Welsh Newspapers
Search 15 million Welsh newspaper articles
25 articles on this Page
I A PLAIN TALE FROM ".THE…
I A PLAIN TALE FROM ".THE HILLS, A novel treating either directly or indirectly of wwtei? sh ,,fe is such' a ranl* in these days of Vast ¥m« hat its local interest, quite apart from any possessed literary merit, should assure such a volume a hearty welcome from readers in the Princi- plity. In" Heavens of Brass" we have, from the pen of a rising English writer, W. Scott King, the life tragedy of Ph.lhp Drew, the ? of a Welsh collier. The lurid white light of local colour," as that vigorous word-painter Kipling term it. is used with a lavish brush -? an effective, in this pen picture, constituting tt?he principal ground for any claim the author may lay to the title of a realist. Th. story opens with a vivid and faithful panorama of the colliery village of Lower Deep, a type of scores of villages in the hills, where, with a dozen exceptions, every able-bodied male worked in the pits, "rose at the call of the same hooter, blundered into the dark road in identical corduroys and caps with I tomm v boxes,' and lamps of the same pattern and bought at the same company shop, and deoo,guding the SRme shaft, toiled in precisely similar < hfwffi » ^*n k* same 'hooter' summoned them i m the evenings to dwellings of uniform size and uniform squalor." i; Jti ^ther of the hero (or rather the ?fctim) T? contentedly ? a farm labourer in Monmouth- s?hire nu?nt.1 fv, news came of the discovery of coal in fhAe .TnfifihK fl?• lng valleys, ?°. ?vin?isp?ou? b?ehh?w.th his wife and child migrated to that region of fabn W P!0va'6e- Then en^ed the bitterness of disillSn !ie!Ca intensity of which the mother on her death-bed induced her husband to rSnft ?'? shall never  ?cr? pits." Faithfully ^ad Eli Drew kept that promise, strainedly gazing into the darkness of the ?futTe '?wSw ?ne infinitel, pathetic, 8t™«gliog with a view nhe J felt absolutely powerless to fulfil. "He would not break his word-never! and vet he could not keep it. At a Cymmanfa, while listening to the Rev. Peter Evano, "a florid emotional, yet withal musically eloquent," speaker, Phillip gets the in- < spiration that he too must be a preacher, and in a i ? Vr appeal to his father uees- the arm chair as a Pulpit and Prodigal Son as a text for his fir8' appeal. COT b0met com? home to your father's love! to y™ounr rffatuher >s house! ?- is waiting for you—has thefatwS H'8l"ir ?r°w° whitewili>•>* | the fatted calf th Eli gazed at the young bypnotiat with positive awe orate? a8fhuhi t st«ruck him, and the next instant both embrace chair'baok were folded in one frantic cmbrace. With truly Celtic fervour, the father nourished this ambition, unattainable for lack of this world's gcods. A strike at the colliery, the defeat of the men, and their return to work brings up m them the wrath of an excited mob of strikers from a neighbouring valley, After a skirmish between the two factions, the viotors, full of the lust of victory, make for the shattered house of a miserable money-lending hunohbick, Old Jimmy." On nearing the miser's house, Eli Drew runs ahead, thinking to warn the old man, who appears at an upper window. A few injudicious words and "Jimmy" falls fatally wounded by a stoned snowball. In the rush for the door, Drew is forced into the house, and accidentally finds the miser's hoard, which he secretes. The mob, unable to find the hidden wealth, turn their attention to the wounded man, and, realising the serious result of their foolish enter- prise, discreetly disperse. There being no claimant, the collier is in a dilemma as to the disposal of the dead man's money, and after a consultation with his pastor, Rev David Pugh, in which he is advised to "restore it 'to the Lord," decides to use it in his son's education for the ministry, imagining he would theteby make some atonement for his "crime." He e4 'e. from Lower Deep, and Phillip is accepted ast?hudent for the Nonconformist ministry. The iaSuenoe ud3.t fr student Dacre, a cynical hypocrite, soon shakes the foundation of our hero's rather unstable belief, while that of Dr Mollinby, a cultured Unitarian, and his daughter Gabrielle complete his moral disintegration. Phiilip, suffering from a serious lack of perspective, at the conclusion of his college career determines to renounce his vacation. Returning home, thfre ensues a painful scene between father and son, when Phillip, telling of bis deternunatton, sh?gs the oicer man to contession of how he bad procured the money for his education. After his father's death, Phillip returns to Lower Deep, where he lives in the house of "Old Jimmy," and enters upon a vague plan of an educational atonement." How he teaches Ruth, who reveals to him that she is the miser's heiress how the rude pit girl learnt to love her teacher, whose death upon the mountain brings to a fitting conclusion an interesting story, is all well told. Yet, although the story is well told, it is not flawless. Of Phillip Drew we can say little that is good; too emotional and impulsive to be an Englishman, too impractical to be a Welshman, he seems to have inherited the bad qualities of both his Saxon mother and his Celtic father; any other theory makes him an impossible creation. It is ridiculous to think that even a collier's son should, after a grammar school training, have said that "Martin Luther was the author of I the Reformation,, and that the Bible was first written in English and then translated into Welsh." In Eli Drew we have depicted an accurate portrait of a better class Welsh collier- superstitious, narrow- minded, of simple life, and slight ambition, who dies of a broken heart, a constant, lovable man, a type of the weaker who goes to the wall. It seems hard to understand that the artist who has portrayed Eli so admirably should have been capable of so far forgetting his mission as to produce Dr Moliinby and Gabrielle, two of the most inanimate beings imaginable. We could tolerate Dr Mollinby -his unorthodoxy has a feeble charm of its own;; but his daughter, with her pedantic utterance and false Bohemianism, is a perpetual contradiction of nature. Yet, although Gabrielle does not appeal to our fancy, the girl of the pit bank, Ruth, is an admirable creation. Mr Scott King's treatment of our national customs and characteristics is in the main appreciative, and we can allow to pass his exaggerated dictum that Welsh is the language sacred to unreality," especially when we remember a very sane remark of Gabrielle's, that I it is common for young men fired with a certain ambition generally go in for being oynics." Taken altogether, Heavens of Brass indicates that our author has struck a rich and hitherto un- exploited vein. This volume is one of promise and prophecy. We look with interest for the future execution and fulfilment. [* Heavens of Brass."—W. Soott King.—Unicorn Press.—6s.]
MILITARY DRILL IN SCHOOLS.
MILITARY DRILL IN SCHOOLS. The Earl of Meath, Chairman of the LadsrJ>ril! Association, forwards for publication a copy of correspondence which has passed between the War O('e and the Education Department, relative to the systematic teaching of military drill in schools. On July 7 last the Secretary of State for War in- formed the Lord President of the Council that the Ehi-1 of Meath had drawn attention to the objects for \Vh;h the Lads' Drill Association has been formed, « -h a view to obtaining the assistance of the War P irtment in furtherance of a scheme to promote a more general teaching of military drill to lads within certain limits of age. Lord Lansdowne feared that I he interests of the War Department in the proposed scheme were not sufficiently direct to justify an ex- penditure from Army Funds voted by Parliament, but he would have no objection to giving assistance in the formulation of a suitable standard of drill, and would be ready to afford facilities for the selection of efficient drill 'instructors, and for the occasional in- spection of the lads by military officers, when this could be carried out without expense falling on Army Funds. Before moving in the matter, the Secretary of State desired to be informed of the views of the Lord President of the Council as to the measure of support, which he considered might be extended to the Association. The following reply was received-: Education Department, Whitehall, S.W., August 21, 1899. Sir,—In reply to your letter dated the 7th nlt.imo, I am directed to state that the Education Department are not prepared to take any action for m'iking military drill, to the exclusion of othet forma of physical exer<se. universal and compul- sory in the schools. The regulations of the De- partment, however, provide encouragement for military drill equally with other forms of suitable physical exercise. One of the conditions of the higher grant for discipline and organisation in a school is that provision should be made in the ap- proved time-table for instruction in Swedish or other drill, or in suitable physical exercises (Article 101 (b) of the Code). The Code enables the funds of a school to be applied to the payment of a teacher of drill (Article The attached extract from the llev-sed Instructions to Inspectors (paragraph 29) shows that the Department approve of military drill in the schools. Copies are enclosed of two circulars which have been issued by this Department on the subject on June 5, 1871, and June 21, 1883, respectively. It is understood that the Manual issued with the latter circular is now out of print. If the War Office think fit to revise the Manual, and to afford facilities for the selection of efficient drill instructors, and for the occasional inspection of the lads my military officers, the Education Department will be prepared to issue a circular for bringing these particulars to the notice of her Majesty's Inspectors.—I have the honour to be, Sir, your obedient servant, u (Signed) "G. VV KEKF.WTCII. The Under Secretary of State, War Office."
I PRESIDENT LOUBET ON THE…
PRESIDENT LOUBET ON THE COMING EXHIBITION. President Loubet held his New Year Receptions at the Elysee in Paris on Monday, and the Papal Nuncio, on behalf of the Diplomatic Corps, delivered a congratulatory address, in which reference was made to the approaching Paris Exhibition, which he said, would once more show France in all the eclat of her historical and traditional role. This furnished the princu????n?,? ?? p It:was Few month., said the P 'd''{ Ie 1 Wl,l open In 11 SERges ui piugre? ?erH, h.a country the most glorious recompense for the hospitality which nis offered to the nations 11ttl it had contributed to a considerable extent to that work of concord of which all the peoples of the world awaited the consuniation.
I CONFERENCE OF MuiuLANS.
I CONFERENCE OF MuiuLANS. I The 15th annual Conference of the Incorporated Society of Musicians opened at the Grand HOlel, Scarborough, on Monday night, with the reception by the Yorkshire section of the mem bers. The society has a membership of 2000, and about 300 members are taking part in the proceedings. Those wh.. have already arrived, or who are expected to-day, nre Sir F. Bridge (organist at Westminster Abbey^ Mr W. H. Curnmings (Guildhall School of Music). .[1', F. H. Cowen (London), who conducted at. the recent Scarborough Musical Festival, Dr. H. Ifiles (Man- chester), Herr G. Lieblin (rondori), Dr. A. If. &jann (King's College, Cambridge), Professor K. Prout (London), Mr. J. L. and Madame Eoeckel (Bristol). Dr. H. Coward (Sheffield), Dr. tf, A. Hardmg ( Brad- ford), and others. The Conference will be formally opened on Tuesday, when the Mayor of Scarborough (Citptain- Darley) will welcome the Societv fo t ti- town. Sir Frederick Bridge will deliver an address, and Dr. H. A. Harding (Bedford) wll contribute a paper upon the subject of Woman as a Musician." The p!ace for the holding of next year's Conference will be selected, and in the evt?ili?o, an impromptu rcnonil cert f wi-lfl i be given. On Wednesday morning Mr. F. H. Cowen will take the chair, and deliver an add. ess on the training of condnctors and accompanists. The afternoon wiiI be clevoied to excursions, and the evening to Modern Music." The nrize composition of Mr. F. W. Austin, of Dirkenb?the award of the society for trio for phno, violin, and violoncello), and Signor Michele Esposito's sonata for piano and violoncello, will be rendered. On Thursday Mr W. H. Curnmings will preside, and addrP98 on "Pitch, Post, present,, and future," with special reference to the new Pliilhar- monic pitch and in the afternoon Mr. Henry New- boult. (Bradford) will read a paper on "Broad- mindedness on matters musical." On Thursday night, the annual dinner will be held, under the presidency of Sir F. Bridge. Friday morning and afternoon will be devoted to routine business, and in the evening there will be a performance of Bander. oratorio "Alexander Bab's
[No title]
TilE report on the wori-vng of the Boiler Explo- sions Act during the year ,-ndiag June, 1899 has been issued. It shows that by the 68 explosions oeait with in the report, .S!i persons were killed and <>< injured. The average number of persons killed per year since the Act ot I -2 came into operation is 21-,)-5, and the average number injured 61-3 per year. As in previous years general deterioration, corrosion. 1 -'1 l aim aereccive saiety-valves are the prevailing causes of explosions, and, after these, defective design, workmanship, material, or construction, and undue work.n? pressure are the most frequent causes 1.1 IE Mct-lxmruc ?,?, ??, ? story of President Arnger which is worth repr?).,cin?. Some month3 ago he received an American deputation, and asked it a crisis should occui, on which side shall l' nnet the Americans?" The reply was that they would be on the side of liberty and good govern- meiit. To this the President rejoined, You are all alike, tarred with the same brush you are British in your hearts.
Advertising
THE t t /I/k q uEtt% ar If you want to purchase a Tin of COLMAN'.s best MUSTARD, make sure the name of COLMAN and the BULUS HEAD are on the label. Accept on no pretence whatever any Tin =does not bear these distinctive Marks. D.S.P. (Double Superfine) Is the name of the best quality.
S S F? A. | S S F A... I
S S F? A. | S S F A. I TO THE EDITOR OF THE" WELSHMAN." I SrEL,-Should aiy of your readers know of a case oj I the wife and f imily of a soldier or sailor now serving in I South Africa who are not in receipt of any relief from the War Fund, a-.d will give me their names and addresses, I will make full inquiry into the case, and see I that they are properly provided for. Yours, &o., W. LBWBS, II Hon. Qec. Soldiers' Help Society. XilyBnewydd, Llandvesul.
D. WILLIAMS ON THE BRITISH…
D. WILLIAMS ON THE BRITISH CEIUELCH. I TO THE EDITOR OF THE WELSHMAN. I SIB,-I was very much surprised to read D. Williams, strange etateoo-nt that diocesan bishops were unknown in the early Celtic Church, when he ought to have known that the very first authentic account we have of the British Church proves beyond doubt that it had diocesan bishops. At the Council of Arles, A.D. 314, three diocesan bishops of the British Ohnrch were present, D"meh Eborius, Bishop of York; Restitutus, Bishop of London and Adelfius, Bishop of Caerleon, accompanied by Sacerdos, a priest, and Arminius, a deacon. To use the words of E. J. Newell, M.A., author of "The History of the Ancient British Church": "There is not the a ighteat doubt that the constitution of the British Church in the fourth century corresponded exactly to the constitution of the Church in Wales at the present day." (See p. 34.) He is also quite wrong if he thinks that bishops were always, or, as a rule, subordinate to abbots in the Irish and "Scotch rhurchss. Usually, abbots were also bishops. It is trne that Oolumba of Iona and his suc- cessors at Iona w"re not bishops, but St. Finnian of Clonnard, Columbia master, was abbot and bishop. St. Aidan, St Finan, and St. Colman, Columba's dis- ciples, were also abb ts and bishops of Lindisfarne. Where was that wonderful book, "The History of the Early Historians," which D. Williams recommends when he mada these serious blunders ? Yours., &c., WATCHMAN
D. WILLIAMS ON CHURCH AND…
D. WILLIAMS ON CHURCH AND STATE. I TO THE EDITOR OF THE WELSHMAN." I SIR, I cannot help but admire D. Williams'8 SBS'SbSS.t wriggle of quagmire into which he has sunk. Having failed entirely to win the P,20 by proving that the bishops and the clergy of the Church of Eng- land are State-paid, or that the Church of England has been endowed by the State, he now craftily tries to make out that it was for proving that Mr. Gladstone had said that tithes are "national property" I had offered him £20, which is utterly untrue. Fortunately, I have before me the very Welshman in which I made the offer, viz, the Welshman for Novem- ber 17th, page 7. The very words I used were as follows I hereby offer D. Williams jE20 if he can prove (1) that the clergy of the Church of England are State-paid, or (2) that the £15,000 paid to the Arch- bishop of Canterbury is paid by the State, or (3) that the Church has been endowed by the State." Nothing whatever was said about Mr. Gladstone in connection with the c ffer of E20. A man like this D. Williams, who is mean and soeakish enough to put into his opponent s mouth words which he had never uttered, is really beneath cootemDt: hut aa n -11 I wo XJ. vy imams seems to be so very anx ous to get the £ 20, I again offer it to bim if he can prove that I ever denied ? anV of my letters ttW hat Mvr r. fG»lad,isPt*one had Fai4 that tithes were national property." I knew 30 years ago that he had said so and if J hp h never said so it would not have been ?worth h w? ht!e ? denying, for it does not strengthen the case K t1A the sh3htest degree. I did say that M RM "K ? given the "Iie direct to the statement th«t fthhe clergy are ?tid"? "? ? said that Dr. Freeman (-<'?. Gladitone) had given "? lie direct to the statement that  pSr?oDeSr??v is national property, except in £ 8eme S~ M" perty is national property. pro- All property (Including tithes and chapel endowments) is tn one seme national property, but that  verv different from saying that the State ? Xe o?er of aH property. Mr. Gladstone never said in his life that the State is the owner of Church tithes. Rather thin accusing Professor Collins (not Professor Wileon, as D. Williams calls him) and "Augustine" of ignorance in a general way, it would have been far more to the point if D. Williams could point out one single mistake in our historical statements-whtch he cannot do. Indeed, Professor Collins made no historical state- ments at all So, on what ground, I ask, can this country clown accuse him of ignorance ? it were well for this boaster if we were ignorant of Church history. "The wish is the father of the thought." B", spends, lines upon lines to prove the supremacy i the Popss■ o«er t.e English Church during the Middle Ages, as if anybody was silly enough to deny the fact. But the eupremacj of the Popes over the English Church d- ea i of, prove the identity of the Church of Rome with the English Church. Tte Enfli3M7 PIerciee Eupremacy over the Irish, k-couch, aad Welsh nations to-day, but that does not prove that the Irish. Scotch, and Welsh nations:are Anglo-Normans, or English I D. Williams, in his customary mild and polite (r) language, declares that anyone who says that the Church of England before the Reformation was not Roman fiafhnlip. in an ianorant fool Let it be 80. 1. Mr. Asquith (on 21;t March, 1895) said I hold very strongly that it is an historical fallacy to represent the Church of England as ever having been a mere off- shoot and dependency of the Church of Rome." I ask, Is Mr. Asquith "an ignorant fool" ? 2. Professor Freeman, D.C.L., late Regius Professor of Modern History at Oxford, said ;—" The facts of his- tory compel us to assume the absolute identity of the Church of England after the Reformation with the Church of England before the Reformation. Was the renowned historian, Dr. Freeman, an ignorant fool" P 3. Mr. Gladstone said I can find no trace of that opinion which is now common in the mouths of unthinking pereona" [like D. Williams] —««that the Roman Catholic Church was abolished in England at the time of the Reformation, and that a Protestant Church was put in its place." Was Mr. Gladstone-" the greatest Churchman of the age," as D. Williams calls him-" an ignorant fool ? If these men were "ignorant fools," then I am quite I satisfied with being called by the same name. I con- sider it a very high compliment to be classed with men of such brilliant parts. 1 wish I was worthy of the compliment. The bump of self-esteem must be abnormally developed in this D. Williams's cranium. What is your address- tell me ? Yours faithfully, AUGUSTINE. I
I,, LLWYNOG'S" MISLEADING…
I,, LLWYNOG'S" MISLEADING STATEMENTS. TO THE EDITOR OF THE" WELSHMAN," SIR, Your editorial note to "Llwynoe's" assertion that the parishioners of Llanddowror have to pay a rate to the National School in that parish will, undoubtedly, satisfy your readers that he has, as you aayRothSdof SwSiSm Imi' 8P -V I think it iS obvious th'J either D. Williams's spite or ignorance has led hiai to make statement,q corcerning the Established Church that are CUhhunrrcchh and j I y■hold no brief for the Eeta?Uahed Chnrch, and I e* nei}th.er conform to nor believe in her doctnn.s but I think .uch gro.s mia.?X? ho?d Dot pJaflss s unchallenged. I am surprised at what LwTJ 8a18 in rrlast issue as to ? oon?t Welsh farmers to their servants. It (s a question, of of lelt' capab,l.e of J pioof (in a newspaper) on either side, but after an intimate knowledge for a good many years ofthi Tw^rJ#"016'' I ablwlutely disbelieve that he is as bad to his servants as LI wynog" asserts. o- „ cond, emnatfi.on is practically wholesale. I do not hpC? afgt?,n? the question with him, for (as I said troversy? is incapable of proof in a newspaper con- troversy. Xouro, etc., VEMENTRY. [On the school rate we have had our say Into the que?tion A^ ?9tab1'shed Church we w?oten? present As to the servant question, however Yemen ry "may rest assured that Llwynoe knows  that he does. Wholesale condemnation is, in the abstract, unjust; but some evils are so inveterate and so widely prevalent  practically ?   be made upon them by ordinary methods of treatment. We all d('plore the depopulation of rural districts and o?on? ??? ? to?ns, but, somehow, few or^ione of n^w7 i )pen our eyes to the one real cause of the evil Ed
INCOME TAX REPAYMENTS.
INCOME TAX REPAYMENTS. TO THE EDITOR OF THE WELSHMAN. SIR -As most of your readers who are engaged in business are now a-cartainin? the amount of their profits for the y<?r 1899?wm .yo???ow ,?, toremind profits for the yeqr ill y nave not furnished proper acoounts, while many have neglected to Seep any accounts of their business trans- actions. If proper acoounts be kept, or even if a proper cash account be presented (which is very simple by using the-'Taxpayers' Cash Book"), there is but little difficulty in establishing a claim. Thousands of people pay taxes for which they are not liable, more particularly those whose incomes are derived from property and investments where tax is de- ducted before being paid to the recipients, or when dividends are paid fres of Income Tax." Abatements are now allowed in cases where the total income does not exceed £ 700, as follows Incomes of jei60, ex- empt; X400, abatement £ 160 £ 500, abatement X150; :£600, abatement X120 C700, abatement j670. Where the income of the current financial year has all been received, claims can, in many cases, now be made for four years, and the sum repayable might in the case I Of private incomes atone exceed £ 42, to say nothing of tax allowed in respect of life insurance premiums, even II when the income exceeds X700. We shall be glad to advise any of your readers gratuitously whether they can make a claim for repayment, if they send us full particulars of their incomes, and a stamped addressed ¡' envelope. Yours faithfully, THE INCOME TAX ADJUSTMENT 1 AGENCY. 12 and 13. Poultry, London, E.G., < Dec. 28th, 1899. I
THE INCREASE OF SALARIES.…
THE INCREASE OF SALARIES. I TO THB EDITOR OF THB "WELSHMAN." I SIR, -I see that the Master and Matron of the Car. marthen Workhouse have asked for an increase of salaries. Well, if an additional work has been imposed on them since their appointment was made, they ought to get additional pay accordingly. If not, then let them abide by their original agreement, or resign. And our Inspector of Nuisances, Mr. T. D. Williams, also wants his present JE60 sa'ary to be swelled into JE80. if you please. His duties are such that little work is expected of him. But why does he not attend to the following ? I know of an inhabited oottage to the pine end of which there is a pig-sty attached, and that within a yard or so to the public highway. The stench arisirg from this sty in the spring and summer months is so very bad that it, undoubtedly, is both a private and public nuitance. The place is within easy reach of St. Clears, I « TXTilli If — --■* j
I -TALIESIN AND "TRUTH."
I TALIESIN AND "TRUTH." J TO THE EDITOR OF THB WELSHMAN." SIR, For" Truth to assert that Taliesin wrote his celebrated poem, One of the Four Pillars of Song," in the year A D. 620, is sheer arrogance and bunkum, It is a well-established fact that Taliesin died in the sixth century, and, therefore, must have written the song at a much earlier date than the one above mentioned I hardly expected that men of Truth's calibre would aocept Hafod Uchtryd manuscript as authentic, for that would involve a general smashing up of Church Defence magic-lantern slides. That the Welsh found fault with the Church of Rome about the time of keeping Easter, &c., is quite in character with the Welsh people. As it is now, so it was then. Every village cobbler and shoemaker thinks himself quite capable of expounding Holy Writ, and he struts about on Sundays with a huge commentary- CI Mathew Henry," as a rule-in his hands, with the dignity of an American D.D. The Welsh not only dis- puted about Easter, but also neglected to keep the vigils and holidays appointed by the Church of Rome, Taliesin was well aware of this great fault in his countrymen. This is how he sang- Psalms or prayers they do not use, Tithes or offerings to God they do not pay; On holidays or Sundays they do not worship; Vigils or festivals they do not heed; Innocent virgins of Mary they corrupt." Notwithstanding the hysterical screechings of Pro- testant preachers, the Welsh have already started on their march to Rc me. You can hear the tramp of many feet in their new love of the symbolical, the beautiful, and the pure. The reaction has set in in real earnest the gloom is giving way to light. The saintly New- man. the rmltnrAfi Mnrnnia nt Ttnfo I-, ?- ?"Mo, great, mBtortan and Church Defence lecturer, R. E. Dell, have already ff^1  ''S?: and have abided in it. And were truth less given to paraphrasing a book called The Englisman's Brief," and delve a little deeper, it would be to his advantage. I will give you just one instance t?o ? ahow ? to what sorry phght the Protestant Reformed Church has come to. The two archbishops were lately ccaalllleed d upon to decide the two questions-the use of in. Fce'?iX??????? q?ationathe uae of Lo, anV behold this is ,threir decision Both were declllred illegal by the prelates, though ™t unscriptural. SSwureeTlyv Oolld d NNiicnk lf himself must have smoled a smile at such an unholy mixture of Church and State. I remain, Sir, yours faithfully, Whitland, December 30th, 1899. AFON TAF. I
" BIRDS OF A FEATHER," &c.…
BIRDS OF A FEATHER," &c. TO THE EDITOR OF THE IL "WELSHMAN." I SIR,-The Boers import arms and ammunition labelled "Agricultyral Implements." The patient readers of the Wel,hman are treated to a mixture of the blindest partisan ?'? ?tiScation of one of the moat cor- rupt, C tyrannical, and oppressive oligarchies that eIvveer reexxii^steed d • facts (?) and propbeoies culled from the Eatanswill Gazette; and malignant vilification of our nob est and most honourable statesmen, under the title of Agricultural Jottings." be Poor Agricu!ture I Why should thy honourable name be thus prostituted ? Yours, &o., O'R WLAD. [We have followed our usual policy in allowing our corre8pondent to express his own views on the war' without in any way identify ing ourseU with his opinions -ED.]
HENRY'S MOAT AND DISTRICT…
HENRY'S MOAT AND DISTRICT PLOUGHING I MATCH. TO THB BDITOB OF THB "WELSHMAN." SIR,-Kindly allow me ? small space for the benefit I of the ublic who may be intereated, and may not ??5' ?h7   fail to 8gree. 'Ve differ on the appointment of ?d?. 11 Mr J .l>a>t 1_- L_- Ta«,j=T i? lceir selection is as folIowš: Mr: Lewis to Choose one, myself a second, and the above =Lewis --s-:   blame me after the assertion of one of their own members in the Welshman last February, viz The? are rotten to the COre-" MY P^n is the following That Mr. Lewis and myself form a comm ttee tn manage the business on the lines of any other match, the V™s JtuS ¥TJh? P?eentdaycha<np!on. be cho? to ? aX a judges. This plan Mr. Lewis objects to. Let the public draw their own conclusions It appears ;hat the match won't take place after all. The 1 hallenge will be left open for Mr Lewis' acceptance till the end of February. Judging by the writings of Mr. Perkins, he would be highly pleased to prove to the public that he is no small dab at the plough. I have been drafting a scheme, Mr. Editor, in view of drawing him out of his shell for the benefit of the public. Should I fail in the attempt, I implore others who have been blessed with keener creative powers than myself to take him in hand My scheme is as follows: I will put down L15 to his E10. For this purse of £ 2-5, we will try conclusions under the following conditions:—1. One back, about fourteen turns round, according to length of field. After the third furrowing turn, Mr. Perkins shall have the exquisite pleasure of blindfolding me with a stout 'kerchief (bat it must not be charaed with gas, you know). 2. Managing committee, Kriiger and Chamberlain. Failing those, any two competent men. 3. One man to be allowed to turn the plough for me on the headlands. 4. Field—the best that can be procured between Clarbeston Road and New Moat. 5. Ridges-the best to the eye to win the purse (fancy a blind mantploughing to the eye). 6. Judgai-present- day champions, of course. After the ploughing is over, I shall wquest Mr. Perkins to remove the 'kerchief, as I shall want to feast my eyes on his ridge and take motes for future reference. Yours, etc.. Stubbleboro', January 1st, 1900. W. J AllIES. I Stubbleboro' January Ist, 1900. W. JAMES.
.APPEAL TO OLD VOLUNTEERS.…
APPEAL TO OLD VOLUNTEERS. I TO THE EDITOR OF THE WBLSHMAS." I Sir&Ilay I, through you, ask all ex-Volonteers who are willing to be enrolled as a Volunteer Reserve, of all ages up to fifty years, to attend and accompany the Volunteers to church on Sunday next, at 10.20 a.m. This is a special parade, ordered by her Mott Graoious Majesty the Queen. I am, Sir, your obedient servant, C. H. CARPENTER, I Sergeant let V.B. Welsh. I
iRAILWAY-STREET AND SAUNDSRSFOOT…
i RAILWAY-STREET AND SAUNDSRSFOOT I DRAINAGE. TO THE EDITOR OF THE WELSHMAN." I SIR, -Kindly allow me, through your columns, to correct the misleading statements with which Mr Vickerman attacks me in your last issue. Much that is misleading has appeared in your columns of late, and it would be no great task to show to your readers that the statements made by correspondents are entirely in- correct, and made for selfish purposes. Bat to answer persons who hide themselves behind fictitious names would be folly, as the day is now far gone when the public could be gulled by would-be agitators who fear to disclose their identity. No honourable man need hide himself behind a fictitious name in public affairs. I feel, howevei, that I cannot do less than inform your readers that they need a far more reliable aouroe than that upon which the late correspondence is based ere the truth can be fully known. At the same tima, I give Mr Vickermanieredit, as,a gentleman, for having the courage of his own convictions, and fcr placing his name to the accusations 'made against me, viz., of making mis- leading statements, which I shall be able to show are not false statements made by me, but falsified from the fact that the information he has at hand is not altogether reliable. I find in his letter that though Railway-street is part of the entire soheme, the Parochial Committee do not propose to deal with it in the immediate future. Why, I ask ? How carefully that is put. I wonder how long that means, and then the opinion of the Medical Officer, "it is by no means urgent." Perhaps be will tell your readers why. This is the only street in the village which is not drained at all (is it more oondacive to health to be without drains P), and the only street from which the District Council has had complaints, while the other two streets which do not together contain a greater number of houses, and about which so much fuss is made, are drained. Milford- street is drained with a 12in. drain glazed pipe, having something like a fall of three inches to the yard, while High-street and Wogan's-terrace have stone drains with much the same gradient. Railway-street is nearly a dead level, without a drain at all. Then Mr Vickerman states the estimated cost is SISO. This 1 find he states in the Tenby Observer to be L150 (I suppose this will be claimed as a clerical or printers' error), and not J6500 as stated by me Is is likely I should have made such a statement before the District Council, when there'lay on the table before them the estimate of cost, which showed it to be E300. that not including a flushing syphon, which thy engineer said would cost some £40, and would be necessary, it i baa said it I would not withdraw it, as construction gener- ally exceeds by a long way engineers' estimates. But it is not suggested that the drain should be utilised for carrying away the water from an old level which floods the basements of the adjoining houses. The plan pr poses to do so. Surely, the p an is at fault, and not me." And to suppose that my misleading statements were the cause of the road not being taken over that day is as untrue as it is misleading. The question of taking over the road was not before the District Council that day (it was not on the agenda), but what happened was this: The Road Surveyor read his report upon the road, which was to the effect that it had, in Lis opinion, received sufficient metalling, but suggested that a eom- e.I -1 1_ Æ_Á..1. ?''? 'sM'' 't a few days be- -t ? the Parochial0 i tee. This question has f o r e a never been voted upon at either of the meetings I have attended as a member of the District Council, so that this accusation is as groundless as it is false and Mis- leading. As to my voting for the scheme at the Parochial Com- mittee, I have never voted for the present scheme at all. The only time I recorded my vote was (I de not now remember the date) when the Committee was unanimous in petitioning the District Council to pipe the drains running through High-street and Wgan's- terrace, which are now stone drains, and to continue the Milford- street diam, which is piped to the outfall, if necessary. Upon this I make my stand, and it has yet to be ex- plained why such a change has taken place in the minds of the so-called Progressives who voted for the same thing "It will ba said there was no plan at that time." No the petting of a plan only arose from the requisition of the District Council for a plan, for, as a committee, we then agreed that in the laying of these drains they would become part of the plan, so that at any future time, if the plan was completed, they would not require to be dealt with. As to being left to the tender mercies of the Local Government Board, they could not possibly ask for more than is asked at present, and probably would be satisfied with very much less. And if they are called upon the scene, the blame rests with those who flood the Press with the matter. As to personal feeling, personalities should not count in public affairs. As a district councillor, I have sought nothing but the welfare of the parish I represent. If they are unfortunate in their choice, that is their fault wish if"06' willingly resign my seat, if they wieh it. Yours respectfully, Saundersfoot. WILLIAM BEDDOE. I
PRESENTS FOR THE SIEGE GARRISONS…
PRESENTS FOR THE SIEGE GARRISONS OF I KIMBERLEY AND MAFEKIN6. folWi^eM b6*n requested to give publicity to the follow ing letter from the widow and relatives of the late Major Scott Tarner, whioh appeared in the ?" of Dec. 23rd last TO THE EDITOR OF THE "TIMES." "31R,-On December 2nd you were good enough lo pablish an appeal from n80D behalf o? this porti°E o!  ? ?° find ?-? for a words on the result P So prompt and so liberal has been the response that the gifts, in no mea6ured quantity, have to-day been placed on board the transport Jelunga at Southampton. We should like, through your kind courtesy, to thank all the kind donors, many of them anonymous. Specially, we would thank the British and Foreign Bible Society for their donation of 3,300 tiny books of the Gospels also his Grace the Duke of A barcorn for his gift to Mar- king of 250 pairs of socks, knitted by the Irish industry, and for 100 light shawls for the sick and wounded. To the 3,300 men have been sent 3.500 pairs of socks, and the same number of pencils and of small packets of stationery, 1,050 tana-o* shanters and other head-gear, 500 handkerchiefs, 600 shirts, 600 muflfers, 250 jerseys and Cardigans, nearly 2.000 pipes, 900 cigars and 9001b. of tobacco, much valuable hospital clothing, and sundry miscellaneous gifts. To assist and simplify the work of distribution, all articles, f..om penoils to shirts, have been sorted and securely tied together in packets of ten of one kind. When these garrisons are relieved, and are once more in free and open communication with the outer world, we have faith that these gifts will be amongst the early supplies which will reach them-a kindly greeting from the mother country, whose anxiety for them is only equalled by her pride in them. The balance sheet of the Kimberley and Mafeking Fund will be published in your columns as soon as the cost of transport to Southampton and the working ex- penses of packing are ascertained. With great liberality the Pall Mall Deposit Company State that they will help our fund by executing their work at cost price. But we feel that this is not the hour at which any work for our forces can cease, no matter how humble its efforts or its results. The needs created by this war are colossal, the agencies for mesting them are many, and many hands of one mind mak-9 light work. The tiny rivulets run together, and merge into one broad stream of help, marred by no cross currents, The nation at large, with one mind and one heart, daily etrenthens the hands of our ministers and of oar generals The women of England are justa3 been to do their part, and that, despite Charles Kingsley, is not weeping but working. It seems almost superfluous to dwell on the need of sensible underclothing for our soldiers, or on the rapidity with which it becomes rags in the storm and stress of a campaign. Their entire wardrobe consists of the clothes in which they stand. In tbese they march, they ride, they ficht, they dig, they sleep, month in, month out, day and night alike. Occasionally they taste the luxury of off boots," and then their change of toilet ends. Putting aside any provision against the range of temperature in twenty-four hours of South African climnte, we have here a vaster need that can be grappled with. But so long as supplies in money and in kind are forthcoming, we will do our utmost in the administration of them There is, of oourse, the transport difficulty to be faced, and it is a serious one. Whilst the War Department cannot undertake any responsibility for the di-itributi-n of gifts to the troops in South Africa, every effort will be made to carry it out as expeditiously as possible. There shall be no waste. If the In Memoriam Soldiers' Fund" cases are rightly inscribed, the contents will soon find a way to any soldiers of the' Queen who stand in need of them, and so our purpose will be fulfilled. If, with the public help, we can supply even 500 men a month with socks and other essentials, they will be the better, and our work will have prospered. Not until we hear through private sources of information, or through the Press, that our cases are lying unforwarded and un- opened at Cape Town or De Aar, or any other road or rail-side, will we stay our hand, and ask our supporters to do the same. Gifts in kind should be markei In Memoriam Soldiers' Fund," and sent to the Pall Mall Deposit and Packing Company, 4, St. Alban's-plaoe, Regent- street. A few suggestions for the guidance of workers desiring them will be printed, and may be obtained from Mrs. Henry Scott Turner, 99, Elm Park-gardens, or from Mrs. Conrad Howell, 48, Eaton-rise, Ealing, W. Remittances should be made payable to the In Me- moriam Soldiers' Fund," and crossed Messrs. Cox and Co., and sent to them or to us. We are, Sir, yours faithfully. MARGARET SCOTT TURNER. DORA SCOTT TURNER. ALMA MARY HOWELL. December 21st. The organisers of the above fund desire to express their grateful and particular thanks to Loyal Little Wales" for the many substantial and useful contri- butions received from the Principality, and for touohing sympathy expressed with th,;m in their greit sorrow. In continuing the work on behalf of the troops, they will be much cheered by the further support of those who have shown so much interest and liberality amongst whom the Fund may become known.
Advertising
The Children's Tea Table. It is always a pleasure to a mother to make her children's pasiridb rrom the nearest pastry-cook, but the after- effects of such fare too often proclaim its unwholesomeness. Nothing is more welcome to the children than nice little scones and simple cakes freshly baked at home, and these can be made very quickly and easily with the help of the new Paisley Flour, made by Brown & Poison, of Corn Flour fame. No yeast or baking powder is required, as Paisley Flour does the work of raising, and at the same time improves the flavour and digestibility of whatever is baked with it. Brown & Poison's Paisley Flour Makes an Inviting Tea-Table.
-MABAZINES -FOR THE -MONTH.…
MABAZINES FOR THE MONTH. I The publications of Messrs. Cassell can always be relied upon to maintain their interest, and the contents of their Magazine for January are as varied as they are excellent. Naturally, articles relating to South Africa or the military are eminently readable just now, and one by W. Batel Worsfold, on "The Scene of Action-all about the Boers," throws a timely light upon some of the characteristics of the Queen's enemies. The photographic illustrations are admirable. Fletcher Robinson gives the second of a series of artioles on "Famous Regiments," this time dealIng with the 1st Royal Dragoons, and disclosing one most remarkable portion of their history. In "Working Dolls," F. M. Holmes gives a hint as to th, manner in which a fortune ia to be made. This is in the invention of a cheap doll's voice to Bay" Yes" and" No," a matter -which, for years, has baffled doll manufacturers. Actors who are Artists," by J. Etheridge Collett, is descriptive of the productions of a number of popular actors who have made an almost equally good name in the art world. The serial and other stories in this number all go to make a very entertaining magazine. The Quiver is, as usual, replete with suitable reading. The Archbishop of Armagh writee the second chapter of the New Life of Christ," and his paper on the Baptism, Fasting, and Temptation of J rSUS gives a tv-y.r?'?"'?  *i h ?iT, ?c7rp*?T ic,rm,j the subjeat of -?Lut?. ? of the Rev. Dr. Hugh Macmillan, and shows htbe pen of thO h. ow every- thing in the universe, from the smallest moss to the remotest etar, is constructed and arranged according to fixed numbers, nothing being left to;chance. The Rev. E J. Hardy, Chaplain to the Forces, contributes an in forming urtide on the subject of The Truce of God in the Battlefield," the context relating to the work of the Royal Army Medical Corps and nursing staffs in time of war. Among other entertaining matter are some interesting stories by Miss Sparrow, from personal knowledge, of the curious pets of slum land, and the enormous amount of affection which thty frequently excite. Work for thO th t. ?'? ?- this month contains, as usual, an immense IS  instruction cn a large variety of matters, w IC wIll help to k th h which will help to make the home beautiful or bring  ?'? to those who carry out the hints given
IMYONDAS, BRITISH CENTRAL…
I MYONDAS, BRITISH CENTRAL AFRICA. With liberal support from the European inhabitants, aand Jhelinp from friends at home, the Rev. John Georo-e Philipps hopes to be able to open the first church built in the Diocese of Likima, in Nyasaland. Three years ago, when Mr. Philipps first arrived at Myondas Town to commence work amongst the natives, ? used fn ™ over to Fort Johnston, where the Governme?  reside, once a month, to conduct the English se?ce but as time developed it was found that the "Court House was an unsuitable place for Divine worsh? and it was decided to build a church, which T now ne £ completion, and is to be dedicated to St. Andrew On All Saints' Day the first instalment of thirty Christians at Myondas received their first Communion. Smce the end of Jnlv thPV u™ hAA- ?.?. ""?"?""n. -_n _OJ -"J v UC;C;U l.:areruuy prepared for this important step by the Rev. JohnP George Phmpps, who, on the occasion of their reception of the Blessed Sacrament, preached to the recipients from the words of our Lord after the Resurrection, "Peace be unto you." The preacher earnestly exhorted his hearers, in the difficult "Yac language, to remember the words of the Redeemer, as being words of comfort in triumph, after the conflict with sin and death. As the Conqueror of sin in death arose from the grave in triumph to give peace to the earth, so, too, had they risen from the depths of sin, vice, and brutality, to a lite of peace and joy in their Savour. as In conclusion, Mr. Philipps went on to entreat the assembly to remember, as they approached the altar, they were joining in the highest act of adoration to- gether with the Holy Angels, and if they had truly repented and humbled themselves before God they would partake in the food of angels, and receive that peace of God which passes all understanding. During the octave of All Saints' Day eleven bovs were baptized at Samama's Village, about four miles away. To our English minds, teeming with conventionalities, it seems strange and unnatural to think of so solemn a procession wending its way for at least a mile to the lake shore. In the languid waters of Lake Nyasa these young African,; were immersed. The return procession to the village was somewhat laborious, as each candidate was dripping wet, and the robes of the officials soaking with water. in such a tropical climate, it is considered dangerous to run the risk of getting wet when the atmosphere is heavily charged with malaria, but all remonstrances with Mr. Philipps on the matter were in vain, as he himself remarkcd-" Weare here to found toms mould the African Church upon Apostolic cus- toms." At the time of these baptisms, the annual native dance of a most diabolical and fiendish nature was being held, and although the witch doctors succeeded in en- ticing away two schoolboys, it is undoubtedly a good omen, towards the final triumph of the Christain Church, to find a band of African boys willing to endure persecution at the hands of their own familiar friends." Surely, these brave little fellows have the good wishes of our readers. An advance in wages of 5 per cent from to-day (Monday) has been granted in the iron and steel trades of South Wales and Monmouthshire, as the result of three months' audit. The publication of the alleged secret treaty between England and Germany as to Delagoa Bay has provoked considerable feeling in the French Press. The Debats says that whatever material advantage the possession of Delagoa Bay might bring to Great Britain in her present embarrassments, that possession would not probably compensate for the international complications to which it wouJd expose her.
A SHOCKING MURDER. - ---
A SHOCKING MURDER. A checking murder is reported from county Louth. !> ars that on Saturday some neighbours heard o': •; proceeding between a farmer named :• I v and his wife. The Dundalk police were cora- mn!\i(Mted with, and on three constables proceeding to Hoddy's house they found the woman dead, with 11 Tl'lmber of terrible wounds on her head and faoe, apparently inflicted with a table knife, which was found in the room with the blade bloodstained and d ou bled up. Before effecting an entrance to the house the police met with a stubborn resistance from Roddy, who attacked them with a heavy piece of wood. Although a man of powerful physique, he was quickly overpowered, bound with ropes, and taken to Dundalk. The prisoner, it appears, has been subject to fits of insanity. Mrs. Roddy, who was 27 years of age, had only just recovered from her coiifineitient.
A VIGOROUS CENTENARIAN".
A VIGOROUS CENTENARIAN". Mrs. Elizabeth Wiluiot, of Kirkby Laytho>'p,,t Slenford, Lincolnshire, celebrated her one huudr.-dih birthday on New Year's Day. Mrs. Wdmot ha.s two children, 10 grand-children, 13 great ^rand-children, and four generations dwell under one root'. During the winter of 1898 Mrs. Wiluiot had congestion of the lungs, and, though not expected to recover, has now almost the sprightlinrss of a girl. She rises at six, retires at ten, knits, sews, reads, and does honse- h )ld work, including carrying buckets. Her com- plexion is rosy and unwrinkled, and she looks as if she had many years of life yet before her.
BIG FIRE AT RAMSEY.
BIG FIRE AT RAMSEY. Evison's Manure Works, Ramsey, Huntingdon- shire, were on New Year's Day destroyed by fire, damage to the extent of many thousand pounds being caused. Five hundred tons of sulphuric acid were released through leaden tanks melting, and the licuid flooded the premises. Considerable quanHtits of the acid flowed into a branch of the River Nene. which is close to the gutted factory, and thousands of lisb were destroyed. The cause of the fire is tin known,
I -.. IRON AS . ■, N'CJSD.…
I IRON AS ■, N'CJSD. Ulrcnlars were issued o. cday by the leading South Staffordshire ironmx declaring an official advance in marked iron pr o! lOs. per ton. Bars, hoops, sheets, and pirues all included in the advance which is occas <m< ■ >v the increased cost 01 P'g iron and coal, and as. nmance in ironworkers wages. Bars now become £ i, with £ 11 12s. 6d. for Earl Dudley's brand. Ho.- ps become £ 11 10s., and p!ates £l 13s. and £ ,'In to grade. This ?'akesatotal advance i of .?3. .e ?',s of t3.