The Carmarthen Journal and South Wales Weekly Advertiser

LORD TIVERTON'S CANDIDATURE CROWDED MEETING AT CARMARTHEN. TARIFF REFORM BENEFITS AGRICULTURE. A large and representative meeting in support of the candidature of Lord Tiverton, who is contesting the Boroughs in the Conservative and Unionist in- terest, was held at the Assembly Rooms, Carmar- then, on Friday night last. The room was packed with an enthusiastic audience, and supporting the Chairman (Mr. James Davies, J.P., Ucheldir) on the platform were Lord and Lady Tiverton; Mrs. Owen and the Misses Owen, The Palace, Abergwili; Mr. J. H. Green, secretary of the Agricultural Labourers' League; the Ven. Archdeacon Evans; the Rev. T. R. Walters, M.A., R.D.; Mr. T. E. Brigstoeke; Mr. Albert Harries; Mr. A. E. O. Norton: Mr. Walter Spurrell; Mr. T. D. Lewis; Mr. Collard; etc. AGRICULTURAL LEGISLATION. Mr. Green, who was received with applause, said that in the Principality they had a people who were anxious to know what was right, and when they knew what was right they would exercise their judgment to tho best of their ability accordingly. If they did that, then Carmarthen would assist at the coming election in an increasing number to send Lord Trverton to the top of the poll (applause). Ho was interested in questions which affected the poor agricultural labourers and small farmers, and he -aid emphatically ,as "oiio who had had a great deal to do with putting Acts of Parliament into operation, that the Party to which Lord Tiverton be- longed, had done immeasurably more for the poor agricultural labourers and small farmers than the Liberal Party (applause). When young Re was a convinced supporter of the Liberal Party—(hear, hear)—and he was a Liberal still, but he could not support many of the measures which ho found the present Government trying to foist on a freedom- loving nation (cheers). The Unionist Party had done more in the interest of the agricultural community of their country than had ever been accomplished in a similar period of time (cheers). In 1886 the Liberals were ejected from office because they do- ceived the agricultural community, and the Unionists were returned to power. A year afterwards they passed the Allotments Act, the first to give com- pulsory power for tho acquisition of land, and through it. ho had assisted 13,000 labourers to get email holdings. The Liberal Party were Liberal only bv professionalism, but not very liberal in prac- tice (cheers). The speaker then proceeded to enu- merate tho measures passed by the Unionist Party all in favour of tho working classes and invited comparison with those passed by the Liberal Govern- ment. In a forcible manner no also pointed out how the adoption of Tariff Reform would largely benefit agriculture in this country, because it would •give employment to more people, and better wages would be obtained, so that the people could afford to buy homo fed and grown produce (applause). To say that placing small duty oil wheat would in- crease the cost of living was a thumping big lie (hear, hear). REVIVAL OF THE MILLING INDUSTRY. If our Colonies supplied them with wheat, the milling; industry would be revived, because the grain would come in whole. That being so, they would have the offal corn to feed their stock with, so that the cost of feeding would bo reduced. The wily Yankee now sends us in flour, reserving to his own people the milling, and the offals wont to feed the beasts, which were afterwards sent over here for our consumption (cheers). If they were supplied by their Colonies all -that would change, and if any class of the com- munity had anything to gain by Tariff Reform it was the agricultural (cheers). LORD TIVERTON AND HIS CRITICS. Lord Tiverton, who was greeted with the greatest -enthusiasm, the applause lasting some minutes, said he came before them with an explanation and an apology. The explanation was ho saw in 'the paper the other day he was withdrawing from the candidature, and ho wished to tell them that was another LTreism, because he was not—(cheers)—and that was also his ajwlogy (cheers and laughter) His lordship then proceeded to deal with the criticism of his speech in Priory-street School, which ap- peared in a Liberal contemporary. He pointed out several inaccuracies, and "nailed them to the coun- ter," and stated that the writer could never have read the Budget Bill, otherwise he would not have made the comments he* did. It was not in what in- dividual memhers of building societies would have to pay extra if the Budget was passed that the danger ?ay. but in the depreciation of their capital. They nvould lose their capital in the same way as the In- corporated Law Guarantee Insurance Company got into a bad way. That Company invested its money in Incensed premises all over London, and become Acts of Parliament were passed, rightly or wrongly, which depreciated the value of those premises their capital had cone down. The writer also said that the Budget did not TAX AGRICULTURAL LAND. But it did, and he had never heard such a state- ment. What it said was this, that agricultural land, which has no value over and above its value for agricultural purposes, is not to bo taxed. Now ob- serve. The- Oomissioner comes along, and your land is near a town. Land near Carmarthen has value more then agricultural land, although you ;may .not want to use it except as agricultural land, and at the time cannot, because nobody wants it, but all tho same you will get it taxed not as agri- cultural land, but as land, which the Commissioner, says, is worth more, although it was being used for I .^agricultural purposes. If that wa" not taxing agri- cultural land he would like to know what was (cheers :and laughter). I FREE TRADE AND CHEAPNESS. Dealing with Tariff Reform, and having shown how the Frco Trade argument, that the oonsumer and .O.Q¡; tho producer should be considered first of all, -was wrong, and the reverse correct, the speaker werit on to say that if tho aim of the country was cheapness—everything to be bought as cheap as '• nossible—then sweating was right and black-legs 1 were right (hear, hear). If that was so Trades j Unions must bo wrong, because by hlack-legs and j sweating they would get their things much cheaper. Evidently, that you got it cheaper at the expense of > the happiness of your workers, did not count, if tho J Free Trade argument was applied. Ho believed sweating and black-legs were wrong-(applause)-and if it was necessary to protect themselves by Trades Unions against. the unfair competition of their own workmen" how much more was it necessary to pro- ■ coct themselves by tariffs from the unfair comneti- rion of the foreigner (applause). The proposal of. Tariff Reformers was not to put a tax_ on r^w material coming in. but to tax imported articles that ■they could make themselves. WHY GERMANY HAD FREE TRADE. Anything thcv could not make themselves they would not tax, in exactly the same way as Germany had Free Trade in ship-building (applause). At present they could not make all their requirements, and so they let those articles they required come, in free, but once let her manufacture them herself and she would soon clap a. prohibitive tax on (cheers). A Voice—If we put. a tariff on all material that We can make other countries can do the eamo (cries of "Sit clown"). Lord Tiverton—No, no. I think it a very proper question to put now. What he Mvs is this if we put a tariff on their goods, they will put their tariffs higher up against our good- and so wo shall [¡o kept out of their markets. That the the question ("Yes"). My answer to it la, it may mean a tariff war. and I auite admit it, but at present tho state of things is that "they put. the tariffs up against us— thev have a big stick in their hands hitting us pretty hard, and we have uo big stick to hit back with daughter). THE TIN-PLATE INDUSTRY. With regard to the tin-plato industry, his lordship eaid, that ho thought ho would go over to Germany and see for himself. Ho got two introductions to the biggest tin-plate works there were in Germany— bigger, ho believed, than any individual works in LtiiiieHy-and one had sixteen mills running. Ho was going out quite in a casual way, of course- (laughter)—and thought his camera would como in useful to take a few snap-shots in order that they might see them. Well, everything was arranged, and he had sent down for his passports, but on the morning he was to leave he received a cablegram from tho works stating that they had heard Lord Tiverton was standing for Parliament, and under the circumsances they had to cancel the permits. Of course, they were not going to let them see their works. At one particular works they were going to put sixteen mills down next year—doubling the out- put in one year, and did they know, ten years ago there was not a single tin-plate works in Germany at all. That was what Tariff Reform had done for Germany, and the United Kingdom wanted a big stick to hit back with in the same way (applause). Referring to Britain being treated under the most FAVOURED NATION CLAUSE, his lordship said that in theory it was a beautiful argument, but in practice rotten (laughter and ap- plause). When protective countries made com- mercial treaties, they always made them so cleverly as to exclude British goods. Germany and Russia made one, by which Germany could import coal cheaply into Russia, in return for a smaii tax on caviare and horns exported from Russia. Lnder the clause it loked as if England would beneht by the small import duty on coal. But did she? No. In the treaty the reference was to coal imported by land. They put in "by land" purposely because German coal is imported by land, and English coal is imported by sea, and it did not affect English coal (applause). In conclusion he asked them to think for themselves, and not be led away by wild statements on the platform or in the press. Persons interested in a protected British industry owned a section of the press that was denouncing Tariff Re- form, and which, at the last election, got up the cry of Chinese Slavery (applause). A STRING OF QUESTIONS. Questions were then invited, and for over half-an- hour, Lord Tiverton stood up and boldly answered a long string of interrogations submitted to him from tho small body of young Liberals at the back of the hall. The first two evidently came from the Shop Assistants' Association, the questions being: lst, Would you support a Shop Hours Bill the Liberal Government promised to introduce in tho next session? 2nd, Would you support a Bill, if introduced, to abolish tho living-in system?—Reply- ing to the second first Lord Tiverton said: I should certainly be in favour of supporting a Bill introduced to abolish the living-in system. I don't believe it is a good system. With regard to the other question I am in a difficulty. I don't know the particular clauses of tho Bill, or exactly what it was intended to do, that the Liberal Government promised to introduce next session. I don't want to make too much of it. but I have been so bothered with Liberal promises (laughter). If the questioner wiU get up now and tell me what provisions to is interested in, I will tell him at once whether I am in favour of them or not. There was no response. Will the purchasing power of the 5s. Old Age Pension be less under Tariff Reform, when a tax will be put on wheat, corn, meat, and dairy produce?— No, it won't. Why is the Tariff Reform loaf of Germany to-day I costing 7d.. weighing 31bs., while the free trade loaf of England weighs 41bs. and costs 6d.?—My answer to that is very simple; it doesn't, and if my friends at the. back doubt it I can refer them at once to the ou Tariff Reform Blue Book published in 1903 and 1904 on that very question, you will find there what the price is; also, in another Blue Book published more recently on the cost of living in Germany. You will also find it in the commission of Free Trade workmen, who were convinced it did not--called the Gainsboro' Commission. Do you agree with Mr. Chamberlain, Mr. Lyttle- ton, and Mr. Wyndham in wishing for a, tax on bread and meat?—Well now. I think I have told you that before. You may have forgotten so I will tell you again. I am entirely in favour of a 2s. tax on corn, but every penny we make on corn will be remitted on tea. and sugar, because we don't want to make a penny out of the workmen, but wo do want to get a preferenco with our Colonies (cheers). WILL THE FOREIGNER PAY. Do you consider Germany has succeeded in making the foreigner pay?—My answer to that is, I do. I will give you an instance at once. The price of steel in the markets of the world is 97 a ton. You can buy it in England at jB7 a ton, and in Germany it is JB7 a ton. WTo have to export, and do export, our steel to Germany at JB6 a ton in order to com- pete fairly in their markot. That is what we are doing every day, and I say therefore as we lose the extra pound profit, we are paying the tax and not the Germans (applause). If so, why ha,, she been compelled to contract a National Debt of 200 millions sterling in less than forty years?—There is nothing in that; we have done much more in our time. We have raised a National Debt of considerably more than that—(For the Boer War)—long before the war; long before you and I were born (laughter and hear, hear). When England was expanding at the enormous rate she used to do, and have done it for years. It is quite obvious if you keep a shop or enter a partner- ship and you want to expand, it is ordinary business I to borrow money. It is done every day, and the Germans can borrow at a very phenominally low rate considering. 1 am sorry to say wo cannot, do it at such a low rate now as we used to, and that is some reason why we have not floated a loan in order to cover up tho deficit over the Irish Land Bill, and I think we were quite right not to (cheers). Mr. Green said the only question ho had had sent up to him was: Will Mr. Green kindly state under which Party's Bill lias the most acreage been dis- tributed to small holders?—I suppose the gentleman means allotments and small holdings, and I don't hesitate to say more men got land under Unionist legislation that under Liberal legislation (hear, hear). Lord -Tiverton said he had now a question after his own heart (laughter); he was asked to give figures to show how he proposed to get the money by Tariff Reform. He was going to tell them, and tell them where to find the figures. It was in the last abstract of figures published by the Board of Trade for the last fifteen years, pages 117 to 135. Tho first thing he found was that. there wero 146 millions of imported goods which wero wholly or partly manufactured abroad. On theso they 'pro- posed to start with, a 5, 10, and 15 per cent. tax. Assuming they took the middle figure, if they got 10 per cent. on 146 millions they got 14 million | pounds. Ho did not suggest that. the whole of the 14 millions were coming into the Exchequer, be- cause lie did not believe all these goods were coming in; he should be sorry to see them come in. Assum- ing half came in, they got 71z million's. Ho was in n very strong favour of the proposal made by tho Marquess of Salisbury in the debate in the House of Lords that there should be an increased tax on luxuries. He had gone very carefully through these figures, and he was prepared to put a 20 per cent- tax on what he called luxuries. They came to 36 millions, and a 20 per cent, tax on these would come to £ 7,250,000. That, with the 10 per cent, on manufactured goods, if only half came in, would be II2 millions, whieTi was a pretty good start. If that was not enough thev would find in time they would be able to increase those taxes with great advantage. To make up the deficiency between this arid tho amount, required, be was not at all averse to heap- ing on the income tax. Aid. Samuel—Did I understand you to say you -would tax raw materials?—No. Then why do you tax wheat ?— Simply for prefer- ————■——————■——— t ence, but wo don't make a penny out of it because wo remit it on tea and sugar. Asked if he would pay the difference if it were not equal, Lord Tiverton said, amid much laughter, that of all the ingenious methods of tempting him into a. bribe that was the best. Whey are the Lords stumping the country?—They arc the only'people who have not a vote, and they are stumping the country because they want you to know the truth, and because they want to change your opinion. Take Germany as a Protection country and Eng- land as a Free Trade country, which has the most unemployed?—England has the most unemployed, and the cause is she has not Tariff Reform. When Lord Tiverton visited tho ironworks in Germany did ho enquire the wages?—I didn't go- laughter)—but I did make enquiries on the matter. Did you find out what wages were earned by steelworkers in Germany, or the workers in general? —Of my own knowledge I have been unable to find out, but I go by the Board of Trade figures which are published and which I shall be delighted to lend you if you would like to go into the question. I will show you the pages referring to tin-plates and stel. The result will be that you will find that the average wage of the German workmen in steel and tin-plates is as good as the average wage of the Englishmen (Dissent)..1 am not trying to score off anybody: I am trying to answer the questions per- fectly fairly-and squarely. If you don't want to hear me say so. As Trades Unionists we havo paid our delegates to visit Tariff countries on purpose to find out whether the workers in general benefit by Tariff Reform or not, and their answer, after visiting the different works and workmen, is that they found the foreigner worse off in every degree, in reference to wages, living, houses, and everything. Lord Tiverton—I know of no ffilch report by the Trades Unionists. If you will lend me the report. I will studv it. carefully and compare it with tho re- ports I do know, and see whether he is right or wrong about it. I know the Gainsboro' report of men sent out by Trades Unionists, which is directly onposite to what my friend says, and I know the Tariff Reform Commission renort on the steel trade. A Voice—If I cin find it I will willingly let Lord Tiverton read it. Another Voice—You can't (loud laughter). Lord Tiverton-I think I have played the game in answering questions, and I am getting tired. But if there is any special question—("Gon on" and leors). You boys have not been working so hard as I have perhaps (lauehter and applause). The Chairman—I think Lord Tiverton has an. swered verv fairly and has been very kind to answer so many f"Xo"). If you say "No." I sav "Yes" Let. us close bv singimr "God Savo the Kmcr. not_ as a fashion, but lovally. The National Anthem was then sung, and the meeting terminated.

GENERAL ELECTION NOTES DATE OF DISSOLUTION? It was finally decided on Saturday by the Liberal leaders and Hhips that the dissolution shall take place on Saturday, January 8th, and that the writs for new elections wali iesue on the same day. Tho following will bo the approximately the dates on which elections will be heldLondon, Jan. 13; Ordinary Boroughs, Jan. 13; Counties, Jan. 17; District Boroughs, Jan. 17; Last Polls, Jan. 28. MORE LIBERALS SECEDE: A letter from Lord Durham, which appears in Saturday's "Times," declares that he can no longer side with tho Government. He savs that: "The day will come when theso moderate men will have to acknowledge what I now aver—that the oW Liberal banner has been trampled in the mud and the red flag hoisted in its place, and that thev are harness- ing themselves to a. Socialist car in which Mr. Lloyd George holds the reins and Mr. Winston Churchill cracks the whip." Sir Joseph Jones, president of the Liberal Association of the Attercliife Division of Slieffield, lias resigned that position as a protest against the arrangement by which the Liberals have pledged themselves to support the Socialist candidate Air. J. Pointer, M.P. Sir "Edward Johnson-Fer- guson, chairman of the Dumfricshire Liberal Asso- ciation, has sent a. letter to the secretary of the association declining to take part in the Liberal campaign in the county. Ho says that, whilo still against tariff reform, he disapproves of the Budget and thinks the House of Lords was right in referring it to the electors before passing it. Ho also de- clares himself emphatically in favour of a Second Chamber. Though he thinks the constitution of tho House of Lords could be improved, he is against limiting its powers. Mr. A. J. Hobson, chairman of the Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, who presided at a meeting at which Lord Cromer spoke, announced that although he worked for the Liberal party at the last election, he would withdraw his support from the party on tho present, occasion. A Conservative mas. meeting was held at Deddington, presided over by Mr. Alexander Hall, of Barton Abbey, a sup- porter of the Liberals at -the last election, who stated that, though a free-trader, he prefers tariff reform to the Socialist proposals of tho Budget. Mr. VV. R. Oldliam announces his complete conversion to Tariff Reform. As manager to the nurseries of Messrs. Fromow and Sons, he stated at n. meeting in support of the Unionist candidate for Chortsey that he did a considerable trade abroad, and he knew the difficulties under which they laboured. He £ ■ a-ve instances of how foreign tariffs and the importation of cheap foreign nursery stock had hampered his trade, and said he knew that Tariff Reform offered them a great opportunity of regaining a great amount of their prosperity. Mr. Oldham is a promi- nent Liberal in Chcrtsey. FRIENDLY SOCIETIES AND THE ELECTION: In a manifesto which liic, been issued by the National Conference of Friendly Societies "threa questions are set out which, it is suggested, officers ana members of friendly societies should put to Parliamentary candidates. The'v are:— 1. \Viil you assist in promoting and support an amendment oF the Old-Age Pensions Act, with the object of raaJcingr it clear that in estimating the in- come of an applicant, for a pension there shall not be taken into account any sums received bv the applicant, from a friendly society in the form of sick pay. or an annuity, or a voluntary grant in cases of distress9 2- Will you take every possible step to provide that, before anv attempt is made to pass into law any scheme of State insurance against sickness, in- validity, old age, etc.. the friendly societies sliall havo ample opportunity of considering such scheme, nnd will you give due consideration to representa. tions whifh may he made to you on this question by friendly societies, and will you u-e your best, efforts to secure that, in any legislation on the subject the interests of existing friendlv societies and their members will not be prejudiced? 3.—Will you assist in promoting and support a Bill to ectlend to Scotland the provision of the Out- door Relief (Friendly Societies) Act of 1904. so that members of friendlv societies in that country who apply for parish relief shall be placed in the same position as English members—namelv, that Poor Law authorities in granting relief shall not take into account any sick pay received from a friendlv society up to 5s. per week? EDUCATIONAL SETTLEMENT The Educational Settlement Committee has ad- i dressed to all Parliamentary candidates a'letter urg- ing the neeessitv of a. settlcment, of the educational controversy, and pointing out that, in order to effect such sett lement, it is. in the meantime, inadvisable for Parliamentary candidates to bind themselves as ro thn precise details of future educational policy. NONCONFORMISTS AGAINST HOME RULE: The Nonconformist Unionist Association is issuing a manifesto appealing for signatures to a petition to Mr. Balfour and Lord Lansdowne against Home Rule. ANOTHER URISM: Mr. Balfour's attention having been called to a speech recently made in Wolverhampton suggesting that the Lords rejected the Budget because the trade told Mr. Balfour and Lord Lansdowne that their cash and their votes would otherwise be with- drawn from the Tory party at the next election, he replies :The statement to which you call my attention apparently emanates from Mr. Ure. It is not true." MR. BALFOUR AND OLD-AGE PENSIONS: In a letter to Sir Fortescue Flannery Mr. Balfour says of courso old-age pensions will be continued by tho Unionists. No sensible man ever thought the contrary, and no truthful man ever stated it. LORD CAWDOR AT ROCHDALE: Lord Cawdor, addressing a meeting at Rochdale on Tuesday night, said the pitch had been spoilt., and they had not got a clear issue. He feared the combination of issues would cause trouble. He condemned Single Chamber government as reckless and foolish, criticized the Government's naval policy, and appealed to the people to wake up beforo it was too late. SCOTTISH UNIONISTS AND HOME RULE: The West of Scotland Liberal Unionist Associa- tion has issued a manifesto strongly denouncing Mr. Asquith's "compact" with Mr. Redmond. LORD ROSEBERY & THE HOUSE OF LORDS. Lord Rosebery, in a letter, points out that, while the Government clearly wishes the Second Chamber of tho future to be a "pliant phantom," the con- stituencies will surely wish to know what is its plan; for the country will hardly wish to give any Minis- try "carte-blance" to deal with the Constitution in any way it may think fit. But, on the other hand, what does the Opposition propose to do if it accedes to power? Lord Rosebery can find no pledge in Air. Balfour's manifesto that his party will undertake the reform of the House of Lords. And yet, unless such a. pledge be given, we may see a Conservative Government come into office and repeat once more the fatal error of letting the opportunity pass. Have we not a right to ask for definite declarations of policy on this question from both sides? A chequo for £ 10,000 has been given by Mr. J. K. Caird, manufacturer, Dundee, to be applied, it is understood, towards promoting the objects of the Budget League, of which Mr. Churchill is presi- dent. Mr. Caird, the donor, is very wealthy, but has never identified himself with politics. Last year he was invited, but declined, to contest Dundee, prior to the adoption of Mr. Churchill.

■U— .J LA- TARIFF REFORM NOTES [BY HENRY LOXGSTAFF.] THE TIN-PLATE INDUSTRY. We frequently hear the remark from Radical speakers that our tin-plate industry was never in a more flourishing state than it. is at tho present time but when we turn to the figures recorded in the statistical abstract (a government publication and quite non-party) we find that the average yearly export, of tin-plates to all countries including our own Colonies in the four years ending 1890 (just prior to the McKinley Tariff Act amounted in value to £ 5,682,641, whereas during last year our total exports amounted in value to £5,480,075, or a decrease of £ 202,566, and when it is remembered that before 1890 we were doubling our exports in every ten years, and as there is no reason what- ever for supposing that we should not have con- tinued at the same rate of increase if the Ameri- cans had not restricted our exports to them, the real decline in our tin-plate trade must be estimated at something liko £ 15,000,000 (fifteen million pounds) per annum. A rather serious loss for gallant little Wales. THE CAUSE OF THE DECREASE. Tho cause of this decrease is of course the McKinley Tariff Act which was passed on October 1st, 1890. By this Act an enormous duty was placed upon the tin-plates which this country sent. into the United States of America, with the result that our exports to the States immediately began to decline. The following figures from the statistical abstract show to what extent our sales to America have de- creased since the passing of the McKinley Tariff Act:— Exports of tin-plates from Great Britain to America:— Annual Average. value £ 1887-90 4.278.667 1892-95 3,527,568 1895-96 1,927,572 1898-1901 806,600 1903-1906 797,610 1907 833,880 1908 885,359 The effect of the McKinley Tariff on American homo production:- The following figures taken from the same source U" the others show the effect of the McKinley Tariff on tho Americans tin-plate industry:- American Home production. Year. Tons. 1892 18,803 1893 55.182 1894 74,368 1895 113,666 1396 160,358 1897 256,598 1898 326,915 1899 560,875 1900 379.020 1901 399,246 1902 360,000 19GS 480,000 1904 458,000 1905 493,000 1906 578,000 1907 577,700 It will be seen that the Americans by shutting I out competitors from their markets have built. up their home industry from insignificant proportions to ono of great importance which now affords profit- able employment to thousands of American work- people. COULD WE HAVE RETAINED THE AMERICAN MARKET? Free Traders who are forced to admit that we have practically lost the American .market where there is the largest demand for tin-plates in the world, seem to regard that loss as inevitable. and we often hear them ask the question, now could wo have prevented the United States from devt-loi)- ing this As 1 have pointed out Ull a previous occasion, and as the ligures quoted this week show, at the time of the McKinley Tariff Act the tin-plate industry in their country was an HI- significant one, and if we had then beeen in a posi- ttoll to retaliate and placo high duties upon some of tho American manufactures which compete with British industries I think there is little doubt that we could have induced her to remove the prohibitive duties against our manufactures-, but knowing this country was pledged to the old free-tradt system she had nothing to fear from John Bull in the matter of retaliation, and so long as she knew that he would "take jr. lying down" she had no considera- tion for him whatever. THE AMERICAN MENACE. Now that America has firmly established the tin- pIa-to industry in her own country she is beginning to threaten the WeMi manufacturers with extinc- tion. A huge American trust was formed in 1898 and we are already lwgiiiiiiil(, to feel the ffeds of its operations in our Colonial and neutral markets. A few Meeks ago I mentioned the case ot the £64,000 contract, for the supply of tin-plates to tlio Canadian Canneries Co., of Simcol, Ontario, which was captured by the Americans, whose quotation was 5d. per ewt. less than the Welsh tender, and the serious question we have to ask ourselves is: Where is this kind of thing going to stop? If American trusts are beating us in Colonial and neutral markets what is to stop them from ulti- mately capturing our home market? The only way in which we can prevent. American trusts from dumoing their tin-plates into our markets is by a tariff ami by a preferential arrangement, with our Colonies. whielt they are l-eadv 'and willing to enter into. The FalllC remarks apply to all our other industries, which are threatened with extinction bv American trusts and other unfair coniBetition. The Wei >h iron industry is dwindling, and unless Welsh- men become alive to the danger which is threaten- ing some of their oldest and most, important in- r dustries their very existence as a nation is in jeo- pardy. All other questions are insignificant, com- pared with the great question of Tariff Reform, and whatever views we may hold upon other contro- versial matters we should see that the Tariff Re- form candidate has our vote at the next election in order that this most urgent and vital bubjejct should receive the first attention. Any readers desiring information upon the sub- ject of Tariff Ileforni should write Henry Long- staff, South Wales Tariff Reform Federation, Wes- tern Mail Buildings, Cardiff.

FIRE AT CLAPHAM JUNCTION.— One of the most serious and destructive fires recorded in London for some time past broke out oa Monday afternoon in the extensive drapery and furnishing shop of Messrs. Arding and Hobbs, St. John's-road, Clapham Junction. The fire made very rapid progress, and many of the hundreds of employees on the premises had the greatest difficulty in escaping, while at leaet three lost their lives in attempting to do so. Whether more lives havo been lost cannot yet be definitely ascertained, but four persons sustained injuries so serious as to necessitate their detention in hospital. The premises were practically gutted in a short time, but. the fire was not got under till a. late hour on Monday night.

LLANDYSSUL COUNCIL SCHOOL ANNUAL DISTRIBUTION OF PRIZES. On Friday evening, at-the County School, this much-looked for event came off, and as usual was patronised with a large assemblage of the public. Dr. A. T. Evans, M.B.C.M., chairman of the gover- nors, presided, and on tho platform he was sup- ported by Dr. Powell, J.P.: Mrs. Hubert Williams, Gwynfrvn, Newcastle-Emlyn; Mrs. Lloyd, The Bank, Newcastle-Emlyn; Mrs. Jones, Ge^anaren; Rev. G. S. Rees, B.A.; Rev. T. A. Thomas, C.C.. Mr. Charles Lloyd, M.A., Mr. Lewis, M.A. (head- master) and the following members of the staff:- Messrs. D. J. Davies, B.Sc., C. E. Vowles, B.A., Evan Jones (manual instructor), Miss Macpherson. B.A., Miss Parry B.A., Miss Evan. The platform had been very nicely decorated for the occasion. The proceedings commenced with a pianoforte duett, nicely played by Patti Maurice and Irene Thomas, two of the pupils from New- castle-Emlyn. The chairman, Dr. A. T. Evans. who was received with much enthusiasm, gave a brief but appropriate address, in which he gratefully ac- knowledged the honour bestowed upon him by the Governors and appealed for the respect of tne audience to what was to be done there that even- ing. The next item was the headmaster's report, which was in every way a great credit to those who take an interest in the school. Mention should also be made here of the interest taken by Mrs. Lewis, as is testified by the splendid number of boarders belonging to tho school. Mr. Lewis, on rising to read the following report, was greeted with loud and hearty cheers. Ap- pended is the full report:—"Mr. Chairman, ladies and gentlemen,—I beg to read to you my fourteenth annual report of Llandyssul County School. The numbers on the roll for session 1908-1909 wfre 127, 132 and 123 for the three terms respectively, an average for a year higher than any since the open- ing of the school. There has been a slight decrease however during this term owing to the fact that so many of the senior pupils have received employ- ment in various spheres. Last August, almost in the same week, four boys obtained posts as bank Leslie Davies at Lloyds Bank, Llandyssul; wiiiiam James Evans at the London and Provincial, Swansea: John Williams at Lloyds Bank, Brocon, and David Thomas, National and Provincial. Llan- dovery There are others who are only waiting to reach the age of 16 to be called unon to take similar duties. Melville Jones has accepted a post as assis- tant master at New Quay, and George Evans left to take up his duties as chemist's assistant. John Howard Jones, although the top pupil in the county, IVU become an assistant master at Llanwrtyd U ells in preference to going direst to the University U All these are bright boys and would do credit to themselves and the school were they to remain with us another year. While congratulating those pupils on their appointments I must point out that the de- parture of so many third year pupils will consider- ably reduce the percentage of passes next year. Evan George, who obtained the Honours Certificate last July, and was offered a Normal Scholarship of £25 a year, accepted a post at. Brongest School rather than proceed to college this year. Rachel M. Jones, David Richards, and Tom Lewis were assigned posts by the County Eduoatton Com- mittee at Trewen, Rhydlewis and Pontshan Schools, respectively. The Central Board results just to hand are satisfactory, although the examiners have not in every case succeeded in finding out the most deserving candidates. The following obtained certi- fic,ates:- Honours—John Howard Jones, Evan George, Senior—George Evans, William James Martha Griffitks, David Melville Jones' Joseph Jones, Rachel Mary Jones, Griffith Rees David Richards, David Thomas, T. Owen Thomas, and John Williams. Junior—Daniel Davies, John Rees Davies, Eliza- beth Evans, John James Evans, William Evans, William Hughes, David Jones, John Price Jones, Tom Lewis Jones, David Thomas, Harriet Thomas, and David Williams. Of the above John Howard Jones and Joseph Jones deserve special mention, the former as being the top boy in the county of Cardigan, and the latter as receiving four distinctions in the senior at the end of the third year, with fhe following marks: Algebra, 96 per cent.; geometry, 95; Welsh, 68 and 78; history, 76; physics, 67 and 84; arithmetic, 68; chemistry, 55 and 71; Latin, 62 and 49; English 47. Last January, D. Llewellyn Jones passed the London Matriculation, and David Melville Jones the same examination in June. At the Welsh Matriculation this year the following were success- ful: John Jones (1st division), Rachel Davies and Alice Evans (completed), Sarah Jones, Ifor Evans, and Alice Evans, have joined the WeJsil University with a Normal Scholarship of JB25 a year each. David Powell, who left school last, year for a twelve In months' teaching experience, was awarded a L25 scholarship at Aberystwyth. The Associated Board held an examination in the school in July, when the following proved successful: EJementary, Gwen Lewis, Florence Jones, Mary Evans, Gwen Evans, 1 »-vj)u enmary: esta Lewis. J he inspec- tors of tho Board of Education and the Central Board paid us their usual visits and were highly pleased with the additional buildings, especially the new laboratory which was opened for »ork kst June. The new workshop is also completely fur- nished, and instruction in woodwork now foims parr, of the regular school curriculum. I am pleased to report that the pupils so far have shown the keenest interest, in this sub ect. The report of tho Inspector has just reached us, and in it the Inspector remarks That -the discipline and tone of the school are alike admirable. Since mv last, re- port many changes have taken place 0:1 the stall, Miss Roberts, B.A.. and Mr. Griffith Jones, B.A., left. last Christmas, and Miss Macpherson, B.A., and Miss Parry, B.A., were appointed to fill the va- cancies. Last Easter Mr. Malkin, F.R.C.O., was appointed instrumental music teacher in the place of Miss Lucy Davies, who resigned. At. the end of the summer term Miss Edith Williams, after a long period of service, resigned the post of cookerv and laundry teacher, and Miss Eira Davies has re- cently been appointed to the vacant post. Mr. Evan Jones, of Swansea, lias also joined the staff as teacher of manual work and of general form subjects. The school is now well staffed, and well equipped, but there are still a few things to be wished for. A gymnasium and a caretaker's house at a convenient distance from the school are ur- gently wanted, and it is to be hoped that you will be able to seo your way clear to provide them in the near future. The pupils continue to take keen in- terest in athletics, and both boy? and girls did well at their matches. I have to thank Major ('ass again this year for presenting a gold medal to the cham- pion athlete. The winner this year was Robert G Oweri. whose performance in all events thoroughly deserved the prize. Major Cass is always a ready supporter of the school, and on this occasion our thanks are specialty due to him for his generosity and forethought in presenting us with a. grand piano. We also wish to express our gratitude to Mrs. Lloyd. Gilfachwen. for her annual treat to the girls. Further I have to thank the members of the staff, not only for their conscientious work in school, but for the keen interest, they take in all departments of school life. A debating society has been started this term which promises to be" the nursery of many future members of Parliament of both sexes, iortunately there are no changes in the staff this year through marriage or otherwise, Y ou will notice before the end of. the entertainment that a tremendous amount of work and time has been devoted to the dressing and training of the performers. The brunt of the work has been borne by the lady members of the staff, nobly assisted, of course, by the men. They have been most indus- trious and painstaking, and I conscientiously testify to their possessing qualities that go to make suc- cessful house-wives, who will be able to make their husbancTs clothes according to the latest dictates of fashion. Specimen of their sartorial art will be exhibited for your approval this evening. I am very grateful for what they have done, and I hope to- night that their efforts will be appreciated and crowned with the success they so thoroughly tie- serve. In conclusion I beg to thauk you and the Clerk for your support, symjiathv .and continued interest in the school throughout, the year PHIZE. John Howard Jones. Certificate and form prizes. Evan George, Certificate and Chemistry prizes. Form V.-Griffith Rees, Certificates Form, Welsh, Mathematics and Science prizes; Rachel M. Jones (1) English; Rachel M. Jones (2), Certificate, Latin and French. Form IV.—Joseph Jones. Certificate, Form. Latin and Welsh, Mathematics. Science; Martha Griffiths, Certificate, English and French. Form lil.-I)an el Davies, Certificate, Form, and English, French. Mathematics; John Price Jones, I Certificate Latin, Science; Elizabeth Anne Evans, Certificate Welsh; George Evans, Senior Certificate prize; William James Evans, Senior Certificate Prize; David Richards, David Thomas, Thomas Owen Thomas, John Williams. David Melville Jones, Lohdon Matric.; Junior Certi- fie-ate prizes, John Rees Davies, John James Evans, William Evans, William Hughes, David Jones, Tom Lewis Jones, David Thomas, Harriet Thomas and David Williams. Form Ila.-I). Jacob Lewis, Form Prize, Mathema- tics and Welsh; Rhys Beynon Davies, English and Science. Form lib.—Walter Jones, Form Prize, and English. Form II.—J. Penry Evans, Latin and English; T Idwal Herbert, French. London Matriculation Prize—D. Llewellyn Jones. In addition, all those mentioned had their C.W.B. Certificates, and Music Certificates were presented to Gwen Lewis, Florence Jones, Mary Evans. Gwen Evans, Sybil Lewis, and Nesta Lewis. Dr. Powell, having distributed the prizes and certificates, in addressing the pupils, expressed the great pleasure it gave him to be there, and heartily congratulated them all 011 the excellent report pro- duced and happily referred to the improvements carried on in connection with the srhool. To those who had won prizes he asked them to consider them as one lot in a long race they would have to run. To those who had not been so fortunate in winning prizes he extended his sympathy, reminding them that its only a few who take prizes. To work with perseverance, industry, and conscientiously was a good axiom. One of the most famous" men m Science had in examination and class tests taken an average position. He impressed upon them the duty of making the right use of education, and referred to the hard work of the master and his staff to keep up the imputation of the school. Re- ferring to pupils, 'he said: It beholds you one and all to do your very utmost to qualify yourselves for any position you may hold. You cannot miss the value of education, and you will be able to know how to turn whatever information you may possess to the best use. Try and become cultured men. As a motto he gave them, "Look upwards, learn your utmost, and strive to ever rise high. His well delivered address received the highest applause throughout. A vote of thanks to Dr. Powell was proposed by the Rev. G. S. Rees, B.A., seconded by the Rev. T. A. Thomas, and passed with the heartiest ap- proval of all present. Dr. Powell having suitably responded, Part 1 of the programme was conclude* 1 with a taking pianoforte duett by Florence Jones and Mary Evans, of Aberporth. Part 2 was taken up with an appreciative act. entitled, "Fortune Hunting" (J. L. Hillcox). The characters were represented as follows:—Mr. Potter (a eity merchant), William Hughes, Llanllwni: Josuali Jellicre (his uncle), J. Price Jones, Pencader; Arthur Pallet (an artist), Tom L. Jones, Drefach; Hon. Herbert De Vere (an adventured. Jim Ed- wardes Evans: Mrs. Potter. Mary Phillips, New Quay; Mabel (her daughter, in love with Arthur); Annie Elias, Maesllyn; Susan Scrubbs (maid of all work). Mary Thomas, Newcastle-Emlvn. The act- ing .was everything that could be desire, and re- flected much credit upon the pupils and efficient pre- paration. This part of the entertainment closed with an appreciative pianoforte duett by Gwen and Sybil" Lewis. Part 3 provided another very ex- cellent treat with the performance of a Japanese operetta in three acts entitled "Princess Chrysanthe- mum." The characters were Princess Chvrsan- themum (the Emperor's daughter), Jeannie Jones. Cilgwyn-row, Llandyssul; fairy. Moonbeam tho Princess Good Genius), Bessie Evans, Lampeter; the Emperor, What For Win, Gwilym Jones. New Quay; Prince So-Tru (in love with the Princess), David J. Lewis; Prince So Sli (in love with the Princess), Hevin Evans, Pencader; Top-Not (the Court Chamberlain). David Llewellyn Jenkins. Hen- llan: Saucer Eyes (the wizard cat). Joseph Jones. Rhydlewis. There were also maidens, sprites, at- tendants, fairies, populace, etc. The stage scenery with the varied acts were remarkably well got up. and the dresses of the various characters had been carefully selected and arranged with creditable taste. The dances and drills gracefully performed met with the well-earned approval of the audience and crowned the painstaking efforts of the lady members of the staff with great success. The choruses and songs were effectively rendered, pro- minently showing the able and efficient training the pupils had received under their music master, Mr. W. Evans, Spring Croft. The services of Miss Evans, one of the assistant mistresses, were secured as accompanist, and she performed her duties, as usual, with great ability and much musical taste. A highly-successful entertainment, was brought to a close with the rendering of the National Anthem.

DEATH OF MR. JAMES THOMAS, HAVERFORDWEST By the death of Mr. James Thomas, J.P.. of Rock House, Haverfordwest, (of the firm of James Thomas and Son, land agents), at his residence on Friday last, a prominent. figure has been removed from South Wales, and the news of his demise will cause keen regret to a large number of people by whom he was held in the highest esteem. He had been ailing a long time. but seemed to be getting better Heart failure was the immediate cause of death. M r. J. Thomas was tho agent, for many years for Sir Owen Scourfield. for the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, and for several extensive properties. He was secretary to the Lord-lieutenant of Pem- brokeshire (Earl Cawdor), and was also secretary for many years of the We Mi Black Cattle Society, a. position which brought him into close personal touch with agriculturists all over South Wales. For many years he was a justice of the peace for the county of Pembroke, and also for the town of Haverfordwest, and locally he held many important public offices. As agent, for the Ecclesiastical Com- missioners. who are lords of the manor in many parishes in West Wales. Mr. Thomas was The steward at the various Leet Courts, and as such presided at the dinner that followed. His genial presence and good-fellowship will be sadly missed from those gatherings, and all T-lip officials of the courts have lost a kind, svmpathetic friend. They offer their heartfelt condolences to the widow and family. He was, probably, the oldest ohinteer ill Haverfordwest, and in 11:- younger days was a. sergeant- in the corps for many years. He was a Conservative and Churchman. His son, Mr. Hugh J p, Thomas, is now the. Mayor uf Haverfordwest, being The youngest mayor in the records of the old town. The deceased has left a widow, one son. and four daughters. Mr. Thomas was 71 years of age.

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