Pioneer

Christian Paganism and Conscience. SEE PAGE 4

The Amazing Case of Idwall Williams. I HIGH-HANDED ACTION OF TRIBUNAL, I f TRIBUTE TO MILITARY COURT-MARTIALI (To the Editor of the PIONEER.) I ear Sl- x-Dallt)tl"s;s your readers will recol- F led the case of Mr Idwal Williams before the [ Tribunals, details of which appeared in An {' Open Letter to Mr William Brace, M.P., pub- lished in your issue of April 8. They will per- haps remember the account, too, in the Ton- yrefail Notes" of a later issue, of his trial in the Civil Court and hIs subsequent handing over to the Military Authorities. Since then his r experiences have been. many and varied and | possibly ttic, third cliaptet, of this "serial" may still further serve to show how "justice" is Inered out at the present time. •: Before his trial in the Civil Court took place. Idwal Williams, acting on the advice of his F. solicitor (iVS* Edward PAoiyert,, of Dowlais) ap- ? plied under Section 4 of the Statutory Regtt- ations for a variation in his Certificate of Ex- emption. At present, the Certificate he holds is one of "Absolute Exemption from Combatant Service" only. As he could not conscientiously accept non-combatant service, his application to the Local Tribuna.1 was for "Absolute Ex- emption. conditional upon his undertaking work of National Impoitance. r • After he had been handed over to the Milit- § arv Authorities, and had undergone more than ? a 'fortnight's imprisonment at the Cardiff Barracks, his Notice of Hearing" came to his house from the Clerk of the Local Tribunal. Thinking that it would materially affect his case I of course, took it down to the Bar- t rais, and arrived there, just as he was being If "court-martialled." Owing to the unavoidable absence of his solicitor, Idwal Williams under- took his own defence on the charges of insubor- dination. He stated that he did not admit be- in'? under military authority at all, and pro- duced his "Notice of Hearing." After cfitjcis k ins and commenting upon it, the Court-Martiat ? fait that they could not proceed while he h t an appeal pending, and cleared the room  ? t they discussed the case. On being ?? "? t?r about a quarter of an hour, MwiJfjc?vV d-11li-ams s. M all the evidence collected  that d? and the "'Notice ?f He3nJ),g wbleh he ha.d produced were to ? ?.sent ?t? ?thJe ?GenJera'? "?C'?mnd of this District at Shrewsbury, j ?e?n-t would await instructions as to its ?. ??l.,? The President even wrote out an ex- ? ?nv of &" Notice of Hearing, and r'f?&&,] ?T.s being correct, for Idwal Williams, the oritaal ? to '« sent away. The result ? a E w?S?t on Friday. May 19, he was Tyormifeted to attend the Loc?l Tribunal at PoJtvolun. This he did in charge of two es- corts His solicitor, and his witness (Mr T. 1, Marclv Jones) also appeared on his behalf. He was told before ha left Cardiff that if he were gnwted the exemption* he applied for, he would, of course, have to refum that night, but would he released the following day. However, no sooner had lie entered the reom where the Local Tribunal sat in all its ma- iestv and awe, each member with a, solemn look on his face, than the Military Representative lumped up and emphatically stated that he pro- tested against the hearing of the case; that the appeHant had only come there by "clever tric- kery and craftiness, and that if the Local heard the case, lie would still have something further to say in the mattei W hat this something further may be, can only be wildly guessed at. However. the Chairman Irnll. tiarliiiiotisiy decided to hear what the solici-j tor had to saw with regard to his appeaiance, there Then the Tribunal adjourned, and m a few minutes decided that the members were unanimous in deciding not to re-open the case. Idwal Williams hafl to return to Cardiff, where he has since been sentenced to 6 months de- tention. What I would like to know is this: Does the Military Representative of the Local Tribunal know more about the Military Service Act and the Statutory Regulations than do the Prosecutor (who, by the way, I believe was a barrister), the President and Members of the Court-Martial, and the General Commanding "the District, who permitted Idwal Williams to attend the Tribunal with two escorts, whose fares had to be pa id from Cardiff to Pontyclun ? Surely, if there were any "trickery and crafti- ness"" about according to the Statutory Reguia- tions, it would have been Tound out at Cardiff, and trouble and expense would have been spared But, perhaps Mr Military Representative has some special faculty for the detention of such "cleyer trickery and craftiness" which the Court-Martial evidently does not possess. If such is the case, lie is surely "hiding his light under a. bushel" in this Local Tribunal. Might I suggest that ho should apply at once for a post at Headquarters in Shrewsbury? They would doubtless be glad to welcome so astute a man as Mr Military Representative, and his authority would then be more widely recog- nised. It is to be feared that the fescai Tri- bunal does not realise what a treasure is in its midst. Another question which nrotrudes itself upon my ml IS this: Was the Local Tribunal af- raid to create a precedent in the case of Idwal Williams P It had no doubt before as to his Conscientious Objections, and now, the fact that he had undergone three weeks' imprison- ment and was prepared to undergo two years rather than forsake his principles surely ought to have been sufficient proof of his convictions. Parliament itself granted relief to the. Con- scientious Objector, but the Tribunals which were appointed to administer the., law, have made themselves superior to Parliament, and have withheld the relief winch it was their duty I to administer in an impartial SpInto As Mr 0./ I A. McCurdy, M.P., states: "The Tribunals were not appointed to gain recruits, but to grant exemptions." This the Local Tribunal of the Llantrisant District has not done. Doubtless the Local Tribunal would prefer seeing a man do six months' detention at the expense of the I leountry-a country already overburdened- to giving him work of national importance which he could conscientiously accept. I have attended the Local and Appeal Tri- bunals, the Civil Court and the Court-Martial, and of all these the last-named was by far the most impartial and fair in its attitude. The C.O.'s were given every chance to defend them- selves. The case of Idwal Williams is only one of countless numbers who have been treated in like manner by the Tribunals, and the name "Tribunal" will always in my mind be synony- mous with a "Travesty of Justice."—I aiii, Yours, etc., U l H. WILLIAMS. I 55 Swan Street, Ltantrisant, May 28, 1916.

No Whitsuntide Holidays. I TRADE UNION LEADERS' DECISION. I POSTPONEMENT TILL END OF JULY. I Mr Lloyel George's Conference with the Trade Uiiion leaders on Tuesday resulted in a unani- mous decision to recommend a postponement of the Whitsuntide holidays until the end of July. Local conferences will be convened to make the necessary arrangements. The Conference was held at the Hotel Met- ropole, and was attended by about 50 officials representing all the important industries con- nected with munitions, including Mr R. Wil- liams (Natianal Transport Workers), Mr J. E. Williams (Railwaymen), and members of the variot1 iron and steel smelting unions, ship constructors and shipwrights' unions. ..Mr Llovcl George presided, and made an earnest appeal to the delegates, pointing out that a. postponement of the holidays for two months would save thousands of lives. Mr George then left to attend a meeting of the War Council, and Mr A. Henderson occupied the chair. Speeches .were also made by Dr. Addison and Mr Macnamara. One delegate, representing an important union, said there was no doubt that the men would loyally respond to the request made, but it was a great pity, he thought, that the-mat- ter had not been brought forward earlier, as many workers, particularly in the Clyde dist- rict. had already made arrangements for their holidays. It has been suggested that a svaiern will be adopted of granting holidays in batches. A Woolwich correspondent, however, points out that in large factories the sections are so inter- dependent that alterations in one department involve serious delay in all. As a matter of fact a holiday scheme was tried in the Royal Arsenal, but was abandoned owing to the diffi- culty of organisation.

Glais N otes. Visit of Rev. G. Neighbour. I The eagerly looked forward "to visit of the Rev. George Neighbour, Mountain Ash, to the I.L.P., was fulfilled on Wednesday last, when he addressed a good audience on "The Trials of our .Faith." In the course of his instructive ad- dress, the Rev. George traced the persecution of men for Conscience sake from the earliest days to the present time, when the Conscien- tious Objector under the Military Service Act was being persecuted for the opinions he held. Questions were asked and successfully answer- ed at the close. Presentations to Soldiers. J I .? I oecona Lieutenant D. Ivor Evans, ot the Royal Engineers, was the recipient of a sword, a purse of gold, and a pair of binoculars (pre- sented by Mrs Phillips, of the Masons' Arms) at a presentation meeting held on Thursday last. Before joining the Army Mr Evans was wen known as a civil and mining engineer in Swnsea. Councillor M. E. David occupied the I chaIr. At the same meeting Sergeant W. Rus- sell was he recipient of a t-l- Treasury Note. Both soldiers suitably responded I N.U.R. Brahch and Peace Memorial I We regret that the local branch of the N.U.R. at its recent meeting, did not see its way dear to officially signing the Memorial for Peace by Negotiation. We understand that the Memorial will m the near future be taken round the houses, and we trust that the indi- vidual members of the branch and all house- holders will see to it that their names are ap- pended to the Memorial for such a statesman- like object. Congratulations, I Our congratulations to Mr A. Rees, Parish Councillor, for the part he is playing in the matter of the dumping grounds in the locality. It is ,t disgrace that these unsightly and un- healthy grounds are allowed to stand as a menace to child life, and the incubators of possible scourge, and it is time that the local I health authority looked more closely into the matter. I.L.P. Meeting Comrade Evan J. Lewis presided over a good meeting of the local branch on Sunday last. A vote of sympathy was moved to Mr Nun Ni- cholas on the loss of his sister. Mr Nicholas should have been the speaker that night, but owing to his loss the meeting had been postpon- ed untIl next Sunday (J une 4). The Rev. Her- bert Dunnico has been booked to speak some time in June, further particulars of which meeting will appear in due course. The Rev. Dunnico is Secretary to the Memorial scheme for Peace by Negotiation, which is going strongly in the district. Comrade W. Dag- gerval has promised to read a paper on his visit to Cheatham on June 7, and all interested in physical culture should make a big effort to be present, and hear what he has to say. A hearty vote of thanks was passed to the officials of Penuel Baptist Chapel for their kindness in placing their building at the disposal of the branch when required. INQUISITIVE. I

Gonncilior Moi gan Jones Handed Over I CHEERY LETTER FROM HIM. I "I GO WITH NO UNWILLINGNESS." I Coun. Morgon Jones (31), school teacher, Bar- goed, was charged under the Military Service Act at Caerphilly on Tuesday with being an absentee from His Majesty's Forces. As a Conscientious Objector, the Local Tribunal re- commended him for non-combatant service, and this decision was upheld by the Glamorgan County Appeal Tribunal. Captain Reed represented the military au- thorities, and Mr B. Roberts. Dowlais, defended The Clerk (Mr K. Y. Evans): Do' you admit being an absentee? Mr Roberts replied that so far as having re- fused to obey the call was concerned, that was perfectly true, but the position that Mr Jones ibad taken up had been pursued by him for years. He was opposed to militarism, and was a conscientious objector to taking up military service. That, however, did not mean he was a shirker. Mr Jones resented that term—" shirker"-so far as it concerned him. Supt. Williams asked that prisoner be com- mitted to the aiuny authorities. Mr Roberts: He claims that the Military Service Act gave him exemption and that the Trbunad refused it. Chairman: He will be lined 40/- and handed over to the military authorities. Mr Jones: I refuse to pay. Mr Jones before leaving the dock expressed his thanks to the police—Superintendent T. Williams, Inspector Hale and others—for their kindness to him while he received their hos- pitality. We have received the following letter from our Comrade:- Dear Comrade,—You will have observed in yesterday evening's papers the account of my arrest. Thus my days of active partici- pation in the struggle against militarism and for a free England are, for the present, over. The struggle that I have now to undertake will be carried on remote from the public gaze, without the inspiration afforded by sympathetic audiences and in comparative so- litude. I am "feeling as happy as can be; proud, indeed, to be allowed the opportunity of taking my share with the rest in attack- ing and defeating the spirit of Prussiariism where it most holds sway. It is at once an honour and a privilege to be associated with this movement, for it typifies the real feeling of the young men of our day. Carson and Lloyd George may bluster as much as they like: the heart of young England is still for Liberty and Freedom of Conscience, and tiie 44 powars that be" will soon discover, if they have not already done so, that though they array all the forces of the British Army against him, they cannot break the resolution of one single man, if he decides they shall not I go with no unwillingness to join my Oomirades. Whilst we join issue with the spirit of Prussiamsm within the precincts of the gaols, others will, I know carry on the fight without If we be but united, we shall yet strfie such a blow fcJr Freedom as win make life secure for our children and our children's children. MORGAN JONES. I

Two Nights in May. I I suppose even the most autocratic of mon- •"■ehs must have some regard for the opinion of his subjects, and the sun—most autocratic of all—occasionally shines upon us, to let us know that he still is, and that he shines somewhere, if not here. When this happens we call it a heat-wate. One of the hottest days of the last heat- wave was May 19. It was hot everywhere, ana very hot indeed in the upner room of the Bargoed Institute, where the. I.L.P. met to talk about life-ias it is, and as might be —as their custom is. The heat-wave had not melted the comrades; indeed, it would be difficult to imagine a heat-wave strong enough to melt the Bargoed comrades. They turned up as fresh ,tn d pink as any, and f and pink as any, and full of enthusiasm. The sky was quite blue when I began to talk; then it turned to gold; and then to green as I walked to the station, and got into what I suppose the Rhymney Railway thinks is a train In spite of the heat I was gilad I had been to Bargoed for it's good to talk with one's bro- thers and think together of the world as it will be some day. The next day I cycled in the woods to see the primroses. They were gleaming everywhere. Over the road the pine trees met and the baby! ferns peeped out between the stones. I know, what will be the mode for fairies this year, for under the trees I saw spread thousands of yards of blue gauze, ready to be cut out. The air was heavy with the scent of the may on the hawthorn hedges; everything in the fields and lanes shouted, Why are humans ugly and y are humans ugly an d dirty when everything else is clean and beavi. tiful," Immediately after this I fell off my bicycle, but in spite of that I was glad I had gone to the woods, for it is good to talk with the primroses and the blue bells, and to see how things looked when they were fresh from God, before man's superior skill meddled with them. M. PALLISTER.

X Newsagents' Secretary. Mr W. J. Gwyddonwy Evans. the Park Lib- rary, Gadlys Road, Abet dare, who has rendered valuable work to the South Wales Federation of Newsagents, Booksellers, and Stationers as general secretary since the formation of the Federation, was honoured by the members at a meeting at Pontypridd on Thursday last, when he was presented with a gold watch and chain.. The watch bore a suitable inscription, and was handed to Mr. Evans by Mrs. Mancy, of Tre- forest, on behalf of the members. 'v *■ (

Gorseinon Notes. I By the jimmy! I have so much to write you this week that I don't know where to start, and I have only a few hours to catch the post. One thing I do know, that is: instead of wri- ting to the "Pioneer" for this week, I should prefer the Sunday Companion," because the message that I have listened to for the last few days is to the Church. Let me render my best thanks to William Rees (who has come to our midst from Cumberland), a thorough rebel for 30 years; also to Herbert Rees for the suc- cessful meetings we have had. They cycled tt> Swansea and brought back with them Swan- sea's ex-Mayor Alderman David Williams. But far our two cycling scouts we should have been up a tree! Our champion in the fight for Liberty—Councillor Morgan Jones—wired us that he could not be with us in the flesh, of course, but in the real spirit. I was notified to day that Morgan has been ar- rested as a deserter. Kingsbridge Common Meeting. I In the absence of Morgan Jones, the I.L. Peers implored Messrs W. H. Davies and Ted Morris to address the meeting. These are two boys from the I.L.P. Branch. There was an excellent audience to listen to the Comiades' message. Both speakers decided to say a. few words on "Peace," and throughout their ad- dresses many rounds of applause were given. What surprised me was that these two Com- rades—one a collier and the other a smelter were anxious for questions; and indeed they replied to the satisfaction of everybody. I- g Anniversary Service at St. Catherine's. I 1 ine evenmg service ana sermon were taKen by the Rev. H. J. Stewart. Sketty. The text of his address was Hosea 2, 15: "I will give the Valley of Achor for a door of hope." He said that the British nation in years to come will blush when it thought of Gallipoli. A wounded soldier told him that there would be thousands of soldiers returning as Christians. The preacher did not want the congregation to look at the soldiers when they returned as con- querors of the Ge-rmans-but something more, something nobler. He informed us that this war was in a sense the Valley'of Achor. What were we doing? Now Mr. Stewart. I am not a B.A.; but do you mean to say this war re- presents Hosea 2. 15 I have toy Bible very near my inkpot, i vid I find you have not com- pleted the verse. The British nation will blush, not so much at Gallipoli, Mons. etc., as at the ministers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Jesus did not blush over Jerusalem, did he, Vicar? Oh no, he wept. Did Jesus say to Simon Pe- ter Go ahead, Peter! cut the if ears off as fast as you can? No, Vicar. Jesus said: Put thy sword into the sheath. Regarding the thous- ands returning as Christians. Ah, sir! You did not mention the maimed, the blind, the luna- tics, the diseased, etc.. the killed, the missing, the prostitution, the drink, the hell on earth, through this war. The millions made by the few and the poverty of the many. You ask us not to look a,t the soldiers as conquerors of the Germans; conquerors of what, then? Did the people look to the boys as conquerors of the Boers after the South African Wai-P Yes! But have they conquered? Oh, no! Vicar of Sketty. Read my comment upon Alderman David Williams's Peace address, and you will see whether they have been conquerors. And you ask us what are we doing. I say to you and many of your type, we are preaching Peace, working for Peace; doing all we can for Peace; more ready to die for Peace than take part in war. Yes, that Peace which you pray- ed for previous to entering"'the pulpit that Peace you prayed for at the altar, that all nations be united, and the blessing of Peace you spoke of previous to the ch*ir and your- self leaving the chancel. Is all this oonsistent with your definition of the Valley of Achor? I ask you in all sincerity; let's have Peace sermons, Peace talks. Peace, perfect peace, in this dark world of sin, The Blood of Jesais whispers peace within. Peace, perfect peace, with sorrows surging round ? In Jesu's Bosom nought but calm is found." I just forget another utterance of yours. You had heard or seen fifteen brakes going to Gower. Yes; I wonder whether they were Con- scientious Objectors, who had been faithful to some church, but had become absolutely sick, fed up with the Gospel taught and preached in their respective churches—the gospel of hatred, the gospel of Jingoism. Quite possible, Mr S tewart ? Picture Palace Meeting. There was a splendid audience at this meet- ing, when one considers the delightful weather, which had a natural tendency to induce folks to enjoy a good walk. Mr Pointer, vice-chair- man of the Trades and Labour Association, pre- sided. He informed the audience of the disap- pointment in not having Coun. Morgan Jones, Bargoed, to addre'ss them, but was most thank- ful to AJJerii-lan David NVilliaiiis, ex-Mayor of Swansea, who readily consented to fill the gap! when the situation was pointed out to him by the cycling scouts. (He ought to be member for Swansea.) David Williams addressed the meeting, and his subject was taken from the Church of England Common Prayer Book, being a part of the Litany, That it may please Thee 0, God! to give unity, peace and concord to all nations." He said that from thousands of throats this was uttered every Sunday, and from millions of throats the answer to this petition can be heard. "We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord." Yet we have this ter- rible war raging day after day. Did they be- lieve that this war could last any longer, and that there could be any war if the Church believed this petition? He had been a, faithful member of the Church but since last October he had not been able to hearken to the gospel of hatred and malice. He was much happier, and felt himself nearer the Throne of Grace by remaining outsidel. Doe: not the German, the Austrian, the French, the Russian, etc., < — pray to God and the same God? Well then, how were we to understand these petitions when all nations cried to God. When the cable was laid between England and America the nrst message sent from Washington was "Peace on earth, goodwill toward men," and at the sa,me time America was preparing more arma- ments to-da.y than ever. Is it the Democracy or the steel kings a-rid trusts r We talk of our boatsed liberty in our worship, etc. Yes, lib- erty What about the persecutions going on in this country h What about Jaures in France, who fought so hard for Peace? Shot! What does tthe British press say of Liebknecht of Germany, who is imprisoned. They believe him to be, a great fighter for Peace. Yet in this country they had the greatest man for the last century—Keir Hardie—who died of a broken heart. The speaker told us of the chat he had with Hardie. how he pointed out the failure of the Church in this war, how so often Hardie quoted to Him Christ's sayings and tke Church gave no heed. Alderman Wil- liams asked his audience to try and see for themselves the antics of the press in the demand for Compulsion or Conscription, which, when passed by the Government, was hailed as a great victory for the 'Daily Mail.' Work- ers; think for yourselves! Why was it that only half a dozen men in the Cabinet knew that war was upon us? Why did Lord Morley resign—also John Burns and others ? You and I are not told. Philip Snowden informed Par- liament that not another life should be given in this war; that, Peace should be got immedi- ately. Yes: we who are fighting for the Peace in this petition, have the press, the platform and, greatest of all, the pulpit against us. The clergy at the baptism of a child marked the infant with the sign of the cross, and the military authorities were outside ready to brand him with the sign of the skull and bones upon his forehead. We have read in history that town fought tewn, county fought county. Then why had this ended ? Because people can now agree and live in unity, peace and concord. Then why not the nations of the world? Well, you will say, nations fighting is altogether different; markets are opened through war. What sort of a market did you open in South Africa; when you conquered what happened? Over 10,000 Chinese imported by the Rand miners, and men deported to this country—men who spoke for liberty and just- ice. But, if I read the signs of the times, all workers will vote and ttilise it for Dejnocracy, the vote shall rule a," not the sword. I am looli:ix)g,:foi- tbr- to cease. I can hear the tramp or Democracy the peoples shoutixtg i-ight from their hearts and minds, the people of all nations. "That it may please Thee, 0 God, to give to all nations unity, peace and concord." May you all strive for this peace! I know I promised you comments upon "Jones, Seion," and "Our Dick"; but really I must get to bed. I shall have no meeting to report next week, so I shall comment upon "Jones" and "Dick," "the grocer who desired a bomb on our meeting at the Palace"; also the tin plate situation to-day. I must not for- get my last appeal next week for the Shop As- sistants. I intend getting this appeal a success. CHUM.

The Conscription of Wealth ARTHUR THATCHER'S APPEAL AT ABERDARE. ø Last Sunday Mr A. J. Thatcher, organiser, Newcastle, was the speaker for the Aberdare I.L.P, He addressed two meetings. At the afternoon meeting he spoke upon the present position of the Party, and gave vivid impres- sions of the doings of the organisation in the North. In the evening he took for his sub- ject "Consoription of Wealth," which he dealt with in a very able manner. The illustrations and facts which he adduced m support of his statements proved conclusively the im- portance of this question. He laid great em- phasis upon the fact that owing to the enor- mous increase in freight charges demanded by the shipping companies was one of the principal causes of the rise In the cost of living. He remarked that prior to the war the freight charges on a 41b loaf was but a halfpenny, but to-day it is fourpence. The enormous dividends of the shipping, coal and iron industries showed where the patriotism of the capitalist class lies. This class has succeeded in con- scripting the lives of the workers both military and industrial for the purpose of exploiting them, and now they have fastened the chains of industrial slavery more securely, it must be expected that this exploitation will continue for some time to come. One of the most con- vincing proofs of this exploitation is that the capitalist class received 400 millions more sur- N plus profits in 1915 over what they received in 1914. The speaker mentioned that in the past when attention had been called to the enor- mous increase of surplus profits we have in- variably received the reply that it is due to the opening up of new markets. But this can- not be said to be the say now, as practically speaking our trade and commerce is chiefly confined within our own shores, which proves that the workers are being exploited. Com- rade Thatcher made an earnest appeal to one and all to lend a helping hand in the great fight the I.L.P. is engaged in. and showed in fight the I. L P I a. very clear and unmistakable way the clean, straightforward policy which has been adopted during this trying period would place the I.L.P in a better position than an" other political party in fighting injustice and bring- ing about reforms when Peace is declared. New- members were enrolled, and the litera- ture sales were good. Messrs D. J. Evans and J. T. Norman preside:l.. ,,lid J. T. -N

EVERY PRINTING ORDER given to the Pioneer F!ress; means more Ammunition for Party Propaganda. Get into the Line of our MUNITION WORKERS.