Papurau Newydd Cymru

Chwiliwch 15 miliwn o erthyglau papurau newydd Cymru

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6 erthygl ar y dudalen hon

Liberalism at Abergele.

Newyddion
Dyfynnu
Rhannu

Liberalism at Abergele. ENTHUSIASTIC MEETING AT THE TOWN HALL. SIR HERBERT ROBERTS AND MR. W. JONES, M.P. There were scenes of great enthusiasm at the Abergele Town ihall on Friday evening. The robust Liberalism of the town of the esteemed Member for West Denbighshire reached its high wa-ter mark. Were any proofs needed of the esteem in wlbichSciir Herbe-it Roberts is held in his native place, they were overwheLming on this occasion. TTie organisation and the perfec- tion in the arrangements of the meeting reflected the greatest credit upon those who convened the gathering, which was held under the auspices of the newly-formed Liberal Association. The usual dullness of the hall had been trans- formed by a band of willing workers, for on all hands were vivid evidences or ingenious work. The platform had been beautfully adorned with choice plants, and the background of the stage had been decorated with drapery in tasteful fes- toons. Conspicuous at the back were the words Free Trade and Cheap Food." High above the platform hung the Welsh motto, Trech Gwlad nac Arglwydd," and on the front of the chairman's table was the signaficanf phrase, Liberals demand the removal of the Lords' veto." To the right of the stage was an excel- lent framed photo of the Chancellor of the Ex- chequer, and on the side walls of the building were the devices, Welcome to Sir Herbert Ro- berts and Mr. Wdliiam Jones, M.P. Disoe- tablishment and National Council for Wales," and Thank the Liberal Gofvernnient for Old Age Pensions." IIn the midst of all these ex- pressions of Liberal opinion was the flag of Wales, with its Red Dragon-,th-e whole form- ing a very bright and pleasing picture. THE PLATFORM. The hall was crowded when the following party emerged from the ante-room to ascend the platform, and hearty cheers were given:—Sir Herbert and Lady Roberts, Mr. William Jones, M.P., the Rev. Francis Jones, the Rev. J. H. Da vies, the Rev. Robert Williams, the Rev. J. Pr it chard, the Rev. Morgan Davies, County ■Councillor J. T. Miillward, Mr. John Edwards, Tanyfron, Mr. C. Pierson, Mr. J. H. Lewis, Mr. John Davies, Mr. Edward Davies, Mr. Edwara Ellis, and Mr. Pierce Davies. Mr. W. J. Evans (Chairman of the Associa- tion) occupied the chair, and spoke in English. ;He was heartily greeted upon rising, and his speech had the true Libertal ring about it. In- cidentally, he remarked, that it was often said that they in that district had gone to sleep. If that were true, they were going to have an awakening, which was proved by the large and enthusiastic crowd in front of him. They, Liberals, would rise like a giant refreshed to do battle with .the enemy, and the fight would be a stubborn one. Party Government had received" a check, and the Lords, in their arrogance, had frustrated the will of the people. (Hear, hear.) The result of the incrustation of centuries was that the coum/try was only governed by one party. Dr. Clifford had very tritely said that there were three houses, the Lansdowne House, the Church House, and the Public House. (Laughter.) Liberals must break up this un- holy triple alliance. He believed he was not mistaken when be said that the Welsh people would be more vigorous in their battle with, the Lords than other parts of the country. (Loud applause.) The time was now ripe for another Glen dower, who would not put on a coat of merit, and resort to the sword, but would make the fight through the medium of the Budget, re- lieving the necessities of the poor by taxing the rich and providing the money for old age pen- sions, instead of taxing t'he food of the people. Wales was looking forward to the next session with particular interest, for they then hoped to see a Disestablishment Bill introduced. (Ap-, plauoo. Such a Bill, every Welsh Member was pledged to. support—(applause),—and he hoped the flag would never be lowered until that measure was attained. He also trusted that in the future they as democratic citizens, would be governed by an intelligent progressive body, in- stead of being, as at present, the victims of aristocratic intolerance. (Hear, hear.) OLD AGE PENSIONS. Mr. John Edwards, who was warmly received, moved:—"That this meeting of Abergele and District Liberals desir to express its apprecia- tion of the great services rendered by the present Government, in placing upon the Statute Book so many .and aLuable embodying progressive princioles and calculated to improve the condi- tion of life for large sections of the community, and while deploring the failure to pass other important measures, notably the Licensing and Education Bills, assured the Government of the hearty support of the country in the future efforts to add to its already long list of bene- ficial measures. That this meeting further assures the Government of the support of Wales in particular in carrying o,ut its pledge to pass a Welsh Disestablishment Bill through the 'House of Commons in the coming session." Mr. Edwards considered that the Government had done uncommonly well during the three years they had been in office. (Applause.) Not only had they added several useful and im- portant measures to the Statute Book, but in granting old age pensions they had made the grandest New Year's gift that had ever been given—(applause),—a gift which had brought ■brightness and happiness to many homes. It that had been the only thing the Government ,had achieved, it would have been a crowning 'triumph. (Applause.) They had not had Dis- establishment, but it was coming next session. (Hear, hear.) He was proud of the firm stand the Government had taken for Free Trade. (Ap- plause.) If Free Trade were abandoned, it wcrld mean that their huge trade would decline as rapidly as it was built up. As for Protec- tion, he quoted the case of Germ-any, where the cost of living was higher, and the wages lower. (Hear ,hear.) It was strange that if protected countries like Germany were doing so well, that one never heard of an Englishman or Welshman going out there to seek a living, although thou- ands of Germans flocked to this country to look for employment. (Applause.) In enlightening the people as to the benefits to be had under Free Trade, he thought that their representatives and leaders should speak in a more elementary strain on too subject, to make it easily under- stood, instead of speaking of millions and so on. (Applause.) When Mr. W. P. Morris was called upon to second the resolution, he received a tremendous ovation. Speaking in his native Welsh tongue, with true Celtic file, he raised the audience to a high pitch of feeling, which was maintained throughout. A ROUSING RECEPTION. Sir Herbert Roberts rose to support it. The whole audience rose to their feet, and gave their Member such a reception that must have been most gratifying to him, accustomed as he is to the. good-will of Abergele people. Sir Herbert essayed to start upon his speech, but as the cheering subsided, the audience sang For he's a jolly good fellow," ending with three vigorous Hip Hip Hurrahs." Sir Herbert gracefully acknowledged the ova- tion, and thanked them for the profuse and lovely decorations which had been made for the occasion. Referring to his asisociation with Abergele, he declared with pride that apart from politics, his personal relations with all classes of people in that locality had always been of the most cordial character. That meet- ing had been held with a view of preparing for an election, should it occur. He was not gifted with the powers of prophecy, and could not state when the election was going to be, but he be- lieved that by the introduction by the other side of issues and methods unknown before, the next election would be one of the hardest fights they had ever had. He did not, however, dread the result. (Loud applause.) But let them see to ,it, and prepare themselves without delay for the battle, so that they might be ready at any time within twenity-four hours' notice. (Hear, hear.) He would like to emphatically impress upon them that the result of the next election would depend a great deal upon the attitude of the new electors in that constituency, especially the younger men who had acquired the vote since the last contested election. (Hear, hear.) He had heard it said, and had seen it written, that the Liberal youth of Wales had not the grip of political questions that thear ancestors had—(A Voice: Ncs, they have.),—and that possibly, at the next election, many young voters would abandon the cause for which their fathers had fouighit and sacrificed so much. (A Voice: Never.") He did not believe it. (Applause.) Liberalism had played an important part in the history of Wales, and little would have been accomplished in the past without it, and there was something still greater for them to accom- plish in the future. (Applause.) He had great faith in the Liberal youth of his country. (Hear, hear.) POWERFUL ADVERSE INFLUENCES. Had the country realised the supreme import- ance of the issue at the next election? Those had been nc swing of the pendulum for half a century in the Liberalism of Wales, and the series of overwhelming triumphs it had secured had been worn in toe teeth of powerful influ- ences—the influence due to the possession of land, the influence of the Establishment, the in- fluence which rested in the hand of wealth., and all the influence which belonged to' social as- cendency. (Applause.) All these things had been against the Welsh people in the past, and the fact that they had done as they had done was one of the most remarkable and notable things in the political history of the world. (Cheers.) Some of the results of this splendid achievement of Liberals in Wales might be men- tioned. One of them was the supremacy of their Liberal faith in the County Councils of Wales to-day. It was quite as important for Liberalism that that supremacy should be maintained in the Parliaments of the counties as it was that it should be maintained in the Parliament at West- minster. (Cheers.) The position of Wales in the Government of the day was another gratify- ing result of that loyalty to the Liberal ideal. Politically speaking, this period would be con- sidered the golden age of Wales. This high point of influence in politics had not been reached by the chance accident of a single Gen- eral Election. It had been attained by anxious, earnest, seaf-sacrificing woiik on the part of those who. had gone before, and if the Liberals of Wales were to make the position they held to-day, the platform from which they could work for still higher benefits for their country, then they must be animated by the same spirit, they must be led to make the same sacrifices as their fathers had made, for the cause in days gone by. (Cheers.) WALES AND EMPIRE. For three years of solid, substantial and in- spired work for the people, the present Govern- lient had never been surpassed. In Imperial matters—and though Wales demanded fuller powers of self-government, it was untrue to, say that she wished to take a narrow view of Im- perial a.ffairsthe Government had done fine things for the future of the Empire, and in ad- ministration and finance, as well as in the. legis- lation, their record was a splendid one. A GIFT TO THE POOR. Splendid service had been rendered, especially in putting the national finances on a sound foot- ing, by reducing the National Debt by nearly fifty millions in three years. A penny had also been taken off tea, whilst half of the duty on sugar had been dispensed with, and, most" im- pocant of all, there had been the national gift to the poor of the land, of six millions of money annually, that coming +hrough the hands of the most brilliant Welshman that had ever lived. (Applause.) He confessed that the re- jection of the Licensing Bill by the House of Lords, was the greatest political blow he had sustained in the course of his political career. There was no need to argue on the question of the House of Lords, as Wales had made up its mind on that point generations ago. (Applause.) As for Tariff Reform, it was somewhat strange that at that moment, when the Liberal forces v. ere being called to action upon the question of the House of Lords, that the cry of Protec- tion^ was being strongly raised, but he would remind them that every vote given to Protection was a vote given, for the supremacy of Conser- vative policy and principle in WTales. It was said that there were a certain number of Lib- erals who were prepared to go a little way with Protection., but he did not believe it, because any Liberal so doing, would be departing from the true principles of Liberalism, and must realise that would be placing Liberalism at the mercy of its opponents, and among other things, make the House of Lords master of the nation, and apart from this aspect of Tariff Reform, he was quite prepared to stand upon Free Trade upon its own merits. (Loud applause.) Per- sonally, he would not lose much by Protection, indeed, to some extent, he might gain by it; but it was not a question to. be settled upon peisonal grounds. (Applause.) It was nvll i, question how much it would affect particular classes of those engaged in trade, but it was a question of what was best for the population as a whole, particularly for the working classes. (Hear, hear.) He based his faith in Free Trade on the fact that there had been a remarkable growth of trade in the country, under Free Trade, and on his belief that the country was against Protection. He did not consider that the true text of national prosperity laid in the accumulation of vast wealth, but rather in the making of such provision in their national life as would bring about a greater security of opportunity to every man, woman, and child in the country to improve the conditions. under which they lived, and that greater security of opportunity alone would bring about, in his judgment, a more equitable distribution of wealth. In Protected countries, save, per- haps, America, where resources were some- what exceptional, .wages were lower, hours longer, and cost of living dearer, and he was ready to fight to. the last for Free Trade. (Applause.) He admitted that there was considerable unemployment, but that was due to a general depression through- out the world, and might be ascribed to the squandering of 300 millions on the South African War by the late Government. Another reason why he wanted to keep the Free Trade flag flying was to prevent 'orruption with their politics, as in America. (Hear, hear.) Many people said that they ought to link their Col. onies to the Mother Country from the point of view of- self-.interest; but he did not think that was possible—that was the conclusion he had arrived at after travelling in the Colonies. He thought that Free Trade, with their ports open to the world, was one of the greatest factors in making for the strength of the Empire, and the peace of the world Looking to the future, his vision was not of the British Empire standing behind Tariff walls, but rather with open gates to receive the commerce and friendship of tne world. (Loud applause.) The lasting supre- macy of their race would depend, not upon the protectiofn of their trade, as against the world, but rather upon the life of the men and women who made it. (Applause.) If they again re- turned him to Parliament—(applause),—he would continue to do his utmost for the cause with which they were pledged and to merit their confidence. (Applause.) The resolution was then unanimously carried amid enthusiasm. MR. W. JONES, M.P., ON THE HOUSE OF LORDS. In a thoughtful English speech, the Rev. J. H Davies moved the following resolution, seconded by the Rev. Morgan Davies in a racy and witty Welsh address :—" That this meeting of Abergele and District Liberals desires to em- phatically protest against the action of the House of Lords in arrogating to itself the right of over-riding in the interests of one political party, and of particular the privileged classes, the unmistakeable wishes of the electors as con- stitutionally expressed by them at the polls, and by their representatives by such overwhelming majorities in the House of Commons, it recog- nised in this partisan attitude of the Upper House a grave national danger, which it be- hoves all loyal supporters of the British Consti- tution to assist in removing without delay; it calls upon the Government to take such effec- tive measures as will ensure that the will of the people shall henceforth prevail, and assures the Premier of its loyal support in any action hav- ing this object in view, which he may determine -upon." Too -resolution was carried unanimously. Mr. William Jones, M.P., on rising to speak, was accorded a most hearty welcome. Address- ing the audience in Welsh, he said he was very glad to be there to pay his respects to his friend Sir Herbert Roberts. (Applause.) He was one who had won his title. (Applause.) He had wonked on behalf and exerted his influ- ence for the benefit of his nation. Referring to the burning question of the House of Lords, the Hon. M'ember said that their self-constituted authority reminded him of the story as to how they assumed that authority. A meeting of these illustrious persons was hAd, and amongst them three important resolutions were passed. The first was: The world is the Lord's, and its goodness." That was carried unanimously. (Laughter.) The second resolution was And the Lord gave the world unto His Saints." (Laughter.) Needle-ss. to, say, this was also carried unanimously. The third resolution was the most important to the lords, for it was "We are His Saints." (Loud laughter, and applause.) The present Government had done noble work for the country, and the whole energies of that Government had been to impress upon the minds of the people that the laws they passed should be for the benefit of the whole country. (Cheers.) Wihero it failed was well known t) all of them. That was not the fault of the Government. It was that of the House. or Peers. (Shame.) Many were there who would corroborate the opinions of Mr. Arthur Henderson and Mir. Shackleton, who bad said that they never had such an hioitiest Government before. The Hon. Member referred to the Children's. Bill and the Old Age Pensions Act as the bridge that con- nected benefits, with youth and old age of the land. The first was equivalent to the rocking of the cradle of coming generations, and re- stricting vices that were common to our young folks to-day. Not the last of these was mat children should, where, it was necessary, have food given them to help in their educational studies. (Applause.) The Old Age Pensions Act did away with the old oraer of things. They had a system of old-age pensions in Germany. 1.20,000 people of that land received pensions, but those that gave asked for three-fourths of it back by the conditions of the system. Then-e were- over 500,000 old people of our country—old men, old women, arid old maids—(laughter)—re- ceiving the blessings of the Act. (Applause.) They in his audience could take it from him that there would be more thrift arising out of this Act. And he hoped that by the end of the year 1910 the disqualification of parish, relief would have been removed and the. age limit reduced from 70 to. 65 years. (AT)plause,.) The hon. member explained tha t the Government had under consideration a scheme whereby the heads of families who were enfeebled by accident, ill health, or other good reason from being the wage-earner should receive some conlsideration from th3 Government that would be a kind of State insurance, and would bring comfort and relief to many a home where otherwise there was nothing left to. them to. be dependent upon but charity or the workhouse. (Applause.) The Liberal Government, he contended, was not working for one section of the people, but for the uplifting of the whole. One of the best measures that ever passed the House of Com- mons was the Licensing Bill. (Applause.) They knew their own Member's part in that Bill. (Loud applause.) He (M.r. Jones) was glad to say that the young men of Carnarvonshire were more enthusiastic than ever in Liberal politics. Let the Abergele young people stir themselves to action. Let them read something besides halfpenny comic papers, and the result would be that every Tory would run away from them in fear. With regard to Land Values, there was not much danger of the landlord raising the rents of his tenants; because, if he did, he would be taxed accordingly. L,and measures of great importance had been sent up to the House of Lords twice and rejected. This would not occur again. The demolition of the House of Lords was in the hands of a Welshman—Lloyd George. (Loud and prolonged cheering.) CONFIDENCE. The third' resolution was proposed by Mr. Pierson, and seconded by Mr. Robert Davies, Rhydyfoel. It was as follows" That this meeting of Abergele and district Liberals desires to place on record its hgh appreciation of the manner in which Sir Herbert Roberts has per- formed his public duties as the Parliamentary representative of West Denbighshire, and especi- ally of his untiring efforts on behalf of the tem- porance cause as evinced during the passage of the Licensing Bill through the House'of Com- mons that this meeting further renews its unshaken confidence in him for the future, and assures him of its heartiest support should his return to Parliament at the next election be challenged." 'After Mr. Charles Pierson and Mr. Davies. Rhydyfoel, had spoken a few words, Sir Herbert Roberts moved a vote of thanks to Mr. William Jones for his presence at the meeting. This was carried with acclamation A sick bard who Deceived a goose as a Christ- mas gift sent the following acknowledgment on Christmas Eve — Cynaliaeth ddigon main A gaf dan law'r med,dygor,-i- Bwyd Bengetr a Grape Nuts, Te Biff a Phanopepton, A llawer bocs o. bils, Ddwg wyneb slur a chilwg, A chwerw stwff diras I'w arllwys drwy y gwddwg. Ond daolch! weithiau daeth 0 amgylch y Nad-olig, A"r c'lenig glana 'rioed Ddug yn ei law garedig; I ddyn sydd wedi bod Yn ymyl tranoedigaeth, Bydd oglau'r wydd yn ras A'i bwyta'n iachawdwriaeth.

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