Llangollen Advertiser Denbighshire Merionethshire and North Wales Journal

The Political Barometer. 1 rile Premier is still watching the weather- glass, but the rapid rise of the mercury column, doe to the continued good news joining from Europe, has inspired the con- clusion that the political barometer gives sufficient indication of set fair to make an aarly appeal to the electorate nearly certain. [t is idle to complain of this foam of oppor- l tunism, since even Prime Ministers are only uman, and as a writer has recently aptly put t "success is cerlainly the most cunning of "canvassers, the most persuasive of "^ectioneers." Fdrhaps, the cynic would ■y/disposed to say political reputations depend ess on merit than on luck. Mr. Asquith, for nstauce, fell from office her ause he had not won the war after two years of strenuous ighting. "He did not know how.to destroy "his enemies with the thunderbolt of a 14 boast," and "fell a victim to his reputa- )Otioli, not to his record." Fate (aud Sir Douglas Haig) have been kinder to Mr. Lloyd Seorge, and we do not grudge him his good fortune. It'is, indeed, our good fortune as much as his and being shrewd enough to realise how much depends on broad effects in roy appeal of popular opinion, the Premier would be more than human if he did not seize mchopportunity as circumstances present for iwhirlwind" campaign, amidst which nuch may be forgotten and forgiven traidet the exhilaration of a "victory Aidaoft." Of course, the anomolous thing about i it is that the Liberal Party—and for the matter of that the vast bulk of the Labour Party also-are as keen on winning the war and the securing of a satisfactory guarantee of the future peace of the world as the Government themselves. We are not sur- prised, therefore, to learn of a considerable amount of feeling of apprehension, not by any means confined to Liberals, as to what effect I' an election at such a time might have at least on the semblances of national unity, and we rather gather that Lord Grey's eagerness, if possible, to preserve a united front while peace is within sight," but not yet" within [ reach —and not less essentially after it is reached—is mainly due to this important con- sideration. In that he is joined by the Morning Post"—no particular friend of Asquithian Liberalism—which arrays a number of formidable objections to an electoral upheaval until national thought can be all- plied to the issues at stake without risk of 1 distractingit froii-i the business of readjusting the international situation which the dramatic happenings in Germany has so momentously developed, aud th ose whoare fighting for victory at the front can be better assured of a voice in the selection of the new House of Commons than is probable under existing conditions. But our Unionist contemporary seems to have little real hope that these arguments will prevail in dissuading the Premier from his venture. The glass is too high the chances of what the politician is apt, to deem success too alluring to be lightly resisted, and, as the Morning post" mnst be aware, every party I eader is of necessity something of an oppor- tunisl-even a leader "without a ?arty" it would seem not less than any other—at any r?te, in the sense which Abraham Lincoln implied when he said, during the American Civil War, that circumstances, governed him, not he circumstances. We can but hope, therefore, that the circumstances which govern Mr. Lloyd George's appeal to the electorate, whenever it comes, will be such as will provide for as a general a support of hi, reconstruction policy as that which ha enabled the Coalition Government to bring I, the war to its present successful stage o development. The President's Reply. ————— I President WHs-on's repty to Germany will' be read with pro- found satisfaction. He de- I clines to discuse terms with a.n I enemy which,. while talking of his love for humanity," continues to break all the laws of civiha&tion and to violate mery canon which humame men hold sacred. When Germany has shown her sincerity of purpose in seeking peace and an entry into the League of Nations it will be time °r.oagh to discuss the terms on which her snrrsndor and the overthrow of Prussian militarisTi can best and most effectually be accomplisues'. Until then our armies must contiaae their rapid progress towards the German frontier. The League of Nations ,Movement. Now- that, thanks to the to th e courageous optimism df President Wilson and, in our own land, of Viscount Grey, the idea of a League of Nations has been authoritatively estab- lished as a matter of practical politics we hope no time or opportunity will be lost of familiar- ising its possibilities—and difficulties-to the local public. That it has difficulties is cer- iainly no reason for brushing it aside as mere amiable theory, though it. is a very good reason why it should be thoroughly canvassed, lest it should be too readily assumed that be- cause it is so excellent an idea it can easily be accomplished. Viscount Grey, with cha.r- acteristic candour, detailed some of these difficulties in his SpMCh. in London last week, and we cannot do better than commend a careful study of that, forceful address to any of our readers who desire to look further into this fascinating problem. But there are many, we fear, who do not read even the most important speeches, and for these some scheme of more simple education on the subject may profitably be arranged. In Montgomeryshire, we have no doubt, Major David Davies, MP., who is one of the leaders of the League of Nations Association which has been formed for this purpose, will look after the instruction of his constituents, but we venture to suggest that both clergy and school teachers in that county and neighbouring shires along the Welsh border might well use what suitable opportunities offer for stimulating popular in- terest in what may yet prove the most moment- ous development in internationalism which the world has ever dreamt about, while debating societies and study circles filling up their winter programmes might advantageously give it a prominent place on their agenda. At any rate. it is essentially a. matter not only for governments but for peoples to consider, and it cannot usefully be considered until it if understood. Trial by Jury. We are glad,to learn from a state- ment made in court by Mr. Justice Darling that trial by jury in civil cases (with certain special erup- tions) has been a,boliahed. We have always doubted whether such a system was any real aid to the impartial administration of the law and there have been some instances in which it was notoriously otherwise. Wel remember, for example, once hearing of a breach of promise case at a Welsh &S; toes where, before any evidence was taken, a settle- ment was suggested by the judge and arrived ar on rather moderate terms. When the eotirt rose some of the jurymen accosted the solicitor for the girl and exclaimed at did you agree to settle for on thoee terms? We know the girl very well and were going to give heavy damages!" If this is the average jttryman's idea of his obligation to well and truly try and true deliverance make," it seems to us that the sooner the better the new rule applicable to civil causes is extended to criminal procedure also. —■■i ■■ I Examinations and 1 Education. i We are glad to see th-at I some of the Montgomery- shire head masters have been making a protest against allowing the num- ¡ ber of. marks obtained in an examination to be regarded as a test of merit. To those who have studied the psychology of the pupil it is obvious enough that any such standard is often wholly deceptive and extremely unfa-iri to many candidates. We have, ourselves, known bright and intelligent boys and girls who, undet the mental excitement of the ex- amination room with its somewhat alarming; atmosphere, quite incapable of expressing themselves on paper, and while it may per- haps be fairly safe to assume that the candi-.j date who does well in exttmination possesses I talents which deserve encouragement and re- ward, it by no means follows that those who do badly are as stupid as their papers would suggest them to be. Our own view is that not only do examinations afford a very indifferent test of scholarship and mental capacity, but that they are very much overdone, and we are inclined to agree with the educational critic who recently deplored the fact that., next the Chinese, our own country should be the most ¡ "examined" in the world. Probably if we had fewer of such tests" we should have a great, deal more genuine education. I PERSONAL. Mr. and Lady Joan Lloyd-Verney have left Clochfaen, Llangurig, for London. Lady Howard de Waiden has returned from Chirk Castle to 14, Bruton Street, London, for the winter. The Earl of Plymouth, who is in Scotland, has had a relapse, and is obliged to cancel all his engagements for some time to come. Viscount and Viscountess Devonport have returned to 41, Grosvenor Place from Gwylfa- Hiraethog, North Wales. The King has conferred the G.C.LE. on Capt. George Ambrose Lloyd, C.I.E., D.S.O., M.P., Governor-Designate of Bombay, and former prospective Unionist candidate for Shrewsbury. Major T)a-,vid Davies, M.P., Mr. J. Hugh Edwards, M P., and Major Ormsby-Gore, M.P., were among those who supported Vis. count Grey on the platform at the League of Nations meeting on Thursday, in London. Lt- Gen. Sir Francis Lloyd sent a letter of apology for non-attendance. A memorial service for Capt. W. H. Glad- stone, M.C. (son of the Rev. Stephen Glad- stone) who recently fell in action was held at Hawarden Parish Church on Wednesday of last week. The Rev. F. S. M. Bennett offici- ated and the Hon. Mrs. W. H. Gladstone, Miss Evelyn Gladstone and Miss Helen Glad- stone were among those present. A memorial service for Sir Samuel Evans and his legal colleagues, Lord Robson and Sir George Reid, was held at the Temple Church, London, on Saturday The service included the hymn For thee, 0 dear, dear country," sung to music by the late Sir Samuel Evans. Among those present were Lord Justice Bank- es, Mr. Justice Sankey, Mr. Justice Atkin, Sir D. Brynmor Jones, K. C., Jrdge Ivor Brown I and Mr. Honora,tus Lloyd, K.C. The marriage took place on Tuesday week j at St. Peter's Church, Fulhara, by the Rev. I F. Cole Robinson, A.K.C., vicar, of Edgar Reginald Henderson, second son of John Henderson, of Southsea, to Mary Tryphosa Freme. onlY daughter of the l&te Sydny Freme Clement, L.R.C.P., L.R.C.S., F.R.G.S., and of Mrs. Clement, and grand. daughter of the late Mr. W. J. Clement, M.P. for Shrewsbury, Deputy-lieutenant for Meri- oneth. The marriage of Brigadier-General Lewis Pugh Evans, V.C., D.S.O., Black Watch, second son of the late Sir Griffith Evans, I K.C.I.B., and of Lady Evans, of Lovesgrove, Aberystwyth, and Miss Dorothea Margaret Pryse-Rice, eldetit daughter of Mr. John C. Pryse Rioe, and Dame Margaret Pryse-Rice, of Llwyn-v-Brain, Llandovery, Carmarthenshire, took place at Holy Trinity Church, Chelsea, on Thursdav. the ceremony being performed by the Bishop of St. David's, assisted by the Rev. Dr. Homes Dudden, the rector, and the Rev. W. Harrison Moreland, precentor. There were six bridesmaids; Miss Nest Pryse-Rice (sister of the bride), Miss Bunnie Greer (niece of the bridegroom), the Hon. Imogen Rhys (daughter of Lord and Lady Dynevpr), Miss JToan Lloyd (daughter of g'ir Marteine artd Lady Lloydl, Miss Donne Philipps (daughter of Sir Owen and Lady Philipps), and Miss Dorothy Helme (daughter of Mrs. Richard Mashiter). Col. the Hon. Maurice Drummond, D.S.O., Black Watch, was beat man. Among those present were Dame Margaret Pryse-Rice and Mr. George Pryse-Rice, Lady Evans, Sir Owen and Lady Philipps, Sir John and the Hon. Lady Ree& and Miss Rees, and General Sir James Hills- Johnes. After the ceremony a reception wibs held at Chelsea House, the residence of Sir Owen and Lady Philipps.

Mr. Justice Darling announeedon Satarda^ that the right of, a person in a. civil ease to trial by jury has been abolished except in certain cases where it has been thought that the system of jury trial is necessary. There was a provision that in eases which otherwise bv, the Act would not be tried by jarv applica- tion might be made to a Judge or to Master, and a jury trial might be ordered.

I NATIONAL FARMERS'UNION. I FOUR CROSSES BRANCH DISCUSS IMPORTANT TOPICS. THE INCREASED PLOUGHING QUOTA. A weU-atteodod meeting of the Four Crosses branch of the National Farmers' Union was held on Thursday, Mr. D. L. Bebb presiding. The chief ctuestlons under discussion were the plough- ing q Li ota,, -iie Zra,ding of com, labour, and the congestion of the cattle market. Very strong feeling was exhibited in regard to the regulation, I requiring farmers to obtain permits before using their taÆn5 and dredge corn. At a time of pooi.al difficulty in regard to the stock, it wa; felt th&t this regulation is need- leMly ha,Masi.h?, and there was strong mdma?iou to defy the order. Speaking of the Incred pJouarhmc quota, the Chairman said he wu loth to put up r.itance to most of 'the ordeM t?ey 'I were faced with because such resistance was cap- able Ofbein attributed to unpatriotism. He had seen it suggested that) fanners should go on strike, but no one should fro on strike during the war, and they must always have regard to the interests of the nation at large and not merely to hell" own. He thought, liowever, that tha maxi-num plougli area had been rterihed-in Montgomeryshire, which was not a ploughing county, a-nd had already been exploited far more thoroughly than the more adaptable Shropshire. He suggested that a resolution. should be passed that the 9.000 extra acres now asked for should be foregone or allocated to more suitable counties. CAUSTIC CRITICISM. I Turning to the grading- of corn, Mr. Behb remarked that laat year it was done for about £ 100, but the authorities evidently thought that was too economical, and had appointed two new officials at L250 oach a¡nod expenses. They had now to submit their tailings and dredge corn for. grading, and it would be bought at 7s. a quarter less than the control mice. He thought, how. ever. that farmers would be well advised to re- fuse to sell such corn until they could gat offal at the same price. On the labour question the Chairman Said the skilled or key-man should be left on the land iust as itheywere retained in munition wo. ks and so on. It wa« about time that this was done instead of sending them tailors and piano tuners. After a reference to the new-, Iv formed Welsh Advisory Committee, the Chair- man concluded with a, reference to the -Wages Board and the price of com. When ¡,Jhe Corn Production Act was passed, wages were fixed at 25s. The minimum was now 35s.. but the price of corn remained the same. That was not busi- ness. He did not grumble at the wages, but the price of corn should be correspondingly increased. MR. PRITOHARD S COMPLAINTS. Mr. J. C. Pritchard condemned the action of the War Agricultural Executive Committee in sending out ploughing craer4 and completely ignoring the local committee which was best able to advise, on the master. Local farmers were willing-to plough as much as possible, but it, was ridiculous f<fr a body who knew nothing about the district to send out orders. The? could not. find the extra acres wanted, and more ploughing would ruin the dairy industry which had been built up by year* of ha.rd work. Mr. Pritchard also complained that the oattle market at home was oon-geaefd while cattle from the favoured oo«iitry-Irela.nd"-were allowed to come in. He also made oome istrodig'remerks abotit the inconsiderate way the military authorities moved itoldier-workers ivwri when they had be. come tioeft4 and were ijrgently wanted. COUNTY CANNOT COMPLY. On the motion of Mr. T. H. Morgan, seconded by Mr. R. Williams and supported by Mr. Evan Daviee, a. resolution was passed urging that the oouttW could not possibly provide the eartra plousrh area asked for,—Mr. J. Thomas, Fields, complained that the land wae not properly in. spected. Unsuitable land had been ploughed in consequence wiith great loss ti the farmer and the nation.—On the offal question, Mr. Roberts. Church House, said farmers had to sell tbeir grain and could get nothing back. What they did get was hardly worth giving to the stock. His land bed been badly flooded and at the Arne time he was without food for his cattle, with, the reauli that t,ho-v lost srrealy in condi- tion.—Mr. J. C. Prrfccihard thought, ift was time tihey had mills in Montgomeryshire to do away with the necessity for sending their grain away. I TIME TO MAKE A STAND. Mr. 3. H. Higgins maid it was a faroe to ask j for licences, and he thought they should make a stand an4 use their tailings without licences.— Mr. Roberts: If we do not our cattle will starve. —Mr. Hughes, Tycerrtg, related an mknce in which pigs half fat had to be turned out on grains, and Mr. W. Ridge added tbat, it was time farmers made a st-and.A resolution was. passed urging that dredge corn and tailings should be free from pemaits, aud a resolution was also passed urging that no more men shall, lie taken from (the Ia-nd.A discussion followed on the congestion of the home caittle marl-et, and it was pointed out that the position was een- oiks in view of the shortage of feeding stuffs. The cattle would lose weight with resultant loss to Ciie nation. On -he motion of Mr. Pritchard, Rhysnant, seoonded by Mi. r)ariee, Plas Foxen, a resolution was parsed calling on the autlhoritiea to take stops to relieve the congestion, Mr. J. C. Pritchard .making a, particular point of the ftot that. Irish cattle were allowed to come in.

Shropshire Produce Co-operative Society. FIRST QUARTERLY MEETING. The finst quarterly meeting of the Wbareholdftrs waa held on Saturday in Shrewsbury, the Presi- dent),- Major Parker Leighton in the chais^A refpeyrt from the Committee of Management presented, which deta led -the work of the eocietr during the quarter epdusg Septepvber 28. Tb8 05 Wri-giif, V*he■ 4¡j Clothier, were also placed before the meeting-. The total sales of produce were close on £ 1,300, and a small neflt profit \Va. shown. The system of coll action of produce from .;mrll groirer« in rural districta by motor lorry has been much ap- preciated in those districts served. tricts have asked that that. system shall also be applied to fhem.-It was pointed oirt by the Chairman that the capital so far subwribe4 is entirely insuflSoient to warrant more being dons ait, present than has been done, but as increased capital is subaarlbed, and a! other districts de- cide to eo-operate botji in subscribing/capital and in organising collections of produce, r,'he develop- mentd asked for will be cut in mo ion. At. tbo t date of meeting there were 284 shareholders throughout the oountv. It was explained tha* f while rfhareholdew will, according to the rules, j only ve 5 per cent, interest on their capital those dhtmliolder-s who are also producers, will [ raosave the n81!t profit of their sales of, product to -the, society.

Over 400 lives were lost Ion October 6 through a collision between American troop- ship-