The Rhondda Leader

%op 5 wy rig I%X%m Temperance League. Licensing Bill Hailed. The twenty-first annual conference of he Rhondda Valleys Pontypridd and hstrict Temperance League was held at 'reforest on Wednesday of last week, 7hen there was a full attendance of dele- tes from the Rhondda and constituent reas. The Rev. J. Williams, Trehafod, ccupied the chair during the first part f the proceedings prior to the arrival of he president (Sir Alfred Thomas, M.P.). 'he secretarial duties were ably discharged y the Rev. Joseph Evans, Pontygwaith; nd the Rev. G. G. Gule, Pontypool, sub- iitted. the financial report. The Secretary, in the course of his eport, briefly outlined the work done by he League during the past twenty years, nd recalled the heroic work done by such len as the late Alderman John Jones- rriffiths, Penygraig; the Rev. W. I. lorris, Pontypridd; and the Rev. Dr. 'ugh, Cardiff. These stalwarts, with thers, stood in the van in this noble rork; these were pioneers in the cause t f righteousness and religion, and in the r nhancement of the sobriety, of society. 1 'he organisation was not wanting in v ctivity at the present day. The energy ut forth against the oppression of the t rink traffic was more fruitful in the pre- k ent day than it had ever been before. Vith regard to last year, never since its v armation had the League proved itself £ such power for good, and during the ist Licensing Sessions the Executive did 11 in its power, under the able guidance I f their solicitor, Mr. T. Millward, Pentre, I o prepare a strenuous opposition to appli- ations for new licenses and the enlarge- ? aent of present premises, and they were 1: ,ble to secure the services of such an minent barrister as Mr. Ivor B'owen, and 1 0 well was their case prepared that they t ucceeded on every point (applause). The ] pplication for a new license in the Valley ad been proved to be too previous; for lie Coronation Hotel, Ton, too obsolete; £ he enlargement scheme for the Bridge k nn Treforest, bridged over for awhile; s he Corner House, Treherbert, cornered t re the Sessions were over (laughter and a pplause). The police had laid objections c ) a number of houses, and these objec- s' ions had been sustained (applause). Last v ear, they were, looking forward with ? nimated expectations to a Licensing Bill, 11 nd now they were more than pleased by seing their expectations more than real- a ed. They welcomed the Bill which had a een stigmatised as a scheme of robbery nd spoliation, but these epithets were its est testimonials, as they indicated the ood results which would accrue. The ill might not mitigate their duties as a I; eague, but would materially enlarge leir spheres of labour, and hence it ehoved all the members to be up and T oing (applause). An excellent paper on Temperance a as read by the Rev. T. J. Prichard, ontypridd, who remarked that the oppo- e; snts of the Licensing Bill were appeal- ti ig to the basest elements of human I ature; they were firing at the Red g: ross—threatening to withdraw their sup- t( )rt from hospitals and other charitable s( istitutions and levying blackmail on the e, hurch of England. Vi On the motion of Mr. Nicholas, Tre- w chy, Mr. Prichard was accorded a very I iarty vote of thanks. di Sir Alfred Thomas, M.P., who was very a irmly received, complimented the League bt >on the work it had accomplished. The w te Judge Gwilym Williams-who was a m ver of the county—had stigmatised it e\ "Black Glamorgan." No doubt it was si black," but it would have been more so m id it not been for the existence of that fe iague (applause). Poor old Glamorgan L d enough to do to bear its original sin, m it the drunkenness which was set down at the old county was not that of the tb ns and daughters of Glamorgan, but of du ose wandering spirits who were attracted ti< it by industrial developments. They of uld now congratulate themselves, said de 1 Alfred, that they were on the eve of mi great change for the better. If they oil d any doubt about the matter, the pr mtic state of the Trade would be quite tll Scient to prove that something serious Tr s about to happen. The Trade believed an nperance workers were in earnest—a a mpliment for which the latter returned to inks. It was true temperance workers tic re in earnest, and not before they sel juld be. Perhaps not before in our his- Mi T had the two parties confronted each no ler in such a determined spirit. That l'al s as it should be. Let them put to en 1 test those who advocated and those o opposed temperance. For anyone is o would oppose the measure now before qui rliament could not be a friend of tem- th< 'ance. It was well to have. such an ma jortunity as that now afforded to prove a sir sincerity. Much as the Bill had tw< m condemned by opponents, many of W e rriends or temperance said it was not se astic enough. As far as its provisions ffii th regard to clubs and grocers' licenses ru 5re concerned he was with the latter, co it before the Bill left the Commons it UJ )uld be strengthened in this direction, co 18 Bill was a reasonable and moderate th asure; it was the minimum; they se: uld not take less. Though many bo )vernments had come to grief when su ckling this question, this time the in< untry was behind the Government. That po e measure will pass through the House ga Commons with a tremendous majority po ,s assured, and that it may soon become gr4 a law of the land must be the ardent wi sire of everyone who was anxious to th, [nove the curse of drunkenness from mf 3 land (loud applause). (M rhe Rev. Mr. Morgan, Cilfynydd, then vh ived a resolution "rejoicing that the JU( ensing Bill has been laid before Par- tac ment to reduce the overwhelming op] nptations to drink, to restore to the du gistrates their legitimate power to pro- thi t the public, and to give to the people tha sir rightful authority over the drink wo; ffic, and further, while regarding the bir le limit of fourteen years as unduly anc lerous to the Trade interests, and V :ing that the Bill may be strengthened Soc its provisions concerning the exclusion of children from public houses, and espe- aga ly with regard to the drinking clubs aga placing them on the same hours as of 1 lie-houses, we pledge ourselves to sup- rev, t a measure which makes for domestic sne< lfort, national health, and social pro- cinl as." adh he motion having been seconded by a lc Rev. J. L. Thomas, Treforest, sup- Gov ted by the Rev. Tertius Phillips, Car- Llb4 and Mr. Rhys Jones, Pontypridd, the carried unanimously. gres he Rev. J. Williams, Trehafod thei ounced that the League had arranged in a vigorous campaign this week ban mghout the Rhondda. few and ,-n. '1-

ciia itt Alrated Water Co. rec. ARENCE STORES, PONTYPRIDD. tha SWERS OF STONE GINGFR BTl'R, Ju? HOP BITTERS, &c., &c. •MANUFACTURERS OF CORI)l \1 S ?a < WHOLESALE PRICES ONLY. jjj W. BANFIELp. erg

uorrespondence. IJisit of Canadian and American Teachers to England, Sept., 1908 March, 1909. ro the Editor of the Rhondda Leader." Sit-I beg to enclose memo. setting forth the aims and objects of this visit, also cony of letter from the National c Divio Federation of New York and its anclosure, which will give you the American view of the matter. The whole scheme owes its practical outcome to the patriotism and generosity of Mr. J. Bruce Ismay, of Liverpool, who takes a very ictive interest in education, and is a great believer in bringing the two nations Closer together for mutual advantage and in the interests of civilisation. The visiting teachers will be drawn trom all parts of the country-from New York to San Francisco—and principally from elementary, secondary, and manual n'ainins schools a larce nronort,ion hmnor adies, who axe much in the majority in he teaching profession in America. Their lumber will amount in all probability to .,000, arriving in parties of about 50 per v peek, and staying o,ne to two months; ractically a counterpart of the English -eaohers' visit of a year ago to the United I itates of America and Canada. t As far as New York is concerned, the rhole scheme is undertaken by the s ational Civic Federation; an organisa- « ion for the betterment of the people and s he practical discussion of questions of )ublic utility. In its educational depart- nent is President N. Murray Butler, of ? Jommbia University, well-known in this 1\ ountry as one very deeply interested in nternational education. Enclosed you will also find a list of nfluential names already on my commit- ee to help in making the teachers' trip ? nstructive and enjoyable. Whilst here, ( t is proposed that many conferences shall 7 Ie held between them and the English eaohers for the interchange of views. 1] Such intercourse should assist in a trengthening friendly feelings between he two great English-speaking countries; nd seeing that these teachers will have ountless numbers of pupils through their chools, a closer touch between these our isitors, and louil own institutions, can nly lead to a> better mutual understand- tig and more sympathetic relations. 2, Local committees are being formed in L 11 the principal towns to help the visitors, nd doubtless kindnesses and hospitality all be shewn them during their stay.— tJ rours faithfully, A. MOSELY. district Council Election, No. 3 Ward. o the Editor of the "Rhondda Leader." Sir,—In your issue of April 4th there C( ppeared a letter under the signature of m Workman." Now that the turmoil and tl Kcitement of tne election is over, I ven- t< are to reply, seeing that to some extent g, formed the interesting subject of that rave epistle. The object of the letter d, ) every intelligent elector was clearly te ien. and that was to throw dust into the rE ves of the working class voter to pre- A ant him from realising that this battle g as his, and not any persons or parties. in regret that the Labour movement in the to strict has been deliberatelv insulted by b, man professing to be one of its mem- ov )rs writing such a, letter which in no to ay represents the intelligent working to en in the Wards concerned. It was tu ddently intended to play to the other tb de, greater, the disgrace to "Work- at an" in playing the traitor to his as llow-workmen. This maiden effort of 0] abour to organise itself for local ad- of inistration on public bodies is commend- ar tie even from the point of view that f,, e working classes are awaking to the do [ties of citizenship. Whatever our poli- of al or religious views, surely this action the workers should appeal to all who de ssire to see pure and humane govern- 01 Bnt. The machine of the Trades Coun- sci has been formed to make Labour re- we esentation possible, and further, to see at its interests are looked after. All "ades Unions affiliated to the Council a given the opportunity of nominating candidate for elections, such nomination come before the Council for final selec- all m. It seemed that myself was the thi ected candidate to contest No. 3, and foj r. W. Phippin No. 4 Ward. It mattered wo thing whether the man chosen was a So lwayman, miner, shop assistant, or va gineer and it betrays, on the part of int Vorkman," a lack of knowledge of what del Trades Unionism when he raises the tio estioon of the class of employment of In 3 selected candidate. By the way, it fur iy be news to him to know that I was em member of the Federation for about soi 3 years when inaugurated in South an( lies in 1898. Upon joining the railway enc vice. I took mv Trades Unionism with sin; e, although we are not obligated by the ar lies of the A.S.R.S. to do so; but being S1 mvinced of the principle of Trades re nionism, I could not go back upon my a mvictions. It is because of those views nv lat I hold the necessity of Labour repre- no ntation in Parliament and upon local m< idies. Trades Unionism alone is not ap fficient to protect our interests from an As dustrial standpoint, unless followed up ge ilitically and locally. My friend, Mor- de ns, checkweigher, Fernhill, was sup- lai rted in the recent election on these wo ounds. The railwaymen in Treherbert, lar to are large in number, did not raise thi e objection which Workman and wh my others rose in my case because he del r. Morgan) was a miner. We have sur- in fed the days of narrowness and pre- liti iicial ignorance. It was a sorry spec- so ile to see working men Trades Unionists as posing their fellow-Trades Unionists an( ring the recent contest. It is some- mi] Lng akin to blacklegging. I am sorry fou it in this twentieth century, men, aye, hat rKmg men, should sell their moral woi thright for a mess of vester interests woi I capitalist pottage. Let me assure be Workman that it is not a question of goo ialism or Liberalism; it is a question cou right against might, righteousness to linst unrighteousness, and justice the linst wrong. I am proud of the stand tinj Watts Morgan and Tom Evans and the and erend gentleman, whom Workman and ers at, took in supporting those prin- exis les upon which 640 signified their the; erence to on April 6th. Spence Watson, fort 3ading Liberal, writing upon the Local an rernment Act", 1894, passed by a opp eral Government, stated —" Great as the powers given by this Act are, and thai at as the material benefits may be, Mr. re are indirectly greater benefits still to i store. It will abolish patronage and pan I ish privilege. For the rule of the in t it will substitute the responsibility acte co-operation of the many. It is the out fter of the peasant's liberty, which (Ber ignises that the well-being of the State tual snds rather on the welfare of the many and i the wealth of the few." I trust proc ral "Workman" will ponder over his extract and see how far his consistency thus be reconciled. Having put our hand worl he plough we shall not look back, but gabl. 1 pursue with greater energy than plet< to secure the object we have in view. art, alii. TOM MORRIS. no 1

I I Consciences and Votes. Conservative Club Tyranny. ilgh-handed Action at Treherbert There have been developments in the ^onservativfi camp at Treherbert. It will >e remembered that Mr. R. M. Rees, the secretary of the Conservative Club, was tdopted by that body as a candidate at jhe recent District Council election, and offered defeat at the hands of Mr. W. H. ] VIorgan, the Labour and Federation can- lidate. The election literature, as is mstomary on these occasions, I proved luite diverting and entertaining reading. We cull the following gems from "A Reply" by Mr. Rees to some statements ontained in Mr. Morgan's address, and ;0 which additional significance is lent in dew of subsequent events. Paragraph 5 of Mr. Rees' Reply tates A manifesto has been issnprl tn ou favouring Mr. Morgan's candidature, practically dictating to you as to who you re to vote for. I appeal to you as fellow- corkers not to be dictated to in this way s though you were unable to decide for ourselves. Working men, keep your reedom and vote for the free candidate, he one who has not got his hands tied." Again, in paragraph 7 he states: Mr. Morgan has used a strong word- treachery," in his first address, and ays he is bound to be returned; but I sk you, is a man a traitor if he votes ccording to his conscience? A thousand imes No! Better be a traitor to Mr. lorgan than a traitor to your own con- cience." This heroic talk about being dictated o," and traitors to conscience is specially refreshing in view of the fol- )wing letter to members of the Conser- ative Club who either took no part in he election, or who failed to grasp the mportance of Mr. Rees being returned t the head of the poll: — Treherbert Conservative dub, "April 9th, 1908. "Dear Sir,—I have been instructed to ummon you to appear before the next lommittee meeting on Tuesday April 4th, at 8 p.m., to give an explanation f the attitude you adopted at the recent ►istrict Council election. You are also requested not to visit be Club until you appear in answer to i ais summons. I remain, On behalf of the Committee, Yours faithfully, j R, M. REES." st Those electors who are unfortunate nough to be members of this autocratic n ub are in a position which is generally S1 ^needed to be between the Old Gentle- tan and the Ocean. In the first place ley are appealed to not to be dictated n >, on the assumption that they are intelli- n Bnt enough to decide for themselves. ( hey are also invited to retain their free- l om and their vote, and lastly; they are ir ild that to vote by conscience is very far amoved from the regions of treachery, nd now comes the most interesting part. ™ ecause they acted on Mr. Rees' advice, so far that they refused to be dictated by anyone, and retained their freedom p1 7 voting or acting according to their iT, ra consciences, they are now summoned appear before a Committee of the Club give an explanation for their atti- ide, and are further Black-listed "to ie extent of having their refreshments J* the Club forbidden until they appear ]IN recalcitrants before the Club's Star lamber to give an account of the error their ways! (Some of the members, we H1 e also informed, have been expelled )m membership). Surely, this is free- an im with a vengeance. Tyrannical acts this kind suggest to our mind that 'ee Trade in politics is hardly less sirable at the Treherbert Conservative ub than Free Trade in electors' con- ences. The liberty of the Conservative irking man Faught is ab

Shakespeare at Tonypandy. th It has been truly said, and wisely, and si, must admit same, of the old adage, of at there is a time for work and a time to i- play, or should be, for indeed all ad rk and no play makes Jack a dull boy. bo- the saying goes. Recreation is reno- an tion. But- it's the modes, customs, elligence, and culture of a nation that termines what shape such play, recrea- n, and amusement should consist of. amusements the wise will seek for boJ ther intelligence and endeavour to he brace culture and enlightenment with fac ind beneficial amusement. The taste a ] I choice of books vary greatly in refer- to e to these sources, but collectively Th, tmered down, for good sound teachings for 1 nbilosoohv onA n IHS+.ITT BO-IT +K«F t I --1 -7 VLLU. ie, lakespeare undoubtedly is universally loi cognised, standing as he does without he rival. There is no book or bookwork ex ore unbiasly studied than his. There is ev ) literary work whose beautiful lines are an ore reciprocated and conscientiously he 'propriated to the human race than his. fol i proof of same, as education and intelli- wa nee advances, greater still will be the f0 mand for his works. Not only in the he: id of his birth, but all over the civilised me irld, his plays are performed and in all an< iguages. Such then, indeed, must show is e true value of his works. To those to 10 already know of their value they still Ka light to hear, see, and read them, know- St< I that they can always find, with very Th ble seeking, more beauties in them, and Lu establishing in the mind that they are, thi they are, the most pleasant, sweetest cha d unsophisticated amusement for the nd and culture that can possibly be md. So, for those who are not in the bit of associating themselves with his rks we would say, in the poet's own 1 rds, to go, sit down, and be willing to P,er pleased, carefully listen; then, like all the id things (as with Shakespeare none f,v ild be better), once heard and relegated 6 the memory is never to be forgotten, J*se mind becoming impregnable, admit- g only for the advancement of culture -p I when such beautiful lines are spoken ^es I portrayed by students whose sole Pee' stence, training and tuition has taught m to render such lines, fully shedding W1i* th their true intrinsic value, is indeed 3 opportunity few and far between—an ortunitv tm all sftfikers and lovers of t world's greatest poet and philosopher t should not be lost sight of. That Ml Benson's company, which is announced «l appear at the Theatre Royal, Tony- M dy, next week, is a company unrivalled A ;he delineation of Shakespeare's char- ill >rs is admitted by one and all through- Jjr the United Kingdom, a name II ison's) acknowledged by the intellec- Ijr by the clergy of all denominations, mA by all the colleges in the land asi 3P >f of same. It is from them he gets ffffi most cordial and enthusiastic houses, iiWJ > proving again the value of the poet's !|M ks and of his own (Benson's) indefati- fMt e exertions to make his company com- 0 in detail in every way that money, conception and culture can conceive, lack of expanse, no lack of energy, |fli ,hus making the poet's works the most lealthy, admirable and intellectual amuse- nent-and refinement that can possibly be ound. We all owe a duty to our neigh- )our, and in this instance we cannot do )etter than strongly recommend to our waders for their own social advancement. lot to lose this grand opportunity of vitnessing Mr. F. R. Benson's series of ),erfoi-mance-s, where there is everything ,0 learn and to please, even to the most exacting, and in every way conducive to efinement. Again, a grand opportunity lifers here for those who are studying Shakespeare at colleges and schools to tear the proper reading and rendering of ame, materially helping the young tudent.

GOOD HEALTH. REGAINED AND MAINTAINED BY THE USE OF DR. MORSE'S INDIAN ROOT PILLS. The first essential of good health is to keep the Stomach in a sound condition. It is not the quantity of food we eat, but what we digest and assimilate, that nourishes the body. When the Stomach and organs of digestion and nutrition are diseased, and the food eaten is only imperfectly digested, there is loss of nutrition, and the body loses strength as a natural consequence. Not only does the system suffer from lack of nourishment, but the derangement of the organs must cause further complications. Indigestion is a most prevalent cause of Con- stipation, which in its turn causes Bilious- ness and all its attendant evils. Dr. Morse's Indian Root Pills get at the cause as no other remedy does. They aid the digestion and assimilation of food; cleanse the stomach; purify the blood, and are a perfect remedy for all complaints arising from Kidney and Liver trouble, Indigestion, Con- stipation, and Female Ailments. For sale by all Chemists and Stores, price 1/11 per bottle, or 6 bottles for 6/6, or will be sent by the Proprietors, The W. H. Comstock Co., Ltd., 21, Parringdon Avenue, London, E.C. A free sample will be forwarded on receipt of Id. stamp.

Welsh Language Society. The sixth annual holiday course of tlstruction in Welsh will be conducted his year in the University College of forth Wales, Bangor, from August 3rd ) August 17th. The object of the course is to provide aachers in Secondary and Primary chools, as well as other students, with a nowledge, at least in outline, of the con- duction, grammar, and literature of the Velsh language, and also to suggest lethods of teaching Welsh suitable for ach 'schools. It is but reasonable, on educational rounds, that in the schools of Wales the ational language should have a recog- ised place, and that our teachers should jceive the. necessary training to enable iem to cope effectively with the demands L this respect of Educational Authorities, nd to bring out the best that is in the iildren under their charge. Elementary, Intermediate and Advanced lasses will be held, the course including ctures on Welsh grammar, literature, id history. Among the lecturers are rofessors Anwyl, M.A. (Aberystwyth), J. .orris Jones, M.A. (Bangor), J. E. Lloyd, :.A. (Bangor) Mr. S. J. Evans, M.A. eadmaster, Llangefni County School), .r. W. J. Gruffudd, M.A. (lecturer in relsh at Cardiff University), and Mr. ror Williams (Welsh lecturer at Bangor niversity). Afternoon excursions to in- resting places in the neighbourhood, ider the guidance of Mr. L. D. Jones dew Tegid), will, as in past years, form interesting feature of the course.

Our Library Table. 11 Lengle Guide to Scotland." The aid of this useful little handbook to enable tourists to find their way out the "Land o' Cakes," and with is object in view a series of comprehen- re tours has been mapped out. Tables places of interest in the principal wns, with the hours and prices of mission, form a useful feature. The ok is illustrated with a number of views d route maps. An Old Friend Returns. Over a hundred years ago a son was rn to a poor Danish shoemaker. When grew up into a boy he worked in a story but he was ambitious and, having beautiful voice, he went to Copenhagen try for an engagement with the eatre. He was, however, unsuccessful, he was very ignorant. Yet that un- 1 j6ii. iwas become known and ed throughout the civilised world For was Hans Christian Andersen whose [uisite fancies have delighted children wywhare. He lived to be an old man, I a very conceited person indeed; but could be forgiven his childish pride, he had the kindest possible heart and 3 a sincere and tender lover of little s continually going about patting wee ds and filling little mouths with sweet- its. His stories will never be forgotten, m this age of ours, when imagination lf3 »rSfeIy negIect,ed> is pleasant k an.other penny book of Aunt "e ? Fairy Tales devoted to More ries from Hans Andersen" (No. 4). contents include the immortal Old coie, the Dustman," one of the prettiest igs Hans Andersen wrote. There are rming illustrations. The Licensing Bill. 11 hese are strenuous days for the tem- ince reformer The Licensing Bill of Government has been responsible for Wm ° £ ,hterature dealing with ill n • latest to hand is a ul and well-informed pamphlet written « p i J. T. Rees, Godreaman, on e Case for Statutory Reduction and of Control/' Everything led by the supporter of the Bill is to ound within its covers, and a perusal well repay the reader. Its price is a penny.

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