The Pontypridd Chronicle and Workman's News

IS YSTRADYFODWG 10 BE MADE A COUNTY? Strenuous efforts are being made to include Newport and Merthyr in the list list of places which shall be governed by county councils, and we see no reason why the Urban District of Ystrarlyfodwg has not as much claim, to sny the least of it, as Mcrthyr to the honour of being declared a county. The population of Ystrad Local Beard district is far beyond the fiftv t.hous- and limit fixed by Mr Ritchie as the mini- mum, for the inhabitants of the teeming valleys comprising its area number fully eighty-nine thousand, according to the litest return. If, in addition to the Boroughs, spscially mentioned in the Bill, populous places now governed under the Local Board system are to be included in the schedule, no urban district in the kingdom can produce such overwhelming proofs of its title to the dignity of a county as Ystradyfodwg. -0- A LIBERAL THOU.SA.ND J!"1.ïR EAST GLAMOi. GAN. In view of the suggested reform of c In Liberal Organization in feast Glamorgan- shire, we venture to hope the members of Three Hundred will take into consideration the advisability of following in the footstnps of ardiff and other important places, and and go in for a more thoroughly representa- tive body in the shape of a Liberal Thou- sand. If, in a compact borough, the increased number is necessary, we stand in much greater need of it in a scattered Par- liamentary Division, where local interests are riot so identical. We simply throw out the hint.

NOTES ON PASSING EVENTS. CONSANGUINITY EXTRAORDINARY. It is one of the prescribed 1a.ws of the Church rubric that ".t man may not marry his grandmother." We used to look upon this singular passage pretty much with fee!. ings cf amusement, but not so lately, when we find that matters are coming dangeio usly C5 Z3 near this pass in connection with Royal betrothals. A marriage has been arranged between a son of the Emperor of Germany and a daughter of the late Princess Alice. The kinship between the betrothed couple is that of first cousins. In France, again, a similar "freak of nature" has been arranged, we believe, whereby the Princess Letitia. Bonaparte (niece of the crownless Empress t Eugenie) will shortly "plight her troth" to 1 her uncle, the Duke d'Aosta, brother of the King of Italy. The little Princess is 22 years of age, and her uncle-husband, 43. Unless something be done soon to check these con- sanguineous connections throngh matrimony, perhaps the world will be shocked some day with intelligence that sprigs of Royalty have so far abandoned their sense of discretion as to literally infringe Statute 1, Clause 1, Section 1 of the Church of England Catalogue of Marriageable Males and Females—"A man may not marry his grandmother." If this were to happen it would, to say the least, make things really very awkward. -0-- THE PRINCE OF WALES AND PUBLIC MORALITY. While on the subject of Royalty, we may draw attention to some strong remarks recently made with reference to the Prince of Wales. At Sheffield a great meeting was held to afford an opportunity for express- ing the grave concern felt by many at the attitude of the public press towards gambling, and uttering a protest against such serials as the Life of Charles Peace,' which tend to corrupt the morals of the people, and power- fully to counteract the labours of Christian philanthropists." Mr H. J. Wilson, M.P., speaking in support of the object of the meet- ing, referred to the attitude of the higher classes towards betting, and protested strongly against the action of the London Young Men's Christian Association in inviting the Prince of Wales to open their new gymnasium. There was, he said, not a ma i in Lmdoa who really believed that the daily life of the Prince of I Wales was what it ought to be, or like what the Young Men's Christian Associat on was striving after. -0- THE DUKIS OF PORTLAND "A BIG DONKEY." Speaking at the same meeting, the Mayor of Sheffield condemned the nobility & gentry for participating iu fostering the vice of bet- ting, and observed that the Duke of Portland was "a big donkey" for putting ^'3,500 on Ayrshire for the Derby. He also protested against a state of things which allowed the Prince of Wales and the aristocracy of Groat Britain to bet with impunity. —— U —— —• PROPOSED VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADE FOR PONTYPRIDD. The establishment of a fire brigade in Pont- ypridd has b-ec mooted. We hope the matter will be taken up in earliest, assume the form of tangibility, and present itself as a "going concern" at no distant date. -0- A WELSH ROBINSON CRUSOK. A recent number of the ,\[elbuuri.e Argus gives particulars of the discovery of a small island settlement in the high seas. The chief of the island is one William Marsden, a native of Pontvane, near ICglwyswnv, Pembrokeshire. It appears that the banjue "Q t en's Island,' which arrived at Newcastle on daturdiy from San Francisco, reported that when pissing Palrnerston lslana, Luitudo ItS deg. 50 min. south, lengitudo 164 deg. 13 min west, sup- posed to be uninhabited, a boat with eight persons put off to the vessel. The chief stated that he run aw ty from the British barque Rifleman, in Tahiti, twenty-five years ago. After spending two or three years on the island, he undertook to plant it with c ic >a- Gllt, and Ind re-ided there evvr since, lie had married a half-caste native from a neighbour- ing island, and had eiewn sons a'id four daughters as the result of such union. There are thirty-three pers ms oa the island. All the isl mders speak k'nglU'i fluentiv, and the family ar.p,t. to li\ on the happiest terms. Capt. Reid supplied the island rs with a variety ot articles of provisions, and received c coanuts in return. M itsdon stated that he did a good trade in ropra with sm II vessels. We may mention that this modern Lvobmson Crusoe hLS several near relatives in Pontypridd and the Lihondda Valley, and be was for many years regarded as a "long-lost son." -)- THE COMPENSATION CLAUSES OF HIE LOCAL G O V K N ,\f h T B r Y. i P,,e re i t the Tory Go aroment had to be of stupendous f dhoy of their determination to press forward that mad scheme of "rf-f )rin," tlti compensa- tion clause tlr Local Gove:n rient Bill Besides the dangerous precedent which the passing of tiio- clause wnn'd fori he carrying out of its prov isions would entail cost of from to £ 250,000,000. Theee figures hn.v.; b en estimate! by Mr Caine, and he put down for London alone £ 30,000,000. The great bulk of compensation would go into the pocketa of monopolist brewers and dis- tillers, and not into those of the tenaits of the public-houses. The gravity of the figures quoted is most alarming. --0- WHY, SURELY, THE LICENSING CLAUSES OUGHT TO HAVE BEEN WITHDRAWN If only in consideration of the influence brought to bear upon the Government by the inhabitants of Pontypridd and surrounding district, the licensing clauses ought to have been withdrawn. On Friday petitions, signed by over 10,000 signatures, were presented by Maboo, M.P., from the Rhondda Valley. A certain temperance society in the locality, at its last meeting, passed a kind of jubilation vote to the effect that they (and only they) had been the means of upsetting the little game of the Tory Government. But what was their surprise to find, on Tuesday morning, that the Government were determined to present the bill in its entirety, and to fight the question out thick and thin, and this in spite of the dictates of the P-- Temper- ance Society, the members of which seemed prone to "Count their chickens before they were hatched." -0- BUT THE COMPENSATION CLAUSES HAVE BEEN WITHDRAWN AFTER ALL. After the petition presented to Parliament from Treforest on Monday evening, the Gov. ernmsnt could stand it no longer. "The last straw broke the camel's back; a cabinet council was hastily summoned, and it was decided to surrender carte blanche the compen- sation clauses ofthe Local Government Bill. I Well done, Treforest, she bids fair to wield the destinies of nations. o THE NEW WELSH COUNTIES. School children vow vengeance on the head of poor Mr Ritchie. Having been taught hitherto to regard Wales as being divided into "twelve tribes," it seems hard thit with one stroke of the pen two others should be added thereto. This circumstance will necessitate our children to unlearn what they have learnt, and to learn what they have yet not learnt. But there seems to be quite an anomaly with regard to the selection of new counties. Titkin, the census of 1881, we find Cardiff had a population of 85,862, yet it has been made a county Swansea, with a population of only 50,043, has been made a county Merthyr Tydfil, with a population of nearly 100,000, has not been made a county. And why, sim- ply because Mcrthyr did not happen to be a., corporate town. Suck is the justice of Tory- urn. Why not convert the parish of Ystrad- yfodwg into a county ? Tii,,re can be no objec- tijn on the score of population, taking a modest 50,000 as the prescribed limit. -0- THE EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS OF WALES. Mr D. A. Thomas, M.P., does not seem to allow any grass to grow under his feet. He has already made his voice heard in Parlia- ment on several occasions, and a few days ago he gave notice to draw the attention cf the House to the educational requirements of W ale,, and to move a resolution thereon. This is a step in the right direction. o --0-- COAL EXPORTS FROM WALES. lleturns just issued show the total coal shipments from Greit Britain duiing the month of May. Cardiff heads the list with 747,148 tons, followed next by Newcastle tie with 212,680, and Newport 212,630. Swan- sea exported 65,046. In this respect again South Wales holds its own as the leading coal producing country in the world. _n__ -v- THE "FUUURE" MEMBER. FOR CA.RDIFF ANI) THE USE OF FISTS. Mr J. T. D. Llewelyn, of Penllergare, is quite a "don" with his knuckles, so it would appear from a remark of his at the Swansea Police-court last Saturday. Having prosecuted a man for an impudent act of poaching, the offender was heard to remark that when he came out of prison Mr Llewelyn would be a dead man, whereupon the latter replied he was quite equal to the defendant provided he only used his fists. This is probably the reason why the "future" member for Cardiff is so fond of making use of his electoral "dukes" against the more formidable and corpulent present member for the Welsh metropolis. o THE VOLUNTEER BAND AT PONTYPRIDD. There can be no doubt that the public do not fail to appreciate the masterly treats of instrumental music contributed by the Rifle Volunteer Brass Band at Pontypridd. It is quite cheering to see the large crowds who patronise the band with their attention, and I listen to the excellent music the discotirs, and it will be for the public by-and-bye to testify in a substantial manner to the extent of their appreciation of the rare boon conferred by the baud. --0-- JACKSON CAUGHT AT LAST. As most of our readers are aware, Jackson, the notorious murderer, has at last been caught. His capture was effected in a per- fectly accidental manner, having been taken to the Bradford police-station on a charge of attempted burglary. --0-- JACKSON IN THE RHONDDA. Considerable excitement was aroused in the Rhondda Valley last week by the rumour that Jackson had been seen sctiling the mountain at Blaenycwm. A police constable went in hot pursuit on horseback, and after a brisk chase, the supposed desperado was caught, taken to Treherbert Police-station, and the "wires" were put into action in order to ascertain whether the man was "this same Jackson," or not. The negative, however, was proved, and the innocent wayfarer was allowed to proceed on his journey towards Swansea, whither he was going. o JACKSON AT PWLLGWAUN. A day or two afterwards Jackson was seen loafing about the streets of Pwllgwaun but after the pelice had carefully eyed 11 him, be also was permitted to contiue at large. o JACKSON AT PONTYPRIED. During last week no less than five times did the police receive information that "Jackson" was in Pontypridd, but one of the j incidents deserves special mention. A certain local tradesman having had his suspicions excited as to the personality of a man who had come into his shop, rushed to the police- station, and gaspingly explained that "Jack- son" was at that moment on his premised. The officer of law and order hastily pro- ceeded to the shop indicated, when the sup- posed murderer turned out to be a local painter, who was unfortunate enough to possess traits strikingly resembling those of Jackson.

LOCAL & DISTRICT INTELLIGENCE PONTYPRIDD. WANTED a Boy over 13 years of age, as appren- tice to the Printing trade. Apply at the Office of this Paper. RHONDDA CHAPEL.—Anniversary services were held on Sunday and Monday at the above place, wnen the officiating ministers were the Revs. R. D. Roberts, Llwyohendy; T.Jones. Siloam, Car- diff; Rev. Edwards, Porth. The collections were good, and were devoted in aid of the building fond. Tne congregitions were ajso large. ° ANNIVERSARY OF A FRIENDLT SOCIETY.-On Thursday evening, the numbers of the Loval Evana Lodge of the I.O.O.F., M-IJ., held a Banner at th« Ivor Arms, Pontypridd, when about 50 sat down to an excellent dinner prepared by Host Rowlands. After the removal of the cloth, the evening was de- voted to conviviality, Mr J. J. Evans occupying the t-hair, and Mr E. Evans, P.N.G., the vice-chair. Mr T. Thomss, V.G., delivered a pithy and pointed address, and other gentlemen delivered brief speeches, whita several contributed songs, and a very pleasant evenin* was p 'nt. The proceedings were carried on t > a Ilte hour, extra time having been granted for this purpose. "FOR TIIE BLOOD 13 TIIE LIFE. -Contamination of the blood-the result of Contagious Disease, heredi- tary taint, or foul matter of any description-posi- tively carried out f the system by taking "Clarke's World-famed B.ood Mixture. For scrofula, scurvy eczema, skm &ud blood diseases, and sores of all kinds' its effects are marvellous. In bottles, 2s 9d and lis each of all cbc ists. Pnrchasers of Clarke's Blood Mixture, bewa, i; of worthless imitations. GHOESWSN. DSATHOFAN OLD SEHVANT.—The deuth of Mr John Thomas, aa old and faithful servant of Mr T. Thomas, Tynywern, took place on Thursday week last, at th. ripe a,-e of 8G. He was buried at Groes wen. PO it PH. DEATH OF <U S. Sviir«.—We regret to announce tha d-ath, after a -h )l.t iiloess, of Mr S. Smith, New Tori Ina, Porth. Ur Smith was a member of the Yatrad Local Board. ABERDARE. L^B°^DTTha °r,5inary bi-monthly meeting was held on trie ay, under the presidency of Mr R H. Rhys, J.P chairman of the board. Mi T. Thomas" gave> not,c-e of h.s intention to move at the next SS- '5 rt^dJitniial pabuc lamps be put up at Hirwain Dr. Da vies, too medical officer, reported a case of said^h6"1-'1 ah the disease, he said, having been imported from Cardiff. There were uo cases of measles, typhoid, or scarlet fever durimr the pi3t fortnight. A letter was read from Mr Isaac p nomas SUGGESTING that persons should be allowed to ash in the park poud with "od and line. The board assenied, 5s. each angler for the season being fixed as the terms upon which the privilege might be enjoyed. THE PUHLIC HEALTH Is of the utmost importance. Nothing can pre. 891-79 it like HUGHES' Bï.ÙOD PILLS. Try a box of them, and yoa will baoenviaced of their marvellous influence for all Blood, Skin, and Nerve diaeaoea Price Is. lj-d, 2s. 9d.. aid K 61. Of all medicine vendorA. MOUNTAIN ASH. LIBERAL ASSOCIATION.—An adjourned meetiY„ called by posters and by the bellman, wa3 heM g' Monday for the purpose of electing 10 memhl the general comm tcee of the Aberdare Libem) A ciation. After the eloccion of the member A°" following officers of the local commit^ e re-elented :—Messrs J. W. Jones, chairman • Jones, treasurer; and the Rev J. Howell, Beretay.. CADBURY BROS, direct attention to tho r» Cocoas and other English imitations sold a'c" Cocoa, to which about 4 per cent, of ALLMI; P,8re agents are added, to give apparent strength to the liquor, by making it a dark colour. Th?= JJ- may be detected by the scent wheu a t;n • a7dlt,10Q opened. No Cocoa can be stronger than which is guaranteed ABSOLUTELY PURE 8' TBEALAW. FATAL ACCIDENT TO A BREAKSMAN.—JOHN 7? a breaksman, of Cardiff, fell across the ra/u Taff Vale Railway at Tfalaw, on sszrlr *°d the Infirmary.