanks to the chnir- man, and after the to.-M of "The Press," pro- posed by Mr Barker, the third annual supper was !k Great credit, is due < Mr Parry Williams, and the committee for the enercre ■ ic manner ii in which they worked to i.iake the affair the success it vmdonb-edly was, and if the dance the,- intend holding in January S« 0" the am lines tVn indeed, the public of Pontypridd have something to look forward to.