The Aberdare Leader

A "GENUINE" BUT" RASH" REFORMER. IN this issue a correspondent takes exception to our description of Dr. Datta as a genuine reformer, but of a rash and sweeping type." He wants to know how any reformer can be genuine and at the same time" rash." Perhaps we ought to have phrased our views more ex- plicitly, but what we meant was this. Dr. Datta is undoubtedly genuine so far as honesty of motive and sinceri- ty of purpose go. But like many enthusiastic reformers he is some- what precipitant, and his programme is, we fear, overcrowded. Reforms, when they do arrive, always come in single file, and travel at a very slow pace. Almost every great reformer —even the most genuine—has been at some period in his life over- whelmed by an optimism begotten of unregulated enthusiasm. Later on he finds that there is a mighty power that shapes the ends of our pet re- forms, rough hew them as we may. It is called Utility. But this power cannot detract in the least from the genuineness of the reformer, rash though he may be. Is it not a fact that the bona fide reformers of this and every age have been at times in their history more or less rash and sweeping ? When we referred to the impracticability of some of Dr. Datta's schemes we did not have in our mind his worthy projects in con- nection with the healing art. We referred specifically to his contention that the Miners' Federation should support young men at the Universi- ties, and thstt co-operative coal mines would be an undoubted suc- cess. That the eminent Doctor has done practical work within the sphere of his own profession we readily admit, but that is no guaran- tee that his remedies for political and economical evils would be effectual. -:0:-

MERTHYR'S LABOUR SENATE. A CORRESPONDENT writing above the signature W.H." says of our article on the above subject in last week's LEADER, firstly, that it will bear a little criticism; secondly, that it, leaves one in a fog. The first fact we rejoice over, the second we de- plore. He sees in the article some j" doubtful shadows cast on the Labour triumph at Merthyr," and hears in its note a "dismal wail." To repeat the words we used, We are only pointing out the danger." The railway whistle is a dismal wail sometimes, but when it serves to point out danger it is sweet music. When we mentioned that the general supersession of Capitalism by Labour might mean merely an exchange of tyrannies we referred to a trait in mankind in general, not in Labour representatives in particular. His- tory teems with instances of the per- secuted becoming the persecutors and the tyrannised evolving into a tyrant. It is so in the religious world and in the political world, and it is not likely that the economical world is to be exempt from the uni- versal rule. It often happens, after the Colossus with iron heel has stalked roughshod" over the serf, that eventually he springs up, mounts a horse himself and rides roughshod over some other serf. Where in our article does our correspondent find any insinuation that the Labour movement has been built up on a flimsy basis, or that Labour has no object, no aims, no ideals, no brains ? Yes, W.H., we claim that Labour re- presentatives should serve "both sides." They should serve their constituents who possess ratable inte- rests as well as those who do not possess them. We cannot see that by doing so they would be striving to serve God and mammon. Are God and mammon synonymous with Labour and' Capital respectively ? "W.H." says that "before Labour can get the wealth it creates its rep- resentatives must prevent Capital taking any more." What of the many working men in Aberdare and Mertbyr who through thrift have be- come owners of property? They are capitalists on a small scale and are their interests to be entirely ig- nored by Labour representatives ? As a matter of fact Capital and Labour are interdependent.

UNITED IRISH LEAGUE. gir a few weeks ago I read an account of' a 'meeting of the above at Mountain 4sh and saw that Mr. Stansfield had t-e,en,.givin,w, the members his views on the way to get a Parliament of their own in Ireland. No doubt Mr. Stansfield s ad- dress was very stirring, but what effect will it have on the members of the LeS- I am informed that this Mr. Stansfield is the secretary of the Liberal Political Council. I wonder how many members of this Council are in favour of giving the Irish a Parliament of their Again, are the members of this. Coun- cil in favour of the. Education Act, of which the members of the Irish League are strong supporters? What good has this Council done during the time it has existed? Mr. Stansfield, I daresay, has been well paid for his ser- vices to that body-in gaining popularity. Mr. Stansfield will do a lot of speechify- illg for the sake of popularity. But what a pity, after receiving applause and votes of thanks, that he is forgotten. But, never mind, Mr. Stansfield, after being refused by different bodies, you can return to the old fold (tlie Liberals), where you can have a job as secretary ot some council. What about the Ratepayers' Associ- ation to be formed after that big meeting promoted by our hero? I daresay that work will find a place in the biography of the Irish League adviser.—Yours, etc., W.G.

MERTHYR'S LABOUR SENATE. Sir,—There are a few points in your leaderette of last week, under the above title, which I think will bear a little criticism. It would be interesting to know the real state of the writer's feelings on the subject. "His article leaves one in a fog. Why does the gentleman cast such doubt- ful shadows on the labour triumph of Merthyr in the first part of his article if he believes what is written in the last? If he doesn't doubt that the labour members will do their duty to labour, what good does he hope to do by giving utterance to such a dismal wail? He says that the masses are eager for a change because they feel sanguine that any alteration must mean reformation? But is he so allrethat the labour move- ment is being built up on such a flimsy basis? Is he sure, that it is not the out- come of strenuous thought, of a dawning of the truth on the minds of the workers as to the cause of their poverty and de- gradation ? Has labour no object in view —no aims and ideals? Are there no brains in the movement that your Scribe should write of it in the ab&ve terms ? I believe he will find that by the time there is a majority of labour members on our local bodies and in Parliament, the local bodies and in Parliament, the workers ■will be intelligent enough to see that their interests .are served, and not those of rich idlers and useless workers, as the case is now. He seems to think that Labour Repre- sentatives should serve both sides, but the thing is impossnbte, as we cannot serve God and Mammon. So they cannot serve Labour and Capital, that is if they work efficiently. The latter is taking something which the former should get, consequently before Labour can get the wealtn it creates, its representatives must prevent capital taking it any more. Such ideals as these are taking defin- ite shape in the minds of the people. The Colossus tht has stalked roughshod over them so long with iron heel, bruis- ing the bodies and souls of men, women, and children, looms more and more tangi- ble, and their fingers are beginning to itch to throttle off, which is a thing to thank God for.—Yours, etc., W.H.

CWMDARE SQUABBLE. Sir,-May I avail myself of a short space in the "Leader" to express my views with regard to the defence made by "One of the Gentiles." He may feel inclined to deal with me as he has already done with "Outsidtr," by telling me to mind my own business. In the present in- stance, however, his business is my busi- ness, and I hold an equal right to dis- cuss the matter. Whether "Outsider" Lad a right to ex- press his views or not, Mr. Gentile should be-the last to contradict him, for is he not one of the Gentile flock, who have condemned "Justice" for applying him- self to the press. Writing to the 'Leader' is reckoned by the Gentiles as throwing- pearls before pigs. "Pigs," a nice term, indeed. Who are the pigs, I wonder? Are we to understand that they are the Leader, readers? Shame. Thanks for the press through its med- ium many an outsider will have a look in -without being obstructed by 'barbed wire' surroundings. What a denouncing spirit the Gentiles have. Justice" was put doiSm as a. blasphemer, while "Outsider' is looked upon as an intruder and inquisitor. Are you afraid of side lights, Mr. Gentile? If your case is blameless, why fear the i • j that which you condemn Outsider the question may equally be lbn + p y?j" J Is your d°orstep clean ? Pilate failed to wash away the stain on his hands with mere water. There still remains a crowd of Pilates. Where is your consistency in being as- tonished at an outsider writing, when you, as^one of the Gentiles, are adopting the method which your own sweet sect are condemning? But there, we have found out that their contention is, "We condemn, but will have no defences." In your previous letter we find a state- ment to this effect: "Confess your sins before the world is the advice of this sect." Your opinion has changed for you term them now a sect of conspirators sworn to secrecy. "Outsider" is an assumed name, you TXT-IU' a7! •v'011 are a conscientious man. Why then waste words with the unre- deemed? Was it to exhibit your ability to write or an inclination to crow over the distinction? Should the outsider he favouring your views, would you tell him to mind his own business? You are getting jealous. The souls of outsiders will not be won by sending them about their business. Better open the gates than shut them. ours ,also is not a model Christian spirit. You talk about pre-arranged, but what of yourself. It appears you have pre-ar- ranged to call every one who opposes you, whether outsider or insider, "one of the clique." If your so-called 'Rum- pus was a pre-arranged affair, it was as justia/ble as your pre-arrangements, which are numerous, and we have further proof of their existence. We are not blind or deaf, Gentile. Outsiders are- looking on, and eooner or later their sym- pathy will be won. Tight fair, and don't kick, there's many a defender in the mass. We can easily recognise the spirit which produced your sarcastic remark as to* "Outsider's" faulty eyes. We have an, enormous quantity of these examples in store, which are reserved for the time being, for your sake. May I ask again, is your doorstep clean? Your note, re the disgusting language. You were not a listener; no, I dare say, not to the defects of your own sect, but you have no objection to listen to any- thing in the contrary, and add to them.. Listen to your own conscience, and don't deny facts. If you respect your wisdom, refrain from asking for more publicity than can bear good results. One ward more, possibly no souls were- won in the consternation, but we may hope for a re-union of love practically bv those who preach love, and an advocating of equality in principles by those who de- fy the mass, and act as agitators on special occasions. The author of the "Rumpus" has re- i turned. Therefore, you need ask no more questions, he is here to defend himself. Are you prepared for it? If so, grant him the privilege of defending himself, publicly, and let all ears judge.—I am, DEFENDER.

The Theatres. A Royal Revenge." The attraction at the Public Institute, Mountain Ash, this week is A Royal Revenge with which Mr J. H. Clyndes Company, opened a three nights' engage- ment on Monday. Mr J. H. Clyndes' who is well-known as Napoleon" filled two of the leading roll?Zt as Estevan Alvares, a soldier of fortune, and afterwards as the Marquis de Santiago, Patriot and Prime Minister. He interpreted his parts with the in- tensity and conviction which always characterise his acting. As his wife Inez, Miss Maud Garth ably seconds his efforts. She appears to especial ad. vantage in the enthralling tableau To Thy Cross I cling,a scene which thnHs even the most hardened playgoer. Mr R. L. Stacey as Azan Ben Musid, a Moor, and a villain of the deepest dye is a distinct success. Miss Aimie Grattan well sustains a heavy role as Cora Casilda, a gipsy dancing girl. The comedy portion is in. the capable hands of Mr Wilfrid Brandon and Miss Cele. stine Brandon as Michael Sancha, inn- keeper of the Merry Muleteer, and his sweetheart Paquita Marcela. This happy pair sing capitally. The piece is finely staged, seven sets of magnificent special scenery being used, and the dresses are gorgeous in the extreme. All lovers of this kind of work should make a point of seeing'this wonderful play, which will be produced at the New Theatre, Aberdare, to-night (Thursday), Friday and Satur- day,

Death of Mr M. R. David, The Grange, Aberaman, -sclay afternoon, after a pro- tvactra and painful lllfiegs; ~Bir Morgan It. David, the Grange, Aberaman, passed away at the age of 52 years. Mr David was the only son of the late Mr Richard David, Blaengwawr. Mr David had been very successful as a brewer. He- owned the Rock Brewery. Aberdare, but recently retired from business, having disposed of the brewery to the Rock Brewery Co. He took a great interest in horse-breeding. Besides the Grange, • he possessed considerable property in this locality, as well as an estate in the neighbourhood of Abergavenny. He was greatly attached to his family, and his wife and six children—three sons and three daughters—have suffered a very great bereavement in being deprived of a loving husband and father. The funeral took place on Tuesday, the interment being in the family vault at Aberdare Parish Church. The Rev Morgan Powell, vicar of Aberaman, officiated, and the chief mourners were Messrs Willie, Richard, and Morgan- David (sons). There was a very,, largq-" and representative gathering..

THE GREAT SKLN CURE. BLTDDEN'S S.R. SKIN OINTMENT* I cu,e Itching after one application* $Sstr°ys every form of Eczema; heals old Wounds and Sores, Chilblains; acta like a charm on bad legs; is infallible for .files; prevents cuts from festering; will cure Ringworm in a few days; removes the most obstinate Eruptions "and Scurvy- Boxes, 7hL and Is. 1M. Agents: Aber- dare, W. II. Jones, 3, fligtoria-squgre" w a *^rys EvamiSl> chemists; Hirw&iu? TV' Georg-P, chemist; Aberaman, E- Evans; Mountain Ash, Williams.

Abercynon Football Club, INTERESTING SMOKER. The first of a series of smokers in alco of the above club was held on Monday evening last at the residence of their geIl ial secretary, the New Inn Hotel. There- a ,(?rowt|-ed attendance. Regret waf felt at the unavoidable absence of Mr. E-- w M0d^' who was to take the chair,. but Mr. G. Sulley (a prominent mexnhe1 C0,V™utee) Proved himself an ex- cellent substitute. The programme w'a3' varied one, and most enjoyable. Jenkins, of Pontypridd, accompaB' ied tlie singers on the harp. Signor Get- am Save two splendid selections on the mandoline, and his fine scholarly manipu- ation was much appreciated. Mr. Wat- iiins was decidedly the star of the vocal- ists, and his excellent rendering of "LODD live the King" fairly brought down t Ff house. Mr. Walters' Coon songs were also very much liked. Specially proniin; rrre -^r- Gibbon, Mr. I>. Jones, Mr. Howells. Mr. J. Jones's stump ora* tion created roars of .laughter, and Mr- i earce s selections on the gramophone were very well received. Votes of thanks to tliechairma,n and artistes terminated a most enjoyable evening, and the club5 are to be congratulated on its success.

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