The Cambrian

Zhc Cambrian. FRIDAY, MAY 18, 1900. ANXIOUSLY WAITING. Half an endless year ago, He was left amidst the foe, With some thousand men or so, As their chief. For his country's arms miscarried And across the desert arid Many a tedious noon-day tarried The relief." Britishers all the world over are anxiously waiting for the news of the relief of Mafe. king. The tension is intense. The people seem to be struggling to be let loose. But the glad news is not yet. It is expected every minute. And some good souls are so angry because they are not told of Baden Powell's relief. They cannot under- stand the delay. Excitement is in the air. The feverish expectation of the people can almost be felt. When the joyful tidings ar- rive there will be great rejoicing throughout the length and breadth of our World-Empire. For who does not admire Baden Powell and his brave men and women ? How pluckily and cheerfully they have fought in the face of overwhelming odds. And Baden Powell's messages. How light-hearted and sanguine, even when the prospects were of the blackest. The siege of Mafeking will line in history. For seven mouths the heavy metal of the Boers has been pounding at the little town, and on every side there are rent walls, gaping roofs, rooms and sideways heaped with rubbish. Fever and dysentery have been raging among our own flesh and blood, who have hardly known since the war began what it means to have sufficient food or the blessed sense of sleep. The Boers have never had the courage to Drees the siege or to do anything tbar could not be done at a distance. They have relied upon hunger and pestilence to reduce Mafeking. Will it be reduced ? We pray not. 8uch a disaster would be a serious blot on the war-it would take away all the glamour of the campaign. It must not be reduced. Baden Powell and his gallant gar- rison must be relieved. And when the long- expected news is wired to the four corners of the earth there will be scenes of rejoicing and demonstrations which will be remem- bered for generations. A debt is owing to the people of Maftking which could not be shirked without the deepest shame, and if nothing be done to restore the health of the inhabi- tants and the prosperity of the town on its deliverance, the ringing of bells, waving of flags, and the cheering of multitudes would be little more than a mockery. Lady Georgina Curzon has made an appeal for one more effort of practical generosity upon behalf of the unfortunate people of the wrecked and wretched hamlet. She asks for means that will send the women and children of Mafeking away to scenes where they may forget the ghastly nightmare through which they have passed, and where the hue of health and happiness may come again into their wasted faces. Let our gratitude be shown in such a manner that glorious little Mafeking may rise from its ruins for a fresh start in life, and that not the poorest man among the citizens may ever regret the famous stand they made for the Empire.

NOTES & NOTIONS. HYMN FOR FEDERATION. God save the Queen that she may see The Federation of the Free; TllIS oe my crown upon her life, The issue of our righteous strife; God save the Queen that she may bless The union of the numberless. When doubting hearts grew faint with fear Her children o'er the seas drew near, God! draw them nearer till they stand Confederate with the Mother Land, One nation, one in aim and birth, Shoulder to shoulder circling Earth. Let not her reign unfinished run, Knit all her kingdoms into one: Let not alone the trump of war Unite her children scattered far; Lord, bring them in, to stand with pride About the Queen in peace allied. This be high Heaven's last reward For all her faithful service, Lord, This Thy great dower on her days Whose pomp was in Thy prayer and praise- God! save her, that her eyes may see The Great Communion of the Free! THE "MORNING POST." t w <t The Swansea Corporation is kicking over the traces with a vengeance. Members dis- card the rules of debate. They fill their speeches with irrelevencies. They introduce a personal animus which often produces un- seemly scenes. The City Fathers" are in a sorry mood just now. Dignity, indepen- dence, civic patriotism and sincerity seem to have left them. The meeting on Wednesday was by no means creditable. Members talked when and how they liked, and they scoffed at and taunted each other. How long is this deplorable condition of things to con- tinue? When will members learn to deal with the affairs of the town in a strong, businesslike, dignified and sincere manner? A young wife at Mumbles recently pur- chased a bottle of electric patent brilliant polish." She shewed it to her hubby in the evening, but he was too busy with the paper to examine it. A few evenings ago, however, he read the directions," etc., on the bottle, and he roared with laughter. For this was what he read: —" I hereby certify that I have carefully examined one of your manu- factures called the electric brilliant polish, and it is the most extraordinary solution I have ever seen, and is unequalled as a polish for all kinds of furniture, wood, metals and lacquer work; it is also an elegant prepara- tion for the hair, rendering it soft and glossy. It stimulates the growth and effec- tually prevents hair from falling off or turn- ing grey. For those who suffer from corns or tender feet the effect is marvellous." Fur- niture, metals, hair, corns and tender feet! <t <t Miss Carrie Abraham, 8, Walter-road, Swansea, has just scored a highly creditable musical success. At an examination held in connection with the Musical International Colleges, she took the highest honours and the silver medal for the Principality. A few years ago she won the bronze medal. Miss Abraham, who is the daughter of Coun- cillor W. Abraham, is an accomplished and versatile young lady, and she gives every promise of a very successful musical career. 0 0 0 The Work Committee of the Third G.R.V. have just despatched a second parcel to South Africa, containing cholera belts, socks, boot laces, handkerchiefs, slippers, tobacco, cigarettes, stationery, etc. These comforts our Welsh Tommies will thorough- ly appreciate. Miss Dillwyn is doing excel- lent work in connection with the 3rd G.R.V. Work Committee. Miss Maggie Jones, A.T.C.L., the accom- plished Waunwen musician, has again scored several notable successes. Her pupils are constantly gaining distinction. At the Gowerton Eisteddfod, Miss Hannah Evans, of Major-street, Manselton, who is only nine years old, won the first prize for pianoforte playing. Miss Maria Jenkins, who passed the Junior R.A.M. Examination with honours recently, was successful at the Albert Hall on Saturday last. At the exa- mination of the International 'College of Music Miss Lottie Gale and Miss Gladys Chapman passed in the senior division in pianoforte playing, the latter being also suc- cessful in the Intermediate Division. Miss Amelia Parton, Landore, also passed, while Master Eddie Hill, aged 10, son of Mr. Hill, Carmarthen-road, secured the maximum number of marks (100) in the Jnior Division. Other pupils who were successful were Miss Elizabeth Jones, both of Penllergaer, and Miss Ethel Reynish and Miss Maggie Hop- kins. Miss Lily Hill passed in the Primary Division. • • • Thus the "Manchester Guardian" Messrs. Macmillan have begun the issue of a Library of English Classics,' in hand- some and well-printed octavos, bound in red cloth, which would do credit to any shelves, and yet are very cheap. The printing is clear and fine, and though there is no criti- cal or erudite matter beyond what has been mentioned, the editions are the result of precise labour, and ought to hold their own. We congratulate Mr. Pollard and the publishers upon this excellent reproduc- tion of Sterne's masterpieces." » • Mr. fA. Lawrence Lowell's book entitled Colonial Civil Service" (published by The Macmillan Co.) is a curious evidence of America's interested study of British colo- nial methods. The bulk of it is a detailed account of the selection and training for the Indian Civil Servioe. There is, however, also a full history and study of the Dutch coionial system, and a shorter one on the example set by France in Cochin China; and lastly, a very interesting chapter which con- siders the possibility of applying the Eng- lish model in providing a civil service for the new transmarine possessions of the States. The conclusion is that the same principles will not apply because America will tolerate favouritism but will not tolerate the imposi- tion of a standard which involves a first rate University education; and that, therefore, a special college must be established somewhat on the model of the old Haileybury which is discussed at length by Mr. Morse Stephens. • # » A very bright future is predicted for Miss Maria Jenkins (a fourteen-year-old daughter of Mr. John Jenkins, of Manselton), who is a pupil of Miss Maggie Jones, A.T.C.L., the brilliant pianist of Waunwen, Swansea. Miss Jenkins has just passed with honours the examination of the Associated Board R.A.M., held last month in this town. This is a meritorious performance, when it is taken into consideration that she only commenced her musical studies two-and-a-half years back, during which time she has passed several examinations, and gained many prizes at Eisteddfodau at Burry Port, Mumbles, Albert Hall, Swansea, Morriston (out of twenty competitors) and elsewhere, being successful every time. Miss Jenkins is a sister to Miss Maggie Jenkins, the well known Swansea contralto. The fight for the Coronership was con- cluded in the Council Chamber on Wednes- day. It was interesting and exciting. In the course of the afternoon we saw signs of the elaborate wire-pulling indulged in during the past week or so. Some of the members complain bitterly of this. They say they were coaxed and threatened. How far this is true it is impossible to say, but there is no> doubt as to the vigour and extent of the wire-pulling. However, Alderman Leederr was appointed, and he has been warmly con- gratulated by his numerous friends. Thus the Corporation has lost a useful and zealous member, who was capable of rendering the town good service. Mr. Leeder may be re- lied upon to retain the honourable traditions of the ancient office to which he has been ap- pointed. • • • Dr. Rawlings scored a decisive success over the Sunday trading agitation. He despaired of this at first. The Watch Committee were afraid to move backward or forward. They trifled with the question, and sought to be- little its importance. At the outset of the agitation against the proposal to prosecute offenders man- of the members were strongly tempted to oppose Dr. Eawlings. Immediate- ly, however, they saw how strong public opinion was in favour of the crusade, they changed their attitude. From that moment Dr. Rawlings' triumph was assured. The Council's decision, arrived at by a practical- ly unanimous vote, will, we are sure, meet with enthusiastic approval. Sunday trad- ing is wrong and unnecessary. And for that reason the Corporation should exercise the powers at its disposal. Mr. A. H. Thomas startled his colleagues on the Bench at the Swansea Police Court on 'Saturday morning. He said: There seems to be an earnest desire to smother the Welsh language, and I wish it to go forth in the Press that the magistrates on the Bench this morning would not allow a witness to give his evidence in Welsh." We have always held that if a witness in any court of law expresses a wish to give his evidence in Welsh, he should be allowed to do so, for it is only natural that a person should be able to express himself better in his own native language than in any other. Therefore, if there had ever been an attempt on the part of the magistrates at the Police Court to smother' the language, we should have been among the first to denounce it. But so far as our knowledge goes, the magis- trates have never attempted to do anything of the kind; on the contrary, they have al- ways seemed willing enough to allow a witness the aid of a Welsh interpreter. @n this occasion the witness had managed to give his evidence clearly enough until he was cross- examined by the opposing solicitor, and then he asked to be allowed to give his evidence in Welsh. Two of the magistrates — Mr. D. Owen and Capt. T. Davies-remarked that they thought the man seemed to understand English well enough. Hence Mr. Thomas' little outburst. Under the circumstances, we think Mr. Thomas was not justified in making the statement he did, for the very good reason that the witness's request had not been actually refused. < Dr. Rawlings is grievously disappointed with the Swansea Council. In the course of an interview with a representative of the Daily Post," he said: There are feW matters, nowadays, in Swansea, that are de- cided on their merits, and personal considera- tions have so much weight. When I went on the Council I went there with a high standard of public duty before me, and I tried to live up to it. But I have been disappointed, and I desire to use the time that remains to me in spheres where I think I can be of more ser- vice to the people. There are other considera- tions, but let that stand as my reason. I shall in the future devote the time I can spare from my professional work more to philanthropic and religious effort." The re- tirement of Dr. Rawlings from the Swansea Corporation should not be passively submit- ted to. A strong effort should be made to in- duce him to continue his services. He can ill be spared just now. A dozen men at least of his type are wanted to make the Council clean and independent. The town would not be true to itself were it to allow the resigna- tion of Dr. Rawlings to go unchallenged. a We cull the following from the Neyland Dis- trict Nursing Association's annual report for 1899: "In June, 1899, Sister Agnes' (Mrs. Gamwell, formerly matron of the Swansea Fever Hospital) commenced work as District Nurse in Neyland. From the first she was very well received, and the report of the cases she has attended will show the amount of valuable work she has accomplished in the past twelve months." < The four candidates presented by Miss 3S. M. Fricker, 100, Walter-road, have all been successful at the recent Associated Board examination in music:—Ethel R. Griffiths, violin (senior division), honours; Maud 32. Davis, piano (lower division), pass; Bernice Phillips, piano (elementary division), pass; May Tosh (Miss Garlick's School), violin (elementary division), pass. < <. <t Salutary punishment was meted out to twelve members of the Pontardawe Cycling Club at the Police Court on Wednesday for riding their bicycles furiously on the Mumbles-road on Saturday, May 5th. It appeared from the evidence that the men were going along as if the road solely be- longed to them, with the result that Mr. Hopkins, of Westcross. got knocked down. Fortunately, Mr. Hopkins was not much hurt. These cycling club outings are be- coming a perfect nuisance at the Mumbles. It is a commonthing to see a dozen or more cyclists, three or four abreast, come pedalling through the village just AS if their lives de- pended on their speed; and it is marvellous how there are not more accidents. We are glad to see that the Mumbles police are at last beginning to take steps to put an end to the nuisance, for it is not right that the lives of people taking a quiet walk should any longer be endangered by the foolhardi- ness of a lot of young fellows who cannot take their pleasures in a rational manner. 0 The methods and arguments of Mr. Morgan Hopkin are not often those which the aver- age public man would adopt. But the vola- tile labour tribune" does sometimes get on the right track. And when he does he is entitled to at least a fair hearing and cour- teous treatment. He has received neither in connection with his attack on the financial administration of the Swansea market. That administration is wrong in one vital prin- ciple. Ordinary business receipts are not given for all monies received. All the speech- making and explanations in the world will not conceal that fact. The attitude Mr. Tut- ton has taken up in this matter is much to be regretted. He is playing into the hands of those who would rejoice to see his influence in the Council Chamber weakened. Those who have the best interests of the town at heart do not want his influence weakened. They would rather it were increased. Thus they are concerned about the part he is play- ing in the agitation initiated by Mr. Morgan Hopkin. The scene in the Council Chamber on Wednesday did Mr. Tutton no good. The sooner he unbends, and thinks less of Mr. Hopkin's position, the better. To receive money without giving the usual receipt is wrong. Such a system should not be tolera- ted for a moment. The honesty of the officials is not questioned, while it is most unfair to say that a serious charge has been brought against Mr. Warmington. Mr. Hopkin made no charge. Even if he did it would not hurt Mr. Warmington. But that is no reason why a system of no receipts should be in vogue at the Swansea Market. We have not to consider Mr. Morgan Hopkin in the matter. The greater question should not be clouded by the smaller question. Will Mr. Tutton please set his many friends at rest by at once adopting his usual business-like and common-sense views? A Bill has been prepared by Mr. Brynmor Jones, Mr. Alfred Thomas, Mr. Humphreys- Owen, Col. Pryce-Jones, Mr. Herbert Lewis, and Mr. William Jones to extend the privi- leges of the graduates of the University of Wales. It consists of one clause, which pro- vides that—" Wherever any office is or shall be open to graduates of the Universities of Oxford, Cambridge and London, and of the Victoria University, or wherever any privi- lege or exemption has been or shall be given by any Act of Parliament or regulation of any public authority to graduates of the Uni- versities of Oxford, Cambridge, and London, and the Victoria University, graduates of the University of Wales having the degree which would be a qualification if it had been granted by the University of Oxford, Cam- bridge, or London, or the Victoria Univer- sity, may become candidates for, and may hold any such office, and shall be entitled to all such privileges as fully as graduates of any of the last-mentioned Universities." • • • The rapidity of the advance on Pretoria fills the public heart with elation, and in- spires high hopes of a speedy termination of the war. Since Lord Roberts himself moved from Bloemfontein, the army has gone for- ward at about the rate it would have done if there had been absolutely no attempt at re- sistance. Should this triumphal progress be continued, the Flag may be carried to the ram- parts of Pretoria in a fortnight. But while any serious check is not to be anticipated, it is difficult to suppose that the Boers are so demoralised as to be incapable of making a stand at the Vaal: and again, some delay may be caused by the necessity for concen- tration of supplies. This would probably do no harm. for it would give time for the news to spread of the abandonment of the Orange State by the Transvaal and of Steyn's flight to yet another seat of government." The Commander-in-Chief is hardly likely to meet many more armed Free Staters, though a. force