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According to Kemp's Mercantile Gazette, the number of failures in England aud Wales gazetted during the week ending October 30th was 89. The number in the corresponding week of last year was 31, showing an increase of 8, being a net decrease in 1897 to date pf 91,
RHONDDA MINERS.
RHONDDA MINERS. SPEECHES BY MABON, M.P., AND MR DARONWY ISAAC. On Monday afternoon a mass meeting of the miners of the Pentre, Gelli, and the Tynybedw Collieries, belonging to Messrs Cory Brothers, Cardiff, was held at the Pentre Workmen's Hall to consider the question of organisation and of increasing their contributions to the Cambrian Association of Miners. There was a large attend- ance. Messrs Thomas George and William Williams, members of the Joint Works Com- mittee, presided. The meeting had been con- vened by the joint commtttees of the three collieries. Mr W. ABRAHAM, M.P. (Mabon), gave a detailed account of the work which had been done by the Cambrian Association for the past few years. The association had rendered great assistance in the fixing of standard lists of prices for new seams and in maintaining them. The speaker enumer- ated many important cases which had been won by the assistance of the association after they had been taken into a higher court. Referring to the notices which had been given to terminate the Sliding Scale, the hon member said it was, in his opinion, almost hopeless to try and raise a fund of sufficient strength to maintain 100,000 work- men. The best thing to be done, in his opinion, was to stick together. He was very pleased to hear that they believed they should increase their contributions to the association, He would not quarrel any more with his friends through the newspapers. He had come to that resolution. Advice had been given them that they should try and form a. sort of union to enable them to demand 20 or 30 per cent. Nobody would be more pleased than himself to see the workmen receiving that advance. (Cheers.) But wha,tever would be done would have to be justified by the condition of things existing at the Whether they would have an advance or a reduction at that time they would certainly require the assistance of the Cambrian Association to maintain the standard prices they had already. (Cheers.) He hoped they would be able to settle the Sliding Scale question with- out resorting to a strike, and that the employers would be able to agree to adopt the control of the output scheme in co-operation of the Sliding Scale in some form or other. (Applause.) He clung to the hope that justice and peace would be obtained by that. (Loud cheers.) A number of workmen afterwards spoke, and thanked Mr Abraham for his address. Mr T. DARONWY ISAAC, Treorkv, one of the members of the Sliding Scale Committee, referred to the Workmen's Compensation Act. He criticised the action of the Board of Management of the Permanent Fund, and held that the Act was an excellent one for the miners. He should take care not to allow the Board of Management to do anything to deprive the men of their rights under the Act. (Cheers.) It was eventually agreed that they should increase their contributions to the association from 2d to 6d per month, and that the Cambrian Association, to which they belonged, consisting of about 30 collieries, be asked to adopt the pro- posal in order to strengthen the organisation financially. It was also agreed that the delegates of the three pits should convey the proposal to the forthcoming conference at Cardiff. Mr W. ABRAHAM. M.P,, at the close of the meeting announced that he had prepared an address upon the Compensation Act, to be delivered to the workmen in his constituency at various mass meetings in the course of the next few weeks.
ABERNANT DISPUTE.
ABERNANT DISPUTE. THE HORSES BROUGHT OUT. GRAVE SITUATION. On Monday it was ascertained that Mr Jamas Lewis, J.P., the owner of the Abernant Collieries, had had all the horses at the No. 9 Pit brought to the surface. This is looked upon as a very serious step, and is a clear indication that the stuggle is likely to be prolonged. ABERDARE AND MERTHYR COLLIERS. On Monday the monthly meeting of the above association was held at Glandower Inn, Gr.dlys, Mr Morgan Williams, the district chairman, presiding, the vice-chair being occupied by Mr D. James, Blaennant. Mr D. Parker, the secretary, as well as a. full representation of the various collieries was also present, but the (Alderman D. Morgan) was unavoidably absent in London in reference to the Plymouth dispute. It was reported that so far there was no prospect of this dispute being amicably settled, and it was unanimously resolved that the meeting pledges itself to give the men at No. 9 Pit all possible support morally and financially to seem. their just rights, and it was also resolved that a levy of 6d per member be collected every fort- night whilst the dispute lasts in aid of the men. It was also said that some of the men in cases of disputes were stopped at adjoining collieries after they had obtained work, and several of the members stronglyach"i1.ted the prosecution of employers so acting. 1\ wi ■ howewr. ultimately resolved to recommend the ager ueasure3 in that direction, and to Bern, m o>ery work- man, once he is enpas;cd, a month's notice. It was evident from the facts made known at that meeting that men who had been engaged had been stopped, which was a proof that the promise of the employers to withdraw the discharge note was only a false promise, and that the principles are still acted upon. TO THE EDITOR. SIB,—As the report in your paper of to-day upon this matter is calculated to mislead the working-men, I shall be much obliged if you will kindly allow the following facts to be known :— The dispute at this colliery in regard to the allowance paid upon the No. 2 Yard Seam was referred to the Sliding Scale Committee in Aueust last. and Mr William Thomas. Brynawel. and Mr David Morgan, members of the com- mittee, were appointed to report upon the condi- tion of the seam as to whether, as alleged by the owner, the altered circumstances and improve- ment of the seam justified the withdrawal of the allowance. These gentlemen inspected the workings early in September, and I believe that Mr Thomas has been unable hitherto to induce Mr Morgan to meet him with a. view of further considering the question, though repeatedly urged to do so during the months of September and October. Mr Thomas, not being able to induce Mr Morgan to meet him to endeavour to settle the matter, now states that he is of opinion that the allowance settled by Mr David Morgan and himself in 1894 should be discontinued, inasmuch as the circumstances which led him to agree to the allowance have entirely changed, and the raijge of workings which then necessitated the allowance, and on which it was fixed, has been abandoned, being found to be unworkable." I can only add that I am in a position to prove that colliers who attend to their work could, and have, earned as good wages iu this seam without the allowance as in any colliery in the Aberdare Valley.—I am, &c., REES HOWELLS, Manager No. 9 Pit, Abernant. Aberdare Works and Collieries, Aberdare, 1st November, 1897.
COLLIERS' MEETING ATEBBWVALE
COLLIERS' MEETING ATEBBWVALE The monthly meeting of the Ebbw Vale and Sirhowy Colliery Workmen's Association was held at the Salvation Armv Hall on Monday, Mr W. Cottle in the chair. Mr Thomas Richards, miners' agent, in giving his monthly report, referred to the questions to be considered at the Cardiff Conference on Monday next. He believed the men had given notice to terminate the present Sliding Scale Agreement because of the action of the employers in refusing to put into operation the scheme for the prevention of underselling, and he believed it would be for the best when asked the reason why, to confine themselves to the one issue. Eighty per cent. of the employers believed in the scheme, and the whole of the work- men were in its favour. Thus the scheme ought to be given a trial. Some were of the opinion that the present Sliding Scale Agreement should be revised, and the percentage raised from 8% per cent. on the Is advance to 10 per cent. on each Is advance. But he believed that the acceptance of the scheme of underselling would mean more than 1% on the Is advance. This was the opinion of Mr D. A.. Thomas, M.P., and Mabon, and it had been his opinion since the commence- ment of the controversy. If the employers were not prepared to give the scheme a trial with the Sliding Scale Agreement, then the men would have to try something without a Sliding Scale. One representative from each pit was selected to attend the conference.
HILL'S PLYMOUTH DISPUTE.
HILL'S PLYMOUTH DISPUTE. The workmen's representatives, Messrs David Morgan, Aberdare; John Evans, Merthyr and Lewis Miles, workmen's secretary, Bedwas, were in attendance at tne Law Courts, London, on Monday, in consultation with Mr Asquith, Q.C., Mr Bruce, and Mr Wrentmore, solicitors, watching the workmen's I appeal against the decision of the Lord Chief Justice in the Hill's Plymouth dispute. The case was down for hearing on Monday, but will not come before the Court until to-day (Tuesday).
BWLLFA ARBITRATION CASE.
BWLLFA ARBITRATION CASE. We are asked to state that the adjourned hearing of the Bwllfa colliery case, which was provisionally fixed to take place at the Pontypridd County Court to-day (Tuesday), has been post- poned, but that it will probably be heard in the course of the week.
ABERDARE EISTEDDFOD.
ABERDARE EISTEDDFOD. SPLENDID CHORAL SINGING. On Monday, a.t the Market Hall, Aberdare, a very successful eisteddfod was held in connec- tion with the Aberdare Choral Union. The adjudicators were :—Music. Professor Riseley, R.A.M., Bristol, and Mr Harry Evans, F.R.C.O., Dowlais. The Rev. B.Evana (Telynfab), Gadlys, filled the office of eisteddfod conductor to the satisfaction of the committee and audiences. The accompanist was Professor R. Howells, Absr- dare. Messrs Tom Jones, W. J. Evans, Edward Moses and Tom Davies accompanied in the preliminary test. Mr W. Phillips, post- master, Aberdare, chairman of committee, and Mr T. Roderick, secretary, worked hard to bring the eisteddfod to a successful issue. The morn- ing meeting was presided over by Mr Thomas Lloyd, High Constable of Aberdare. In his opening address he dealt with the ancient history of the eisteddfod, and also with the part Aber- dare had taken in theyast; in eistecldfodic work. Later in the day Mr D. A. Thomas, M.P., took the chair, and congratulated the Choral Union on great success of the eisteddfod. There were a very large number of competitors for each event, the total numbering over 120, but only a couple sang on the platform in each case. The programme and winners are appended: Violin solo, Rhodes Air in G," W. A. Underwood, Talybont; pianoforte (children under 16), Mariaij Williams, Maesteg, pupil of Madame Clara Novello Davies pianoforte solo I for those above 16, Maggie Jones, Waunwcn, Swansea tenor soIo,"Dream of love," A. C. Evans, Abernant; duet (soprano and contralto), Sun-J set" (in E flat), M. Thomas and Rachel Thomas, Pontycymmer contralto solo, Maggie Rees, Rhymney soprano solo, divided between j Mary Ann Morris, Morriston, and Sophia Anne Edwards, Trecynon; duet (tenor^ and bass), Excelsior," Tom Jones and Gabriel Williams, Treorky. At 2 the chief choral competition was taken on the Hallelujah Chorus." The choirs sang in the following order :—Hirwain United Choir (conductor, Benjamin Thomas), Cyfarthfa. Choir, Aberdare (Dan Griffiths), Dowlais Music Lovers (G. M. Evans), Cwmparc United Choir (J. Thomas, A.C.), Tonypandy Harmonic Society (W. H. Thomas), Pontycymmer Harmonic Society (James Garfield), Dowlais Choral Society (Evan Thomas), Sylva United Choir, Aberdare (Wm. Davies), Treorky and District United Choir (W. Jenkins, G.T.S.C.), Treorky Choral Society (Geo. Thomas, A.C.), Risca United Choral Society (J. M. Thomas), Newport Temperance Choir (J. H. Edmonds. The first prize was won by the Pontycymmer Harmonic Society, and the second prize by the Dowlais Choral Society. Bass solo, Lead, Kindly Light," Aneurin Edwards, Treorky. Male voice competition, Martyrs of the Arena." Eight parties competed in this contest, viz. :—Ebbw Vale Male Voice Party (Tom J. Rees), Ystrad Rhondda Glee Society (John Jenkins), Aberdare Male Voice Party (D. Phillips), Ton and Pentre Glee Society (Dan. L. Evans), Dowlais Male Voice Party (Jamea Davies), Hopkinstown Musicians (D. Jenkins), Beaufort Male Voice Party (Joseph Price), Aber- aman Young Musicians (Ephraim Lewis). The adjudicator at the close of the contest said that was the best Welsh choral singing he ever heard. There was fortunately more scope for the choirs in this than in the Hallelujah Chorus," and it was A most even contest—best, Ebbw Vale; second, Aberdare.
THE LATE DEAN VAUGHAN.
THE LATE DEAN VAUGHAN. MEMORIAL SERMON AT CAMBRIDGE. The Rev. Canon Ainger, M.A., Trinity Hall (LL.D. Aberdeen), Dr. Vaughan's successor as Master of the Temple, was the preacher before the Cambridge University on Sunday, at St. Mary the Great, and he seized the opportunity afforded him of a church crowded with members of the University of offering some eloquent and well-merited remarks in reference to the late Dr. Vaughan, who was bracketed Senior Classic with the late Lord Lyttelton in 1838. A good many of the Dean's former pupils were present and hundreds who had listened to his earnest eloquence in the University church.
CARDIFF TECHNICAL SCHOOL.
CARDIFF TECHNICAL SCHOOL. AWARDS OF MEDALS AND EXHIBITIONS, The Technical Instruction Committee have made the following awards on the result of last session's work :— Art.—Gold medal to Lillian M. Gotterell; tilver medals to David R. Stephenson and Isaac J. Williams; bronze medal to Lemuel Edmunds. Evening free studentships of the value of £3 to Lillian M. Gotterell, D. R. Stephenson, I. J. Williams, L. Edmunds, Mabel F. E. Riches, Grace Price, Elsie M. Harris, Ruth W. St. Clair, and Olive Riches. Science.—Silver medal to Christopher J. Ward, bronze medal to Arthur T. Mills. Evening UCO studentships of the value of £3 to Christopher J. Ward, Arthur T. Mills, Owen Richards, Lionel V. Amor, Harry P. James, and Ernest A. Ward equal, exhibition divided, John Preece, Archie J. T. Abel, and Morgan Williams. Commercial.—Evening free studentships of the value of £3 to Clifford J. Mattock, G P. H. Buston, Harry D. Rowland, and William A. Long, and in masonry to Robert Pillage. Free studentships of the value of JE1 in carpentry and joinery to John Jones, John Beavan, and W. F. Gibbs in plumbing to Thomas Orum and Albert E. Berry, and a free studentship, covering tuition fees, in plumbing to Charles Bird. The Fremors- dorf Exhibition, of the value of awarded to Chrisctopher J. Ward, and the Docker Bros. Scholarship, of the value of JE3, to haac J Williams.
ESCAPED THE GALLOWS.
ESCAPED THE GALLOWS. On Monday evening on intimation WAS reoeived by the Governor of Newgate Prison from the Home Office stating that the Home Secretary, after due consideration of the facte of the case of William Scott Stormouth, who id lying uuder sentence of death for the murder of a woman named McLean at an hotel in Guildford-street, London, by poisoning, had adrised her Majesty to commute the sentence. The convict appeared much relieved when the news was conveyed to him.
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CYMMER WORKMEN'S INSTITUTE.
CYMMER WORKMEN'S INSTITUTE. CELEBRATING THE JUBILEE. SPEECHES BY THE BISHOP OF LLANDAFF AND MAJOR QUIN, M.P. What was described as the jubilee of the Cymmer Colliery Workmen's Institute WM celebrated amid much local rejoicing on Monday afternoon. The Institute-an imposing structure, standing upon an eminence immediately above the collieries-was opened about fonr years ago by Mr W. H. Lewis, Cardiff, one of the com- pany's directors, but, with the exception of a few hundred pounds, the cost of the building ( £ 2,500) has been borne entirely by the colliery workmen, who, by means of a contribution of one penny per week, have been able to wipe off the debt. The Institute has proved of great service, educa- tionally and socially, to the workmen, and it is one of the best equipped in the Rhondda. Be- sides ample means of recreation, the Institute pro- vides technical classes, which are well patronised. The principal pioneer of the Institute is un- doubtedly Mr Thomas Griffiths, J.P., who 32 years ago started his career in tha service of the company as a collier boy, but who has for many years held the important position of manager of the collieries. He is also managing director of the company. Mr Griffiths is the present chairman of the Rhondda District Council. The secretarial duties of the Institute have been efficiently carried out for nearly four years by Mr John Henry Evans, one of the work- men. In the technical classes three of the teachers are workmen employed at the colliery, viz. :—Machine construction, Mr W. Thomas, mechanic; music, Mr Taliesyn Hopkins, the famous leader of the Porth Male Voice Party, which practices at the Institute mining, Mr W. H. Bowen. MR J. H. EVANS, Secretary. Monday's proceedings commenced at half-past 1. The chair was occupied by Mr T. Griffiths, J.P., supported by the Lord Bishop of Llandaff, Major Wyndham-Quin, M.P., Mr W. North Lewis, Cardiff, secretary of the company Rev. J. P. Hughes, vicar of Llantrisant; Rev. W. Thomas, vicar of Porth and Cymmer Dr. Ivor Davies, J.P. and Messrs Tom John, Llwynypia John Davies, member of the Rhondda School Board Mr T. Mansel Edwards, and Mr J. H. Evans, the secretary of the institute. After a selection by the Cymmer Brass Band, The CHAIRMAN said that when his parents brought him to Cymmer 45 years ago thore was no school either at Porth or Cymmer, and he had to walk to Dinas for his education until the then vicar of Llantrisant erected a school at Cymmer. As he grew older he felt the want of better education, and having became the manager of the collieries he determined to do what he could to provide better facilities for the rising generation. (Hear, hear.) The result was the erection of the Institute. (Applause.) The SECRETARY presented a summary of accounts, and explained that the house coal collieries ceased working in November, 1875. The sick and accident fund of the workmen had at the time a balance in hand of X137 18s 9d, which was placed in the custody of the late Mr George Insole, who, in 1892, was approached with a view to handing over the money towards the proposed Institute. He readily did so, and principal and interest, at the rate of 6 per cent., amounted to 1400. (Applause.) In December, 1891, the workmen commenced paying a contri- bution of one penny per week and the boys one halfpenny towards the cost, and by December, 1891, the workmen had in that way contributed S,571 5s 7d, whilst the colliery company sub. scribed S100, and a similar sum upon the open- ing day. The contract amounted to £ 2,500, and the difference was borrowed at 2J per cent, from the workmen's sick and accident fund. and when the interest was due at the end of the first year, a general meeting of the workmen decided that the money should be lent free of interest. (Applause.) Up to that day the receipts of the Institute amounted to £ 3,937 Is 4d. The library consisted of 1,308 volumes, and whilst the number circulated IP J.894 was only 200, the two following year's they were 935 AND 2.061 whilst this year the number had increased to 3,862. (Applause.) Last year a technical class was established, but this year the number had increased to seven, lessons being given in machine construction (13 students), mathematics (17), Welsh (17), mining (30), music (27), &c. The CHAIRMAN, in introducing the Bishop of Llandaff, observed that his Lordship was in full sympathy with all movements towards the eleva- tion of the Welsh people. As a Nonconformist and as one of the pioneers of the Institute, which was non-political and undenomina- tional in character, he was pleased to see the Church making such strides to-day, and ventured to say that the prophecy would not be long unfulfilled, when all denominations would be formed into one great square to stand against the common foe. (Hear, hear.) The Bishop of LLANDAFF said that he waa deeply touched with the personal history which the chairman had given of himself, and ventured to add that if all Nonconformists and Cffurch people were animated by the sentiments which he (the chairman) had expressed, the re-union which the chairman and which he (his Lordship) longed for would not be long in coming. (Applause.) Dealing with the Institute, his Lordship said it seemed to him to be one of the most valuable parts of the machinery which was being estab. lished for the elevation of mankind. (Hear, hear.) One could not read the newspapers with- out almost shedding TEARS because of the terrible crimes and vices which, he was sorry to say, pre- vailed in the midst of the population of that Rhondda Valley. These crimes and vices he believed were due to one tyrant vice—drunken- ness. Let them have football and cricket clubs and institutes of this kind, and plenty of healthy recreation and opportunities for the employment of leisure time, and they would in that way do more to stop the flow of drunkenness than all the Sunday Closing Bills in the world. (Hear, hear.) He believed that legislation was a sort of curb, and human nature resented curbs. He was thank- ful to find such an Institute in Cymmer, and that they were present celebrating its jubilee. (Hear, hear.) In conclusion, his Lordship asked the chairman, as evidence of his hearty sympathv for the Institute, to permit him to present four volumes for the library. (Applause.) He would. send such volumes as the committee desired. (Hear, hear.) THE Rev. J. P. GRIFFITHS, vicar of Llantrisant, was the next speaker, and he was followed by Major WYNDHAM-QUIN, M.P. It had been'truly urged that the most important question of the day was that of education. The educational system in Wales to-day was placed on a better and sounder basis perhaps than was the case in any other portion of the United Kingdom. No people in the world valued education more than the Welsh people, but they had not attained their object without making great sacrifices. That object had, however, been amply fulfilled by the number of intermediate and higher schools and colleges which were springing up in every portion of the Principality. He thought, however, that they would agree with him that even after they had passed through those schools and colleges their education had by no means ended if they wanted to equip themselves as capable citizens, and to give a decision upon great social and political questions. (Applause.) The Institute had, in the first place, been erected for the pro- vision of recreation, but it also showed that the workmen were convinced of the absolute necessity of instructing and enabling themselves to be in a position to judge properly and accurately NOT only the social but also the political questions of the day. (Applause.) He did not wish to intro- duce any political matter to their midst, but he could not help considering the great necessity that existed at the present time for the whole intelligence of the people to be brought to bear upon those questions which so intimately con- cerned their future welfare. (Hear, hear.) Mr TOM JOHN, Llwynypia, commented upon the happy fact that the workmen had been able to collect about zE3,000 M four years. Mr W. NOIITH LEWIS, the secretary of the com- pany, next handed over a cheque for £ 50 to Mr James Vaughan, trustee of the Workmen's Sick and Accident X und. BY this act the last penny of the debt was WIPED off. and Mr Lewis then. received the lease and handed it to MR W. Isaac Williams, chairman of the Institute: Committee. Mr Lewis expressed regret that Ins father (Mr W. H. Lewis, director of the company) was unable to attend owing to bereave. ment. ° Mr JOHN DAVIES (School Board member) pro- posed a vote of thanks to all who bad taken part M the proceedings, and Mr T. M. EDWARDS, fire- man, seconded. The vote was carried b, acclamation. During the proceedings musical selections wert given by the Porth Male Voice Party, Mr Tom Matthews, Mr A. J. Jenkins, Mr D. Lewis, Mr J. H. Evans, and Mr W. Lloyd. The proceedings terminated with the singing of the Welsh National Anthem by the Chairman, the audience joining in the chorus. The speakers and a few other friends were sub. sequently entertained to luncheon in th. Committee-room by Mr F. Griffiths, chairman.
ALLEGED FRAUDS BY A BANK CLERK.
ALLEGED FRAUDS BY A BANK CLERK. At Leeds on Monday George Henry Small- wood, a clerk in the employ of the York City and County Bank, Leeds, was remanded for eight ILAYS on a charge of falsifying accounts. The prisoner, who has been with the bank 20 yeais, had been on his holidays, during which the alleged defalcation was brought to light. One item mentioned in the warrant is A falsification amounting to JE535.
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ALL OUR BEDDING GUARANTEED THOROUGHLY PURIFIED. GWOOL MATTRESS, full size 14a 6d Better quality 16s 6d I -2- SPRING MATTRESS 22s 6d V* Better quality 32s 6d A SPECIAL LINE.. Woven Wire Spring Mattress, J\ full size N TRAPNELL & GANE, N 38 AND 41, QUEEN-STREET, E CARDIFF. Catalogues Free. Carriage Paid. I*J 318e—1646c. C OCA RY E A. THE yjISCOVEBY OF THE AGE, THE BRITISH INDIAN TEA CO.'S o c A ryi E A. INVIGORATING, REFRESHING, SUSTAINING. A Scientific Combination of the FINEST TEAS OF INDIA AND CEYLON with the leavas of the COCA (Erythroxylon Coca). In air-tight packages of XL, and 1 lb., 11 6d, 2s, 28 6d, 3s per lb. Sold by beat Grocers everywhere. AGENTS WANTED where not represented. THE BRITISH INDIAN TEA CO., 48, MIDDLESEX-STREET, LONDON, E.G. 1380 THE CARMARTHEN BILL-POSTING J! COMPANY, BMDGE-BTREET, CARMARTHEN, Bill-posting and Advertising in all its Branches throughout the Counties of Carmarthen, Pembroke, and Cardigan. uaJ & M. JAMES. Manager. KttMtMSS &2ftress«s. B EN. JgVANS AND c 0. lbeg to announce their JpRINClPAL SHOW or N" TER F ASMONS, NOVELTIE S, AND NEW G 0 0 D S T O-DAY, T UESDAY, NOVEMBER 2ND. B EN. yiVANS AND c 0. Will at the same time offer, much below their value, a splendid parcel of the well-known ALPINE UNDERCLOTHING, Consisting of LADIES' COMBINATIONS, NIGHTDRESSES, KNICKERS, SKIRTS, SLIP BODICES, &c., and CHILDREN'S UNDERCLOTHING. B EN. imVANS AND QO. Desire to state that their system of selling thoroughly reliable goods at the smallest rate of profit is strictly maintained throughout the establishment. They therefore respectfully invite a visit to view the magnificent collec- tion displayed in each of their Shops and Showrooms. BEN. VANS & Co-, L TD., s W A N S E A gTONE B ROS., Sons of the late Ald. Gaius Augustus Stone, I COMPLETE FUNERAL FURNISHERS AND FUNERAL DIRECTORS. j Every requisite for Funerals of all classes. J Proprietors of Funeral Cars, Hearses, Shilli- | biers,&Coaches, Superb Flemish Horses,&c. | Price List on Application. j Please Note the Only Address:- 9 5, WORKING-STREET, Telegraphic Address:— STONE BROS., CARDIFF." 1240 c ROSSLEY'S OTTO" Q.AS AND QIL JGNGINES. « CROSSLEY BROTHERS, LTD., SOUTH WALES OFFICE 6 NORTH-ROAD, QUEEN-STREET CARDIFF. SKILLED STAFF FOR REPAIRS, ERECTION, &c. SLIDES REFACED AT ABOVE ADDRESS. STOCK OF SPARE PARTS AND SPECIAT, GAS ENGINE OIL KEPT. TELEGRAMS, OTTO, CARDIFF." TELEPHONE, No. 44. 1098 NOTICE TO CORRESPONDENTS. Contributions sent to the South Wales Daily News should be plainly written in ink, and invariably on one side of the paper. We desire to urge upon our numerous correspondents the value of conciseness and the desirability of curtailing the length of their communications. It cannot be too clearly under- stood that brief and pointed letters receive the first attention. All communications intended for inser- tion must be authenticated by the name and address of the writer, not necessarily for publica- tion, but as a guarantee of good faith. No notice will be taken of anonymous letters. Rejected com munications will not be returned.
Family Notices
IStrifrs, fitarriaotr., anb Jgtaths. Notices of Births, Marriages and Deaths, Is each, if net exceeding SO words, and 6d for each extra 10 words. DEATHS. BOTJOHTON.—On October 30th, at 161, Richmond-road, Cardiff, David Boughton.in his 67th year (suddenly). Funeral Wednesday at 2.30. 291 NORTu.-The Rev. Harry William. at Bath, on the 29th October, 1897, in his 37th year. R.I.P. 83
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TUESDAY. NOVEMBER 2, 1897.
TUESDAY. NOVEMBER 2, 1897. 1 MR HERBERT GLADSTONE AT MAESTEG. MR HERBERT GLADSTONE'S speech at Maesteg last night was a comprehensive survey in miniature and a trenchant criticism of the Government policy at home and abroad. Whilst temperate in tone it was forcible in argu- ment, and bristled with facts in proof that the Government is or- ganised weakness where it is not organised hypocrisy. The Government apologists will find it impossible to repel or to explain away these facts. The SALISBURY legend has been played for all that it was worth, and the Deus ex machina which Tory parasites proclaimed LORD SALISBURY to be, who was to found the political New Jerusalem upon the ruins of a time-honoured Liberalism, has turned out to be, after all, only a political HCTMPTY DuMPTY who sat on a wall which he was unable to straddle, and consequently had a great fall. As Mr HERBERT GLADSTONE truly said, Lord SALISBURY was feebly forcible in negotiations and absolutely impotent in action. Whatever his intentions were, and we believe they were good, the results have been nearly everywhere a failure, and in Turkey, Greece, Crete, deplorable and disastrous failure. Only once during the two years of his Concert negotiations did Lord SALISBURY show in action the resolute and manly vigour of a Foreign Minister of Great Britain, and then he was successful. When Austria pro- posed with the support of Germany and Russia to blockade Crete, Lord SALISBURY summoned up sufficient courage to put his foot down and to protest in the name of Great Britain and as an Englishman should have protested against the proposed outrage. And Crete was not blockaded. This is the only bright spot in the whole of the two years' Concert negotiations that an inhabitant of these islands can look back upon with satisfaction. All the rest, so far as Lord SALISBURY is concerned, is failure, failure, failure. The German Press is unanimous in affirming that the Treaty for the settlement of the dispute between Turkey and Greece was a signal success for German diplo- macy," and the Morning Post, one of the most orthodox of Tory journals, which is patronised by all the Tory blue blood in the land, confesses with shame that an examination of the Treaty renders it extremely difficult to cavil at that description of it by the German Press. Reckless extravagance in some directions, and shameful impotence in others, is Mr HERBERT GLADSTONE'S apt and true description of the Government's foreign OÜOY. ever ready tn double the fist against Swats and Afridis, but roaring as gently as any sucking dove before Germany and Russia and France, and even before Turkey. No sane man within these realms wished Lord SALISBURY to plunge this country into war, but every self respecting person within the realm was eager to witness a little more manliness and a little more decision of character in the FOREIGN MINISTER. Because of his truckling policy and his squeezeable temper the character of Great Britain and the influence of Great Britain have grieviously declined amongst the nations. We should like to be able to ask some honest and fair-minded Tory, and to extract his real and true opinion, whether he could point to any period in the history of this country within the last hundred years when the name and the influence of Great Britain were so inefficient and so impotent in the Councils of Europe as they are to-day. The Home policy of the Government has been almost identical with its foreign policy. Big talk and small performances, or, indeed, no performances at all, is the record. The Government election promises have been almost all broken. Mr HERBERT GLADSTONE referred to some of them, noticing in an especial manner Bimetallism, the favourite bantling of Mr BALFOUR, Mr CHAPLIN, Mr LONG, and other members of the Cabinet, which being dangled so persistently before Lancashire at the last election won the Palati- nate over to the Tory side. Now the Government has declared that Bi- metallism is impossible, and therefore, as Mr HERBERT GLADSTONE rightly contended, Mr BALFOUR, Mr CHAPLIN, and the other members of the Cabinet and of the Govern- ment who espoused and advocated it to catch votes, ought honestly to resign. Talk of Liberal failures! Whatever default or defect was in Liberal states- men or in Liberal policy, neither the statesmen of Liberalism nor its policy had ever sunk a tenth part so low as the deplorable depths into which Toryism has descended. This is Mr HERBERT GLADSTONE'S belief, and we are unable to affirm that he was at all credulous in believing it. Mr GLADSTONE re- minded his hearers with much pertinent force that the loyalty and the enthusiasm everywhere manifested during the Jubilee rejoicings and the displays which showed the unity and the strength of the Empire, were the direct outcome of Liberal legislation. The people are pros- perous and contented now, with abundant food stuffs, the product of outside nations entering our ports daily. This was not the case fifty years ago. Free Trade has pro- duced the change, and Liberals, helped by Sir ROBERT PEEL whom the Tories hounded from office, gave the country Free Trade. The Colonies are loyal and are bound in closer fraternity to this country to-day than they were half a century ago, of which the presence of the Colonial troops in London at the Jubilee festivities was a proof. Their loyalty to us was cemented by our giving to them full and free Self-Government. But this freedom of Self-Government was given to them by Liberal legislation. But our space will not permit us to follow Mr HERBERT GLADSTONE in his telling description of the benefits conferred by the Liberals upon this country and upon the Colonies, and we must content ourselves therefore with noting at the close of our article what came first in his speech — the defeats of Liberalism in Wales at the last election. We lost six seats in that surging wave of political disaffection and reaction which swept over the land a little more than two years ago. But Welsh Liberalism is not cast down. It is full of resolute determination to win back those six seats, together with one or more of the three seats held by Tories in the Principality before the last election. Mr HERBERT GLAD- STONE said that he was full of hope that Welsh Liberals could do it. So are we, and full of faith also, and faith ever wins the victory. The speech of Mr GLADSTONE last night and similar speeches will widen our hope and strengthen our faith, and if he will honour us with another visit to Wales after ilie next General Election, when we will give him another hearty welcome, he will have cause to rejoice with us at the recon quest of the six seats whose loss to Welsh Liberalism he last night deplored.
FOGGY REASONERS.I
FOGGY REASONERS. IT would seem to be impossible for a certain class of controversialists to appre- :1 hend the differentia, or the specific differ- ence, between two things which in outward semblance appear almost similar and parallel. A discussion is going on in the columns of the Times between some opponents of Board Schools, who maintain that School Board rates and Church rates ¡ are identical in principle, and those who contend that the difference between I them is essential and absolute. A writer in yesterday's Times says The letter of Mr CARVELL WILLIAMS, M.P., in your issue of to-day appears to me extremely illogical. If my Nonconformist ancestor, who preferred to worship at the Methodist Chapel, was unjustly treated in being compelled to pay a rate to keep in repair the fabric of the Parish Church, so am I when, though paying for the education of my own children at a private school, I am compelled to pay rates to support Board Schools, and taxes to provide Government grants for educa- tion in various other ways." There is a strange mistiness of thought here, and an absolute misconception of essential differ- ences of which another correspondent of the Times, a clergyman, is equally the victim. These writers ignore the specific distinction between the two cases, which is of the very essence of the argument. The end for which the School Board rate is and the Church rate was imposed is utterly different, and the end for which a thing is done determines the principle involved in the doing. The end for which a School Board rate is imposed is a purely secular end the temporal benefit of children who are subjects of the State, and not their spiritual or religious improvement whereas the Church rate was exacted for a religions end, and not for a secular end. It was for the purpose of erecting or keeping in repair a building set apart for religious worship and with religion as such the Nonconformists and Dissenters maintain that the State, which is a purely political institution, has not a shadow of claim to interfere. But it has a claiui and a right to interfere and to legislate in the secular concerns of its subjects, and in all that relates to national progress and well- being. Ignorance is a canker which enfeebles the vitality and saps and under- mines the stability of a State; and there- fore for its own protection and growth the State is justified in removing that ignorance by establishing a sound system of national education because the safety of the State is the highest law of the State. But it is wholly a secular act on the part of the State. It begins and ends with the children and with the ratepayers as subjects of the State. It does not intrude into the region of man's higher nature, or seek to guide or control his religious aspirations. Now, within the sphere of the secular life of its subjects the State has supreme control and it is within its sphere and in the due exercise of its right as SUPREME ruler, that oe- Slate IMPOSES a. School Board rate. But in imposing a Church rate for the building or repair of a structure erected and used for a religious purpose, the State was invading a domain within which it had no authority and no right of control. The sole authority, under GOD, within the religious sphere is a man's own conscience, which recognises no State control or State-made law. The two cases are absolutely apart and different there- fore; the one Rate—the School Board rate, is made for a secular end, which the State, therefore, had a right to impose; the other—the Church Rate, was made for a religious end, and within the religious sphere the State has no jurisdiction. Hence those who refused to pay a Rate imposed by a Secular Authority for a religious end were absolutely justified, because State interference within the domain of religion was usurpation whereas those who refuse to pay a rate— the School Board rate, imposed for purely secular ends by the Secular Authority, are neither dutiful subjects of the recognised Supreme Power nor law- abiding. It is not Mr CARVELL WILLIAMS, M.P., who is illogical, but those who oppose his view. They should endeavour to apprehend the doctrine of specific dif- ferences in cases apparently similar before rushing into print.
A RHONDDA MYSTERY.
A RHONDDA MYSTERY. HORRIBLE DISCOVERY NEAR TRE BERBERF. The body of a man, dressed as a navvy, was discovered about 12 o'clock on Monday at Blaen- rhondda, which lies at the extreme top of the Rhondda Valley. The deceased was immediately carried down to the Blaenrhondda Hotel, where the inquest will be held. The man's head was frightfully smashed, and a copy of the Budget, dated October 16th, was found in one of the pockets, but nothing to identify the body.
THE TINPLATE CRISIS.
THE TINPLATE CRISIS. REMARKABLE POSITION OF AFFAIRS. DEADLOCK AT LLANELLY AND BRITON FERRY. An extraordinary development has occurred in respect to the decision of the Tinplate Yorkers' Council to grant a reduction of 15 per cent. The boys, refusing any reduction, have gone out on strike at Llanelly and Briton Ferry, and the works have ceased operations. The curious fact, however, is that the latter men, at any rate. now regret the resolution to concede a reduction, and on Monday evening a large deputation visited Llanelly with a view of inducing the men there to join them in resisting the reduction. The position is unprecedented, as it is only a fortnight since the council sanctioned the concession. It was impossible for arrangements to be made for a meeting on Monday night, but it is probable one will be held to-day. It is improbable that the Llanelly men will accede to the wishes of the Briton Ferry deputation.
COTTON TRADE CRISIS.
COTTON TRADE CRISIS. FIVE PER CENT. REDUCTION DEMANDED. At the conference of masters and operatives in the cotton trade held at Manchester on Monday afternoon, the employers finally and definitelyannouncod that they would give one month's notice of a reduction of 5 per cent. in wages. A later telegram gives the full text of the resolution as follows :—" The proposal of the joint committee of employers for a reduction of 5 per cent. in the operatives' wages having been refused, a formal month's notice in accordance with the Brook) ands agreement is now given, but the joint conference, having regard to the first clause in that agreement, do hereby offer to submit the question to arbitration, such arbitra- tion to cover the last six months or any longer period to be agreed upon." The clause of the agreement referred to reads as follows :—" The representatives of the employers and the repre- sentatives of the employed in the pending dispute hereby admit that disputes and differences between them are inimical to the interests of both parties, and that it is expedient and desir- able that some means should be adopted for the future whereby such disputes and differences may be expeditiously and amicably settled and strikes and lock-outs avoided."
CARDIFF FREE CHURCHES :COUNCIL.
CARDIFF FREE CHURCHES COUNCIL. WHAT IS A CHRISTIAN ? Under the auspices of the Cardiff Free Churches Council a series of lectures are being delivered this week at the Cory Hall, the objects of which are to emphasise the tightness and the strength of Free Church principles, and to train the young I people of the Churches in principles of Protest- antism. The first of the series was delivered on Monday evening by the Rev. J. D. Watters, M.A., who took for his subject, What is a Christian ? Mr JOHN CORY, J.P., who presided over A large tmdnnce, said that this series of meetings under the auspices of the Free Churches Council was organised to publicly advocate the essential principles of Nonconformity. They had heard a great deal in Cardiff during the last few days of a so-called offensive douma, and he had been very much interested in the manner in which the Stuth Wales Daily News had taken the matter up. Unfortunately there were many clergymen to be found of the same intolerant ecclesiastical type as the gentleman who had just sprung into such un- enviable notoriety. He rejoiced to know, how- ever, that there were others who entertained a more catholic and charitable spirit towards Dis- senters. It was the spirit of tolerance and charity always manifested by one of the noblest of men, the late and deeply-lamented Dean Vaughan, that made him so universally respected and beloved. Mr Cory quoted from a speech made at Exeter Hall by the Ven. Archdeacon Farrar, in which that universally esteemed dignitary of the Church said He deprecated the feeling exist- ing in certain quarters against Dissentet3, and the cheap sneer and contempt shown towards what was known as the Nonconformist conscience," and he pointed out the great debt England owed to the leaders of Nonconformity. Arch- deacon Farrar asked what had given them the British and Foreign Bible Society ? The Nonconformist conscience. What had given them that noble institution known as Dr. Barnardo's Homes ? The Noncon- formist conscience. What had given them the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children? The Nonconformist conscience. He (the archdeacon) wished to pay a tribute to the influence emanating from the Nonconformist pulpits of this country, and strongly condemned those who sneered with contempt upon Dis- senters. (Applause.) The Rev. J. D. WATTERS, most cordially received, then proceeded with his lecture. He defined a Christian as one who first of all led an upright, godly life, which was due, in the second place, to change of heart, accomplished by the gift of the Divine grace given unto him. UP to this point there was no difference of opinion, but when it came to be asked how this grace of God was given unto man, then there arose a very wide division. The Protestant teaching was that this grace was given unto man- kind directly and immediately by the Holy Spirit; but the other and anti-Protestant teach- ing was that this TRACE of God was given through priests, sacraments, and the Church. The lecturer, in the course of his remarks, went on to show Scriptural authority for the position which he took up, and how it was fortified in the experience of Christian men during the whole Christian era. Mr Watters read copious extracts from a manual of Christian doctrine, prepared under the authority of the late Dean Church, of St. Paul's, to show how even in the Anglican Church the communication of Divine frace by means of priests and Sacrament was istinctly and deliberately taught. Speaking of the anti-Protestant doctrine of faith, Mr Watters quoted a sentence from Mr Gladstone, who said that No one could become a convert to the Romish Church without renouncing his moral and mental freedom, and placing his civil loyalty and duty at the mercy of another." The Protes- tant view was that faith was a faculty in the human heart by which he apprehended and laid hold of the grace of God; while on the other side it was taught that faith was merely an intellec- tual assent to ecclesiastical authorities and sacraments, which then bestowed the grace of God on the man who thus believed in them. The lecture to-night, What is true Christian unity?" will be delivered by the Rcr. J,,1n1 J Williamson, M.A.
BARRY AND THE LIQUOR TRAFFIC.
BARRY AND THE LIQUOR TRAFFIC. A COUNCILLOR'S BROKEN VOW. On Monday evening a special meeting of TVE Barry Trades and Labour Council was held the Glamorgan Restaurant, Barry Dock, to consider a communication from Councillor W. Saunders. declining to act as instructed by the Council, as their representative, by voting in favour of manicipalisation when it should come before the Urban District Council. In his letter Councillor Saunders said he could not lay aside his personal conviction and become a mere tool. A heated discussion ensued, and Councillor Saunders said he considered the District Covncil would be interfering with the rights of indi- viduals. A resolution of no confidence was pro. posed, but it was ultimately decided that the meeting be adjourned to allow Councillor Saun- ders time to consider the position.
-'------MINERS' MEETINGS.
MINERS' MEETINGS. MR D. A. THOMAS, M.P., AT ABERTILLERY. THE WORKMEN'S NOTICES. NO EFFECT ON THE MARKET. SUGGESTED ALTERNATIVE DEMANDS. The annual demonstration of the workmen em- ployed at the Abertillery and district collieries was held on Monday, The Salvation Army Hall had been engaged, but when Mr D. A. Thomas, M.P., accompanied by Mr P. Wilson Raffan, C.C. (Newbridge), Mr S. N. Jones, C.C., J.P. (Abertillery), and Mr W. Brace (miners' agent) arrived it waa found that the accommodation was not nearly adequate for the assemblage. While arrangements were being made for the meeting being held in the New Public Hall the company joined in singing Aberystwyth." Mr W. J. Mogg (Llanhilleth) presided over the crowded gathering. LABOUR LEGISLATION. Mr P. WILSON RAFFAN, C.C., referred to the death of Henry George, who, in his opinion, more than any other man during the century had given to the workers a. solution of the Labour problem which was not a partial or temporary solution, but one which would more and more commend itself to the intellect and conscience of the great mass of the people. (Hear, hear.) With regard to the Workmen's Compensation Act, the significance of the measure that whether a Liberal or Conservative Government was in power it was becoming increasingly apparent that they could only remain in power as long as they legislated for the workers of the country and met their require- ments. (Applause.) They should accept such measures and any advantages they afforded but the workers should formulate their own programme and give their suffrages to candidates prepared to stand by it. (Applause.) He was strongly opposed to a wrecking policy— to putting up a candidate who could only poll a small percentage of the votes, and whose candi- dature might result in the return of one of two other candidates, and that one most strongly opposed to giving any assistance to the cause of Labour. (Applause.) A policy of that kind was suicidal, and there was all the difference in the world between that and having a Labour pro- gramme and refusing to support the candidate who would not fall in line with it. (Hear, bear.) Mr D. A. THOMAS said he was glad to be pre- sent that day at their annual demonstration, though he was not sure in what capacity he had been the recipient of their kind invitation whether as politician, employer, or—as his friend Mabon in his anxiety to be conciliatory bad described him—in the capacity of would- be miners' leader." (Laughter.) Nothing would give him greater pleasure than to lead them to an advance of 20 per cent. in their wages, and during the past twelve months a large portion of his time and energies had been devoted to the advocacy of a scheme under which, he believed, the men would secure sub- stantial advances and the employers largely- increased profits. It could not be denied that, having regard to the character of their employ- ment, the colliery workmen of South Wales were badly paid in comparison with workmen in other districts and employments. He was afraid, however, that some of the miners' leaders were not prepared to reoeive him WITHIN THE INNER cmcLE, and in fact rather resented his voluntary efforts on behalf of the workmen. (Laughter.) He was proud to say that was by no means the case with all the agents, and some 12 months ago three or four among the most prominent leaders asked him to attend a meeting to consult with the com- mittee of 16 who at the time were engaged in considering the question of the prevention of underselling. But for some reason or other and through no fault of his the consultation never took place. Perhaps Mabon could tell him why. But his services were at all times at the disposal of the men in this matter, and the more so because he believed in helping them he was helping himself as an employer. (Cheers and laughter.) In offering them advice he occupied perhaps a position of advan- tage in some respects. His close connection with the commercial side of the coal trade enabled him to gain information which they could hardly be exuected to possess, and in the next place he could state freely his mind because he was perfectly independent of them, and if they did not agree with his views they could not give him the sack. (Cheers and laughter.) It was easy to become popular by saying pleasant things to an audience and voicing opinions already held, but he was there not to please them but to say what he thought—(cheers)—though he felt sure the i -> Tl"/3 thoughtful of them would agree with him. Now the question was what were they going to do in view of THE NOTICE TO TERMINATE THE SCALE ? and how were they going to instruct their dele- gates for the conference on the 15th ? He had repeatedly urged the workmen to take action before contracts were entered into, so as to influ- ence prices and wages over next year, but this they had not done, and he feared it was now too late to do much in that direction, as large quantities of coal had already been contracted for. The notices to terminate the Scale had pro- duced little or no effect on the market, because buyers and sellers do not believe that anything will come of it. Whether they were right re- mained to be seen, hut it was the general opinion that influenced prices. The leaders of the men should, immediately the notices were given, have come boldly forward, as some did do, and have let the public know that the men were in earnest this time. He in no way blamed the men for giving notice; had he been a workman he would have done the same, and if it led to the amendment of the Scale by the adoption of the control scheme he believed it would be one of the best day's work they had accomplished for a very long time. In his judgment it was upon that point that they should concentrate their efforts. The idea of pre- venting undne competition by adjusting the output had made IMMENSE STRIDES during the past 12 months, and was by no means dead. True, the employers had from this I time abandoned it, but the majority of the employers, as well as the bulk of the workmen, now professed adherence to the principle. Consequently, if the men stoutly insisted on this amendment and would be satisfied with it, it was not a demand that could I eventuate in a. strike, because it was hardly con- ceivable that 80 per cent. of the employers will allow themselves to be stranded in a strike against a principle in what they believed by the vote of the 20 per cent. who disapproved of it. In this way the men will get practically a minimum wage, and the employers will only be asked to give the advance when prices, through the opera- tion of the scheme, justified it. Any other demand that was likely to be made by the men would be resisted strongly by the Coalowners' Association, and could be only secured, if at all, after a prolonged struggle. He did not mean to suggest that they shouM go meekly cap in hand to the employers and say, We beg of you to adopt the control scheme that you have taken so much trouble in perfecting as part of the Sliding Scale. But of course if you do not wish to we will not press it, and there is an end of the matter." (Laughter.) If they adopted such a course there would certainly be an end of the matter. No; what he would advise them to do would be to suggest a couple of alternative proposals to the employers and say, Owing to the cut-throat competition among the employers in South Wales and Monmouthshire among themselves our wages are lower than those in any similar employment in the country. We believe this ruinous underselling is largely assisted by the operation of the Sliding Scale, by a defect in the Scale which enables you to reckon on a corresponding reduction in wages. You can go on with your underselling if you choose, but YOU MUST GIVE US AN ADVANCE OF 20 PER CENT. in our wages. We do not wish, howevar, to be unreasonable, and if you will give us a material guarantee that you will endeavour to put a stop to this undue competition by adopting this control scheme, of which 80 per cent. of you have expressed approval, and make it part of the Sliding Scale, we will forego our demand for the immediate advance of 20 per cent." He was glad to find himself in agreement with Mabon, for he was perfectly ready to acknowledge his friend's influence for destruction if not for construction. Mr Abraham had said last week Dovetailing the scheme with the Sliding Scale would possibly in time bring about the minimum so much desired, and with that opinion of Mr D. A. Thomas he thoroughly agreed. It was a perfectly safe proposition to make. There was no danger at al about it, and he considered it would bring about what was sought by other means. He thought the proposition was practicable as well as possible." Mabon further said Some of their friends thought, very rightly, too, that an advance of 15 or 20 per cent. might be obtained if the scheme for controlling the output could have been put in operation in time to affect the prices of coal." Now, whether Mabon had come round to his way of thinking, or he had come round to Mabon's was a matter of small conse- quence so long as they were now in agreement. Mabon was under several misapprehensions in the references he had made to himself at the meeting of the Cambrian Association on Monday last, but he did not wish to go into them if he was satisfied his hon. friend was in earnest, as he was sure he was, in advocating what he might call the DOVETAILING SOLUTION OF THE CRISIS." He was in the position of the old lady who, when asked her opinion of Macaulay's History of England," said she preferred letting bygones be bygones. (Laughter.) He would content himself for the present by replying to Mabon's query aa to why they had been quarrelling ao long, and reminding him that the quarrel, if such it could be called, had begun when Mabon, after strongly advocating the scheme in June, had in July, in his ono- blessing-at-a-time speech, urged the Cambrian Association to drop it. Mabon had now returned to his right mind, .and his (Mr Thomas's) only desire was to work shoulder to shoulder with in the interests of tbe scheme. Everything comes to him who waits Mabon said, and his friend had now returned to his June love. His oomplaint against Mabon as a miners' leader was that he WM always waiting, waiting for some- thing to turn up; waiting on the ience. (Loud laughter.) He hoped now there was peace between them, and that he might rest, but he would take his siesta with one eye open. (Cheers and laughter.) Mr W. BRACE briefly urged the importance of thorough local organisation, and remarked that the men of the local collieries had heartily supported the men on strike at Messrs John Lancaster and Co.'s Arael-Griffin Pit, Six Bells; but had the workmen as a whole been organised as they ought there would have been no necessity for the present struggle there. It was the young men who gave most trouble in organising. He should like to know if religious men never felt their moral responsibility to their Trade Union; and he would remind such that there were sins of omis- sion as well as of commission. Votes of thanks to Mr D. A. Thomas, M.P., and the chairman concluded the proceedings.
THE SLIDING SCALE.
THE SLIDING SCALE. NAVIGATION COLLIERY DISPUTE. PRACTICAL SYMPATHY WITH THE ENGINEERS. A mass meeting of workmen engaged at Nixon's Collieries in Mountain Ash, who number 3,000, was held at the Public Hall, Moun- tain Ash, on Monday, Councillor John Powell in the chair. A member of the Joint Committee of Workmen was called upon to deal with the question of the Sliding Scale revi- sion. He urged that it was, in his mind, unfortu- nate that the members of the Sliding Scale Com- mittee had not offered some suggestion to the collieries, and not merely oonvened a conference for the 15th inst., when he feared scores of propositions would be brought forward and nothing decided upon. The Joint Committee at their collieries had therefore submitted the followiiig two suggestions as a basis of discussion at the meeting, so that these delegates, when they attended the conference at Cardiff, would know the views of the men :— That the Sliding Scale be reconstructed and incorporated with a scheme of underselling with a minimum selling price of 10s per ton. That the minimum wage rate of 20 per cent. on the present standard be insisted upon. The second would bring the mostimmediatsad, vance,but he did believe it. would be best all round as the Sliding Scale principle was a good one, and would retain for them old customers of '79. Nor did the last suggestion provide automatic machinery whereby they could secure advances above 20 per cent. These suggestions were, how- ever, only offered as a basis of discussion. Some discussion ensued, in the course of which it was pointed out that, while a minimum price of 10s only appeared to be 6% per cent, it would mean more, as if 10s was the minimum price best coal would be sold much higher. Others argued that nothing the men did would prevent under- selling. Another collier pointed out that that was for the masters to see to. The men's repre- sentative would have only to see that no price under 10s was brought into the audit. Another speaker strongly advocated the principle of the Sliding Scale, and said it only wanted a minimum, as they now suggested, and an arbitrator, to make it almost a perfect means of regulating wages. The first suggestion was carried with only one dissentient. The chairman (District Councillor John Powell) was then elected to represent the Navigation Colliery at the forthcoming con- ference. The question of supporting the ergiuesrs in the present struggle was then considered, and a speaker, in moving that the engineers be supported, pointed out that a blow was being aimed in the present struggle against the strongest organisation in the country, against the eight hours day, and against the principles of Trades Unionism. It was the Waterloo of Trades Unionism. The resolution was carried unanimously, and it was resolved to make a levy of 6d per man for their support. The question of working hours was then dealt with. The chairman detailed the history of this agitation. They knew that deputation after deputation had waited upon the management urging them not to violate the old custom in vogue at the colliery, but up to the present it had all been in vain. Now they had the support of the agent, Mr Abraham (" Mabon.") who had recommended them to place the matter before the Sliding Scale Committee, and mean- time, if the violations continued, they should cease working. The district would sup- port them morally and financially. Since then, however, their employers had continued the violation of the custom, and last Saturday at the Navigation Colliery introduced a further violation in keeping all day men without their pay until 2 o'clock, instead of 1 as heretofore. It was unanimously resolved that if the management did not revert to the old custom the men would refuse to go down the pits after this week, and a deputation was appointed to see the management as early as possible, and that they 'should report to a. mass meeting of the colliers, to be convened as soon as the decision of the management was made known.
MINERS' MEETING AT NANTYGLO.
MINERS' MEETING AT NANTYGLO. A general mass meeting of the Coalbrookvale Colliery workmen was held at Nantyglo on Monday morning, under the presidency of Mr James Johnson. Mr James Walters, miners' agent, delivered an address on organisation, and reviewed the efforts made locally during the past eight years. It was decided to send a delegate to the conference to be held at Cardiff on the 15th inst., and with respect to the refusal of the night men to support the Workmen's Committee, it was resolved to defer taking stringent measures for a fortnight.