Pioneer

The Labour Party's Sacrifice to Militarism. SEE PAGE 2

A Letter from the Editor. < DEAR COMRADES, It has been felt that the time has come when I should briefly, but without reserva- tion, place before you a plain statement of the PIONEER at this present moment, and bur hopes and fears of the future. For twelve months now the PIONEER, under its new Co-operative Constitution and Management, has fought, and fought valiantly, against the prejudices of a past that, whatever its faults and failings, has not been wanting in a definite assertion of the Princi- ples of Democracy. Twelve months ago, under the driving enthusiasm of our great dead Master— Jas. Keir Hardie-a handful of earnest Democrats took upon themselves the task of revitalis- I iii4 the dying Organ of the People. Those twelve months have been crowded ones. War, the adverse judgment in the Painters v. the Daily Citizen 1, case, and the previous loss of close upon £1,000 of the Workers' Capital in the Paper were obstacles which not even i enthusiasm could overcome. Debarred by the judgment already referred to from the help of Trades Union Organisations, with our great protagonist- Mr. Hardie removed from the field almost at the first call to arms, tht, task of securing individual Shareholders |v has practically failed. The Share Capital subscribed has been less than one-sixth of | the liabilities taken over. Yet so well has the work been done that the Circulation of the Paper shows an ad- vance of over 300 per cent. on February, 1915. The Jobbing Department has of late shewn an equally gratifying improvement, and altogether it may be said that the goal of successful self-support which was aimed at has in twelve months been attained. But the attainment has left us peculiarly situated. All our resources have gone to the building up of a smashed credit. We have regained our position to a very large extent, but now that position R; practically without avail. Under-Capitalisation may yet have diffieul- ties in store that will seriously hamper what has been done. Recently the Government appointed a Paper Commission, the result of whose delibe- rations has been the decision that paper shall be supplied to the Trade after the rate of two-thirds of the supply bought in 1914. Now, 1914 was a bad year for the PIONEER, and in view of the fact that our Circulation has increased by over 300 per cent. since that date, makes the position a difficult one. There is one clause that gives us the right to appeal for a larger supply than that allowed to us under the regulations, and that demands from us a substantial reduction in the size of the Paper. To take advantage of this we shall probably be compelled to reduce the PIONEER to six pages. It is a step which we shall take with reluctance but the alternative would be a spasmodic, intermittent appearance that would be less valuable to Democracy in South Wales than t. th.. regular weekly appearance of a reduced paper. When the step is taken, we ask our Readers to believe that the step will have been taken only in deference to the pressure of S* Circumstanee, and to give to thai support that tias made thw upward struggle one of jOy rather than of pain for twelve months now. The decision of the Paper Commission placed us at a disadvantage because with it har largely gone the Credit Trade in Paper Buying and here the pressure of under-Capita- lisation is likely to hit us hard. We must have money to buy on a spot-cash market. F personally have already stated it as my conviction that unless from 2200 to £300 is forthcoming within the next three or four month: steps will have to be taken which will remove our most valued possession—our independence from any official domination by any party or clique. We are the mouthpiece of the rank and file of Democracy in the Scuth Wales Valleys; to give away any of that position would be regrettable. It is here that you can come in. Your Churches and Chapels have been in worse po- sitions than is the PIONEER, and you, by Sustentation Funds and Catch,-my-Pal move- ments, have more than recovered the position. Is it not worth a similar effort to save to yourselves the Paper that voices your views; the Paper that lives not for the private pro- fit of one or two, but the Paper that is hastening the day of the new age, that presages the glorious future of Labour, and that is the most powerful weapon in your armoury if you would but use it aright? The question is one that you must sett.e. I leave it with you with the fullest con- fidence that you will do the right thing. Yours fraternally, .) THE EDITOR.

1. L. Peer' s Declaration at Newport. NO COUNTRY TO DO ANYTHING I FOR. I Are you prepared to do anything for your Country?" asked the Chairman (Mr. L. H. llornby) of a member of the Independent La- bour Party, who was a conscientious objector the Newport Military Tribunal on Monday. Applicant: I have not got a country. The Chairman: What do you mean ? Applicant: Well, practically everywhere I go api trespassing. The Chairman: We don't understand you. Applicant: lam trespassing on other peo- We's property wherever I go.—A conditional Exemption was granted. Vv hat would you do if the Germans did the 4alue to your parents as they have done in Bel- kiiiiii, would you protect them?" asked Mr. -A. J-, Stevens (a member 8f the Tribunal) of a Conscientious objector. Applicant: Well- Mr. Stevens: I want no well," answer tt Yes," or "No." Voices: That's not fair. Don't answer.— Application refused. A Plymouth Brother, when asked a similar Itle-,stion. said when the Germans were devas- 1 \ptin £ Belgium the Plymouth Brethren stood together, and they were net touched. This applicant objected to killing, but did kOt mind the R.A.M.O. work, and the Tribunal tempted him from combatant service. ..Christ 8aid "Love your enemies and bless ?m that curse you," was the excuse of one ?Plicant when asked what his objections to 1ta.r were. He was a orporationservant, and ?en reminded by the Chairman that the ma- of corporaiton servants had joined the t rtny, applicant replied that he had every re- pect for them. Application for exemption refused. After the decisions here to-day. and all the a1..a's to conscientious objectors, it is no use the point with a Tribunal. You can- ùt judge our conscience, and we can only ? prove it by our sacrifice when we are up ag- ainst the wall." (Applause.- This was the comment of aifother conscientious objector when asked by the Chairman if he had anything to add to the appeal he had sent in.—Appli- cation refused. "j 1\!ffi p3lrtially dGaf," pleaded one applic- an~7~ What caused the deafn ,"?" asket the Chairman. Applicant: "A blow from box- ing." (Laughter ')-Application refused.

Discussion on Darwinism. ABERDARE W.E.A. GET AWAY FROM THE FRAY. Mr. B. Brace presided over a good attend- ance of Aberdare W.E.A.'rs on Tuesday last, when the subject under discussion was Dar- winism and Socialism." The principal speaker was Mr. E. W. Davies, who said that land and industrial property ought not to be left in the hands of private owners. Many people thought Socialism was Based on sentiment. It was a general idea that it was impossible for men to be equal. According to this the theory of descent as propounded by Darwin was in direct opposition to the Socialist ideal of equal rights, equal privileges, and equal wealth for all. Socialists did not believe in the exact eq- uality of every individual. What they wanted was equal opportunity. According to Darwinism the immense majoritv of plants, animals and men were doomed to extinction. Only a few survived in the struggle for life. According to Socialism all should triumph. A Ilvelv and interesting debate ensued — Messrs. D. Jenkins, B. Mills Thontes, and Miss M. A. Edwards. B.A. taking an active part The question of equality was gone into thojoughlv and the conclusion arrived at that for Socialism io be a success human nature must imdwgo a change. A vote of thanks to Mr. E. W. Davies was proposed bv Miss M. A. Edwards, and seconded by Mr Mills Thomas.

IT HELP THOSE WHO HELP Ivo YOUR PAPERf I

Quotations from The Woman Worker." Edited by Miss MAny MACARTHUR and Miss SUSAN LAWRENCE. Mrs. Pember Reeves On ri Savina." There is a large number of women living with their children on separation allowance. These a.re often mentioned as being "better off than they have ever been in their lives be, fore," and as squandering their wealth instead of saving it for the winning of the war. Where the women rea I ly are living and rearing their families on separation allowance it is stupid to suppose that they can save on it with prices what they are. Where the woman whose hus- banrl is at the front works in a munitions factory, or as a domestic servant or charwo- man she absolutely is better off, notwithst-and, in prices. Here, my experience of her is that she feeds better, dresses better, clothes her children better, and dresses them better. I believe that the records of such children in the elemental y schools bear out my observa. tion The money could not possibly be spent more to the advantage of the nation. There remain the people who drank and were hope- lessly improvident oefore the war. These doubtless drink and are hopelessly improvident now. It may be that if they would only stop drinking and would start saving we should win the war, but my own impression is that if the war is to be won by saving, it will have to be done chiefly by the saving of the rich. Mr. J. J. Mallon on Mr J. R. Clynes, M.F. Though the record of Clynes as a Labour leac er is an unusually full and honourable one, it is as a personality, as something greater than his handiwork, that one likes to consider him. H2 derives importance through certain high and inalienable attributes of mind; a fineness of temper, an independence of judgment, and! a complete freedom from obsessions of any kind, whether of class or race or creed. The Labour Movement is blessed with many talents -that of Macdonald to thunder at his foes; that of Sli-iillle to fill them with the wrath to come; that of Snowden to wither them with lethal taunts and inuendos. But as sure as these men to find his mark among the leaders of the Labour Movement is the quiet, small-statured Irishman, whose serenity the cotton mill could not destroy, who uses consistently the language of reconciliation and under-.tandkig, and whose vision is not of war between classes, but of a union in which some day all men will gather together in helpfulness as friends. Wcman Worker. "After the War." N(-,w, what we have to ask ourselves is AYXYTV hat is going to happen to the workers when this time comes about; when work falls slack, and all those hundreds and thousands of work- ers have to look for fresh jobs F There will be a crisis of unemployment, compared to which the worst winters we have ever known will be as nothing. And we know very well what must: happen in such a state of affairs. Wages will go dewn; they will go down at once where La- boiu is unorganised and where we have an or- ganisation the Unions will be hit as they have never been hit before and during all this, prices, as far as we can see, will not drop. qfl The least we ought to ask is that everyone on Government work shall be treated like a dis- charged soldier. Let them, too have their not- ice let them have their gratuity; and let them have a year's right to unemployment benefit. This is not impossible; it is not even very diffi- cult And a plan of this kind is the only pos- sible barrier against a general tumbling down of wages. Seven shillings a week unemployment benefit may not be very much, but it is just enough to give a littleholding-out power and prevent the worker from having to snatok at anything that is offered her.

Interesting Kbaki Wedding at Merthyr LLEWELLYN SANDBROOK. An interesting Merthyr khaki marriage was solemnised at Zoar Congregational Chapel on Tuesday. The contracting parties were Lieut. Griffith Llewellyn, fourth son of Mr. Rees Llewellyn, J.P.. and Mrs. Llewellyn, Bwllfa, House, Aberdare; and Miss Lilian Sibbering Sandbrook, third daughter of Mr. S. Sandbrook J.P. The Hawthorns, Merthyr. The cere- mony was performed by the Rev. Gwilym Rees, B.A. pastor of Zoar Church, and Mr. T. Jen- kins presided at the organ. The bride was given awav by her father. She wore a costume of white cloth and a small white hat trimmed with orange blossom, and carried a sheaf of white carnations and lilies of the valley. She was attended by her sister, Miss Dorothy P. Sandbrook. as bridesmaid, and by three little flower girls—the Misses Eileen and Lorraine Berry (nieces) and Eleanor Ed- wards (niece of the bridegroom). The brides- maid wore pale blue chiffon taffeta and car- ried a sheaf of pale pink carnations, and the flower girls, attired in white, carried baskets of violets. Mr W. M. Llewellyn, M.E., brother of the bridegroom, acted as best man. The ceremony was a very quiet one,, the only guests being members of the respective fami- lies. Nevertheless, considerable interest was shown in it. both bride and bridegroom being well known and respected in the neighbourhood —the bridegroofh being a son of the present Rig'-l Sheriff of Breconshire and a member -O--f the firm of Messrs. Gwilym James Charles Unci D t. vIes, so licitors. Merthyr Tydfil. There were manv valuable presents, among them being a grand piano, the gift of the offi- cials and friends at the Bwllfa, Winber, Dyllas. and Llwynhelig Collieries., Aberdare. A HEr the ceremony Lieutenant and Mrs. Llew- ellYn left for London.

MT HELP THOSE WHO HELP Im, YOUR PAPER.

An Open Letter to Mr. C. P. Bates and Others. Dear Mr. Bates and Others,—I am not join- ing in the fray at this juncture because that over-wicked comrade of mine (Mr. Morgan Jones) is in need of a champion; but because I am one of the Innocent Little Puppies," and also because I am one of his "casuistic com- rades"; and proud to be one, I can assure you and also because it is as much my duty aB his to fight FOR THE RIGHT, and maybe because I do not like to see all the mud going in the direction of my esteemed Comrade, and will not minet if a little—just a very little—of it comes my way. Now, my dear people, I gather from what you have written about the I.L.P. and N.C.F. that we are, to put it briefly and mildly, a wicked, cowardly and disloyal lot,, and un- patriotic to book. I disagree with you all-ab- solutely; and if the Editor of this "pet jour- nal" will afford me space enough, I will give you all a faint idea of just how right we are. I won't say how good, brave, loyal and patriotic we are else, when you read it, you might murmur "Egoist." Who changed the truth of God into a lie and worshipped and served the Creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen."—Romans 1. 25. Who, my dear adversaries, did that in the first oenturv ? Possibly you know and who is doing the same thing W in the 20th Century ? Possibly you don't know. Are the "Innocent Little Puppies" doing it by proceeding—as far as circumstances will permit—with their usual activities, among which may 00 the airing of their superabundant knowledge garnered at the Sunday debating classes, and also an earn- est and sustained effort to acquire the -know- ledge necessary to prevent, as far as possible,, certain people changing the trulgiof God into l a lie? Are the members of the N:QJJ'. doing it by devising ways and means of preventing the introduction of Prussianism into the country, or now that a measure—rather a, full measure—of Prussianism has been foisted on the people of this country, by seeking to keep themselves un- sullied from it? Let us investigate. The truths of God—according to God Himself, are as fol. lows I purposely rei-fain from quoting any lesser authority:— (Vw (1: "Blessed are tue peacemakers, for they shaH be called the sons of God."—Matt. 5, 9. (2) "Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."—Matt. 5, 10. (5; "Thou shalt love the Lord Thy God with all thy heart, with all thy mind, and with all thy soul." —Matt. 22, 37. (-,11 "Thou shalt love thv neighbour as thv- self."—Matt. 22, 39. (5/ "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you; do good to them that hate you."—Matt. 5, 44. That ye may be the children of your Fa- ther which is in Heaven."—Matt. 5, 45. (m "Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them."—Matt. 7, 20. (7) "Ye have heard it was said by them of old time. Thou shalt not kill, and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment." —Matthew 5, 21. But I say unto you that whosoever is an- gry with his brother without a cause is in danger of the judgment. "-Matt. 5. 22. (8) Agree with thine adversary, quickly," etc.-Ma,tt. 5, 25. (9) ".For I say unto you that except your righteousness shall exceed that of the Scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the Kingdom of Heaven."—Matt 5 20. That is only a part of the Truth of God; but as far as we are concerned at present, it should be sufficient to lead you to a certain conclusion with regard to the attitude of the I.L.P and N.C.F. It is only lack of space which causes me to cease quoting the Truth of God; for be sure all of you, the more I quoted the more would our case be strengthened. And now for a few observations on the fore- going quotations in order to clear matters a little more. Nos. 1 and 8 justify the "Innocent Little Puppies' demand for peace. No. (3): When we love with heart, mind and soul what room can there be for hate? No. (4): If you will look up the references, you will find who (in God's opinion) are our righteous. Nos. (5) and (7) seem to me to justify the conduct of the N.C.F. members. Their conduct of the present, recent past, and conduct of a likA kind in the future. No. (2) comforts those who want to preserve the Truth of God. No. (9) refers to the persons who crueified Christ, and also contains a solemn warning to kindred spirits of the 20th Century. No (6): You are welcome to examine the fruill of the N.C.F. and I.L.P, and also to- pro- ject yourselves mentally into the future and examine the fruits we hope to make the tree of life bear. God the Son gave us all a little good advice as follows Fear not them, therefore, that are only able to kill the body. but rather fear him who is able to destroy both body and soul in hell." I would commend those of you who have been rather free with abuse to study care- fully the latter part of Matt. 5, 22. And now. in conclusion, I will submit a para- phrase or two "Intelligence Loving People" or "Intellectual Loyal Patriots." Now. do not laugh, C.B. and others, for I warn you I will find it easy to prove them both correct; wre- as it will be impossible for you to prove them incorrect.—Yours, etc., West Street, Bargoed. THOMAS YATES. ) West Street, Bargoed.

This terrible war is killing a lot of businesses. Make it a personal resolve that the Pioneer shall not be killed. v

Sequel to Club Raids. MERTHYR AND TROEDYRHIW CLUBS FINED. n'l J lie sequel to a police raid on lecal clubs was heart: at Merthyr Police Court on Tuesday, when John Jones. Secretary of the Merthyr Liberal Club, and Evan John Owen, the stew- ard, were summoned for supplying intoxicating liquoi after 10 p.m., contrary to the Intoxica- ting Liqour (Temporary Restriction) Act; 1914. Alfred J. Evans, Llew Harris and Jenkin Owen, members of the club, were summoned for aiding and abetting. The defendants were represented by Mr. D. Rowland Thomas (instructed by Mr. W. Rees Edmunds). Chief Inspector Phillips spoke to visiting the premises at 10.25 on the night of Saturday, February 26, in company with Inspector D. M. Davies and Police-Sergeant Hunter. The five deferdants were in the bar, and on the coun- ter were two fulll glasses of freshly drawn beer and two which had been partly consumed. The steward, who was sitting near the fire, could not reply to witness's questions, as he was ill after having some teeth out. The Secretary, when told he would be reported, remarked, "I will take all the responsibility." Mr. Rowland Thomajs submitted that there was no evidence of the beer having been either sold or consumed, but the Stipendiary (Mr. R. A. Griffith) ruled that he could infer consump- tion- At the defendants pleaded that the beer was drawn at 5 minutes to 10. but as there was "a lot of arguing about the battle of Verdun" it was not consumed. Mr. Rowland Thomas pointed out that under the new Order the onus was on the prosecution to strictly prove sale and consumption, and that had not been done. All the defendants, with the exception of the steward, we,re fined 401-, the summons against the steward being dismissed. John Davies, the steward of the Troedyrhiw Constitutional dub. was fined 40/- for selling intoxicating liquor at 10.30 p.m. on Saturday, February 26, and David Thomas and Francis Reading, members of the club, were fined 40/- for consuming intoxicating liquor after 10 p.m.

Evan Parker's Application. TO BE ALLOWED TO GO TO GAOL REFUSED. 1' T-1 .1 i • uusi, jLu-ursuay ~vxr. iiivan rarker, WllO, a8 reported in our last issue, had, on Wednesday, been fined 1;10 and costs at Aberdare under the Defence of the Realm Act, applied to the Sti- pendiary at Mountain Ash to be allowed to serve the 28 days in lieu of paying the fine. The Stipendiary: You are in business, are you not r—Yes, ta partnership. You kave goods in the shop?-Yes, but they are not my property, they are mortgaged. Applicant added, The Clerk told my lIolicitc- this morning that if they knew I would not pay the fine I would have been sent down tor three months without option." The Clerk (Mi*. T. Elias): I was only ex- pressing my own opinion. Applicant: The authority to inflict a penalty is with your worships and not the Clerk, and I protest against it. The Stipendiary: We have nothing to do with protests. The Clerk: If there is anything wrong, there are other courts to deal with it. You must ap- pwal. Applicant thereupon left the court.

The Electric Theatre. To-day and to-morrow is the opportunity to see the late Mr. Lewis Waller as "Bi-igaAier Gerard" at the Electric Theatre. It is filmed from the popular story by Sir Arthur Conaa Doyle. In addition to Mr. Lewis Waller, the cast* includes such eminent artistes as Madge Titheradge, Blanche Forsyth and A. E. George. This is the first and only appearance on the screer of the late actor, and admirers of his dramatic talent should avail themselves of this opportunity of seeing "Brigadier Gerard." The usual high-class programme is admirably arranged, the subjects consisting of drama, co- medy, interest and a very particular subject dealing with the war which will hold your attention. On Monday there is a special programme ar- ranged. "The Inherited Burdenj" a 4-<reel mas- terpiece based on Ibsen's celebrated play "Ghosts." Henry B. Walthall, America's greats est "star," features. The story of the film has been carefully studied and the producer (David W. Griffith) has given us his best. "Chip's elopement," a single reel comedy, which is exclusive to the Electric, will also be shown. It is performed entirely by children, and is the second number to the one recently shown at the Electric. The miniature Charlie Chaplin is an extraordinary actor for a boy of 6 years. The manipulation of the motor-car & really clever; in fact, there is little room to choose from the original Charlie. On Thursday, Mr. Bowen has informed us, he has procured a beautiful subject which will appeal to all—"Like Mother, Like Daughter," dealing with a question: Can a girl born and reared in sordid surroundings and inherit- ing serious parental faults, be taught to live a better and more refined life? The experiment is powerfully worked out in this drama, and makes a picture of surpassing human interest. We shall shortly have the pleasure of seeing "Iris" at the Electric Theatre. "Iris" is foun- ded on Sir Arthur Pinero's famous play of the sail1'? name. To be brief, it is a masterpiece. The word is one which should be used sparingly if it is to retain any proportionate value, but in the case of "Iris" no other word would fit the case. Miss Alma Taylor and Mr. Henry Ainsley are the chief artistes. The date will be shortly announced. Look out for Ultus — the Man from the Dead."