Merthyr Times and Dowlais Times and Aberdare Echo

THURSDAY, MARCH 19TH, 1896. THE peers spiritual were cruelly snubbed by *Je Peers temporal in the House of Lords on onday. Xhe bishops sought to mutilate the much-mutilated Intermedi- Education Scheme for Glamorganshire, a A f>ulce of Devonshire stood firm, however, i he was loyally supported by Lord Rosc- and other peers. The bishops were upon, and they did not press a 1\1810n..

^A.BON spoke in hopeful tones at the jeers' conference on Monday concerning e discharge note question. There is some Probability that the employers will with- ra^ the notes. By a narrow majority the decided to trv friendly methods before Porting to a strike. It is to be hoped an ttucable settlement will be effected. The will be discussed again, and pro- :mih' finally decided upon, at a eonfercnce Re held on .the 30th of this month.

TRE election petitions have now come to an the results being of a somewhat extra- G lllary character. The last, that of St. eorges-in-tlie-East. is the most extra- 'buiy of all. Baron Pollock has specially 'stinguished himself, and his name is en- Carcd by all Liberals. The general eonclu- ?°u deducible is that Parliamentary candi- ^tesj provided they are Tories, can do al- ,0st what they like. They can flood con- |, ^Uencies with money, and overwhelm Ib^ beer. No matter how wet e nursing," to prove bribery is virtually ttt}. ^possibility. The Corrupt Practices c*s are practically valueless, and Parlia- had better try and formulate some that will tend to preserve the }J\ltlty of elections.

MOTHER small-pox case is reported from w°^lajs. Five patients now lie in Pant v, °.S^al, all of them, according to Dr. Cress- es report, progressing favourably. The fst four cases broke out in the same block houses, and the connection between them be traced# The fifth is a girl in service a farm lying in close contiguity to the f?0spital. This is a point which deserves c closest possible attention of the medical "Ithorities Dr. Cresswell does not say that j^,s case is to be traced to the Hospital. ut the possibility of such an occurrence is niost carefully guarded against. It I be a serious calamity if a hospital is to ecome the centre of contagion. No wonder e Brecon-road people look with a suspicious ^Vc on the Fever Hospital, and clamour for Its removal from their midst.

TROOPS are being sent up the valley of the j "C. AY hat theirdestination is, or what their ^'sincss, it is not quite clear. The Dcr- |,lshc8, it jg reported, are marching on led by Osman Digna. So our forces despatched to meet them Expert '"itary authorities speak sneeringly of such ^etics. Then there is another considera- 1(^b The Italians have sustained a serious rebuft' in their attempt to plunder Abyssinia. « i advanee of our forces towards Don- it is thought, Avill divert the attention °f Italy's victorious opponents. But the MUestion remains t<> be answered: A\ hv Should England, at grent sacrifice of money *bu.human lif..■, 1. Italian lillibusters in r yir nefarious marauding cnteiprise? The 0l'y Government, now in ofiice, refused to lift a finger in defence of the poor, defence- less Armenians. The)' calmly stood by when the Turks were killing those unfortu- nate Christians by the thousand. Now they are assisting Italy to fight the Abyssinians, and rob them of their native land.

THE Aberdare School Board is gradually moving on. At last Friday's meeting it was z' decided to increase the salary of one of the caretakers, and to refer the question of in- creasing the salaries of the assistant teachers to the School Management Committee. The ex P.T.'s, we notice, are included in the reference. We bear no ill-will against ex P.T.'s, many of whom are, no doubt, ex- cellent teachers. Still we cannot close our eyes to the fact that they have not been trained for thei" work, and that they hold no certificate proving competence of scholar- ship. Most School Boards, on these grounds, do not give them any encourage- ment, according the preference, in every respect, to trained certificated assistants. The Aberdare Board might with advantage adopt a similar policy. What they urgently require is to increase the number of trained assistants in their schools, and gradually weed out the ex-P.T.'s. There is no need to put any harsh measures in operation against the latter. At the same time, the interests of education demand that the mental train- ing of the young should be performed by those who have been specially qualified for the work.

THE University Colleges ?re on their trial. To be quite accurate, two of them, to wit Aberystwyth and Bangor, are on their trial. Cardiff has already chosen the better part. The colleges captured the University. But it now seems that two of them are bent on virtlually throwing away the prize they insis- ted on grabbing.. The University has been reduced to a perquisite of the colleges, and now the colleges treat it with contempt. The people of Wales had agreed to limit the degrees of the University to the students of the University Colleges. The Colleges could not do less, in return, than adapt their courses to suit the curriculum of the Univer- sity. Cardiif has done this, and thrown the London University entirely overboard. Aberystwyth and Bangor are hesitating. If they drop London, they will lose some of their English students. But they should be prepared to make that sacrifice rather than reduce the University to a dead letter. They should feel themselves bound to stick to their part of the hard bargain they drove. It is rather curious to find Cardiff, the home of cosmopolitanism, leading the van in the fight for Nationalism. The College, how- ever, is in the right, and will reap its due reward in the fulness of time. It may possibly suffer for a while, but it will gain immeasurably in the long run. Cardiff is 0 generally and deservedly recognised as the most Welsh of the colleges, and the other two, sooner or later, must follow its example.

IT had been generally thought that Iceland was discovered and inhabited by Scandina- vians. The theory is now advanced, however, that it was discovered by the Celts of this country, and peopled hy the Celts. The Viking Club discussed the matter at great length the other day. Mr. Einar Benediktsson read an erudite paper in support of that view, and I)r. Ion Stefansson was inclined to accept his theories. Men with names like these ought to know. The original name of Iceland was Houl-i, or the Island of the Sun. Houl" is the Welsh "haul." Clearly the discoverer and name-giver was a South W alian, who said "houl"" for "haul." Another form of the word is Thule,' Iceland, it is now said, being the Ultima Thule of the ancients. Even to-day about one-half of the population of the island appear to be Celts. A peculiar fact, however, is that the governing classes -i '.6 are the Teutons of the neighbouring conti- nent. Here is a co chance for the Cymry Fydd. Mr. Beriali Evans should go to Iceland, raise the cry of Iceland for the original and only genuine Icelanders," and wage relentless war on the Teutonic cosmopolitans. He might establish a branch of the Cymru Fydd League, and hold a series of conferences and conventions at Eyafjalla-jokull. But as the first discoverer, as we have seen, was a South Walian, a Federation might prove more popular than a League. Mr. Morgan Thomas should be equal to the occasion.

CYMUO," whose letter appears in another column, calls attention to the fact that no biography has been published of the late "Gohebydd," whose pen rendered such price- less service to the cause of Welsh progress. Some of our younger readers may possibly require to be told who and what (loheby(1(1 was. Let them think of a Morien who, instead of writing about the mysteries of Druidism, and dabbling in grotesque, fanciful philological theories, was consumed with a holy enthusiasm for the intellectual advancement of his countrymen, and devoted his energy and talent to the furtherance of religious liberty and political progress. He was a politician and a patriot to the tips of his fingers. On all questions of the day lie was an authority. His voice, or rather his pen, was always listened to with respect. Thousands of Liberals and Nonconformists to-day owe their mental train- ing to the articles of Y Gohehydd." His weekly conttibutions to the lioiier were read and appreciated from Caegybi to Caerdydd, and the influence wielded by him on Welsh thought was as healthy as it was enormous. It happens that the Jinm r, alone amongst its contemporaries, circulates pretty evenly throughout the whole of Wales, and through its medium, Y Gohehydd" was able to make his voice heard in all parts of the Principality. He was not a man for South Wales or for North Wales, but for all Wales. It is a pity and a shame that nothing has been done to perpetuate the memory of such a man. By consent of all, he was far and away the greatest journalist Wales has ever produced, and between him and the next greatest there is a long, io-i,, interval. A small volume of choice selections from his articles, together with a biographical sketch, would be eagerly welcomed by countless hosts of readers. The bulk of what he wrote was naturally of an ephemeral charac- ter, and so weukl now be out of date. But a few extracts would serve to show us how this talented and remarkable man caught the car of Wales, and also to keep his memory green for the generations that arc to come. CT,

JOHN MILTON'S publisher gave him five pounds for his Paradise Lost." The Mer- thyr School Board have given the same amount to the compilers of their new Welsh textbook. Not without a big fight, how. ever, as will be seen from our report in another column. A minority of three mem- bers were against giving anything at all. Arc they lineal descendants, we wonder, of Milton's publisher ? If they are, they must have degenerated. Their ancestor did give £ 5, but "they objected to giving anything. An elementary textbook of elsh, it may be objected, is not a "Paradise Lost.' AY ell, no, it is not. At least, it belongs to a. different department of literature. But the Merthyr School Board are making a profit of 58 per cent. on their investment, and it is exceedingly doubtful whether Milton's publisher made so handsome a profit on his. Many a long day has passed since the Mer- thvr Board spent £ o to such good purpose. Our authority for the 58 per ccnv. profit is Mr. Henry Davies, who, as an author, knows what he is talking about. To object to 0 paying for so remunerative a bit of work I was rather mean. We fear the Aberdare "economy" fever is contagious. We should like to deal at length with this question in its various aspects, but space forbids our doing so. There is one point, however, which demands attention. The £ 5 was to be divided between four teachers. It now appears that there were not four teachers, only three. The fourth fell ill, and was unable to collaborate with his colleagues in the preparation of the book Here is a golden opportunity for the minority ¡ of three stern economists to spare the ratepayers' pockets to the extent of £1 5s. They can argue that the Board's honorarium was for four teachers; as there are only three they can move a reduction of jBl 3s. in the vote, making it £ 3 15s. instead of £ 5. They really ought to go in for this policy, which is supported by irrefutable argument and unanswerable logic. There is no reason why each of the authors in question should receive £ 1 13s. 4d., when the Board only meant to give them £ 1 5s. The three authors might volunteer to give a share of the money to the fourth but the Board should not allow such a proceeding. A determined blow should be struck for economy and justice and true principles. The public expect the three economists to strike that blow, and do their duty nobly and valiantly by the mucli-enduring rate- payers. Mr Henry Davies will perhaps work out the figures, and let us know what the percentage of profit will be when a reduction of £ 1 5s. has been made in the outlay. The course of literature, alas like the course of true love, never did run smooth. It would be invidious to compare the two in the case of the teachers in question, and we shall not do it. There seems to be no guarantee that a School Board will treat the poor author with any more generosity than the ordinary grabbing publisher. When Merthyr teachers next embark on a lit,e>-ary venture, let them adopt the very wise sug- gestion of the Rector of Dowiais, and retain the copyright in their own hands. A profit of 58 per cent. is enough to make the Aberdare School Board turn green with envy We expect to hear soon that that Board are going in for the same business, and that textbooks on all subjects are springing up there like mushrooms. Their teachers, of course, are equal to the task and they are paid such princely salaries that they will be prepared to produce any number of textbooks free of charge.

"MUDDY l\iERTHYR." Some very frank Talk. Tuesday evening's meeting of the Merthyr Chamber of Trade was devoted to the question of mud. Mr. W. L. Daniel presided, and there were also present :—Dr. W. W. Jones, Welliugton- street, Messrs. 1). J. Evans, W. Meredith, Henry Bailey, Sidney Simons, W. W. Meredith, K. W. Harris, D. Bowen, Roger Kdwards, and Mr. George Upham, assistant secretary.—Mr. Frank T. James called attention to the disgraceful condition of the streets of the town and neighbour- hood. He said he thought that by giving notice of motion to call attention to that 'matter he waa really acting in the interests of the ratepayers and the general inhabitants of the town (hear, hear). He did not wish to find fault individually with the officials of the District Council. He did so for the reason that, as far as his experience went, the condition of the roads for the last two or three years had been very much worse than they were formerly. He did not know who was to be blamed whether it was the engineering or the material employed in constructing them. He thought there must be an entire lack of capable supervision over the men employed on the roads. Mr. James then went into details with regard to the condition of the streets in various parts of the town, and said that after the mud was scraped together it was allowed to remain upon the roadside until a storm of rain washed it over the roads again. He thought that the overmen employed by the Council should see that this state of things should not exist, and that the contractors should do the scavenging in a satisfactory manner. He was sure the ratepayers did not begrudge the expense of paying men to keep the streets clean (hear, hear). He moved that the Council draw the attention of the District Council to the state of the streets in the town of Merthyr and neighbourhood, and that they be asked to give their special atten- tion to the matter. —Mr. Henry Bailey seconded the proposition, and Mr. Roger Edwards sup- ported.—Mr. 1). J. Evans also supported. He said he thought Mr. James was deserving of their best thanks for bringing forward that matter. He thought the Chamber should take greater interest in local matters than they had hitherto done. He referred to the disgraceful state of the streets in various parts of she town, and thought the best way would be to send a deputation to the Council. Mr. W. Meredith supported, as did also Dr. W. W. Jones, who said lie thought the fault lay in the method of the road making and the heavy steam roller employed upon the roads. He believed the steam roller had been exchanged for a lighter one. The President also referred to the disgraceful state of the roads, and the resolution was carried. -It was then agreed that a deputation wait upon the Council at some future meeting. Messrs. F. T. James, Roger Edwards, Henry Bailey, Dr. W. W. Jones, and the president and vice-president being appointed the deputation.

MASONIC DANCE AT MERTHYR. The third annual conversazione and dance in con- nection with the Loyal Cambrian Lodge of Free- masons, No. 110 was held in the Drill Hall on Thurs- dav last, and proved a great success. The hall had been beautifully decorated. Great praise is due to the decorating committee, which consisted of the following —Bros. J. Prag, W. M. Macdouald, T. Nibloe, Tom Davies, W. Lewis, Chailes Williams, and John Forrester. The ball was opened by a reception by Bro. W. R. Harris, worshiiful master Bro. D. E. Jones acting as director of ceremonies. Dancing commenced at 7.30, and was kept up with much vigour until between four and five in the morning. The catering had been intrusted to Mrs. Mcintosh, of the Wheat Sheaf Hotel, who gave the utmost satisfaction. The quests, who numbered about a hundred, sat down to supper at 11 o'clock in the lesser hall (kindly lent by Miss M. Davis). The stewards were Bros. Prag, *T. Nibloe, and W. V. Edwards, assisted by tlie tvler, Bro. W. H. Jones, and an efficient staff of waiters and waitresses. The supper-room had been very tastefully decorated with Masonic emblems and oil-paintings of the Prince of Wales, grand master, and several of the past masters of the lod"e. The tables were presided over by Bros. W. R. Harris, W.M., T. Wake, S.W., A. Mackin- tosh. J.W., and J. M. Berry, secretary. The whole of the arrangements were carried out by a. committee of past masters and brethren, the secre- tarial dutiesbeing carried out by Bro. J. M. Berry, aided by Bro. W. Williams, assistant secretary. The dances were interspersed with a musical pro- gramme prepared by Messrs. W. Williams, J. Crai" and F. D. Jones. The M.C.'s were Bros. W. R. Harris, W.M., R. R. Davis, P.M., D. E. Jones, P.M., D. Macdonald, P.M., W. Macdonald and John Craig. The follow ing is a list of those present Bros. W. R. Harris, W.M., T. Wake, S.W., and Miss Oeppen, A. Mackintosh, J.W., and Mrs. Mackin- tosh, J. M. Berry, secretary Mrs. Berry, and Mrs. L. Mackintosh, T. W. Goodfellow, P.M., and Miss Goodfellow, S. Sandbrook, P.M., and Miss Tozie Sibbering, D. E. Jones, and Miss Jennie Jones, Bro. G. F. Harries, P.M., W. Williams, assistant-secretary Mrs. W illiurns and Miss Edmunds, D. Macdonald, P.M., and Miss K. Macdonald, R. R. Davis, P.M., R. P. Rees and and Miss Rees, Fred D. Jones and Mrs. Jones, J. King Price, and Mrs. Price, David Jones, and Mrs. Jones (Dowlais), F. J. Harries and Mrs. Harries (Cardiff), W. M. Macdonald, Miss M. Walters, Miss Marshall, Isaac Sarvis, Mrs. and Miss Sarvis, Walter H. Stone, and Mrs. Stone, H. Gittlesohn and Mrs. Gittlesohn, 1). C. Evans, and Mrs. Evans, F. W. Mander and Mrs. Maiulcr (Aber- dare), W. Francis, Mrs. Francis, tii(I Miss Boyle, W. R. Lewis and Mrs. Lewis, C. W. Jones and Mrs. Jones, H. H. Howitt and Miss Griffiths, H. Isaacs and Miss Isaacs, Tom Davies, Miss Williams, Miss Flora Lewis, Tom Nibloe and Miss Marshall, T. T. Jenkins, Mrs. Jenkins and the Misses Jenkins, J. Philpot, and Miss Price, James Giles (Aberdare), T. E. Morgan and Mrs. Morgan, J. Prag, W. R. Cohen, J. S. Jones, John Forrester, John Craig, W. Carlysle and Mrs. Carlysle, E. A. Pryce Jones (Aberdare), N. Phillips, W. H. Jones (tyler), W. Harris (Dow- lais), Mrs. Robson, Hilliers, and Mrs. Hilliers (Cardiff), and Mrs. Jones. The following was the musical programme Comic song, Bro. John Craig selection, Band song, Miss Sarvis cornet solo, Mr. Price song, Bro. W. Williams selection, Band pianoforte selection, Bro. W. Carlysle (by kind permission of Mr. W. Smithson) comic song, Bro. J. Craig 'cello sIlo, Mr. T. Rhys Lewis song, Miss Sarvis comic song, Bro. J. Craig. The committee have to tender their thanks to the following ladies and gentlemen for the loan of articles :—Miss M. Davis for hull, and to Messrs. W. Smithson, Bert Harris, Valentine Watson, A. W. Bown, W. W, Meredith, and Powell W. Bown, W. W. Meredith, and Powell (sad^lci).

SPARKS FROM THE ANVIL. [BY JOE HAMMERSMITH]. This week I want to talk about a book which will delight the soul of every Celt, and which the student of poetry, however cosmopolitan his sympathies, will revel in. The volume is entitled Lyra Celtica," and is published by Patrick Geddes and Col- leagues, Edinburgh (6s.). In the sub-title it is described as an anthology of representa- tive Celtic Poetry," selected by Elizabeth A. Sharp. Chronologically the poems are divided into three sections ancient, mediaeval, and modern. The Celtic countries represented are Brittany, Cornwall, Wales, the Isle of Man, Ireland, and Scotland. Iceland is now said to be a Celtic country. Half the people there are Celts. All the poets must have been Celts. But Iceland is not included in the present volume. With that exception, we have here examples of how the Celt, of all ages and all countries, thought and ex- pressed himself in poetry. The Celts have been driven asunder, separated the one from the other by the Saxon and the sea. There is no fellowship between them. They are strangers to each other. Think of the Welshman, with his Eisteddfod and Sunday School, and compare him with the Irish peasant, with his wretched cabin and his priest. They know nothing of one another, and neither knows anything of his kin in the Highlands of Scotland or in Brittany. In thought, how- ever, there is a strange fundamental simi- larity between the Celtic races. Every page in the volume under notice bears witness to this fact. Numerous instances might be quoted, but I want the space for the Welsh sections of the book Sixteen pages are devoted to the Early Cvmric and Mediaeval Welsh section. The poets included are Llywareh Hen, Taliesin, Aneurin, Dafydd ap Gwilym, Rhys Goch Eryri, and Rhys Goch ap Rhiccart. There is also an anonymous poem of eleven lines from "The Black Book of Caer- marthen," entitled "The Soul." This is how it begins: Soul, since I was made in necessity blameless, True it is, woe is me that thou should'st have come to my design, Neither for my own sake, nor for death, nor for end, nor for beginning. It was with seven faculties that I was thus blessed, With seven created beings I was placed for puri- fication. Here is a verse from" The Gorwynion of Llywareh Hen Brightly glistens the tops of the furze have con- fidence with the wise, But from the nnwise tear thyself afar Besides God there is none that sees futurity. Dafydd ap Gwilym has been rendered in rhymed verse, and has consequently suffered to a great extent. His ode to the Summer begins thus Thou summer father of delight, With thy deftse spray and thicket* deep Gemm d monarch, with thy rapt'rous light. Housing thy subject glens from sleep Proud has thy march of triumph been, Tbou prophet, prince of forest green This reads well, but a literal translation would have done better justice to the old bard. As regards the ancient section in the volume, we must not grumble. A more comprehensive selection might have been desired. But the editor of a book, like the editor of a newspaper, is hedged in round about by the exigencies of space. When we come to the Contemporary Anglo-Celtic Poets (Wales) we cannot but open our eyes in utter astonishment. The poets in this section are George Meredith, Sebastian Evans, Ebenezer Jones, Emily Davies, and Ernest Rhys. These are illus- trious names, it is true. But they can scarcely be seriously taken to represent modern Welsh poetry. Why ignore the poets of Wales ? Mrs. Sharp may perhaps object that none of them were worthy. Surely that plea cannot be sustained. But even if it can, the fact remains that the poets selected do not represent the modern poetry of Wales. And to that extent, the title of the volume is misleading. Even taking Mrs. Sharp on her own ground, her list is strangely incomplete. Where is Sir Lewis Morris, the bard of Penbryn ? And where is the far greater poet, William Morris ? The omission of these names seems to me inexplicable. Mr. Sharp, the compiler's husband, con- tributes a scholarly and readable introduc- tion. He gives a kind of bird's-eye view of Celtic poetry generally, and his summary will be very helpful to the student. Con- cerning Wales he says: I- Wales is se animated by national enthu- siasms, pride, and incalculable hereditary uplift, that her silence-in English, that is- can hardly be accounted for away from the supposition that in closing her ears against English, she has also set her lips against utterance in that tongue." <- The criticism is hardly fair. Our poets, it is true, write in their own language for the edification of their own people. W liy shouldn't they ? Is there anything strange or unnatural in their action ? Thev con- sider their own land first, and they are fully entitled, I maintain, to do so. They care not for the plaudits of other nationalities. Pre- ferable is it in their sight to be loval to their own. Welsh is the language of their inmost soul. In it are they able to give expression to their ideas. Is there an adequate reason for abandoning it, and making use of a language that is alien to them ? Welsh poetry is, and should be, written for Wales, not for England. Mr. Sharp says about the Gaelic poets of Scotland: It is no exaggeration to say that at this C,9 moment there are more than a hundred Gaelic singers in Western Scotland whose poetry is zn as fresh and winsome, and, in point of form as well as substance, as beautiful, as any that is being produced throughout the rest of the realm. I am profoundly glad to know it. Mr. Sharp does not rebuke these Gaelic singers, for clinging to their language. What right has he to upbraid the Welsh poets of Wales for doing the same thing ? But I must be quite fair to Mr. Sharp. He does not want Wales to forget her language. Listen to these words, which I would com- mend to the notice of every cosmopolitan The most marked Celtic national homo- geneity is to be found in Wales. Wales has ever persisted, and still persists in her moat and her drawbridge. In the preserva- tion of her language is her safeguard. Without Welsh, Wales would be as English as Cumberland or Cornwall. In this way only, knit indissolubly to the flank of Eng- land as she is, and without any natural frontier of mountain range or sea, can she isolate herself; and I am convinced that herein we have one main reason for the passionate attachment of the Cymry of to-day to their ancient language, an attach- ment as strong among the unlettered as among ardent scholars, and even among those who have no heed for the beauty of traditional literature, or, indeed, heed of any kind other than for the narrow personal interests of domostieity.'5 These are the words of wisdom and know- | ledge. Lot them be pondered well by all who seek to foster the true intellectual pro- gress of Wales. Mr. Sharp wants the Celts to turn philoso- phers. That, I fear, may never be. True, it would be well for us to be a little more philosophical than we are. But if the Celt took to philosophy, it would simply mean a good poet lost, and a very bad philosopher gained. The very genius of the Celt is a revolt against all philosophy that ever was or ever will be. The Teuton is a born philosopher. If the Celt tried to become a philosopher he would fail, and succeed in becoming only a miserable pedant. But it is time to draw this roaming talk to a conclusion. "Lyra Celtica," though complete justice is not done to Wales, is an exquisite volume. The printing even is delicious, while from a literary point of view the book is a perpetual feast of the choicest viands ever concocted by mortal man. To every lover and student of the Celtic Muse it will be an indispensable companion. I haven't said a tithe of what I wanted to say about it, but I hope I have said enough to send every reader to the volume itself.

ABERDARE NOTES. [By ARGCB]. The men of the Lletty Shenkin Colliery have passed a very emphatic protest against the in- troduction of the discharge note. Thtsre is a most bitter feeling against the note at Aberdare. The following letter has reached us I understand the inhabitants of Highland-place intend resisting the further payment of local rates and taxes. The reason is that the Local Board —UrbanDiskrict Council, as we ought to say —entirely ignores all responsibility in the way of scavenging, paving, macadamising, or in any way seeing to the comfort and wellbeing of the ratepayers. The street is a qua.gmire in the middle and on both sides. I nearly broke my leg there a few days ago, and when trying to recover my balance got up to my knees in mud. If I lived in that street I would not pay a penny towards local rates. I would go to prison first. By the way, as I have occasion of an evening to go through that street, should I happen to be so unfortunate as to be disabled by a broken limb, to whom can I apply for compensation ? Your insertion and reply will much oblige,— Yours very truly, JAMES JONES. [Mr. Jones would be entitled to claim com- pensation from the District Council.] At the last meeting of the Towyn Interme- diate School managers, Mr. Haydn Jones, the chairman, wag pressed to accept the office for a second term. He said that he did not believe in permanent officials, and refused to be elected. It is to be hoped that the Chairman of the Aber- dare District Council will emulate the example of Mr. Jones, and refuse to be re-elected chair- man. We say nothing against Mr. Rhys' capa- bilities, bnt we maintain that there are many advantages in electing a fresh chairman every year, and one of them is that the public body where this rule prevails in a few years possesses several members who have gained the experi- ence which the higher position gives. There is another advantage. When every member of a public body may reach the highest position more care is taken in the election of public bodies than when one person retains the position of honour year after year. Some of the Aberaman scorchers arc likely to turn up at the professional cycle tournament at the Agricultural Hall in London. I dropped into the Free Library at Ponty- pridd the other day, and was surprised to see such a fine place. Why cannot Aberdare, the queen of the hills," get a similar institution Let the leading townsmen put this in their pipes and smoke it.

ABERDARE COUNCIL. Friday. Present Mi. R. H. Rhys (cha-r- man), Mr. D. P. Davies (vice-chairman), Mi. Morgan John, Owmbach Mr. Llewellyn, Mr. T. Rees, Aberaman Mr. J. Howell, Aber aman Rev. Mr. Humphreys, Cwmaman Rev. B. Evans, Aberdare and Mr. O. Harries. MEDICAL OFFICER'S REPORT.—The report of the medical officer was submitted. Three cases of scarlet fever were reported, one of them having proved fatal. INSPECTOR OF NUISANCES' REPORT.—This report was also read. It stated that several notices had been served to abate nuisances during the past fortnight. SURVEYOR'S REPORT.—The surveyor (Mr. Owen Williams) was. unavoidably absent from the meeting. His report for the fortnight was submitted. It contained very little of general public interest. Several plans of buildings were submitted, and the surveyor having reported that they were in accordance with the bye-laws they were passed. POLICE REPORT.- -The Inspector of Police reported James Rees, driver, Cemetery-road, for overloading his brake. When the police saw Rees about the matter, he replied that three of the passengers were working men who were returning from work, and were having a ride for nothing.—Mr. Llewellyn Mr. Rees is not very well versed in the law. He is a work- ing man. — Chairman No doubt. — MA Llewellyn: 1 think that it will be enough to caution him.—The Chairman said that he had no doubt but that the working men in question were coming from public-houses.—Mr. Owen Harries No they were not. Chairman (sharply): How do you know -Mr. Owen Harries I do happen to know that they were not.— Chairman Were you there ?—Mr. Owen Harries: No.—Chairman: Well then.—Mr. O. Harries repeated that he knew that he was rieht in what he was saying, and that bhe men were ttot coming from public-houses.—Mr. Llewellyn Where are we to draw the line t— The Chairman said that he was in favour of summoning Rees. He proposed that. Those in favour say Aye." There was but an inarticulate reply, and the chairman said rather sharply Speak out. I can't hear you. Those in favour say Aye." Five of the councillors shouted "Aye" in such a manner that the chairman could hear them this time, and four said "No."—The Chairman said that "the ayes had it," and it was decided to summon Rees. THE AUDIT.—Mr. Dolby drew attention to the large amount of arrears in connection with Sivate improvements, and trusted that the >uncil would give the matter their attention.—- The Chairman quite agreed that the matter was worthy of the earliest and fullest attention, as the arrears were very large. 0 COMPENSATION.—Mr. Hodges, Commercial- place, Aberdare, wrote to say that whilst the workmen of the Council were doing some work on the street opposite his shop a stone flew against one of the windows of his shop, and broke it. He would, of course, expect compen- sation from the Council.—The Clerk I men- tioned the matter to the chairman when I got the letter.—Chairman And I instructed the surveyor to examine the place and report. I think that we should let the matter stand over until the next meeting. There is no douht we are liable. We might as well admit that at once. If the glass was broken by owe of our workmen we are certainly liable. It was decided to let the matter stand over. RORERTSTOWN.—A letter was read from the clerk of the School Board drawing the Coun- cil's attention to the bad state of the road lead- ing to Robertstown Schools. So bad was the road that it aftected the school attendance, and steps should be taken to put it in a proper state of repair. Chairman There is no doubt that something should be done. I propose that the surveyor report as to the condition of the road in question. That is the only course to adopt. -The proposition was agreed to. MISCELLANEOUS.—A letter was received from the Clerk of the Peace asking the Council to send the medical officer's annual report as soon as possible.—A communication was also received respecting the adoption of the Infectious Diseases Notification Act.—It was pointed out that Aberdare was the only place in the county where the Act had not been adopted. —No action was taken in the matter. -It was re- ported that the collector of the water rate was ill, and the Chairman said that he hoped he would soon be well again.

A DKUOUTFRTI FLAVOLR. — Cracroffs Areca-Nut Tooth Paste. This delicious Aromatic Kentrifries makes the Enamel of the Teeth white, sound, and poshed like ivory. It is exceedingly fragrant. is noiV sold in 6d. rotl.

| HONOUR FOR A MERTHYR MUSICIAN. Last week we made a brief reference to the great honour conferred upon our brilliant and promising young t(IWn"man, Mr. D. C. Williams, professor of music. The committee of the Llandudno National Eisteddfod, as our rcaders are aware, have decided to perforin an orchestral overture of his composi- tion at one of their concerts. For a man so young this is, indeed, a signal distinction, and a strong evidence of the confidence which the committee had in Mr. Williams' musical abilities. The orchestra, we understand, will number 6. instru- mentalists, and will consist of Monsieur's Riviere's famous combination, together with other artistes of the first rank. The whole will constitute one of the very finest orchestras outside the metropolis. Mr. Williams is now at work on his overture, and all will be in readiness a few weeks hence. MR. D. C. WILLIAMS, MERTHYR.

Mr. Williams will appear at Llandudno in dis- tinguished company. Four new works will be produced at the Kisteddfod, namely, a cantata. by Dr. Joseph Parry, entitled "Cambria," Dr. Rolant Rogers' The Garden." a ballad by. Mr. Pugh, Mus. Hac., Llandudno, and Mr. illiams' over- ture. Our townsman, it will be seen, is working in a department tnat has hitherto been neglected by Welsh omposers, that is, instrumental music. Though young in years, it would hardly be an exaggeration to call him all old hand" at com- posing. He has won prizes innumerable at our eisteddfodau. In fact, he has served a long apprenticeship in composition. At the Rhyl National Eisteddfod of 1892, before he had attained his twenty-first birthday, he captured the prize in the cantata competition, and his work, entitled Traeth Lafan," based on a tradition existing in the neighbourhood of LIandudno, won the very highest praise from the adjudicators. It may also be mentioned that a quartet from his pen, Lead Kindly Light," was rendered a few days ago at Newport, and was very cordially eulogised by the Newport press. As a composer, the veteran I)r. Parry looks upon him as the most promising among our younger musicians, Mr. Williams hails from Llanwrtyd, his father being a native of North Wales, His chief musical Mentor was Dr. Parry, and his career, already exceptionally brilliant, will be watched with great interest. There is a great future in store for him. lie i.s to be heartily congratulated on the honour now con- ferred upon him by the Llandudno National Eisteddfod Committee, and this, we feel assured, is only the forerunner of many more and higher honours still to fall to his lot. Mr. Williams is one of the most modest and unassuming of men. He snffers from almost a painful lack of that apti- tude which the majority of Webii niasicians have been abundantly blessed with, to wit the aptitude to push themselves to the front. He does not hanker after notoriety. Hut the force of genius cannot fail in time to win for him the position he is entitled to occupy. Llwyddiant i'r Cymro ieuanc.

ABERDARE COUNCIL ELECTION. At a meeting of Nos. 1 and 2 Wards of the Liberal Association held at Bethel Vestry last- week, Mr. Edmunds in the chair, it was decided to nominate Mr. G. George, and Mr. Owen Harries, the outgoing councillors for the Gadlys and Llwydcoed Wards, as the nominees of the association at the forthcoming District Council election. There was a fair attendance. Several gentlemen present made speeches, and it was understood that a com- mittee would be appointed to further the candi- dature of the gentlemen nominated. Mr. Tudor Williams. Medical Hall, is also a candi- date for the Gadlys Ward, having been asked to stand by an influential deputation of electors from that ward embracing all classes. There is likely to be a very exciting contest. Mr. Williams may be expected to make a good tight as he is a gentleman of great business tact and popularity. Monday was the last day for receiving nomina- tions. The following were nominated — Llwydcoed Ward Mr. Owen Harris (old member). No opposition. Gadlys Ward Mr. G. George, J.P. (old member), and Mr. D. Tudor Williams (contest). Town Ward Mr. T. Thomas (old member) Mr. L. N. Williams, Mr. J. W. Evans. Blaengwawr Ward Mr. John Howell (old member). No opposition. Aberaman Ward Mr. T. Rees, Swan Hotel (old member), Dr. Davies .Tones, Cwmaman (contest). It will be noticed that Mr. Owen Han-is will have a walk over in the Llwydcoed Ward. In Gadlys Ward both Mr. George and Mr. Tudor Williams will go to the poll. In the Town Ward it will be noticed that Mr. J. W. Evans and Mr. T. Thomas have been nominated. Mr. J. W. Evans however withdrew on Tuesday, and Mr. T. Thomas is likely to do likewise, as he has stated that it is not his wish to again solicit a seat on the Council. Mr. L. N. W illiams is likely to have a walk over. It will be noticed that Mr. J. Howell is not to be opposed, but there is a probability of a contest in the Aber- aman Ward where Dr. Davies Jones and Mr. Rees have been nominated.

THE CAPCOCH RAPE CASH. The agitation in favour of a mitigation of the sentences of five years' penal servitude passed upon the young men for committing a rape upon a ■woman named "Mrs. Crisp at Capcocli still goes on. It wus stated at the last meeting of the Executive Committee that sub-committees had been formed at Aberdare, Aberaman, and Mountain Ash, and letters were reported to have been received from several leading people in the neighbourhood promising to support the agitation in every legitimate way. It was decided to form com- mittees at Cilfynydd, Cwmbach, Ynysyhwl, and the Rhondda. __d-

"DELIGHTFUL" TREATMENT FOR CURING CORPULENCE. The process of curing any physical disorder is so generally the converse of delightful that the use of this and similar terms in reference to Mr. F. C. Russell's now popular treatment for corpulency natur- ally attracts special attention. These terms are to be found in a large number of letters included in the just-issued 18th edition of Mr. Russell's little volume of 256 pages, "Corpulency and the Cure" (Woburn House, Store-street, Bedford-square, London, W.C.). These communications are from persons of both sexes, and it is apparent that their number is represented by thousands annually, who have found in this system of treatment a safe, rapid and permanent cure for excessive fatness. This testimony forms in the aggregate, indeed, a wonderful record of rapid reduction of excessive adipose tissue, and those who have pesonal reasons for being inter- ested in the subject should send to the above address six penny stamps for a copy (post free) of Mr. Russell's notably-suggestive little book. I think the treatment most delightful," writes one out of a large number of equally-enthusiastic correspondent". And the expressions "Admirable tonic," "Splendid stuff," "A delicious beverage mixed with mineral waters," are of constant recurrence in this singularly-interest- ing correspondence The details given by many of the writers of these letters as to the results of the treatment fully iustities the use of such eulogistic ph rase-. It must certainly be delightful to experience the sensation of losing unnecessary and dangerous fat by pounds per week, and frequently by stones per month, and that by aid of treatment which simul- taneously increases the appetite and renders its reason able indulgence inocuous. The experience, too, must be still more delightful by the knowledge, which may be gained from a perusal of Mr. Russell s book, that his preparation is a pure vegetable product, without anv admixture of the mineral poisons which are too frequently administered. With a candour which also is delightful, Mr. Russell prints in his book the recipe for the preparation.

riiRADESMEX'8 Billhead1?, Memos Handbills, Ijbel- I window Rills. ct' done in best strip an 1 with at the TIMES l'lUNTINO WORKS, Joiuc SiaKKT, MCBTRYR lixmates sfiven kitids of work,

r BY THE WAY. I The Aberdare School Board lias actually increased the salary of one of the caretakers I Tho Merthyr Board of Guardians the manage- ment of £ 40,000 annually. A feature of the St. ].)a\id's e<j!» iiration at Moun» tain Ash was the playing of a ~e!t>tion of Welsh airs on a Chicago cornet !)y rSorgf.tnt Shaw. I Aceording to /}/,1/71i.J¡¡' \V;-ckl>i tt,, the number ef failures in England and gazetted during the week-ending March 14th, 131. The number in the corresponding week of last year was 191, showing a decrease of 10. We do not think there is any truth in the report that Mr. Chamberlain has asked President Kruger to hunt up Mr. Williams, the ex-relieving officer at Atterdare, and bring him hack with him on his approaching visit to this country. There was a very curious-looking machine on the table at the last meeting of the Merthyr School Board. A pressman volunteered the theory that it was a guillotine, speciaHy constructed to cut long- winded speeches short. Other boards want such an instrument much more than the School Board. The '?/ Gvcrdiau, in iN last issue, states that a fair amount of activity continues to be shown at the Cyfarthfa and Dowlais Works. The demand for steel bars has improved and bookings of iron and small goods continue, with a. much better tone in rile steel rail trade. It is evident that au effort is being made to receive a share of floating orders. A removal has recently taken place at Llan wonr.o under somewhat curious circumstances. About ten months ago a middle-aged man, hailing from Ynjsybwl, died and was buried in Llanwonne Churchyard. He had often expressed a wish to be buried in a certain spat in the Ynysbwl New Cemetery, and the latter place having recently been opened, under permission from the Bishop of Llandaff the relatives exhumed the corpse at midnight, and, placing it in a hearse, had it conveyed to Ynvsybwl Cemetery. Apropos of the discussion re Yr Orsedd, Theophihu Jones, the historian of Breconshire, writing in 1807 to the Rev. Edward Davies, author of the Mythology of the Druids," says Believe me, the monkey tricks shown by Owen (Dr. Owen Pughe ?) Rnd others on Primrose Hill have no more foundation or shadow of antiquity than belongs to the Chair of Glamorgan, which Williams (Iolo Morganwg) speaks so much of." The letter, which is quoted in the Ymoft/ntidd for the present month, is from the MSS. at the Free Library at Cardiff. A droll incident occurred at the Temperance Mall Soup Kitchen the other day. The second relay of children were up in the gallery waiting for their turn, with the Rev. J. G. James in charge. They were not very orderly, and Mr. James devised R penalty. Each boy, he said, had to take a girl on his arm down to dinner. The children entered into the spirit of the thing, and it was quite a treat to see the procession marching downstairs to the dining-room. Perhaps Mr. James will have the pleasure of marrying some of those couples by-and-bye. Lord and Lady Wimborne entertained at dinner at Wimliorne House, Arlington-street, London, on Wed- nesday night the Russian Ambassador, the Marquess of Lansdowne, the Marquess and Marchioness of Hamilton, Isaliella Countess of Wilton, Lord Henry Cavendish-Bentinck, M.P., and Lady Henry Ben- tinck, Lord and Lady Rodney, Lord Balcarres, MT., the Hon. Lionel Holland, M.P., Sir Francis and Lady Jeune, and others. Subsequently Lady Wim- borne gave an evening party, at which there were present, amongst a brilliant company, Viscount Emlyn and the Hon. Miss Campbell, Sir John T. D. Llewellyn, M.P., and Lady Llewelyn, Major Wynd- ham-Quin, M.P., Mr. H. M. Stanley, M.P., and Mr. and Mis. Gwynne Holford. Says the Srt/fth Wo'rs Iloi.Uj Neirs Mr. W. Edwards, the popular inspector of schools, baa for years played the part of Elieha to the chief inspector, Mr. William Williams'Elijah, in the matter of Welsh education, and a double portion of the chiefs spirit has fallen upon his second in command, so far as belief in the educational value of the Welsh language is concerned. Speaking at a social gathering recently, Mr. Edwards said he had the pleasure now for some years past of examining annually many hundreds of children in the Welsh language, that subject being selected as a specific subject in preference to Trench and other Continental tongues, and the practical value of the teaching as a means of mental training to the children being, to say the least, equal to what would have been secured had they been taught French or German.

ABERDARE POLICE COURT. Tu PST)AT. -Before Stipendiary North, Dr. Davies, Dr. Jones, Mr. D. P. Daties, Mr. D. Davies, and Mr. G. George. IT IS ALRIGHT.—William Lee, a young man, said that what the constable at Penrhiwceiber told th., magistrates as to his bei.1g drunk and assaulting the aforesaid constable was alright."—For the assault Lee was fined 40s. and costs or a month, and for drunkenness 10s. and costs, or 14 days. BKERONIANS.—The following qualified as beeronians: George Lewi", 10s. and costs J. Lewis. 10s. and costs. IT WAS NOT OFTEN THAT HE WAS TAKEN TO BKER.—'Thomas Thomas, Cwmaman, on being sum- moned for drunkenness, did not deny that ne had been drunk, but remarked that "it was not often that he wa-s taken to beer."—Fined lCM. and costs. SHE SAID THAT IT WAS NOT HER DOG.—Henry Stratton was charged with having kept a dog without :t licenee.- Defendant' wife appeared and said that it was not her dosr.—Case dismissed. "OCR JOHN'S DOG.John Harman, Cwinbacn, was summoned for a similar offence.—The Constable said that defendant's mother told him that the dog was our John's."—Fined 10s., including costs. OBSTRUCTION.—Three young men wepe fined 5s. and costs for obstruction in Commercial-street. Dm NOT PAY THE TOLL. — Charlotte Coleman, a young man from Merthyr, was charged with hawking goods without having previously paid the toll.—-Mr. Kenshole prosecuted.—D. Jones, toll-collector. said that he saw the defendant in Whitcombe-street with a basket of kippers which she was hawking about. He summoned her, but he had aeen her selling roods eince in defiance of the summons.—Defendant called a witness named Smith, who alleged that defendant had offered the collector money for the toll, and that lie refused to accept it.Defendant was fined 5s. and costs. GAS ARREARS.—Mary Barnes, Salutation Inn, was ordered to pay L6 5s. 3d. arrears of gas charges. A MEAT CASK.—Lewis Davies, a young man, was Mitvimoned for obtaining meat under false pretences, from the ,,hop of Eastman's, Aberaman.—Dante! Davies, Capeoch, said that he bought two pieces of beef at Eastman's shop. He left the meat there, and said he would call for it later on, as he wanted to go to another part of the town. He subsequently returned for the meat. but the manager of the shop told him that the defendant bad fetched it.—George Harris, manager of the shop, said that defendant told him that he had been instructed to fetch the meat.- Daniel Davies, in reply to the magistrates, said that ho had never instructed the defendant to fetch the meat. In fact, he did not see him at all on the night in question.—John Prosser, grocer's assistant, also gave e% ideiice. Whitney deposed to arresting the prisoner at the Castle, At-)eraiii.-in. -Case dis- missed. ASSAULT BY AN AUCTIONEER.—J. Dob«on, an auc- tioneer, was summoned for having assaulted J. Harold Edwards-Complainant said that the assault took place at an auction-room in Canon-street, Aberdare.— Defendant was selling books. There was a dispute as to whether a hook had been knocked down for 2s. 9d. or 3s. Defendant told the crowd that he had heen in the Law Courts in London. Complainant joculaily asked him if it was "in the dock" he had been. Defendant's assistant then pushed him, and defendant subsequently came on and caught hold of complainant.—He tore bis coat open, screwed his tie round his ueek, tore two buttons, and landed him on the pavement.—Mr Kenshole (who appeared for the defendant): What did you mean by asking him if he had been in the dock?—Complainant: I only asked the question.—Mr. Kenshole: But what did you mean ?- -Complainant: I simply asked the question.—Mr. Kenshole: But you implied some- thing Complainant: I did not imply anything.- George Williams and Evan Evans ga\e corroljorative evidence, and said that the question as to whether the defendant had been in the dock caused much laughter.—Mr. Kenshole submitted that defendant was quite justified in turning complainant out of the auction-room, as he had previously asked him to go out and he had refused to go.—D. Richards, Little Wind-street, said that defendant asked the com- plainant to leave the i oom. -Will i-,tni Dawson, assistant with the defendant, said that defendant asked the complainant to go out. He said that he would go. He did not however leave, and defendant then put him out.- By Defendant: He did not hear defendant say that if he (complainant) "had any wool on his back he would take it off him. rhe Stipendiary said that the conversation that wan stated to have taken place in the auction-room was not creditable to either side, but an assault had undoubtedly been committed, and defendant would lie fined 10s. and costs.Defendant gave notice of appeal, remarking that he would consult a barrister. vr 'N V.XOTJIKR ASSAUI.T.—Margaret York was charged with having assaulted Catherine Hughes.- Complain- ant said that defendant smacked her on the eye. —Tw o 'witresses gave corroborative evidence.—Defendant was fined 5s. and costs STKAUNO T'MBKH. —William Williams was charged with stealing timber from the liwllfa Colliery.—The Constable said there were frequent complaints of the timber being stoleu.—Defendant pleaded guilty, and was fined 5s. STKAUNC A RIX<— Mary Hannah Jones, a girl of 11 years, was charged with having stolen a gold ring, the property of Emily Jones, Bute-street.—Complain- ant said that she did not wish to press the case." Morris tlacob, pawnbroker, said that the defendant brought the ring to him and asked him to buy it, but he C. Evans said that ho arrested the prisoner at the National School, where she was a scholar. She admitted having taken the ring from off the dresser. Prisoner, who had previously borne a good character, waJ ordered to come up for judgment when called upou. in J. Evaus was summoned by Edith Williams, a neatly-dressed young woman from Abeiamau. to show causa, &c,—The easy was ad- jQurne 1.