The Rhondda Leader

New WorKlpuse Infirmary Opened at Llwynypia. Splendid Enterprise of Guardians The spacious new Workhouse Infirmary, at a cost of £ 14,772, erected at Llwynypia for the Pontypridd Guardians, to relieve the congested institution at Pontypridd, was opened on Friday afternoon by Mrs. Clark, the wife of Mr. Godfrey Clark, J.P., Taiygarn, the chairman of the Guardians. The function, which was performed in a blaze of sunshine, was attended by a very representative gathering, including Mrs. Williaiiis, Miskin Manor; Mrs. W. P. Nicholas, Trealaw; Rev. J. Jenkins, Llantwit; Rev. J, Thomas, Pontypridd; Rev. J. J. Williams, Pentre; Dr.. W. E. Thomas, Ystrad; Dr. J. D. Jenkins, Dr. J. Lambie, Dr. Barratt, Cwmparc- Dr. Ivor Davies, J.P., Llantrisant; Mr. Wm. Evans, J.P., Tonyrefail; Councilor David Smith, Tylorstown; Councillor E. T. Wood. Pontygwaith; Councillor Ben Davies, Trehafod: Councillor Ed. Jones, Mr. Tom John, M.A., Tonypandy; Mr. T. W. Berry (Rhondda Education Direc- tor) Mr. J. W. Richards (Guardian); Mr. J. Jones (Guardian); Mr. D. Fen- wick, Tylorstown (Guardian); Councillor Enoch Davies, J.P., Treherbert; Coun- cillor E. T. Davies, Pentre; Councillor Thos. Thomas, Ystrad: Mr. Noah Truman, Mountain Ash; Mr. Octavius Thomas, Mr. John Hopkins, and others. The opening ceremony itself was of short duration. Mrs. Clark who was introduced to the gathering by Alderman E. H. Davies, J.P. (vice-chairman of the Pontypridd Guardians), was handed a golden key by Mr. Evans (of Messrs. A. O. Evans and Williams, the architects of the building), and in declaring the insti- tution open, she said she would value the key, not only for its own sake, but in remembrance of the happy occasion. Following an inspection of the build- ings, a meeting was held in one of the wards, presided over by Alderman E. H. Davies. Prior to the speech-making, Miss Edna Lewis, the young daughter of Mr. T. Lewis, the master of the Hongjs, pre- sented Mrs. Clark with a beautiful bouquet, amidst a chorus of applause. Alderman E. H. Davies paid a graceful compliment to Mr. Godfrey Clark, the chairman of the Guardians. Mr. Clark, he said, was not only well known to them as members of the Guardians and rate- payers, but he was well known through- out the county, and even throughout the whole of the Principality, and they were very glad to see him among them that day. They would not dare to open that institution in his absence (laughter). He (Mr. Davies) was also proud that Mrs. Clark had been able to accept their un- animous invitation to come to open the building. He was sure tbat-they wo-uld be pleased with the institution, which, he declared. would compare favourably with anything of its kind in the Principality pplai-ise). Mr. Godtray Clark's Speech. I Mr. Godfrey Clark, J.P., who was ioadly cheered on rising to speak, said that his wife had asked him to thank the Guardians on her behalf for having offered her an opportunity of associating herself with the opening of this institu- tion, which, lie trusted, would be a bless- ing to the neighbourhood, and which would provide increased medical assist- ance and comfort for the enormous num- ber of workers in the Valley (applause). He. personally, was struck by the enor- mous amount of time which elapsed before any improvement in the Poor Law .administration could be carried out. He did not, agree with hasty projects, but when an improvement was really needed, it did seem a pity that it took such a long time to materialise (hear, hear). There was one thing in connection with the institution that it was adivsable should be kept in the foreground. The public generally viewed in a sympathetic mood the failures in life, and as long as that sympathy was confined to those who had to fall back upon the provision of the Poor Law through no fault of their own. it was a very good thing. There were others, however, who failed because of their own misconduct, and, unfortu- nately. the public, who had had no train- ing in these matters, was disposed to treat all alike, and indeed sometimes to treat the latter better than those who had failed through no fault of their own. He did not agree with this, but lie. was afraid the Guardians did not keep it suffi- ciently in mind. He complimented Mr. Evans, the architect, on his splendid work. and trusted that it would be a recommendation for him in the future. Mr. Evans. in response to the chair- man's invitation to say a few words, said that the building provided accommoda- tion for 140 patients. It was erected of the most durable material, and was laid out on the most scientific principle as regards heating, cooking apparatus, &c. It had also an advantage over many similar buildings in that it had been built on a commanding eminence: and he did not think they would find many similar buildings standing on healthier sites. The Story of the Union. The Chairman, in the course of an interesting address, gave the history of the Pontvpridd Union since its establish- ment. The Union, he said, comprised seven parishes with a population of about 750,000. Previous to 1865 these parishes were included in the Merthyr and Cardiff Unions, but through the instrumentality of Mr. Bassett and other leading local gentlemen, the Local Government Board was prevailed upon to hold an inquiry respecting a proposal to establish a new Union. An Order was obtained in 1862, and works were erected and completed in 1865 with accommodation for 320 inmates. The total expenditure up to 1910 was- somewhere about £ 38,000. In addition, ten Cottage Homes were erected at Llantwit in 1892, where over 160 chil- dren were housed, under the supervision of a mother." A school had since been added to the Homes, which was fully equipped with everything -necessary to give the children a sound education. In addition to providing for the old-aged and the children, the Local Government Board complained that the provision for bedridden inmates was inadequate. The Board also declined to grant an extension to the present structure owned by the Guardians, with the result that a new site had to be sought for. Feeling ran high, several of the members feeling that the new building should be near the I existing institution. Several localities were visited, among them being the Pen- rhys site. He, personally, was in favour of the Llwynypia site, and submitted that the new building should be erected in the most thickly populated portion of the Union. Negotiations were entered into with the late Archdeacon Griffiths and the late Mr. G. H. Smith, of the Bailey's Estate, and eventually the pre- sent site was secured at £80 an acre, with free access to the quarry at the rear of the building, and the inclusion of the water springs in the taking. The' matter was carried through, and that day wit- nessed the consummation of their labours, Mr. Tom John, M.A., said it was gene- rally thought that the chief qualification of a Guardian was to exercise vigilance in keeping down the rates, but Guardians now had a humanitarian duty to perform as well, and he was pleased to see the unity of parishes in connection with that institution (applause). The Rev. J. Jenkins and Mr. Truman, Mountain Ash, also delivered addresses. On the motion of Mr. Godfrey Clark, seconded by Mr. Wm. Evans, J.P., Ton- yrefail, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded Alderman E. H. Davies for pre. siding. During the proceedings, the following contributed to an excellent vocal and instrumental programme —Miss, Maud Davies, Pentre; Miss Alice Cove, Tre- orchy: Mr. John Evans, Pentrc; and Mr. D. C. Evans, Trealaw. Mr. Ernest Cove, Treorchy, treated the company to an excellent recitation, which was roundly applauded. The company then repaired to another portion of the building, where a very tempting tea was provided, the catering being in the excellent hands of Messrs. Collier and Sons, Pentre. A sale of work also took place, the articles being exclusively made "by the inmates. The New Buildings. I The new Infirmary has nine wards, with 12 beds each, and is equipped with all modern appliances. Three of the wards are to be devoted to consumptive-patients and isolated from the others. There is ample accommodation for the nursing staff. The buildings are at a high level, the air from tne surrounding hills being conducive to health. Two large boilers to supply steam at low pressure for heat- ing and supplying heat for cooking appa- ratus, as well as hot water for the various tanks in the building, were installed by Messrs. tlampton and Co., Oxford Lane, Cardiff. The buildings were erected by Messrs. Jones Bros., Treharris.

?M?M&?S BORWICK'S I ?BAKtNG POWDE '? "The Cook's Best Friend. g?) ?W%??W??

Coal and Iron Companies. t The South Wales Coal and Iron Com- pa issued by the Business Statistics Publishing Company, 12, James Street, Cardiff, is a compendium of facts and figures that will be found most useful to those interested in the principal indus- tries of South Wales. This little book supplies information in a handy form that is being continually asked for by investors, and we are pleased to learn that the demand for last year's issue was so great, and the information given found so useful, that this year further parti- culars have been added in regard to each company. The annual profits of the principal companies are shown, and the information includes a list of the direc- tors and secretary, the amount of capital and debentures, position of the collieries, and the approximate annual output.

Welsh Topics. THE MESSAGE OF WALES. I Several endeavours have been made within recent years to define or outline what shall be the message of Wales to the world. Her politicians, her states- men, her prophets have sought to ex- press it, but always with only a faint discernment. It was argued that every nation, worthy of the name. must con- tribute something to the onward march of the world's history. But it is not given to all nations to manifest any par- ticular feature of activity, any more than it is given to every man to declare forth the glory of the Universe. If any nation has a message- then, it will he gradually unfolded just as the consciousness of the age demands it should be evolved. If we take the three great nation^ of the ancient world-the Jews, the Greeks, and the Romans—it will be found that they discovered truths whose powers are not yet spent. The Jews evolved the idea of a personal God and all its binding duties and teachings the Greeks taught us the power of the intellect, and the Romans the strength of law and organ- isation. All these have ministered to the world with an impetus which still sends it forward. The high plane on which these truths are placed warrant us in con- cluding that a nation's message must be worthy of the civilised word and to its succeeding ages. Whilst, as yet, it may be a hazardous task to define the message of little Wales, there are not wanting indications which warrant us in deducing that her effort must be in the fight against an enervating materialism and a demoralising Socialism. Her leaders in philosophy and in politics have given the lead in these two spheres. And if her object can be attained in these two matters she will have contri- buted greatly to world-thought and also to the uplifting of humanity. .1 BARA'R PLANT." This is a recitation' book of poetry written by the Rev. Aaron Morgan, Blaenyffos (Pem.). It is a successful ) attempt to provide means of culture and amusement for children and others in meetings connected with the Sunday School and Band of Hope. In the latter there is too often a surfeit of singing, and too little intellectual food. Touches of genuine simplicity are found in "Babi'n Ty Ni," Fy Noli," Dweyd y Gwir," Cartref Can," and Evia." One of the best is the poem on Crist yn ddis- taw yn y Llys." We may be allowed to quote the following two stanzas:- With y marw mewn ystafell, Ac ar ddu angladdol daith, A rhwng muriau'r fynwent dywell Bu'n llefaru y tair gwaith; Deufyd glywai 'i lais ar unwaith, CorfF ac enaid glywai wys, Ond y mae'r Llefarwr perffaith Mewn mudandod yn y llys. Bu yn siarad â'r tyrfaoedd Eiriau'r nef ar borfa las, A dywedai wrth fil miloedd Am ei anchwiliadwy ras; Ymddiddanodd a. diafol Fynai dduo gyda'i fys, A siaradodd ilr g4nt nerthol, Ond mae'n ddisrtaw yn y llys.

RHQNDDA HOUSING I The Overcrowding Question I Some Shocking: Instances* I [By Mr. T. C. MORRIS.] I What has been regarded as the Housing Problem reflects itself in the overcrowded state under which people have to live. According to the letter of the lsiw, not a single house should be overcrowded. The legal definition of overcrowding, as expressed in the Public Health Act, is: When the health of the inmates is injured." The Registrar-General's report generally lays it down as existing when the average number of. persons per room is more than two. Legal definitions, ,as a rule, are very in- distinct. The Local Government Board model bye-laws give us a better method of defining overcrowding, as it lays down the amount of cubic feet of space allow- able to each adult and child. In the case ef a sleeping room, the. amount of air space to an adult should be 300 cubic feet, a child under 10 years of age not less than 150 cubic feet; rooms used for living and sleeping purposes, not less than 400 cubic feet for adults, and not less than 200 cubic feet for children. Many local authorities refuse to adopt such bye-laws as their standard. Comparing this standard by that appli- cable to soldiers living in barracks, the civilian fares worse. A soldier is allowed 600 cubic feet of air space. In the case of criminals, the law lays it down that he shall have 50 per cent. more air in prison than in his own private dwelling. In the case of cowsheds, 600 cubic feet of air space is allowed. Yet under modern conditions of housing, respectable, law- abiding human beings are not considered so valuable as criminals or even cows. CONSUMPTION AND OVERCROWDING I From the standards abovo laid down, I ask, Is overcrowding prevalent in the Rhondda? Without a doubt it is. People are being herded together, largely through want of house accommodation, wfth_the result that the physical stamina of the people is being impaired and general health conditions being undermined. Eighty thousand people die every year in this country from consumption (Rhon- dda contributed 110 for 1909), mainly attributed to the bad housing conditions, due in a great measure to bad and in- sufficient air. Overcrowding is one of the contributing causes. Instead of houses being sanatoria, they are in a large number of cases the breeding ground for consumption and other diseases. Had the Housing Acts been properly administered since the first Housing Act was passed, a generation ago, there would not be a, single slum or overcrowded tene- ment to-day. The conference called by the Pentre Trades Council to discuss the Housing Question throughout the Valley showed that overcrowding existed to a large degree. The evidence was sought by voluntary means, through Trades Union lodges. If a house-to-house investigation had been made, it would have doubtless revealed the full extent of this evil. The difficulty experienced in securing fuller information lies in the fact that people were reluctant that their names should be disclosed, because they feared eviction. The evil exists, nevertheless. INSTANCES OF OVERCROWDING. I The following are instances of over- j crowding given at the conference, and some, received since. One house occupied by four parties; one of these lived in a coal cellar, and upon inspection, found to be in a filthy condition. One house occupied by man and wife, old lady, three sons, four children. Num- ber of bedrooms 2, and living room. One house: three married couples, six children, one lodger; three bedrooms and two rooms ground lfoor. Cellar dwelling: two bedrooms and living room man and wife, eight chil- dren oldest boy 22 years or age, and girl 20. Cellar dwelling: two bedrooms and one living room man and wife, and ten chil- dren. Cellar dwelling two bedrooms and one living room man and wife, daughter, and one lodger. House: two bedrooms and two rooms ground floor; man and wife, and eight children, ages ranging from twelve months to 20 years. House containing four rooms, where 10 in family lived. One case was given of a house where a child died, and had to be laid out in the house, next door owing to the over- crowded condition of the tenement. Fifteen persons, members of two families, live in a house with a basement. Several cases of twelve and thirteen per- sons in five-roomed houses. CASE FOR INVESTIGATION. One could go on, but the cases already cited proves that the Rhondda is as bad as many other parts of South Wales in regard to overcrowding. Yet we are told that there are only a few cases in the Rhondda, and that general overcrowding was not common, assuming, I suppose, that because a few cases only exist that it was not sufficient in importance tOo take action. I believe it will be agreed that the examples quoted prove conclusively that they are of a sufficient nature to warrant a searching inquiry into the pre- sent housing conditions of the Rhondda. I am well aware that the Medical Officer, in his report for 1909, records average persons per house to be 5.7. But this way of looking at the Housing Ques- tion is not a correct one. It must be taken, not as a whole, but each house by itself. Whereas one house with six rooms have three persons, we find, on the other hand, houses of a similar type with nine or twelve persons. Therefore, I maintain it is not a fair way of looking at the question. Figures worked out on this basis shew only the average number in one house. There might be olie-iii one house and fifteen in another. THE PRICE PAID. The evil effects of overcrowding are seen in the price we have to pay in the annual slaughter of children, totalling every year about 700 or 750, and the high death-rate of 16.4 per 1,000. There is no getting away from the fact that overcrowding militates against the development of an healthy people. It causes the air to become vitiated and brings on diseases of all sorts, not the least being that of consumption, as I have pointed out. Where is there a better breeding ground for infectious disease than over- crowding? The infectious diseases are those which come under the heading of zymotic diseases in the Medical Officer's report. The zymotic death-rate for the Rhondda is 1.90, and the average rate for the ten years 1899-1908 being 3.47. One of the diseases included in the zymotic list is that of diphtheria. In his report for the year 1907, the Medical Officer, commenting upon diph- theria, states: The houses infected by diphtheria contained more occupants per house than the average for the whole district at the census enumeration in 1901, the number per house being 6.7 and 5.9 respectively." The deaths re- ported in 1907 being 20 out of 177 cases, a deatli-rate of .15 per 1,000. In 1909, the number of deaths was 35 out of 177 cases, or a death-rate of .26 per 1,000. Therefore, taking the figures given by the Medical Officer, the deaths resulting from diphtheria is on the increase. Bear- ing in mind that this disease is more prevalent in places where overcrowding exists, as pointed out by the report of 1907, does it not bear out the contention that precious lives are being sacrificed annually which can be saved? I could give other cases of the relation of housing to the health of the people, but I think the instances given is some criterion of the whole question. THE MORAL ASPECT. The other grave factor attached to overcrowding is the moral one. The cases which I have instanced shew that to expect decency under such conditions is impossible. It. must he quite apparent that under conditions of this kind chivalry, purity and good morals cannot exist. The evils that arise in consequence are terrible. Even upon these grounds it should appeal to all concerned in the well-being of the people that the Housing Question should be tackled, and that boldly. P.S.—The particular cases I have given of overcrowding do not all exist now. I am informed that the Medical Officer has taken action on some of the evidence given.

Dinas. I A very successful concert and presen- tation meeting was held last Thursday evening at the Gwaunadda Assembly Rooms, under the auspices of the Royal Ancient Order of Buffaloes. The hall was crowded with visiting members, worthy Primos and other important officials of the Order from almost every lodge throughout the Rhondda Valley. The following artistes contributed to the pro- gramme:—Messrs. David Rees, David Thomas, Llewellyn Edwards, W. H. Thomas, and Richard Evans. The chair was occupied by Bro. W. II. Thomas, K.O.M., who made very ,suitable remarks on the elevating influences of such an appreciative gathering. The recipients of the presentations were Mr. Daniel Lewis, Trealaw, and Mr. Edward Gillard, Dinas, who were presented with gold medals, suitably inscribed. The Worthy Primo presented Mr. Daniel Lewis, and Mr. J. Thomas presented Mr. E. Gillard. Both gentlemen acknowledged the gifts in fitting terms.

Tylorstown. I The Sunday School anniversary of the English Baptist Church at Beulah was held on Sunday last, when the pastor, the Rev. W. J. Walters, officiated. An enjoyable day was spent, and those who took part, together with those who trained them, deserve all praise., We regret to record the death of Mrs. Davies, Tylorstown, which took place last week. She was buried, amid tokens of great respect, at Llethrddu on Monday, the Revs. Rowland Hughes, B.D., and D. M. Phillips, M.A., Ph.D.. oiffciating. We regret also to record the death of the little daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Rogers, Parry Street. She was buried at Llethrddu on Wednesday. L-0- On Sunday last, the friends at Bethany (E.C.) held their anniversary preaching services, when the Rev. Howell Powell, of Pembroke, preached excellent and in- spiring sermons. Solos were rendered during the day. Bethany is to be con- gratulated on the good work it is doing in our midst, and the pastor, the Rev. Thomas Evans, is to be complimented on the zeal and energy lie displays. Tylorstown needs a Public Hall. There is no need of a philanthronist to step forward. A business man would reap a good percentage of profit if lie only speculated. Who will supply this long- felt want? a Libanus (C.M.) held its anniversary services on Saturday, Sunday and Mon- day last. when the Revs. W. Adaiiis, B.A., Llanelly. and M. P. Morgan, Biaenanerch, officiated. Mr. W. F. Phillips. B.A.. B.D.. lectured at Bethany on Wednesday night under the auspices of the local League of Young Liberals. His speech was charac- teristic of the man. and it is needless to say lie created a diversity of opinion. The audience were enthusiastic, and many have made him their hero. Some are of opinion that the lecture was the finest ever delivered in Tylorstown. The League of Young Liberals are to be congratu- lated on having given the people of the district the opportunity of listening to Mr. Phillips.

AMERICAN HUMOUR. REFLECTIONS OF A SPARK-PLUG. A chauffeur, in the abstract, is any chap that drives an automobile. In the concrete, he is the person whom you pay to let you ride in the ton- neau. The word chauffeur comes from th* French, and means something warm, like hot air. The average chauffeur is unbearable; but when driving a Fiat six, he is insufferable. Never careless about his appearance, except at court, lie dresses like his employer, and looks like thirty cents. He is usually in bad odour, and smells like numerous scents. One chauffeur can bankrupt two bankers, and sometimes earns more than his employer ever di He has three lives: the life he lives, the life he takes in his hands, and the life he ought to serve in sriol. he h;.s a set of rules which he never breaks, except when lie >s in the hospital, such as: Never go slow under any circumstances. Never blow except in front of a church. Never be Oil nine. Never show intelligence or look pleasant. Never rake a carve Oil more than two wheels— i? Hn?rdcssionat. N(<ei s)cw down in time—it looks timid' white '? ipping me g'?rs is spectacular a.?j give* i lot imp-, essiuii of presence of mind. Nevei lake another man's dust unless it's of the pccket-book variety. Never learn road rules. Never appreciate a good job. Never mind a tyre; there is no commission in it Never be satisfied with your employer's machine. A good chauffeur will always smoke cigarettes while fill iug the gasoline tank. Although never much of a sport, he will give you a run for your money, if you happen to hare enough. A rich man has no more show with a chauffeur than a camel has with the eye of a needle.— J udgc. HE KNEW. That oouriter f,ill of cheap things for gifts," says the floor-walker to the manager, doesn't seem to attract any attention, although the prices on the stuff are simply absurd." What kind of a placard have you over it? a.5ks the manager. J ust, a sign reading 'Odds and Ends at Jtist a .9 Your Own Price.' Huh Take that down and put up one read- ing, For Husbands.' A SHORT ESSAY ON CELLARS. As thousands of bright and intelligent people throughout this country have long yearned for the appearance of some reliable, information on the ajjove-nici-rioned subject, I will endeavour to sow broadcast a few facts I have gleaned from years of experience with such articles. At the very start I emphatically assert every family should possess a cellar. Even a salt-cellar is preferable to none at all. Cellars are being used to a shameful extent as the means of col- lecting money on accident-insurance policies, the descent from the kitchen to the cement floor usually "turning the trick." They are, in fact, collectors,themselves,of discarded gasoline stoves. rat-holes,aged washing-machines,cut-fight, dilapi- dated go-carts, cob webs, sewing-machines, toad- stools, garden hose, cider barrels, and lawn- mowers. Many people convert their cellars into im- promptu sitting-rooms during the visits (?) of thunder .->1 orins, book ag-mlts, and creditors. A few of the wealthiest families store potatoes, coal, apples, preserved fruits, &c., in their cellars. Some of the best humorists of the day, and more than occasionally a poet, may be found "at home" in collar. SOME LIES NAILED. Horses kick; mules rarely do, outside of news- papers. He. is never on his knees when she consents; she is on them. Normal men are not glad when their wives "go to the country.' No man ever fought desperately with a bur- glar for fully half an hour." The best advice is not given away; doctors and lawyers sell it. It hurts to do this. but no office-boy ever said his grandmother was dead in order to get away to a ball game. HER WAKEFUL NIGHT. A rather jmag-iJJative Wa»hing-ton lady decided she had insomnia. Sue couldn't sleep, she said. One morning she was more than usually de- pressed. What's the matter, dearf asked her husband. Another sleepless night ? "Worse than that.oh. much wcrsethanrhat!" she re- plied. gloomily. I did manage to drop off to sleep, and dreamt all the time I was asleep that 1), aP(-i 'I,(, tliiie I was asleep that BIUEF INCISIONS FROM THE BENCH. Many men who complain about playing second fiddle ought. 10 be giad that they are in the orchestra at. a! ff talk be cheap, wh.it is meant by" extrava- gant language The wheel* ol' p.oa,re always oiled with elbow grease. In the "ca.se of the act puffs are said to make both her complexion and her reputation The reason why there js so much room at the top is that who people get there they seldom stay for any ieuglh of t ime.—Judge. TROl'HLF.S WITH P.M. The Cured St:!?<-» i'os;master-Genera!, speak- ing of the trouble- I'trMuntered by new post- m:istet> in i I 11 1, 1 i (: i told of a ca?,' >ays ?'??.thitt.'<)' h ;1, caned to his attention. A postmaster who had been on duty at a town in North Carolina, for several weeks had failed to reply to am of the oSicial communications which had been addre^ed to him. He had. however, been sending in his reports without delay. We were just about to send an inspector down there." -aid the Postmaster-General. when we a letter from the postmas- te I-, in which he said: [ have a. big bundle of mail here addressed to P. M.. and as no person with those initials gpt" mails here, what shall I do lth it f He was told that it might be opened and read by him. UP-TO-DATE DON'TS. DonOt steal anotner man's good name, evvfti if your own is worn out. Don 't pattern after the busv little bee. It's tho other tchow who eat the honey. I)oli,t .<)Iotir in vour niake-up. A ruby no-e -poiis the effect of rubv lips. Dont bet with your wife unless you are pre- pared to lose whether you win or not. Don t look a gift-horse in the mouth. Sell him for what von can aer and let the other fellow look. Don't judge a man by the clothes he wears. Form your opinion from the apparel of his wife. Do ii t be a clam. If you must be anything of that kind, be a turtle. Then you will have a little snap about you. Don't fake the bull by the horns. Take him by the t»il. and then you can let go without getting someone to help you.—Lippincott's. REFLECTIONS OF UNCLE EZRA. One drawback about this life is that when a feller gets the time-table figgered out the train has gone. Grandpa Perkins says he never found out what his spear in life was until it was too late to work at it. He figgers that he was cut out for a matinee idle. 00 A good deal of the misery of this world is caused by tryin' to wear a fifteen collar on a sixteen shirt. Elmer Purdy tried it, and his Adam's apple, which always works up and down when he talks, got ketched, and he nigh choked to death. The idee that a feller can't get ahead by livin' in a small town is a hoax. Bushrod Bibbms says he couldn't foller his business wuth a durn in Chicago or New York. He is engineer of a threshin' -machine. A violin solo reproduced on a phonograph al- ways sounds a good deal like addin' insult to injury.. That New York man, aged ninety-three, who has just been married for the first time will have to learn a great many things In a very thort eriod, I se: bread is bem sold by the pound in New York. Some of the cookm'-school gradu?te? Youogrhkt to be ablt^ t^ make^oB^i^