Denbighshire Free Press

Deaj £ ) of the Chairman of^iarter Sessions. t* 4 We much regret to learn-of! -n death of Captain Griffith k^eaweix, which took place to-. lay>at his residence, Gresfbrd. »

AT HOME AND ABROAD By JOHN FOSTER FRASER. THE WAR IN THE FAR EAST. The year closes, as it began, with the East darkened by bloody conflict between Russia and Japan. We in the West are but dimly informed of that dire struggle, because both combatants have taken care to keep war correspondents in the background. So, although we know the trend of the main issues, we are in ignorance of the details of the duel, except what leaks out by the publication of private letters. What, however, we do know is that the fight has been waged with a fierceness and determina- tion and a sacrifice of life unequalled in modern warfare. The valour of the Japanese and the stubbornness of the Russians has won the admiration of the world. The Japanese know the gaze of the nations is upon them; they are ambitious, and desire to win their spurs with acclamation. They have, in their onslaughts upon Russian positions, particularly in the attempt to capture Port Arthur, yielded lives with a willingness amounting to the reckless, and which dared not have been done by any British commander in the South African war without the raising of a public protest. No less courageous has been the defence of the Russians. The holding of Port Arthur by a more handful of men against over- whelming odds will take a high place in military annals. JAPAN'S DETERMINATION. I do not propose to give a chronological list of the battles, the excursions and alarms, the victories and the repulses. They come to this: that the Japanese have, without any notable check, pushed back the enemy. Their organisation and plan of campaign have proved infinitely superior to those of the Russians. For years they had been preparing for the war. As a nation they must expand. With ill- boding they saw the annexation of far- eastern Asia by the Russians, and always there rankled in the heart the fact that it was Russia which prevented Japan having Port Arthur as a legitimate spoil at the close of the Chino-Japanese war. Russia,, on the other hand, while preparing for the war, nursed the delusion that Japan would be bluffed, or at least, with France behind Russia, be afraid of making the attack. All that was altered by the alliance we entered into with Japan, which gave the Japanese courage, and by the weakening of the friendship between Russia and France, whilst warm cordiality was growing up be- tween France and ourselves. Japan went into the war thoroughly prepared, whilst Russia-with its official circles undermined by éorruption-was not prepared. Besides, the arena of the fight was far from Russia, and there was only the Trans- Siberian Railway, a mere lane of steel, along which she could convey her troops. So Japan was the easy victor in the early moves. She crippled the Russian fleet in Pacific waters, corked Port Arthur, drove back the troops on the mainland, isolated Port Arthur, and, whilst one army began a terrific siege and won every yard over fields of blood, another army, precise, with plans well made, with everything moving like clockwork, attacked the main Russian army, and again and again forced it back. RUSSIAN VACILLATION. Russia had not the equivalent in men, her armaments were inferior to those of her foe, the lines of communication were bad, the victualling of the troops was inferior. There was divided authority between Admiral Alexeieff and General Kufopatkin, which led not only to lack of cohesion but frequent mishap, owing to irritation and recrimination. Each man had his friends at Court, the commands from St. Petersburg were vacillating and feeble, and there was no sufficient backing- up by the Government. It looked as though Japan would have a clear run to triumph. Matters, however, have altered. Though the Japanese are just as daring as ever, and though Port Arthur is almost certain to fall-even if it has not fallen by the time these lines are published-she has never yet inflicted any decisive defeat upon the enemy. What has always seemed strange to students of the war is that while the record of the killed mounts into high thousands tha Japanese have taken comparatively few prisoners. The Japanese have shewn plenty of bravery on the field, but never any military genius. Whenever they got the upper hand, and the Russian lines began to waver, they have failed to follow up the success by a rout of the foe. At the critical moment they have halted, and allowed the Russians to withdraw in order and without panic. The fact is that Japan shewed all her Btrength at first. The Russians at first were weak, but during the year, and certainly since supreme command has been given to General Kuropatkin, they have vastly im- proved their organisation, seasoned their troops, and strengthened their lines of communication. I know a good deal of both the Japanese and the Russians,'and my knowledge warns me not to join the ranks of those who in the happiness of ignorance can tell exactly how the war will end. What, however, is quite clear is that the Russian army is now better equipped and more ready for fight than it was twelve months ago. ANTIPATHY TO RUSSIA. British sympathies have naturally been with the Japanese, because they are a small nation who have taken on a Goliath in fight; because of the energy they have shewn to, get on a level with civilised countries; because we are allied to them; but chiefly because we have an antipathy to Russia, whose Ways we do not admire— whom we think is plotting to raid India, and because in diplomacy John Bull has more than once found himself worsted by the Muscovite. This dislike of Russia was accentuated to fever hatred by the drunken escapade of the Baltic Fleet. With the Pacific squadron corked in Port Arthur, Russia decided to send her Baltic Fleet to aid, and, if Possible, release, the sister fleet, and save the fortress falling into the hands of the Japanese. The Baltic Fleet was prepared with characteristic Russian dilatoriness. It was manned by seamen ,who had comparatively little experience. At the time it set sail the Russian soldiers had been subjected to continuous reverses. No doubt the fleet was stricken with funk, especially as the idea got into their heads that lurking somewhere in the Norwegian fiords were Japanese torpedo-boats, waiting to attack it as soon as the warships appeared on the high seas. Also, no doubt on the principle of "keeping their spirits up by pouring spirits down," the officers drank too much vodki. HE NORTH SEA EPISODE. This explains why they viewed the most innocent of trading vessels as Japanese cruisers in disgmse, and fired at them if they did not immediately clear out of the way. One misty night they ran among the Hull fishing fl(-Ibt following their calling on the Dogger Bank. In the eyes of the high-strung Russians these fishing-boats became torpedoes. They opened fire and said they were fired upon. Probably they were, but it was from their own boats. For twenty minutes they pelted the fishing fleet, killod two men, wounded others, sank one ship, and riddled another. When the news reached our shores Britain seethed with indignation, and the country was ready to plunge into war. Strong remon- Istrance,s wery sent to the Russian Govern- ment, and our own fleets, both at home and in the Mediterranean, were got ready. Russia expressed sorrow that fisher- man had been killed, but set up the preposterous theory that torpedo-boats were among the fishing vessels. Russia was willing to make financial reparation, but re- fused to punish the men responsible for the outrage, on the plea that they were doing their duty. For days we were on the brink of war. France, friendly to both Powers, intervened, and chiefly through her services the dread disaster of war between Britain and Russia was averted. The investigation of the whole affair was referred to an in- dependent tribunal. Here again Russia has probably got the best of us. She will pay damages and offer official apologies, but as for punishing the culprits who were guilty of the mistake—the point we chiefly insisted upon—they will probably be allowed to go free, on the plea that it was a justifiable error. EUROPEAN ALLIANCES. The war is having a far-reaching effect in other quarters than in Manchuria. The arrangement between the British and Japanese Government that if Japan is attacked by a second Power Britain will go to her aid, and the generally understood, though unacknowledged, alliance between France and Russia that if the latter be attacked then France helps her, have worked for the peace of the world rather than tumult. Neither France nor our- selves desire to be drawn into the conflict. Accordingly, there has grown up a feeling of warmest friendship between the two nations, marked by a treaty settling many long-standing differences. This has given an opening to Germany to do her best to oust France from the position of ally with Russia, and to secure the place herself. The general undercurrent of feeling in German society is antagonistic to England; and as Russia complains of British hostility to her, and feels hurt at France turning much of her affection towards her island neigh- bour, the Government at Petersburg have not closed their ear to the whisperings from' Berlin. Many close thinkers in England believe Russia and Britain have more interests in common than in antagonism; and Germany, with much fore- sight, sees that at the close of the war France may play the kindly mediator between Russia and Britain, and bring the two nations into accord. If that were so, there would be a more or less strong alliance between Britain, Japan, France, and Russia; and Germany, as one of the great world-Powers,- would be left out. Germany/does not want that position. This explains why she kow-tows with the United States, why she does not hide her aversion to ourselves, and why she is now so ardent in her demonstrations of affection for Russia. UNREST IN RUSSIA. Another outcome of the war is the spirit ef unrest-political and social—among the Russian populace. The difficulties of the G vernment in regard to the war give the politically discontented scope for agitation. The assassination of M. de Plehve, the Minister of the Interior, was a blow at a deservedly unpopular man rather than a political act. Nihilism, argument by bomb, is practically non-existent in Russia. But the revolutionary party who want the voice of the public to be heard in national affairs, who want to break down the system of btu-eaucracy. which is corrupt, and who urge reform by agitation, b) demonstration, and by literature, is mightily on the increase. It is well known that the Emperor Nicholas is favourably disposed to giving the people of Russia at least something like the political power which the people of other countries possess. His advisers, however, have crushed his demo- cratic intentions. The Government being in straits has provided opportunity for the revolutionary party to become more openly active. The authorities have not dared to take the usual steps to crush political opinion, for fear of a very real rebellion in the Empire. So there is the propagation of views to-day which would not have been tolerated eighteen months ago. Given free air, these views are found not to be so heinous as the upholders of rigid autocracy feared. Indeed, a heeding ear is being given by those in high places. Therefore, it is not unlikely that one of the indirect results of the war will be a clearing of the Government rule in Russia, and the gradual granting of the electoral suffrage to the capable citizens of the Empire. THE THIBET EXPEDITION. We have had our own little war. Thibet has been invaded, and the mystery of Lhassa has been revealed to European eyes —and a rather shoddy mystery it turned out to be. Various treaties in existence between India and Thibet have been left in abeyance, and when asked to be fulfilled the Thibetans refused their obligations. There were numerous border troubles, irritating enough to the inhabitants of North-Eastern India, though unknown to the majority of people at home. It was found necessary to make a show of force, and Major Younghusband was despatched to Thibet. He was willing to halt and receive properly accredited representatives of the Thibetan rulers; but he was met by resistance, and there was fighting. The parleys with inferior officials were unsatis- factory. So, as sufficiently authoritative persons were not sent from Lhassa, Major Younghusband camped his force under the very walls of the Sacred City, though great care was taken not to wound the religious susceptibilities of the Thibetans. The Grand Lama fled from Lhassa. Young- husband placed in power a rival Lama, and w him made a treaty, the chief point of which is that, while leaving the Thibetans free to manage their own affairs, they shall not make any treaty with any other Power, to wit Russia. The British ex- pedition withdrew, and got back to India after terrible hardships m the mountains. How far the treaty made by Younghusband is good remains to be seen, for there is no telling what may happen if the decamped Lama returns to Lhassa to claim his own and to oust the Lama who supplanted him in his high post. One thing the expedition did which was useful; it shewed the Thibetans they were wrong in the assump- tion that they could keep out the British, and they now understand that if they do not keep to the treaty, perhaps when next British soldiers come to Lhassa it will be to stay. THE POLITICAL OUTLOOK. Politically, at home, we are probably further from the General Election now than we all thought we were a year ago. The cataclysm which was to follow on Mr. Chamberlain's policy of Protection and Colonial Preference has not taken place. Certainly in the by-elections, so far as they can be taken as a guide of public opinion, Mr. Chamberlain's policy has not been successful. 0fL the other hand, the Unionist party iir no lopger at sixes and sevens. Strong Froe Traders have ceased to support the Government; and there are still some waverers. Speaking generalgy, however, the party is far more cohesive than twelve months ago, and there is po general settling down to a definite and agreed programme which will be submitted to the electorate. This will be that our Government should retaliate on those foreign Governments which, while they have a free market in Britain, refuse re- ciprocal treatment, and that it is advisable to call a Colonial Conference to see if something cannot be devised which will improve the trading relationship between Mother Country and Colonies, as well as to consider the possibility of a closer Imperial alliance. Broadly speaking, the Oolonies are in favour of all this. The Liberal Opposition, however, resist the proposals. They say that Retaliation will lead to Protection, that Protection means increased prices, and they will have none of it; whilst as regards a Colonial Con- ference, they insist we could not give pre- ference without taxation of food here in Great Britain, and they will have none of that either. The yea and the nay of these pregnant problems have got into line these last few months. There is less confusion, I and the public mind, neglecting details, is being centred on the wide issues which will be submitted to the electorate. CHINESE LABOUR IN SOUTH AFRICA. At the beginning of the year, Mr. Balfour and his Government were subjected to much shot-and-shell criticism from their opponents. Very fierce was the attack on the introduction of indentured Chinese labour iuto South- Africa to work in the gold mines of the Transvaal. The allega- tion was made that the Chinese would introduce foul Eastern vices, that they would be treated as slaves, and that the real reason they were wanted was because they were cheaper than white labour in the mines. The answer was that the mines could not profitably be worked with white labour; that the coolie labour required would place whites to work alongside blacks, which was generally regarded as degrading to the white man in a country where the vast majority of the population was black; that in any case the work was unsuitable for white men; that the intro- duction of yellow labour would lead to the forking of mines at a profit impossible with white labour; and that as a matter of fact more work would be provided for whites in the office of overseer and such supervisory work. Many thousands of Chinese have accordingly been introduced; the returns of the mines are much larger than they were, and the number of white employees has increased. THE LICENSING BILL. The principal measure introduced into Parliament was the Licensing Bill. There was much party attack over the matter of compensation to the publicans but now the bill has become law the opposition is practically dead, because the compensation for closing up public-houses is not to be found by the general taxpayer, but to come out of a sort of compulsory insurance fund to which every publican must contribute. Another measure which roused heat was the Aliens Bill, aimed at excluding criminal and indigent foreigners. A cry was raised by the Liberal party that England was abandoning her old role of being a haven for the needy and stricken and rejected of other nations. In Committee the bill met with such resistance that the Government had to withdraw it. It is, however, to be re-introduced next session. ARMY REFORM AND IMPERIAL DEFENCE. A zealous attempt is being made to im- prove the Army, and at the same time decrease its cost, which is felt to be bur- densome. Mr. Arnold-Forster, the War Minister, has set himself a task for which there are few thanks, because he proposes sweeping changes, and consequent disturb- ance of many who are comfortable. As yet much chaos prevails in the proposed reforms, but the tendency is to a smaller, better paid, and better equipped Army, the aboli- tion of the Militia by converting the troops into territorial regiments, and,, putting forward inducements to create a large volunteer citizen army. Some striking changes have been effected in the manage- ment of the Navy, the putting aside of obsolete boats, and relying on a smaller number of war vessels, but really efficients. All this is done not only in the interests of improvement, but of economy. The cost of Imperial defence is being felt by the taxpayer at home; and, while there is not much grumbling, a marked advance has been made in the idea that the time is rapidly approaching when our Colonies, which share the honours of Empire, should also share the expense. I can say from personal knowledge that in Canada this feeling is also to be noticed-not, however, that Canada is willing to contribute to Pall Mall and Whitehall without any voice, but that the Dominion should be given a voice, or at least the Dominion be allowed to arrange for its own defence. Canada has this year had unexampled prosperity. There has been a tremendous influx of immigrants, and the building of a second trans-continental railway has begun. Sir Wilfrid Laurier and his Government appealed to the country, and have returned to office with a greater majority than before. UNITED STATES PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION. In the neighbouring country of the United States there has been somewhat of a check in the flood of fortune. This was due partly to the Presidential election, which always interferes with business. Mr. Roosevelt, as Republican candidate, was re-elected President, with a tremendous majority over Mr. Parker, who was the nominee of the Democrats, a result due less to the rival programmes than to acknow- ledgment of the overwhelming personality of Mr. Roosevelt, who has a hold on the people of the United States greater than any President since the time of Abraham Lincoln. "WBE" AND "FREE" KIRKS. Both Scotland and Ireland have had interesting events. There has long been sorenesx ver the ecclesiastical property, about £ 10,000,000, claimed by the United Free Church and the Scotch Free Church. The United was by far the larger body, but it %as departed considerably in clogma from the creed of those who made the chief endowments, so that the Scotch Free Church, small in numbers, claimed to be the legitimate inheritors. The matter was fought in the law courts, and the decision of the House of Lords was in favour of the Scotch "Woe's" over the United "Free's." This has created a tremendous uproar in Scotland, because the Free's maintain that had those who made the endowments been alive it was a fair assumptidfl- that most of the money would have been left to the larger Church. However, the Government has appointed a Commission to inauire into the whole dispute, and there will probably be an Act of Parliament setting aside the ruling of the House of Lords, and providing for a fair division of the property. IRISH SELR-GROVERNMENT. In Ireland there has been started a movement among a section ot the ia" lords, with the Earl of Dunraven at their head, towards Irish self-government. At first it seemed as though the Unionist party might have differences on the POInt, but both Mr. Balfour and Mr. Wyudham, the Chief Secretary, nipped the P^'ject by declaring Home Rule, so far as the Unionist party was concerned, had been. settled and was out of the range of discussion. Mean- while, the Nationalists ar§ c^refully laying their plans to force the of the next British Government. They expect the Liberals to be returned to office, but with no power without the Irish Parliamentary vote. Amordinglyp. they maka no secret that Home Ridf is the price they wiil { demand for their aid in the Division Lobbies. THE UNEMPLOYED PROBLEM. On the whole, there has been a genera1 uplifting in home trade during the year, due in some measure to the war between Russia and Japan. But while trade has been better, the number of unemployed in our great cities has risen to amazing pro- portions. The richer classes of the com- munity have readily come forward with open purses. Thv Local Government Boa?d has taken the distress in hand. and all M 0 Borts of projects, including farm colonies- L have been devised, not only to alleviate th< S existing want, but to prevent its recurrence in the future. Ij SOME EVENTS OF THE YEAB. i Not only have France and Britain beenj 1 drawn close together by treaty this vesri f but good advance has been made with a treaty etween Britain and the United ,1 States. The Archbishop of Canterbury visited America, being the first Primate to 1 do so, and did much to cement Ang*j>" j American friendship. There was a 1 rumpus in Canada when Lord Dun don aid. as Chief Commander, criticised his superior? in the Dominion Govern* lent, and deprived of his post in conseqxience. T"? storm, however, has blown over. J £ &rI Minto has ceased his term as Viceroy In the Dominion, and his place is taken by Earl Grey, a most capable, man. F evidence has been afforded of outrage < Belgian officials on "fctic natives Congo Free States; and the disaster of tn year was the burning of a New excursion boat near Long Island and loss of over 500 lives. The has returned home from its expedition, during which its expedition, during which its COTO mander, Captain Scott, reached South and tho Cape-to-Cairo Railway advanced as far north as Victoria There has been a remarkable revival in South Wales. Mrs. Maybriek been released. A terrible ,r t' been released. A terrible miscurnAge If justice was revealed in the oase of Ado r Beck, who spent many years in prison crimes really committed by a doubt0 named William Thomas. THB ROLL-CALL OF THE PEA]). And now I come to the last part of task in telling the story of the year—giviOa the roll-call of the dead. Among those 0 the mighty born there has passed King George of Saxony, the Duke Cambridge, Princess Edward of Saxe-Wei, mar, and Prince Herbert Bismarck. E: President Kriiger has gone to his rest; r has Sir William Harcourt, Lord Northbrook, 1 M. de Plehve, and M. '\V aldeck-Rous8ea;:1 Well-loved Mr. "Jimmy" Lowther 15 1 im missed; and Sir William Rattigan, was killed in a motor accident. culture mourns Professor Fin sen the ArOy loses Field-Marshal Sir Henry Norman; th0 1 Church of England is all the poorer for y loss oi Dr. Perowne, Dean Hole, and Can°^ Ainger; the law regrets Justice Byrne Justice Wright; surgery laments Mr. W. Allingham; and travellers lose friend8 in Sir Henry Stanley and Mrs. Bishop- The arts and literature hare been stricken' painters like G. F. Watts and V al prinsep have passed away; musicians are without Anton Dvorak and Madame Antoinette Sterling; and there is irreparable loss 1° the roll of authors by the deaths of Sir Leslie Stephen, Dr. Samuel Smiles, and Sir Edwin Arnold. The theatre is not so bright as it was, for Wilson Barrett, Dan Leno, an" Herbert Campbell have gone, and theatrical critics have lost a sturdy confrere in )fr. Clement Scott. The year ends much poorer in talent than it began.

ASTONISHED DENBIGH When the first Denbigh case was published in the local papers, Denbigh was astonished, for never before had our townspeople :been known to speak of a medicine through the local press. But now, Denbigh cases like the following are given here everv week. Mr Richard Morris lives at 5, Panton HaV, Denbigh. He says:—For a long while I suffered from kidney complaint. I was subject to weakness in the blek if I stooped to lift even the smallest weight from the ground, a sharp pain caught me across the small of the f back, that seemed to affect every nerve in my body, and take all life and strongtb out of me. I suffered very much with i}p secrecions too the kidneys. They were far too scanty in quantity, and full of a dark red sandy sedi- ment. They were also painful in passing' I was under the doctor, and took different medicines, but I got no better. It was then that I heard a good deal of talk about Dean's Backache Kidney Pills, ar.;] thinking they might do me good, I got some from Bugles'* in High Street, just to try them. After I, had taken a few doses I was delighted to fitod a marked improvement in my health. I con- tinued to take the pills, and am pleased to say the pains have left me, and I am now cuJed. (Signed) Richard Morris. If you are ill, write and fully describe y)ur case to us. We shall be pleased to give jou the best advicje in our power, free of chaige. You can depend upon your letter being treated in strictest confidence. Doan's Backache Kidney Pills are two shillings and ninepe,ce per box (six boxes for thirteen shillings md ninepence) Of all chemists and stores, or post free, on receipt of price, direct ftotn Foster-McClellan Co., 8, Wells-street, OxfA- street, London, W. Be sure you get the sane kind of pills as Mr Morris had. j I1

HENLLAN. ADVENT. Special services were h<>ld in the Parfeb Church on Thursday evenings daring Advent, which were well attended. ST THOMAS' DAY. The annual distribution of the parochial charities took place at the Old Schcols on St Thomas' Day, December 21st. unter the superintendence of the rector (Rev 11 Humphreys), Mr R Griffiths, peeped warden, and Mr Lewis, assistant overseer. The amount distributed was upwards of icto, and the beneficiarics who numbered some 320, came from the village of Henlbn, Trefnant, Green Fron, Henllan-streefc (Denbigh), Groes, KUydgaled and Rylchau. CHRISTMAS Dxy: PARISH CHURCH. The Holy C"inmomon was celebrated at 8, 10 and 11.15 a-mM when upwards of 81) persons communicated. At the mid-da English service the choir sang a carol, The Royal Child," and at the evening < Welsh servicei u Gosper y Canhwyllau," carols were sung by the following parties from the church choir :—Messrs Lewis and I Da-.ies, Misses Hughes and Hall, Messrs j John. Robert and John Pierce (junr), | Me^s R Parry, J Price *ad H G Evans. j Tbe services throngho^f the day were 1 bright, hearty *and well ^tfceuded. The ] church was tastefully decorated by the Misses Griffith, Garn, ami Miss Cole., Llysmeirebion assisted by Messrs R Jones, J Storey and R Pierce, respective headgardeners of Garn, Llysmeirohion and Pla,3 Heaton.

llanbedr. A HANDSOMF. GIFF. | A very handsome white antependium J lor the pulpit with book-markers to match were worked and presented by Miss Mary < Jenkins, Bryn-celyn, and put up for the 5 first time on Christmas Dyv. (Jreen and violet ones are stiii needed. Will' some other kind ladies undertake to present them to the Church ? LLANBEDII CHTTHCH. The services ac the parish Church oft Christmas Day were as ordinary Sundays, with Holy Communion at 8.30 a.m and I-s. o'clock. The anthem, ''Bksfced bo thri ] Lord (C L Willamv) was exceedingly weJJ: rendered by the choir. The i>aersd edifict had been tastefully decora: ed by Mrt' Crace-Culvert, Mrs Phillips, Caefron, and Miss Jones, the Rectory. Mrs Harrowei snpnMner beautful white cLrysanthemamr ;or tfcd vasest <