Pioneer

Rival Methods of ] Organisation. SEE PAGE 3

^[Merttiyr Educationist Honoured. MERTHYR PRESENTATION TO MR. W. f EDWARDS, EX-CHIEF INSPECTOR. Glowing eulogies of the work done for the furtherance of educational progress in Wales by Mr Wm. Edwards, M.A., Chief Inspector for the Central Welsh Board, were uttered at the Oyfarthfa Secondary School, Merthyr, on Saturday, when he was the recipient of an en- graved silver tray and a cheque presented by teachers and friends of Glamorganshire on the occasion of his retirement from the position of H.M. Inspector of Schools under the Board of Education. Mr John Harpur (Mayor of Merthyr), presi- ding said honour was being 4Pne to one to whom honour was due. Doing excellent work in the Borough of Merthyr during 37 years as H M Inspector of Elementary Schools, Mr. Edwards had been most energetic and sympa- thetic, and had carried out his duties as „ no other man could have done. He had known Mr Edward s for many years, and would venture to say no gentleman in the town was more respected and esteemed than he was. "I am speaking the truth, and I maintain that truth is not flattery. I hate flattery, and I conscien- tiously say as I do because I know it is the truth." (Hear, hoar.) On his retire.ment from H.M. Inspector of Schools, Mr Edwards was offered his present appointment, which was one of the highest testimonials any gentleman could revive. Mr John Evans, H.M.I.S., Merthyr, said if the definition of genius being an infinite capa- city for taking pains were correct, Mr Ed- wards would come under that designation. He had always shown a masterly grasp on educa- tional matters, and was a man with the power of re"garding all subjects in perspective. Poss- essed of the finest qualities of a leader, he was not one who asked a subordinate to do any thing he himself was not prepared to do. Mr R. G. Price, Dowlais, said Mr Edwards' intellectual capabilities, his sound setose" and good judsment were admired, and he was a man who behoved profoundly in the true aim of education. Vast educational changes had taken place during Mr Edwards' career, but he was able to adapt himself and realise the pur- port of everyone, and they as teachers knew he was ready always to appreciate a new stand point or a new feature. He was going to his new sphere with all the good wishes of the teaching pi-of,ewion. Mr Bryn Davies. Barry, Inspector of Schools under the Glamorgan County Council, express- ed the respect and affection of the teachers in Glamorganshire. Never had he heard a com- plaint from a head teacher of unfairness on a report from Mr Edwards. He always tempered jllstice with mercy.. Mr Tavlor H.M. Inspector of Sch, ool, s, said that in going about Mr Edwards' district he was immensely struck by the characteristic that evervono considered him just. Mr John Llovd, Penydarren. making a formal presentation, described his first impression of Mr Edwards as an inspector possessing a strong faculty and discernment, and this impression was strengthened on further acquaintance. A better man for the position of chief inspector for secondary schools in W ales could not be found. Mr Alfred Morgan, Mountain Ash, Director of Education said the Board of Education had lost the services of a good man in Mr. Edwards. Mr F. T. James (Chairman of the Mer- ■ thyr Secondary Schools Committee, also bore testimony to Mr Edwards' exceptional abili- ties, and also referred to Mr Edwards' son now in one of H.M. ships in the North Sea. W L. J. Roberts, H.M. Inspector of Schools, and the successor to Mr Edwards, related an interesting episode in the latter's brilliant ca- reer at Oxford, where he took three fijrst classes in Honours and crowned his achieve- ment with a Fellowship. Whilst in classic moderations the three first names on the lists in alphabetical order were: H. H. Asquith (the Prime Minister). J. Bancroft and Wm. Ed- wards. The oldest inspector under the Board of Education in the length of service, Mr Ed- wards held the record of service in England and Wales. Mr Edwards, in replying, expressed his grati- tude and appreciation for the laudatory spee- ches—off which lie was inclined to take con- siderable discount. (Laughter.) The gifts would give his wife and himself great pleasure. The cheque he meant to devote to some object which may be dear to the teacher's heart." One change observed during his career was that there was a great improvement in the status of the teachers—they stood higher in the popular estimation to-day than 40 years ago, and though in the matter of emoluments tea- chers were not satisfied, they were much better on than the profession was then. He was sorry that in recent years, for reasons of economy, the Board of Education had to increase the size of the districts for inspectors inordinately, hut he was glad to be able to state in the particular case of Glamorganshire the dist- ricts would be reduced somewhat. Mr D. W. Jones, the proposer of the vote of thanks to th6 Ohairman referred to Mr Ed- wards as one of Mertliyr's most distinguished citizens. An ideal inspector, he was impartial upon everything. All might not be agreed in Wales as to the desirabilitty of continuing the C. W .B. in Welsh education, but there was no l man more likely to succeed in putting it on its feet than Mr Edwards. The vote was seconded by Mrs W. Edwards, who also expressed her appreciation of the hon- our done her husband. Those who attended the meeting were enter- tamed to tea at the Cyfarthfa Park Chalet at the close by Mr and Mrs Edwards.

PROPAGANDA, NOT PROFIT," is the motto of the "Pioneer Press." If you are active to the tremendous social improve- ments that the Party the Pioneer represents stands for, then it is your duty to ail that all your Trades Union, CV>-operative, and General Printing comes to Williams' Square, Merthyr the Home of the Pioneer."

Phil and Mrs. Snowden at Bargoed. GREAT MEETING AT NEW HALL, BAR- I GOED. There was a great audience at Philip Snow- den's meeting at the New Hall. Bargoed, on .Friday, under the chairmanship of Mr Tom Matthews. MR PHILIP SNOWDEN, M.P., received with applause, said it was a pleasure, in the midst of a strenuous Parliamentary life, to pay a visit to South Wales. In the old days he was amongst the Welsh people preaching about the Brotherhood of Man and the Common- wealth, but to-day it seems as if those teachings W.Te forgotten, and a War had come instead. He was out to teach the people that in the days to come there would be no poor, because there were no rich. The responsibility for the war was not with the I.L.P. This body had always been fighting militarism, and 'had al- ways been trying to promote Internationalism, which was the only assurance of permanent Peace. The I.L.P. had always exposed the Foreign Policy of our Government, and the piling up of armaments, but these protests had been unheeded, and the alternative policy ig- nored. The primary responsibility of the war rested with the European democracy, who had submitted to the control of kings, and tolerat- ed secret diplomacy. And if Democracy did not learn this lesson, there was no hope of a permanent Peace. We must not be confined to purely domestic affairs, but must dema'nd the world for the workers. The Defence of the Realm Act made it almost an offence to utter the word Internationalism. On Labour Days (1st May) in Peace times the workers always "Plt fraternal messages to oversea comrades. Why not m wartimes? "Love of one's coun- try" ought to be practised by everyone; but it should also deter one's country from making wars. We should extend the hand of friend- ship to all workers, irrespective of race or creed and not raise up barriers of nationalism. This is not the first occasion on which the I.L.P. has been unpopular. He had been connected with the I.L.P. for about 20 years, and had al- ways been preaching unpopular doctrines. The country, lie thought, was beginning to appre- ciate the I.L.P. attitude on this war. There was a growing demand for Peace. During the last two or three weeks some remarkable state- ments on Peace had been made by Lord Lore- burn. Lord Brassey and Lord Jieeciiam in the "Economist." which, of course, the press ig- nored. Lord Beecham had said that the, only way of keeping militarism alive was by war itself. Ultimate victory was impossible if two we 11-armed nations were engaged in conflict. T' e casualties were tremendous. Could not some other method be employed to settle this war? Sir lid ward Grey had stated that he had endeavoured to arrange a, conference. immedi- a.tely before the war; if before the war, why not now? A loss of a son causes as much grief to an Austrian mother as to the British mo- ther. Therefore, the desires of Austrian par- ents nutst be similar to our own. At this junc- ture we should endeavour to ascertain what terms at Peace could be obtained. Mr Asquith had stated that there was no desire to crush Germany out of existence, and German states- men had said they did not desire territorial expansion. So what were we figh ting for? The pledge that not one of the Allies should enter a separate Peace was fraught with danger, be- cause it means that any one of the Allies could continue the war even if others wan- ted Peace. The question of Alsace-Lorraine should be settled by the people in these prov- inces. The dream of Russia was to capture the Dardanelles. This Britain always opposed, because Russia would then hold the gateway to the East, and would mean Russian aggression. "he present war was a monument to secret di- plomacy and the Balance of Power. During the 19th Centuury France was the enemy; to-day she was >Ur -^Ny- Fifteen vears ago Kruger w?a th(, bogey; now it was the Kaiser. The i f-ns Conference was going to make the Allies a sort of Garden of Eden, where no HUBS would oe admitted. Before the war Germany and Russia had great trade connections. For five yea is the West Riding of Yorkshire has traded with Germany. The, secret of Germ- any s commercial success had been her success i t. technical eduction; but we were not copy- mg Germany s good qualities, but her bad ones. There was a parallel between this and the Napoleonic Wars. After the latter it took 50 years to restore the right of Trade Unions, and during that war there were about three million awres filched from the people, and even then, as now, the workers were fighting for liberty. When workers are fighting their lib- erties are taken away. But above all the black ness. the sun would rise eventually. The great- est- human conception v-ould surely survive. All nations should combine against war; then -na- would know no war. (Applause ) "1 .r- _1_1 PI J tie Unairmnan was unume for a time to be heard owing to the long and continued applause. MRS. SNOWDEN said that in times of Peace the I.L.P. urged people to think, but in times of war clear thinking seemed impossible. People are cheated on every hand. 5Tlie press lid, ex- cepting the local journal. (Laughter.) She be- ben t.ved that the greater percentage of the sol- with most honourable motives, but she also belieed that the greater percentage of the sol- diers were anxious for Peace. If we succeeded in beating Germany she will still have won, be- cause her Prussian methods had conquered in this country. The best country was the one that had the highest conception of humanity. She was a Pacifist against all wars. Pacifism did not tolerate abominations. There was no good in fighting evil for evil. All past Empires had passed away by using force; only good could destroy evil. Abolish industrial competition, and substitute co-operation. The importance of the Peace Memorial could not be over-esti- mated, and 99 per cent. of the workers in a certain munition works in Scotland had signed it, and she hoped that the object of such Me- morial would be achieved. Several questions were addressed to both speakers, and were satisfactorily answered.

I Harry Morris Handed Over FINAL ACT IN A CELE-BRATED CASE. HIS MAIN CONCERN FOR "PIONEER." The appearance of Henry James Morris, Sec- retary of the I.L.P., before the Merthyr Bor- ough Bench on Tuesday on a charge of being an absentee under the Military Service Act, closes another of the many uncontrovertibly ge- nuine Conscience cases which have been flag- rantly over-ridden by the authorities; and it possesses features of a unique character. So fai back as the Registration of last year, "Harry" wrote on his paper that he was wiling to go back to his work as a miner did the authorities require his services He ap- peared with the first batch of local Conscien- tious Objectors in froni, of the Merthyr Tri- bunal, and was assigned N on-Oomba tan t Ser- vice-a decision upheld by the Appeal Tribunal at Pontypridd. The strain of over much work on behalf of the Peace propaganda told soon after this. and Harry was stricken down with neuritis, and on the advice of his medico, he took a holiday at "Loehnorris," Cumnock, the residence of our late Cti-nti-ade, Keir Hardie, where for years he had béen a. welcome visitor. From Scotland he applied for a, revision of his certificate, and to further his application came home in person long before he had been restored to health The Local Tribunal, after hearing his case, ordered him to see the Medical Board in Cardiff, and also to find work in the mines-adjourning the case for a month. Harry could not see the logic of appearing be- fore the Medical Board if lie were to be em- ployed in the mines, and securing the latter, ig- nored this request, which, was also distasteful to him. On his next appearance, he was asked if he had gone before the Medical Board, and on replying in the negative, was offered a. further month's adjournment if he would do so. This he refused to take advan- tage of, and as a consequence his appeal for a review was refused. By the same post as the decision of the local Tribunal was made known to him, the Military Authorities forwarded him his calling up papers, and now, before his ap- peal to the Pontypridd Tribunal could be heard, he has been carried off. On Tuesday there appeared with him in the dock his old friend William George Durston, who has been unemployed før nine weeks owing to the operation of the Ai t, and who gave himself up that he might accompany Harry through the coming ordeals at Cardiff, and, possibly, elsewhere. The two were honoured by the appearance of two military representat- ives in the persons of Lieut. the Hon. H. C. Bailey, of Cardiff, and Lieut. Morgan Thomas, of Merthyr. Asked if he was guilty Morris said, "I do not admit that I am an absentee from any a; my, but Iadmi receipt of the papers." Formal evidence was given by the production of a certificate from the deserters and absen- tees' book; the certificate being made out for Lochlorris," where, we understand, an offi- cial waited on Mrs Hardie shortly after Harry's return to Wales to see if he was still there. It should be added that whilst in Scotland Harry kept the officials notified of his whereabouts, so that it might not be thought that he was running away. II Asked if he had anything to say, Harry said, a I wish to lodge one protest against the lax- ity of the local recruiting authorities, being that it was made known throughout the town that there was a warrant here for my arrest before I was acquainted by the police. I was accosted by a dozen people on Saturday, who knew this before I did myself. I think this is most unfair, and it goes to show that there is political vindictive spite against me em an a. ting from opposing political agents." The minimum fine of 40/- was imposed, and he was ordered to be handed over to the Mili- tary Authorities. Durston also pleaded with Harry that he was not an absentee, but had received the notices. The Military Representative said he had vol- untarily given himself up. Asked if he had anything to say, he rep- Had: "It seems to me as though the Military Authorities are trying to bring economic pres- sure to bear. I have been idle for 9 weeks." The Military did not ask for ",he. imposition of a fine, and Durston was also ordered to be handed over. Harry, who was Secretary of the "Pioneer," asked us to say that his chief concern is that the "Pioneer" shall be kept vigorously alive pending the time when the war is over, and the great fight comes.

Tonyrefail Notes. I Penygraig Co-operative Society. I The half-yearly meeting of the Tonyrefail Branch of this Society was held at the Primit- ive Methodist Chapel on Friday. June 23. Mr D Henshaw, the President, in opening the meeting, asked to be excused from making an address, as he was only partially recovered from a very serious illness, which had con- fined him to his bed for 14 weeks. This request was readily granted by the members with many expressions of sympathy. The minutes of the last meeing were read and confirmed, and the report and balance sheet were unanimously accepted. One seat. on the committee was rendered vacant for Tonyrefail, and Mr Thos. Thrum as was elected for the next term. Mr S. Trevethen was elected Chairman of the Edu- cation Committee, and Mr T. Manley and Mr A. Morgan as members of the Education Committee, with Mr Priddle to represent Coed Ely. A resolution was passed that no private trader-should be eligible for employ- ment by the Society. Much diseussion was cau- sed by the Government excess profits from the Society for the year 1914- 1915, and a resolution was passed protesting against the Government's action in taxing Co- operative Societies in this manner, and will be forwarded to the proper headquarters; also to the Trades and Labour Council. Mr Job. the general manager of the Society, gave a very clear explanation of the scarcity of sugar in the Society—the reason being that the Royal Commission would not allow the Society to have more than a certain percentage of their pre-war purchases, while at the same time the membership was increasing. We are glad to state that the Society is in a flourishing condition, in spite of the many difficulties caused by the war. The Secretary pointed out tu necessity of all members doing their ut- most to help the Society in this very serious time, by keeping their shares as high as pos- sible, as it involved a serious loss to the So- ciety when members allowed their shares to run down by trading during the quarter on their capital. A vote of thanks to the Chairman closed a very pleasant- meeting. Sermon at Ainon. I It is gratifying to all lovers of religious freedom to know that at least one local mini- ster not only believes in religious freedom, but also. he is not afraid to preach it. On Sun- day, June 18, the Rev. —. Jones preached, a. sermon in Ainon Baptist Chapel on the religion of experience versus the religion of expediency. During his remarks Mr Jones upheld the true Christian Conscientious Objector as a man who lived and experienced the true principles of Christianity. He also condemned the treat- ment which was administered to them, and stated that in his opinion the Tribunals were wrong in not granting exemption to these men. We hope that Mr Jones will continue to preach this doctrine, as it was taught by the Great Teacher Himself. Dou btless he will meet with opposition, even in his own church, but he will have the consolation of knowing that he has pleased God, if he has offended some of those who profess to serve Him, but whose action speak otherwise. Pioneer" Committee's Thanks. I The lonyreiail Pioneer" League feel grate- ful to the Liantrisant Comrades for their sym- pathy and generous support of Comrade New- man's recent police court expenses. Coed Ely Meeting. I A joint meeting of tl Fach and* Coed Ely Lodges of the Miners' Federation was held at Cross Roads under the presidency of Mr Wm. Williams. The meeting first con- sidered the joint committee's recommendation regarding the coal haulier's request for an in- crease in the price of haulage. After con- siderable discussion, it was decided to grant an increase of 3d. per load. The change of hours was afterwards discussed, and it was resolved that the hours of working remain as at present. Undoubtedly the sore question for this meeting was the double shift question. After several speakers had given vent to their feelings in no mistakable manner, it was unanimously decided that the lodge committee take the matter up immediately. The workmen of Coed Ely are determined mot to let this matter rest until this obnoxious system is got lid of once for all. Charity Cencert at Gilfach Goch. I A concert was held at the Church Hall on Thursday. June 22, the proceeds being in aid of Mr Evan Edwards, who has been unaWe to wark for a considerable time owing to illness. The local Male Voice Party, ably conducted by Mr John Webber, kindly gave their serviees. Several items were rendered by the Party, in- clading "The' Soldier's Chorus," "Who Sails with Drake," "Men of Harlech," and On the Ramparts," which was well received. The artistes were!: -Soprano, Miss Annie Jones; contralto, Madame Kitty Phillips; tenor, Mr David J. Howells and Mr Evan J. Bryant; bass Mr Griffith Howells; elocutionists, Miss Janet Da vies and Mr Edgar James. Each item met an energetic and acclamatorv res- ponse on the part of the Audience. The chair- man was Mr David Bonner, who spoke of a few interesting things, chiefly concerning the Male Voice Party, that were well worth re- me/rbering. He expressed a wish that our young men would take an interest in the Party and other things that really matter as a con- genial diversion to wasting valuable time and opportunities in loitering about the roads. The concert was a great success. —A concert will take place in a month's time, under the aus- pices of the Male Voice Party, the proceeds to be given to the Netley Hospital. Accident. I day at the Glenafon Colliery, when the only day at the Cylenavon Colliery, when the only son of Mr Elliott Davies sustained serious inju- ries to both legs. It will be remembered that John Elliott another son of Mr Davies, met with a fatal accident quite recently. We all feel that Mr Davies is receiving an undue share of adverse circumstances, knowing what ab- normal ill-luck he has had to contend with in the past. We trust that he has now seen the end of his troubles, and that the future will to some extent recompense him for what he and his have been called upon to suffer. The news that is published and is constantly at hand regarding the persecution of the Con- scientious Objectors causes one to pause and question whether one is in Great Britain or in a hot-bed of some unprecedented Prussianism. Dr. Clifford writes: It is imperative that men who love their country should protest against the flagrant illegalities now taking .place under the Military Service Act. That Act would never have been accepted but for its express recogni- tion of the rights of the individual conscience and the repeated promises given by the highest authorities that those rights would be recog- nised. The promises have been broken, and bro- ken in the most irritating way, and the rights of the citizen's conscience have been flouted bv many of the Tribunals. The 'bitter and cruel prc-seoution to which these men—many of them teachers, some Fmversiity men, and most of them men of high character—are subjected is —————— utterly revolting. They are put in irons, placed in dark cells, distinctly told by the commanding officer that they are liable to be shot. They are sent away to France, and are in the power of the court-martial." Ihe nation has adopted measures of Com- pulsory Military Service, but not without sta- tutory recognition that Conscience should be re- spected by absolute exemption from military service of all those who held genuine Conscien- tious Objection to war. In their zest for war, the Tribunals set up to judge Consciences failed to gauge its measures and strength; as a result to-day there are known to be some 1,337 Conscientious Objectors in prison for refusing the military duties encumbent upon those deem- ed to be soldiers. Of these 1.337 strong, active, healthy men, one-third have been sentenced by court-martial-in Hlany cases to two years' imprisonment. Their gallant fight for Freedom of Conscience has involved them in cruel pun- ishment and brutal treatment, many examples of which come to hand daily. We learn of our Comrades at Devizes Military PiriSQn-Emrys Hughes, Idwal Williams, Beth Morgan, Gwilym Smith and Percy Kendall—are cruelly ill-treat- ed. It seems that they have been on the Hanger strike, and Idwal Williams is now in tho Military Hospital in a precarious state. Of Idwal Williams it is well known locally that he has always been prominent as a Paeifist and La jour Champion. It is scandalous that he should be subject to the judgment of such men as sit on the local Tribunal. Long live Idwal Williams, and we wish his speedy return again to Llantrisant. so that the public may know what the parasites on the public have contri- buted towards the ca,use of Humanity. At Car- diff our Comrade Parker is fortunate compared with Williams, in having 4 months' hard lab- (JUt m a civil prison. "Britons never shall be slaves.

Important Bargoed Conference. At- TO PRESS FORWARD THE TRADES < COUNCIL. On Thursday last a conference, representing itadjjs Unionists residing in the Gelligaer area of the Rhymney Valley, was held in the Bar- goed I.L.P. Rooms. A good attendance of delegates assembled in answer to the appeal issued jointlv by t1 > East Gla-morgan Labour Pae(,J and District Trades and Labour Council. Mr W. T. Lloyd, who occupied the chair, explained the objects of the conference, which was for the purpose of creating a more representative Irades and Labour Council. Several bodies of workers were still outside, and he hoped that by the efforts which would be made in conjunction with the Labour Party, things would very much improve. Coun. Charles and Guardian Bolwell, of Bed- linog, explained the position of the workers m their ward. They were at present linked up with the .Merthyr Trades Council, but as soon as the opportunity occurred, they would trans- fer to the Tirades Council operating in the Gelligaer area. Mr Mardy Jones, the political organiser of the S.W.M.F., addressed the delegates. He said that the Labour movement was two-fold in its administration-both industrial and politi- cal. Combination of efforts was the only sure way to bring about the emancipation of the workers. He would undertake, in conjunction with appointed delegates, to visit those lodges which had not yet affiliated to the Council. Every effort should be made at the top end of tbe valley. Pontlottyn and Tirphil. where the voice of Labour was seldom heard. Darraji and Fochriw should be visited, andi he felt sure that when asked to combine the men would respond willingly. Arrangements being made for this work, the following resolutions were submitted and ap- proved of: That this Conference urge the Government (1) To prolong the period of the House Rents Act for five years af ter the war. (2) Also to increase the Old Age Pensions from 5 ¡ a week te 7/6 a week in view of t he increased cost of living. 1 he following from the Penallta Miners* L.),dge was carried:- mat this conference of delegates strongly protests against the .methods adopted by the County and District Councils in appointing representatives upon the War Pensions Com- mittee, thereby entirelv ignoring the Feder- ation Lodges in this connection, especially within the Gelligaer Urban District Council. Cour.. John Jones said that he and his col- leagues on the Labour Group had fought hard and had succeeded in getting as much Labour representation as was allowed on the Com- mittee. The Secretary of the Trades Council was asked to attend the conference at Pontypridd on the 24th inst, which was being held for the purpose of considering the rating problem; also to communicate with the Glamorgan Edu- cation Committee with regards to the depletion of male teachers in our schools. Coun. John Jones said that those taking their places were being drawn from the ranks of women, who, even with the best endeavours and desires, cannot be as efficient as the men who have joined His Majesty's Forces. The question of high food prices came up for discussion and a conference will be held in the valley in the near future, when possibly some action will be taken whereby thosee res- ponsible for raising the prices will be called to account. The workers are suffering en- ough without being exploited by those who have for their object solely the making of big- ger profits.

PRINTING SENT TO PRIVATE COMPANIES means Profttfw Imfcriduai Owners. When WE do your work, the Profit ? comes in the PROPAGATION OF SOCIALISM AND TRADES. UNIONISM. JMnk it Ovir!