Glamorgan Free Press

"Y Gwir yn erbya y Byd."—Kymric Proverb. Give me, above all etker liberties, the liberty to know, to utter, aad to argue freely, according to comscience."—John Milton.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1899. Welsh Education of To-day. It is somewhat difficult to write upon an educational topic without becoming a plagiar- ist. n bw bees said that the Oeltie tempera- ment is too poetical ad too imaginative to pro- duce scientific genhts. This statement, we pre- sume, is founded on the fact that Wales has never yet produced a real saientist-an experi- menter—a scientific philosopher, whose name ranks with Tyndall, Miller, Kelvin, and others of the present century. The sons of Cymra have for centuries loved "to sing and bind ibe lofty rhyme;" her singers have been amongst the sweetest and pocreet; and MViand,, if we are to accept the opinion of Matthew Arnold, has borrowed largely from much that fa noblest and beat in Oeltio literature. "If I were asked," says Arnold, "where English poetry got these three things, its turn for style, its turn for melancholy, and its turn for natural magic, for catching and rendering the charm of nature in a wonderfully near and vivid way, I should an- swer with some doubt, that it got much of its turn for style from a Celtic source; with less doubt, that it got much of its melancholy from a Celtic source; with no doubt at all, that from a Celtic source it got nearly all its natural ntegac." The Celt's eagerness for emotion and for the imaginative, does not give him the necessary patience for science; at least, this is what commentators on Welsh and Welsh litera- ture tell us. But one reads a lot of twaddle nowadays concerning types of nationalities and the like. Whatever has been the history of Wales in the past, whether it has been "the proud and haughty nation in the West," as Milton rashly dubs it, or "Gwlad y Delyn" (which comes nearer to our hearts), we think that the national awakening which has so con- spicuously marked Wales and the Welsh people of late years is certain to be productive of great things for the youth of the Principality. Our local governing bodies are, to the utmost of their ability, fostering desires for self im- provement amongst the Young Wales of to- day, and, backed up by our Welsh Intermediate scheme, with its 86 County institutions, excel- lent buildings, liberal staff, and a Technical Instruction Committee of the Glamorgan Coun- ty Council, in perfect sympathy with the aims and aspirations of young Welsh boys and girls, we may legitimately hope for a broad and liberal education in Wales. The Technical Scholarships of t-he Glamorgan County Council are worthy of the name "scho- larships," for they are purely maintenance scholarships, and are not swallowed up in part or in toto in fees and in other payments as the University Colleges. Indeed, we are inclined to believe that if the large number of smaller scholarships at present offered in Glamorgan- shire were amassed into fewer and more valu- able maintenance scholarships, our boys and girls would be better catered for than is the case at present. Fewer scholarships would of necessity mean keener competition; and keen- er competition would certainly discover true merit. And it is true merit we want to find. Let. us not be misunderstood. We want the admirable Glamorgan County Council system of scholarships to be copied in principle, as we believe that "maintenance" scholarships should be granted in larger numbers at our Intermediate Schools. But in our great rush after educational ideals would it not be well to pause by the wayside and to calmly, yet ser- iously, survey the whole field of Welsh educa- tion. Have we not in Wales to-day a ten- dency to run to extremes in matters education- al? In our desires to equip our young boys and girls for the battle of life, is there not a danger of transforming our Intermediate and Technical Schools "into workshops and kitch- ens? Are we not rushing at pell-mell pace from the "imaginative and the emotional" to the severely practical. We are living in an age of Bursaries and Exhibitions, an age of the practical and scientifio we admit, but in this great national tendency of Wales to-day, we would plead on behalf of literature, history, modern languages, and of a broadly conceived commercial training for our youth. If Wales is to take her place amongst the commercial nations of the world we must make the oppor- tunity and seize ity If Scientific and Technical Education is subsidised so largely from the Government, why not so in commercial educa- tion ? Wales may yet produce a Newton or an Edison. Why not? Was not Tyndall a typi- cal Celt—an Irishman who loved the land of his birth? Was not Hugh Miller a typical Scot? But Scotland, with its admirable sys- tem of parish grammar schools, has worked wonders for its cihildren. And the system of the Scotch Schools, according to Mill, was not purely technical and scientific. Mathematics, Modern Languages, Political Science, Litera- ture, Logic, and Philosophy, all found a place in what was considered a very liberal educa- tion. Wales has awakened from a deep sleep of centuries. Its present state is fraught with golden opportunities. But there are dangers, shoals, and sandbanks, and it behoves our great educational leaders to watch, with a jealoca eye, the progress and developments of wIIM might be made a unique educational eye- tem. The youth of to-day will be the nation's bulwarks of to-morrow. And upon them the destiny of the nation will depend.,

PONTYPRIDD SCHOOL BOARD. SPBCIAL HEBTING. A special meeting of the Pontypridd School Board was held at their offices on Tuesday, Mr James Richards Kidding- There were also present the Ben I B. Jones, U. LI. Daviee, Father JfcMaaus, Messrs Phillip Jones, Thos. maø, W. Jonee-Powell, D. W. Thomas, J W. John, W. M. Jones, together with the clerk, Mr Milton Jones. On the motion of the chairman, seconded by Father MicManua I. vote of sympathy with the vice-chairman, Che Ber Jo*bua Thomas, in his recent sad bereavement, was carried in silence. The attendance returns were presented for the month of September, from which it ap- peared that only 76 per cent. of the number of children on the registers ■ware present on an average attendance during the month, as oom- pared with 82.9 per cent. for the corresponding month of last year. A largo number of per- SOD" were ordered to be proceeded against for non-attendance of their children at school. On the motion of Mr Jones-POweU it was decided that in tatve the summonses for non- attendance at school he taken out in the name of the clerk instead of tHe attendance officers. and that he should attend the hearing of such cases personally. Several applications were received from head- teachers for increases in the numbers of their staff. It was decided that no applications be ertertained from head-tochera for increases where their average attendance does not exceed the number that can be taught under the Board's staffing Scale. Two applications were received, one from Miss Williams, flopkinstown School, and an- other from Miss Williams, Lan Wood School, to be transferred to the infants 'school at Tre- forest. A long discussion took place in refer- ence to the matter, and upon being put to the vote four voted for each. The Ulerk was asked to do what he thought best in the matter. The Olerlc reported having been served with summonses In respect of claims for damage to prize fowls and pigeons by tenants raiding near the Pentshonorton Schoob, where a wall recently collapsed. The Board decided the case should be fought out. The resignation of the cleaner of the Graig I Schools was received. Upon the motion of Mr J. W. Jones it was decided that the Board advertise for a man and wife to clesm the schools at 309. a week on the understanding that they gave their whole time to the duties of the Board, the man to be over 25 and under 45 years of age. The Board's treasurer, Mr R. A. Lewis, wrote complaining that the Pontypridd Overseers had inot paid a penny on the last precept, and ask- ing the Board to give the matter their atten- tion. The clerk was ordered to write to the Overseers. The following notices of motion standing in the names of Mr W. M. Jones and D. W Thomas respectively were ordered to be con- sidered at a special meeting of the Board on Friday, November 3rd, at 4 p.rn :-A. "That the resolutions passed by this Board'on the ,mh of ^P^ber, 1898, with reference to the re-arrangement and re-organisation of the Lan Wood and Mill street Schools be rescinded." B "That the Board provide accommodation in Hopkinstown for the adult scholars residing ill that district."

Mr Kelsey, of Merthyr Road, has in his pos session a Transvaal penny, dated 1892, bearing file profile of President Kruger.

THE TAILORS. -1-' J GOMER THOMAS, Breeches a 0/ SADDLER AND HARNESS MAKER Speciality. A 6. MILL STREET, Ladies S^ Co-stitTlies all Wool. Jtickets. Trousers r f from 10/6, all Wool. A Splendid Assortment of Wire Cage jS*. Style, Fit and wzzhis, Lre~:s Baskets, Gladstone Satisfaction Guaranteed. anc^ Brief Bags. <tx. Zs Pwllgwaun Rd., PONTYPRIDD. THE BEST mS?LAY IN TOWN OF NEW- 4917 I M.!JtKET LEATHER LEGGINGS. 4938 ENGLISH FRESH AND -—FISII FOREIGN -«T J EVERY FRUIT. pay. Fruiterer and Fishmonger, Free Press" Buildings, Taff Street, PONTYPRIDD. 487S

THE WRONG KIND OF MTJZZLEI At, the Ystrad Folice Court on Monday, there were 32 caws trle(, against persons for allow- iug- their unmuzzi,ed dogs to stray. Evan Evans an ytrad Rhondda collier, it seemed, had rfUthp^'rp1 S' a 'eat^er muzzle instead ll,f *'ir6 &anS explained I vvire-eased muzzle, rubbed the dog's SnlThl ? sore. P.C. Ashfcon said he -w ii i dog on the pavement ^nawinz a bon^- /e., '6 could bite then if he could gnaw a none observed the Stipendiary. Alderman W. Morgan said it was hard linrs on hf» riant. He was, however, fined Is- together wUU the other defendant*.

MEMS ON MEN AND OTHER THIfiOS. BY THE MYSTERY. The following lines are not inappropriate to the present state of affairs throughout the world, when wars waging, and wars rumoiured to take place, are uppermost in the minds of all. The verses are by Sir William Jones. I quote only' a portion. They are headed "Na- tional Greatness:"— "What constitutes a State? No.1; high-raised battlement or laboured mound, Thick wall or moated gate; Nor cities proud with spires and turrets crowned; Not bays and broad-armed ports, Where, laughing at the storm, rich navies ride; I Not starred and spangled courts, Where low-browed bareness wafts perfume to pride: No; men, high-minded men, With powers as far above dull brutes endued, In forest, brake, or den, As beasts excel cold rocks and brambles rude, Men who their duties know, But know their rights, and, knowing, dare maintain, Prevent the long aimed blow; And crush the tyrant while they rend the chain. These constitute the State, And sovereign Law, that State's collected will O'er thrones and globes elate, Sits Empress, crowning good, repressing ill." Without presuming to express any political opinion, I may be pardoned on this occasion, as all party feeling of any importance is sunk at the present critical jimcture. -0- The constitution of a state in feudal times was, however, certainly a question of "high raised battlements and laboured mound." At Uantrisant a week or so ago was held the ancient ceremony of « Count Leet, handed down from the days of Anglo-Saxontan. From the opøiia Britannica," and other sonroes, I haTe gteaced the information that land in those days was held by a number of villains (or villeins). There are no villains (or villeins) holding land nowadays, excepting, of course, stage villains; but let that pass; here are a few extracts on the law of Oopyhold from which the Court Leet derives ita origin. In the "Encyclo..eto.-I can't spell it again, my pencil is not strong enough—at says: "Copy- hold is in English Law, an ancient form of land tenure, legally defined as a "holding at the will of the lord according to the oustom of the manor.' Its origin is to be found in the occu- pation by villani, or now freedom, of portions of land belonging to a feudal lord. In the time of the Domesday survey the manor was in part granted to free tenants, in part reserved by the lord himself for his own uses. The estate of the free tenants is the freehold estate of English law; as tenants of the same manor they assembled together in manorial court or court barons, of which they were the judges. The portion of the manor reserved for the lord (the demesne, or domain) was cultivated by labourers who were bound to the land (adscrip- ti gleboe). They could not leave the manor and their service was obligatory. These villani, however, were allowed by the lord to cultivate portions of land for their own use."—(The Vil- lains). --0-- It was a mere occupation at the pleasure of the lord, but in course of time it grew into an occupation by right, recognised first of all by Custom, and afterwaids by law. This kind of tenure is called by the lawyers "Villenagium," and it probably marks a great advance in the general recognition of the right when the name is applied to lands held on the lit me conditions not by villeins but by free men. The tenants in villenage were not, like the freeholders, members of the court baron, but they appear to have attended in a humbler capacity." A number of villains of this description held court at Llantrisant at the Angel Hotel last Friday week (the ancient fortress not being available), and having accounted to Lord Wind- sor's representative, John Steward Corbett, Esq., as president of the court, County Council- lor Sam Evans, J.P., of Treferig, as vice-presi- dent, and others, of their tenure of the land, were found not guilty of anything in particular with the exception of having good appetites. Justice having bean dispensed, the worthy host of the Angel provided a good dinner to the sixty or so villains present at the expense of Mr Sam Evans, who, after the inner man had been satisfied and the customary toasts pro- posed, made some very happy remarks relative to the gentlemen and villains assembled, in his own happy manner, his face beaming with hap- piness and good humour, and evidently bent on ending his hospitality in a baronial way, liad provided some most excellent "myrthe and mynatrelsie'' to finish up with. Tom Stephens and his right Royal Rhondda Glee Society made the merry welkin ring with their melody. By the way, I don't know if there is a welkin anywhere close to the hotel, but no matter, it sounds well. Mr Jacob Rowlands contributed some of his best songs, and that is saying a lot. Mr Wyndham Lewis sang "Break the news to mother" very effec- h¡'(\ly, H.nd if ever I want to break the news mother that I require a fiver, I shall send bar on as an advance guard. Tom Bryant, whose reputation and ambitious selections on th,; harp as tall as he is himself, struck many I sympathetic chords, and at the close of the < proceedings everyone were satisfied that if all courts were as pleasant as a "Court Leet" they would, if preference were allowed, like" to be tried there if the law, either ancient or modern, demanded an interview. -0- Just one word more about villains. A num- ber of young ones have formed themselves into au athletic and football society, and our junior reporter sends me the following description of their first match. I insert it verbatim. --0- PONTYPRIDD N.A.F.C.C. The above Junior Football Club played their first match on Saturday, October 2Lst, 1899. when they met the Bush Football Club (Blaen- clydach) at the People's Park, Pontypridd. Pontypridd were represented by: Full back, J. Morgan; three-quarter backs, W. Evans, F. Bcwkett, J. Mainwaring, and A. Major; half backs, T. Gowan and George Hamm; for- wards, R. Perry (captain), Lewis Hughes, M. Williams, F. Hillard, T. John, F. Duggins, Ted Gronow, and T. Davies. Referee, Mr Edwards Blaenclydach. Bush commenced from the town end, and at once pressed, but good work by J. Morgan enabled the homesters to return. Play remained for a time around the centre, but Pontypridd at last took play to the visitors' 25, but through the good play of the Bush quartette no advantage was gained. From a scrimmage the home halves made a good open- ing, which was spoiled by oarele-s play. From now to the end of the first h--If the visitors played a sterling game. Half-time score: Pontypridd, Nil; Bush, Nil. Kelland restarted for Pontypridd, and one of the visiting wings made a fine attempt at scor- iBg, but was grasped on the line by one of the home forwards. Play now continued on the homesters 'line, when relief was brought about b7 the home forwards rushing up the field. From now to the end of the game play was fairly even. From a scrimmage one of the home forwards obtained the ball and made a fine attempt at scoring, a minor resulting. The whurtfe sounded, with Pontypridd still pres- sing. Final score: Pontypridd, 1 minor; Bush, nil. They are evidently trying to carry out na- tional greatness, getting their constitutions into a perfect state by athletics. After the match was over an adjoamment was made to tie Bunch of Grapes Hotel, where a substan- tial meal was provided by Mr George Hamm at the invitation of the home team, a short musical evening ensuing. There seems to have been so much feasting and rejoicing going on, I will lay aside the pencil which the Printers' d 1 kindly lent me as he waited on the door- step for my copy, and see if there is a crust of bread and cheese for myself. Whether there is any in the larder or not I cannot say; at any rate, I will go there at once and endea- vour to elucidate THB MYSTERY.

The Globe Choir at Pontypridd. On Monday evening Mr Leon Vint's Globe Choir opened a week's engagement at the New Town Hall, Pontypridd, to a. house overflowing .r.. every part. The first part of the programme was musical, and the well-selected songs and the eharmingsinging and appearance of Mr VJnt s Lady Choir well deserved applause. Special mention must be made of the gentleman humourist of the company, who caused much amusement by a song entitled, "Different Ways o" Nursing Baby." Another very interesting iten. was a cornet aolo by a youthful artist, who, although the young- performer, was by no means behind in ability. The scenorama globe express excursions, which were intermixed with illustrated songs, recitations, and tableaux were hugely appreciated, illustrating as they di i tours in all parts of tha world, including our own beautiful Walj*. The bigograph showing animated and moving pictures was heartily welcomed, and then came the great feature of the program* the appearance of ame int, the weird somnomist." This a wonderful manner, answered unseen questions pnfc to her By the audi- ence, who were mystified and astonished, at I he correctness of the replies. Another enter- tajning item was "The Indian Mystery," in which Mr Vint took his part in mystifying the audience. An amusing sketch, giving by four members of the company, elicited much ap- plause, and brought a pleasant evening to a close. The choir will continue at the Town Ha'I the whole week, and a nightly change of ¡" programme will be given. Sacred eoncerts will b, given on Sunday at 3.15 and 8.15.

RUNAWAY SOLDIER ARRESTED AT HOPKINSTOWN. Michael Cane, of 29, Hopkanstown Road. Hopkinstown, was charged wjth being an ab- sentee from the Somersetshire Light Infantry, P.C. Bodger proved the arrest. Prisoner told him that he must have been drunk when he went away from Taunton. It appears that prisoner had served eight years in the Regular Army, and was now on the Reserve. He was called up on the 17th, and absconded from Taunton on the 18th. He was arrested on the following Sunday at Hopkinstown. The Bench now or- dered that he bs sent to Cardiff to await an escort. »