Llais Llafur

LABOUR LEADERS AND I THE WAR. MR JOHN J. JAMES DENOUNCES COMBINES. Under the auspices of the Ystalyfera L.R.C., a very largely attended de- monstration took place on Saturday evening near the Square, when ad- dresses on the present crisis were (le- livered by two well-known workers leaders. The chair was occupied by Air Thos. Rees (tinplater), who, in the course of a brief speech, referred to the present situation and its outcome, Speaking of the political situation in Gower, Mr Reee said the fort had often been atacked, but Labour still held its own. They all appreciated the work .of their member (Mr John Williams) —(hear, hear.) MR JAMES AND THE WAR. Mr John J. James, sub-agent of the Anthracite Miners' Association, gave a. characteristically breezy address, dealing almost exclusively with the European conflagration and its rela- tion to home politics. After referring to the general situa- tion in Europe prior to the issuing of ultimatums by the great powers, Air James proceeded to draw the lessons to the T,.Imocracy from the measures of protection adopted by our own Govern- ment in the present crisis. He pointed out that the control of transit by the Government, in time of national peril, was in itself a justification of the de- mand for nationalisation of the rail- ways, so persistently advocated by the Labour Party for years past, for if the government cannot trust this import- ant branch of public service to the private interests of the shareholders during periods of national danger, they should not be left in private hands, for private interests during times of peace, The fact that the Government during the past few days had ttlcer such drastic, revoluntiary measures to safe- guard our food supplies, and organize work on national and municipal basis to ensure work and wages for the toil- millions, was another aspect of the principles so long aavocated by the Labour and Socialist parties of this and other industrial countries in time of peace, and while our oountry was fighting the common enemy of demo- cracy--the military heanrocracy- which had been the enemy of German, French Belgian, Russian, and British democracy, let them combine together and show a united front, without in any manner creating difficulties in the way of those entrusted with the im- mense duties of eueeting the downfall of modern Napoleonism and its horrible results, and keep a keen look out for the time when the voices of the demo- cracy could again be heard on behalf of Deaee and an United States of TiV. r/\nA WORK FOR DEMOCRACY Whatever may be the fates of the nations after the present terrible war one thing was certain, unless the demo- cracies of the nations asserted their powers and united to resist militarism in every form, civilization and human advancement would be delayed for generations to come. Mr James appealed for co-operation .amongst every section of the community to ensure the distribution of relief to all who might suffer in consequence of dislocation of trade and consequent un- employment ,and pleaded for Vigilance on the part of local committees to pre- vent hoarding of provisions by the rich, and inflated prices by, tradespeople, and at the same time to watch the actions of wholesale merchants in their dealings with local tradesmen, who wer6 entirely at the mercy of the powerful wholesole establishments. For if ever there was time for mutual action to safeguard the welfare and existence of the people, that time was now upon us. There was reason to believe that cer- tain large concerns in South Wales, supplying food stuffs, were nourishing their selfish interests during a period of universal danger and scarcity. These were the greatest enemies of the people, and should be punished rigor- ously, and prevented from creating dangers at home while our brothers were shedding their blood abroad in this terrible war. Mr James also appealed to all em- ployers of labour to do everything possible to keep their collieries and workshops open so far as possible, and prove to the community that their patriotism was not confined to their purses and banking accounts. He also urged them to bring pressure upon municipal authorities to take im- mediate action to carry out local works of improvements, such as road-widen- ing and mending, and house-building on a large 6(ale, and other necessary worns, so as to give employment to those thrown out of work. The govern- ment had expressed their readiness to support every effort, and are prepared during this national crisis, to render every assistance, to ensure the keeping of the industries of the country. going unless the people's work be organized to the fullest extent, the people's food and comfort must inevitably suffer. Let everyone realize that each one, both rich and poor, had a service to render now to his country and the welfare of humanity. "WAR OUGHT NOT TO HAVE BEEN." Mr A. J. Williams (South Wales or- ganiser of the National Union of Rail- waymen) said he was glad to take part in that meeting because it demonstra- ted the unity of action and interest of the local Labour forces. If the gather- ing mad e them more determined to use the political weapon more in the future than they had done in the pa«t, the gathering would have been fully justi- fied. He had intended to speak on Labour representation, but he was afraid that the unfortunate and terrible war would make it necessary to deviate from his purpose. What he would say regarding the war would not be condemnatory, but he wanted them to realize that it ought never to have taken place—(hear, hear). It was really deplorable to think that here in the twentieth century it was regarded as necessary, to enter into a horrible war in order that Nations might settle their differences. They had hoped a few years ago by the establishment of the Hague conference, to settle all matters of international disputes in a peaceful way, and although he might appear pessimistic, it seemed to him that all those hopes had been shatter- ed. Yet, speaking generally, he was satisfied that the workers of all Nations did not want war. Now it was their duty to see that they did not get a re- petition of it in the future, and tkey must also see to it that when the war is over an inquiry was made into the circumstances of how the present con- flagration was brought about. THE ARMAMENTS RING. The English workers certainly dis- liked war, and the Germans had held many meetings protesting against, but these had not been seconded. it was evident that the war had been brought about simply and solely by, the horrible system of militarism that the Nation had embraced, together with the leaders of the armaments ring, who "pulled the strings." To-day millions of men were losing their lives at battle as a direct result of their machina- tions. Just let us try to realise the awful suffering that the war was going to entail, and they could have nothing but condemnation for those who had been largerly instrumental in its de- velopment. He honed they all realised that there was a great bond of sympathy between the workers of all the countries con- cerned in the war. They were not enemies of each other, but they had one common enemy, the capitalist sys- tem—(hear, hear). Let them make up their minds that in the future they were not going to fifht each other, but that they were going to combine even t, more than in the past to wage war f against that common enemy. I CAUSE OF THE WAR. They had to remember that it was not the particular negotiations im- mediately proceeding the war that had led us into the great conflict. The war had really been caused by our foreign policy during the past few years, aided by' the armaments monopolists. It was their duty now to first try and bring about an early and satisfactory settlement of the battle (not necessar- ily to give in to the German war Lords), but they must also insist upon a full examination as to our exact foreign negotiations and relations during recent years. In concluding, Mr Williams urged the nationalisation of the armaments I firms as one safeguard against future wars. He also stated in convincing terms, the case for the nationalisation of the great industrial monopolies urged his bearers to remain true to their labour principles to continue their support of the local Labour mem- ber. On the motion of Councillor Joseph Thomas (checkweigher, Tarreni), a hearty vote of thanks was accorded the speaker for their services, and Mr Simon Thomas for the loan of his ground. A collection in aid of the Ystalyfera relief fund for local distress, realised half a guinea. ————— —————

NAVY OIL FUEL. I OIL RESOURCES OF THE BELLI- GERENTS. I At this stage it becomes of interest to examine in some detail of the oil resources of the belligerent nations. Mr J. T. Smith, in "Oil News," states the annual production of crude oil in four European od-producing COUll tries as follows I Tons, 1913. Russia 9,325,894 Humania 1,885,384 Austria (Galicia) 1,087.286 Germany (estimate) 130,000 Russia has sufficient supplies of oil I fuel and other petroleum products for war purposes. Rumania, should she take an active part, would have an abundance of these resources. Austria has ouite sufficient for her own needs, and probably sufficient for those of Germany, for an indefinite period should she work the producing fields to the fullest possible extent and utilise the present large stocks of crude oil. I Germany has on!y a small supply within her own borders. Of the three sources by which her supplies may augmented, one, the United States, is closed to her the second Rumania, is subject to the vicissitudes of the Danube route; and the third, Austria, depends upon the control cf the rail- way routes connection the oilfields of Galicia with German territory. The oil resources of the British Empire are not now to be freely dis- cussed. Suffice it to say that those resources will move adequate to our Naval and con;mercial interests for a long time to come. —————

l SETTLING DISPUTES. I South Wales Collieries. I I FFALDAU SETTLEMENT. I 0 A further meeting of the joint sub- committee appointed by the South Wales Coal Conciliation Board to deal with disputes that have led to stoppages at several collieries was held at Cardiff en Monday. Air. E. M. Hann pre3idd over the employers' representatives, and Mr. James Winatone over the workmen's side. The official report supplied by Mr. Finlay Gibson was in the fcjlowing terms :—"The Committee again dis- cussed the disputes at Messrs. Ffaldau ) Company's collieries, Messrs. Thomas Williams and Sons' collieries, and Messrs. Pwllbach Tirbach Colliery, and in the upper seam of Messrs. Ocean Coal Company's Western Colliery. The committee agreed upon the fol- lowing terms in settlement of the dis- pute at the Ffaldau Collieries, which arose on the question of show-cards on j the colliery premises:- It is agreed that this was not in- tended as a defiance of the owners of the colliery, and it is further agreed that all workmen shall return to work forthwith, each workman to be rein- stated in his previous employment; further, that no show cards shall take place on the colliery premises pending an investigation by two representa- tivea appointed by the committed, these representatives to report an agreement or failure to agree within two months. It was arranged that Messrs. W. Stew- art and James W instone shall be ap- pointed to meet the owners of the col- lieries and the workmen's representatives on behalf of the committee. It was arranged that Messrs. Thomas Griffiths and Vernon Hartshorn shall inquire into certain details with regard, to the stoppage at Messrs. Thomas Wil- liams and Sons, Colliery, and shall re- port to the committee at the next meet- ing, which has been fixed for Saturday next at 10."W a.m. I FFALDAU MASS MEETING. A general meeting of the men em- ployed at the Ffaldau Institute on Mon- day evening. Messrs. A. Day and J. Davies gave a report of the agreement arrived at by the joint conference at Cardiff. It was unanimously decided to accept the report. After consultation with the manage- ment intimation was given that the work would le resumed at once..

——— ———— A Patagonian writer, dilating upon the glories of the Welsh settlement- in that far-off land, says that they are behind the mother country in one re- spect—no militant suffragists have yet appeared on the scene. From time to time the Cardiff Guar- dians receive most encouraging reports j regarding boys who have emigrated. At their last meeting reports were received from some in Canada, w ho were said to be happy, healthy, and making good progress.

MASTERS' CLOTHING | First in 1867 I Foremost To=day MASTERS & Co. (CLOTHIERS), Ltd., 18 & 19 Castle Street 282 Oxford Street Swansea 3 Green Street, Neath 17 Stepney Street Llanelly,, etc.

AFTER THREE YEARS. CONCILIATION BOARD ENDS GELLI STRIKE. The South Wales Coal Conciliation Board was exceptionally busy on Thursday and Friday, and seemed de- termined to settle all outstanding dis- putes in the coalfield. There now remain only two or three disputes to majr the complete harmony of the coalfield. The strike which has existed at the Gelli Pits (Messrs. Cory Bros.) for three years and a half, and whicn affected 800 men, was settled on Thursday so far as the Conciliation Board is concerned. The terms of settlement have not been disclosed, but the, will be sub- mitted to a mass meeting of the men to be held shortly, and Mr Watts Mor- gan and the other representatives of the workmen promised to recommend the workmen to accept them. OFFICIAL REPORT. I The following official report. was given by Mr Finlay Gibson of the work of the sub-committee to deal with disputes:— The Joint Sub-Committee appointed by the Conciliation Board to deal with stoppages now existing in several South Wales collieries met again to-day (Thursday), with Mr E. M. Hann pre- siding over the owners' representa- tives, and Mr James Winstone over the workmen's representatives. The Committee further considered the stoppages at Messrs. Cory Bros.' Gelli Colliery, and the upper seam of Messrs. The Ocean Company's Western Colliery. The Joint Committee agreed to terms in regard to the dispute at Messrs. Cory Bros.' Gelli Colliery. Mr Watts Morgan and the workmen's re- presentatives intimated that they will recommend the- workmen to accept these terms. The dispute at Ffaldau and the Western Colliery, will be considered at a further meeting the comm ittee. 00

REVIVING TRADE IN THE SWANSEA AREA. The acute depression in the Swan- sea area resulting from the war has happily not been of long duration. Al- ready signs are evident on every hand that the dark cloud which has hung over us is being slowly but effectually dispersed. Next to the coal trade, it was feared that the tinplate industry would be the most affected by the war. As it is one of the staple industries of Swansea and the surrounding districts, and affords employment to many thousands of persons, the closing down of the works would have been. followed by dire privation. The greater demand for tinned food now must result in a greater demand for plates, and these the Swansea dis- trict can supply. Four hundred and forty mills which had been closed down on the declara- tion of war were re-opened on Monday last, and arrangements are in progress to restart additional mills during this or next week. This restart will not, however, result in full employment for each person. But even half or quarter time will help to provide necessaries. Yet another fact justifies a hopeful feeling. Consequent upon the clearing of the seas of hostile war craft by the British Navy, commerce and tranship- ment of food supplies can again pro- ceed. Another Godsend to the dockers is the news that Swansea is to be made a centre of the nation's food supply. Swansea is well equipped with gigantic warehouses. Some of these are full, some have surplus room. All have now been requistioned, and hundreds of men will he employed for many days in shifting merchandise so as to make room for food. Two huge vessels— prizes from the enemy—are due to un- load 12,000 tons of grain. This is to be stored in warehouses at Swansea. Docks, and the labour thus entailed will reduce markedly the ranks of local unemployed. Fuel works are re-opening, and generally Swansea. business men are preparing for the resumption of the commerce of the port.

W. A. WILLIAMS, Phreno-ogist, can tie consulted daily at the Victoria Arcade (near the Market), SwaMey

A Marketing Scene In Brussels. (By Marie Harrison.) Miss Marie Harrison, the well-known journalist and social worker, writing from Brussels during the week-end said The Belgian women are regarding the war philosophically as far as house- keeping is concerned. Fruit and vege- tables are still extraordinarily cheap and plentiful. I spent an hour this morning chatting to the women at the open area of the market near St. Catherine. These cheerful tradeswomen are not in the least anxious. "It must be terrible in Liege," one rosy-faced woman remarked, as she deftly manipulated for me a machine cutting up and preparing beans in a saucepan. But here it is not so. The markets are crowded every day. People are liv- ing largely on fruit and vegetables. I bought a huge Belgian peach for 15 centimes and tomatoes at 40 centimes. A MOTHER'S PRAYERS. "Living in Brussels is not expensive; no," my friend continued. Poverty and distress, of course, will be extremely acute in the near future. The Belgian housewife knows how to get much out of little. So long as she has fruit and vegetables at her command she and her family will not suffer. "Madame," said a little tradeswoman, "I go to St. Catherine's to light a can- dle for my friend. He is at the front, and every day I pray to the Saint Cierge for his services." She smiled, and a moment later had left me to run into a shed to offer up the prayers of a mot h er. —————- —————

PRAYER AND WAR. WHAT THE CHURCHES ARE I REALLY ASKING FOR. A correspondent send s us the follow- ing extract from an American paper: In the course of an address by ør. Henry Neumann, delivered before the Brooklyn Society, for Ethical Culture a short time ago, he said: A few years before his death Mark Twain wrote an article entitled "The War Prayer." It describes how a regiment gathers in a church before it departs for war and prays for victory. As the prayer concludes a white-robed stranger enters the church and says: "I have been sent by the Almighty to tell you that He will grant your petition if you desire it after I have explained to you its full import. You are asking for more than ypu seem to be aware of You have prayed. aloud for victory over your foes, but listen to the unspoken part of your prayer, and ask yourselves if this is what you desire." Then the stranger speaks aloud these implications of their words: "0 Lord, help us to tear the soldiers of the foe to bloody shreds with our shells; help us to cover their smiling fields with the pale forms of their patriot dead help us to lay waste their humble homes with a hurricane of fire; help us to wring the hearts of their offending widows with unavailing grief. Blast their hopes, blight their lives, water their way with their tears." Mark Twain never published this article. His friends told him it would be regarded as a sacrilege.

CORNERING DRUGS." GOVERNMENT TO EXTEND THE NEW ACT. It is stated that information has come into the possession of the Government indicating that speculative purchases are taking pJace of certain drugs of value to the community, the supply of which is at present limited. The Government are, therefore, proposing the extension to drugs of the Act which enables the Board of Trade, during the present war, to take pos- session of foodstuffs in the public in- terest. Buyers and sellers of drugs would be wise to take warning that in any transactiona at artifically inflated prices they are incurring grave financ- ial risks.

< jfe. owe "? wine. thioppppt M0,10 "000b iue ct¡ef Qtab f£?e %cart of ct U. 38uf von. must calT e ^5ine f?oppe o. 10 wansea Wo prose it South Wales Transport Co., Ltd. Motor Coach Service BETWEEN Ynysforgan, Clydach, Pontardawe, Ynysmudw, Godre'rgraig, and Ystalyfera. ALL CONNECT AT YNYSFORGAN WITH THE ELECTRIC CARS FROM AND TO SWANSEA TIME TABLE—22nd JUNE, 1914, UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. MONDAY TO SATURDAY. Leave YNISFORGAN 8.30; 8.45; 9.15; 10.0; 10.50; 11.35 &ra, 12,20; 12.55; 1.õO; 2.5; 2.40; 3.15; 3.50; 4.25; 5.0; 5.35; 6.10; 6.45; 7.20; 7.55; 8.40; 9.15; 10.0; 10.40 p.m. Arrive YSTALYFERA (Coliseum) 9.35; 10.20; 11.5.; 11.55 a.m.; 12.40; 1.25; 2.0; 2.35; 3.10; 3.45; 4.20; 4.55; 5.30; 6.5; 6.40; 7.15; 7.50; 8.25; 9.0; 9.45; 10.35; 11.5 p.m. Leave YSTALYFERA {Coliseum) 9.40; 10.25; 11.10 &ra.; 12.5; 12.56; 1.30-; 2.5; 2.40; 3.15; 3.50; 4.25; 5.0; 5.35; 6.10; 6.45; 7.20; 7.55; 8.30; 9.5; 9.55; 10.35; 11.10 p.m. Arrive YNISFORGAN 10.45; 9.50; 11.30 a.m.; 12.15; 1.10; 1.55; 2.35 j 3.10. 3.45; 4.20; 4.55; 5.30; 6.5; 6.40; 7.15; 7.50.; 8J5; 9.0; 9.35; 10.10; 11.0; 11.40.; 12.15; 11.45. f&tr SUNDAYS. Leave YNISFORGAN 12.15-; 1.0; 1.50; 2.35; 3.20; 4.10; 4.55; 5.40; 6.30; 7.15; 8.15; 9.0; 9.45 p.m. Arrive YSTALYFERA (Ooliseum) 1.20; 2.5; 2.55; 3.40; 4.25; 5.15; 6.0; 6.45; 7.35; 8.20; 9.20j 10.5; 10.50 p.m. Leave YSTALYFERA fiCalimiro) 1.23; 2.10; 3.0; 3.45; 4.30; 5.20; 6.5. 6.50; 7.40; 8.25; 9.25; 10.10; 10.55 p.m. Arrive YNISFORGAN 2.30; 3.15; 4.5; 4.50; 5.35.; 6.25; 7.10; 7.55; a.4i; 0.30; 10.30; 11.15; 12.0 p.m. In order to fix time at intermediate Haltihg places, add as Wmm.- Ynurfargan to Clydach Square :it nrinatss CSydach Square to Pontardawe Crass 21 „ Poratardawe Cross to Ynismndw Arms v „ Ynismad- Am? to Golden Lim '?15 Go den lioo to Cotjeeum 18 H FARES. ? '?!r? ? ? ? '? ? ? ?  5 is Mi i 1 !I I If       p Ð Yniyeforgan lid lOd 9d 8d 7Jd 6d 4td 2W >: 2id Clydach Square 84d 71d 6id Sid 5d 34d 14 3d CIyd&ch (Mond) 8?d 7*d Wd: W 5d 3B?: 3d Treba.nœ GMeS CM 6M 4M ?d:5d lid: t: 'I: Penibardawe Crass 5d' 4d .5d 2,1. ldi r: Ynysmudw (Lamb) 31d 2id r lid Id: L: [: [: Ynysmudw Arms 3id 2d Id j: t: i r Tarreni Terrace 2M lid i: t: i: t: [.: Pant-teg Schools lid [: I [: [: r Godre'rgraig, Smith's Arms Id r: i: i: < [: Ystalyfera Coiisoum !•: t: r; DAVID JAMES, General Manager 2 RUTLAND STREET, SWANSEA. »■■ 1 ■ ===i»r HEALTH AND STRENGTH I Jj go together. Strength is impossible without health. Everyone does not ■ I require great physical strength, but a strong vitality, steady nerves and ■ ft mental energy-these every man and woman needs. The powers of mind ■ n and body are largely dependent upon the maintenance of a satisfactory ■ R state of the digestive organs. When those are out of order, food does not I properly nourish, and the whole system suffers. Depression of spirits A is usually the result of sluggish liver. Headaches and tired feelings are « among the many ill-effects of constipation. The remedy for all such irregularities is Beecham's Pills, which expel impurities, gently stimulate W the liver, regulate the bowels, restore appetite and impart a healthy tone. m To be well and keep well,—to feel fresh and "fit"—at your best, in fact, you |j < should take an occasional dose, of that reliable remedy IK Beecham's Pills. Sold everywhere in boxes, price 111; (56 pills) ct 219 (168 pills). I I 8.

A HORSE DEAL. I A Cardiff cab proprietor, named Al- bert Morse, was remanded on bail of L400 yesterday at Llandaff for alleged ¡ fraud. It was alleged in evidence that Morse went to a farmer living, near Cardiff and represented that he was commissioned j hy the Government to purchase horses. He produced an impressment order, and told the farmer that, unless he sold a oert,a,in horse, the Government would commandeer it. The farmer asked for j E,33, but only got £ 26 10s. Od. j Morse told a detective that he ga.ve L35 for a horse, and sold it to a re- mount officer fpr L260. UNASSISTED. Meek sister (sorrowfully): "Seems like it wa'n't hardly fair fer Providence to give you four husbands and me nary a one. Aggressive Sister: "Now, Hetty. don't you lay that onto the Lord. He never had nothin' to do with it. I jes' got out an hustled fer them husbands." SHE UNDERSTOOD "Mother, what does hypnotize ?" asked eight-year-old Ruth. dear, I'll try and explain it to you. It means having a person under one's control, so that that per- son wishes and are powerless to do their own will," said mother. "Gee, mother, you've got us all hyp- notized, haven't you?" was the quick response.