The Merthyr Express

.=- _r_ 'ZI'OI:orc- Ak THE LATEST II 18^| I M Spring Novelties PH j JJT Artistically Displayed I I are here ? Awaiting your Inspection, S t f.r !) *nere is something particularly 4ascinating to the lady of jl taste in such a display as that to which we direct your g attention to-day. | It would be hard to say which department you should v isit first—they have each so much that will interest you— so* much that will please you—so much that you would be V sorry to miss seeing, iWe want you to take this announcement as a personal I invi tation to you to come and inspect—there won't be the j attention to-day. | It would be hard to say which department you should M v isit first-they have each so much that will interest you- sot much that will please you-so much that you would be sorry to miss seeing, a We want you to take this announcement as a personal I invi tation to you to come and inspect-there won't be the slightest importunity to purchase-we want you to see, so that ^hen you do want to purchase, you will know where to come-that is the primary object of this Spring Show of ours. | Blot it's not only in what we may term the dainter | articles—millinery, fancy goods, costumes, &c.-that 'çur | showing is complete but also in new goods for the home- | Iformtuite, furnishings, curtains, carpets, and the like. In i all tbette we have new lines for you to see—new patterns | for you j to admire. | Nor has the gentlemen's side been forgotten. We have | a splendid selection of new fabrics for making up into § Spring overcoats and suits; new shirts, new collars, new | neckwear—in fact new everything that can in any way be i comprised under the heading of clothing or outfitting. | More and more are the public beginning to recognise 5 that their best shopping interests lie in patronising an m establishment such as ours; more and more are they a realising that it is much more satisfactory to shop locally, 1 where local interests are studied, rather than to patronise H the mammoth establishments of London and elsewhere, S where they can only form units in a crowd of shoppers, B and where their individual needs cannot receive that care 1 and attention that they deserve. I We want you to take this Spring Show ot ours as an g earnest of our ability to serve you well, and for that 11 reason, if for no other, we hope to have an early visit I from you. fi R. T. JONES & CO. | I General Drapers, Costumiers, Complete House Furnishers, § I Gent's Hosiers and Clothiers, ? j Market Square, MERTHYR. | 'J „ 1

CORRESPONDENCE. _r._I" The Editor wishes it to be distinctly understood that he will not hold himself responsible for the opinions or statements of correspondents, nor under- take to return rejected manuscript. Correspondents MIST write on one side of the paper only. Correspondents are requested to condense their re- marks as much as possible as. owing to the very Sreat demands upon our space, we cannot undertake too publish letters of great length. Letters of a personal character will not be inserted.

TO CORRESPONDENTS. "Pawhiweeiber Pari-,hioner. "-Your letter is Dot suitable for publication, and, besides, you do not forward your name and address.

CATHOLIC TEACHERS AT DOWLAIS AND COUNCILLOR GRllTFITHS'S COMPACT Sir,-Thanb for inserting my letter re the above, and I am obliged for your information at the footnote, which says: -Councillor Grif- fiths attended meetings of the Irish Party in Oowlais prior to the election, and made certain "promises, on the strength of which, it is said, he received the Irish vote." I wish to be fair with the Merthyr I.L.P. Branch and Coun. cillor Griffiths. What I want to know is the reai cause of the Merthyr I.L.P. Branch pub- licly declaring by resolution their desire to disassociate themselves from a comrade of the 'Dowlais I.L.P Branch. I have perused your columns for this miich-desired information, and I find none to justify this cruel treatment of a comrade by supposed comrades. Will some of the Merthyr I.L.Peers give me some iurht?—I am. yours, etc., CIESAR.

MR. J. O'GRADY, M.P., ON THE CATHOLIC GRIEVANCE. I r, -ndiv do me the favour of publishing 2bg following letter which I ave received from \!r. J. O'Grady, Labour Member for East jeeds. Will our Labour Members please take -ote:- House of Commons, 6/4/1909. Dear Mr. Mansfield.—I am truly sorry to hear that the Labour Members are acting as you state in the matter of treatment towards the Catholic Schools. I can only say that irich conduct is not in consonance with that observed by the Labour movement towards Catholics. It has always been a proud boast of mine that our movement is so broad as to embrace men of all creeds and all nation- alities within its political activities, and allow to all liberty of conscience in religious thought I do trust that my Labour friends in Merthyr Tydfil will take example from their honoured member, Mr. Keir Hardie.—Yours sincerely, JAMES O'GRADY. P. MANSFIELD.

CAN A CATHOLIC BE A SOCIALIST? Sir,—In your issue of the 3rd, you published a letter from a correspondent signing himself "Searcher of Truth," and who asked the above question. I would refer him to Dr. Bagorty, of Glascow, a Catholic clergyman, who advocates Socialism whenever and wherever he gets the opportunity. I would also remind him of the Catholic Socialist Societies of Manchester, Bir- mincrham, and Glasgow, and a host of other different Catholic Socialist Leagues and bodies up and down the country. "Searcher of Truth" irii.^ht as reasonably ask can a Catholic be a liberal or even a chemist, because Liberalism rr chemistry have quite as much relation to CathoLicism and religion generally as Socialism lias. In the name of common sense what has Catholicity to do with nationalisation of rail-

Young Children I !•" are well nourished | | aad. warmed with hot Corn Flour and 1 1 milk Soup. It is quick to make, and 8 & specially good between meals or at bed- I I t'me. Use one teaspoonlul of I I Brown & Polson's I I li Patent "Corn Flour I J to each breakfast cupful of new milk and 1 I boil for ten minutes, to bring oat tlw^g S delicious nutty 3aroo»^ofjJio^

A MERTHYR VALE SOCIAL DEMOCRAT. THE DAGO. OR COKE OVEN TRAMP. Sir,—I am a unit of that despicable syndicate called Dagoes. If I withhold my proper name, you will readily understand when I state that my swelling throat and heaving breast still indicate sympathv and love for a deserted mother, and I still hope that my blighted life may close in brightness. My life is a constant scourging with the triple whip of remorse, vain regret and self-disgust. Public outnion analyses me and my companions somewhat thus: That our capacity for evil is only equalled by our op- portunities: and that we are brutes, not even decent d-evilq. We are invariably greeted by expressions of aversion and disgust by those who think themselves exceptionally good be- cause they have been exceptionally fortunate in escaping temptation. I share too deeply in hu- manity's faults to be very critical; should I claim to be immaculate it would be utterly re- pugnant and you would denounce me as a tran- sparent sham. Upon inquiry, you will find that the lives of our bitterest persecutors are redolent with rank odour of unsavoury remem- brances, their relations, physical and moral, a jangling discord, and in some cases the maternal hand is unsanctified by the significant plain ring. Although I have reached the bottom of perdition I once thought mythical, I cannot but think when assailed on all sides that the devil has so many doing his work that be can afford to fold his hands in idleness. We hear of great preachers arriving from great cities holding successful missions. I re- gret to say that their successful mission is to convert the converted and fill the collection plate. They do not visit the outcast or the resort of the Dago. This is a fine harvest field for iliein. If they can pluck a few brands from the burning surely their crown of glory will be emblazoned by scintillating diamonds of righ- teousness and theirs will' be a veritable suc- cessful mission indeed. I appeal to ministers and Christians not to leave us as perpetual living monuments to Great Britain's deplorable poverty. Remember us when you say, "Our Father," etc.. thereby making us your bro- thers do not forget us when you proffer the chalice in the Holy Eucharist, stating that you are in love and charity with all men. We all know the founder of our faith was a friend of publicans and sinners; that when good in- fluences are felt in roan's soul evil becomes es- pecially active that the damp chill of sin has taken the place of the genial sunshine of re- pentance. We are in a slough of despond-a more fear,' uI bondage never cursed a human soul. If you have a keen eye for character, and a human interest for humanity; if you have the subtle power to fill his thoughts, quicken his pulse, stir his soul, lead him mentally to that place of holy memories, the place called home, where mother is—this is the open sesame to all his eruilty miss-doings—you may be the means of hope stealing into the heart that before was paralysed by despair. It is because Christians pass by on the other side that so many perish by the way. Teach us that your Christianity is a reality and not a fashion. There is nothing like relijrion lived out to open a heart closed against it. We sometimes think that God must become human to gain humanity; that His law is too perfect for im- perfect humanity. I We had a surprise visit a few evenings ago. Our gejusl qAd frisd tht JSftrry*" ii us a casual visit. We were delightfully sur prised to hear this diamond in the rough de- livering such masterly counsel. The noble An- gio-Saxon flowed from his lips like a string of pearls, impregnated with the spicy Welsh ac- cent, making it as irresistible as a. gentle south wind. I felt enraptured with him as he greeted us with feelings sincerely cordial and friendly. He taught us how to he elegant under circum- stances the most adverse, making us blush in conscious confusion. He filled us with iavol- untary admiration when he taught us how to avoid the stress of temptation, and to shun the poison of flattery; that pity and sympathy were qualities not agreeable to pride, describ- ing with logic and eloquence that still cold in- difference that is a.kin to death. His prayer echoed in my soul; it seemed as though the heavens could not be deaf to such an appeal. Finally between those guided by divine and earthly principles, the great gulf that is ever fixed between the good and evil in their deepest consciousness. If ministers should visit Coke Oven Terrace I would ask them not to veil their contempt by more politeness. Let the ice of your pride thaw and be not dishonest to yourself or us. Approach us with the silken cords of love. We are too well acquainted with the iron chains of crime. It rests between you and God, and you cannot shift the responsibility. That is acceptable devotion to God which leads to practical, active charity towards men. and the most unbelieving are won by such religion. I now retire for the night, cokes, brickbats, and other debris my bed, my pillow an empty corn- beof tin, the sky above my head the counter- pane. In a few moments I shall join that chorus. which I never hear, like a frog pond in full blast. KENVIN MATT.

WELSH DISESTABLISHMENT. Sir,—Your correspondent, who signs himself "Churchman," iE, judging from his questions, apparently ignorant of what establishment a.nd endowment mean. No one denies that the Church of England raises big sums of money by voluntary methods to maintain and equip their schools and various other organisations to propagate their particular doctrines. It is true also that they receive grants from the State, which ultimately come from the rates, without tho people having any control over those schools and various organisations. It is certainly not inconsistent to say that the Church as a religious institution is endowed by tho State, even in (ace of the fact that the Church raises big sums of money by voluntary methods, as such is the case in reality. His questions are not to the point. Does "Church- man" deny that the "Church" receives State endowments? Who appoints the Archbishop of Canterbury, and where does he get his £15,000 a vear from ? Where do the bishops and the clergy get their salaries from? But we must confine ourselves to the Estab- lished Church in Wales. For an exhaustive treatment of tho question, I would recommend "Churchman" to the brilliant and unanswerable speech of Mr. Asquith in introducing the Welsh Disestablishment- Bill of 1335. Mr. Asquith estimates the value of Church endowments in Wales at £279,000 a year. Tho voluntary con- tributions of the Church of England in Wales amount to £29ó,412 a year. The Bishop of St. David's receives £4,500 a year; each of the other three bishops £.1,200 a year; and cacb of the four Welsh deans £700 a year. Each Welsh cathedral has "residential canons," who get £1,400 a yea.r-£5,600 in all. This money all comes from the endowments; and yet St. Asaph nor St. David's has more than 2,000 population. Nonconformists have no desire to deprive the Church of private endowments that legally belong to it. All private bene- factions created since 1705 will be excluded from the operations of the Bill, and, as I understand, all ancient endowments will be placed under the control of a Commission, and applied for a variety of specified purposes. All that is asked is that the ancient, national endowments, granted at a time when there was but one Church, and when every citizen of the country was supposed to be a member of that Church, should be surrendered for common public use The original endowments were intended for 113.- tional rather than for denominational and sec- tarian purposes. In Wales and Monmouthshire the Church of England has ceased to be the national Church. It is not only an alien im- portation, and, therefore, out of touch with Welsh aspirations and ideals, but is the institu- tion which represents the reactionary forces which block the way to the social uplifting and improvement of the people. Dr. Arnold, of Rugby, said: "The Church of England clergy have, from Elizabeth's time downwards, been a party opposed to the cause if improvement." Canon Molesworth says: "The clergy offered determined opposition to every proposal for the extension of civil and religious liberty." "The Church of England was in favour of the slave trade; against the repeal of the Test and Cor- poration Acts; against Parliamentary and Mu- nicipal Reform; against the repeal of the Corn Laws; against all education beyond the sim- plest elements. It was a worldly clerical digarchy" ("Times," October 9th, 1876). It is maintained upon good grounds that the ancient Church of Wales was at one time distinct from, and independent of. both Rome and Canter- bury. "It was different from them in its or- ganisation, in its customs, and its govern- ment. It was only by force of arms that the Welsh Church was made subject to Rome. It is on1,7 bv forca of temporal power that th3 Church in Wales to-day remains subject to Can- terbury." The unanimous voice of the Welsh people is for Disestablishment and Disendowment of the Church of England. The communicants in the Church of England in Wales number 195,000, while the communicants in the Free Churches in Wa-Ieg number 530,000; Sunday Schoo! schol- ars in the Church of England number 1S2;243, a.nd those in the Free Churches in Wales 630,000. The total population of Wales is 2,033,000. The Church of England in Wales provides sitting- room for 460.000; the Free Churches in Wales sitting room for 1,568,000. Although it is the Church of the rich, its volun- tary contributions only amounted to £296,412 last year, while the voluntary contributions of the Welsh Free Churches, which are tho churches of the poor, amounted to In the face of these figures, the Church of Eng- land in Wales cannot claim to be the national Church.. The reasonableness of this contention is admitted by the appointment of tha "Welsh Church Commission" to inquire into the ori- gin, nature, amount, and application of the temporalities, endowments, and other proper- ties of the Church of England in Wales and Monmouthshire, and into the provision made and work done by the Churches of all denomi- nations in Wales and Monmouthshire for the spiritual welfare of the people, and the extent to which the people avail themselves of such provision, and to report thereon. Nonconformists are not splitting hairs over technical financial points. Their policy is not a policy of grab. It has been suggested in some quarters thát. he surplus endowments should be equally divided between the various religious institutions in order to bring them ai' under State patronage and control. This sug- gestion is contrary to the spirit of the Welsh Disestablishment movement, which is based up- on the principle that Establishment is injurious to the Church. Nonconformists are not han- kering for endowments and State privileges, but for complete religious equality, and for the establishment of all Churches upon a spiritual basis, as the only solution of the problem consistent with Christianity. "Churchman" wag very unfortunate in his sentiment "that there is nothing so invincible as uncharitable- ness, the fountain from which all this male- volence against the Church springs," consid- ering that he is a memberi of a Church, under whose canons to-day, dissent is called "no- torious contumacy," and is classed with "other notable crimes." The whole and consistent at- titude of the Church of England towards Dis- sent is one of invincible uncharitableness. the fountain from which all this malevolence against Dissent springs. This "uncharitabte- noss" is to be traced to two causes. First. to the Act of Uniformity in 1662, when the An- glican Church was established by law, and was placed in a position of privilege as the Ciiurch of the State. Next, to the claims of the Estab- lished Church to the possession of a spiritual gift of endowment not possessed by other Churches—it claims, through its bishops, the exclusive right to apostolical succession. In earlier times the emphasis was laid on the State connection, and Dissent was regarded as an connection, and Dissent was regarded as an offence aeainst the State; but now the empha- sis has changed to the Apostolical succession. Now the doctrine is: "No security for salvation outside the true Church, and no true Church without bishops, whose consecration by a valid rite can be traced from the time of the Apos- tles." Let anyone read the correspondence be- t'^een the Bishop of Birmingham and Canon TTenslev Heason. which appeared lately in "The Times," regarding the invitation to Canon Hen- 11 son by Mr. Jowett to preach af the Digbeth Institute, in order to see on which side the uncharitableness lies. The truth is there are no reasonable grounds for maintaining the es- tablishment of the Church of Engtand.. I must close this rather long letter with a quotation from Freeman. '"The Church is no longer co-extensive with the nation now that it has ceased to be the nation in its religious .as- pect: now that is only one religious body among many, there is, it may be argued, no longer an reason why i should enioy any privileges which a.re not enjoyed by other religious bod- ies, or why it should be subject to control to which other religious bodies are not subject To carry out this rule we should have to repeal all laws by which the Established Church i! recognised in a way in which other religious bodies are not recognised."—I am, yours etc., ANTHROPOS.

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Abergavenny Chair Eisteddfod. GORSEDD IN THE CASTLE. RHYMNEY UNITED CHOIR VICTORIOUS. The annual Chair Eutaddfod in connection with Cymreigyddion y Fenni was held at Aber- gavenny on Easter Alondav, and was largely attended. The entries for the various com petitions numbered 230, includiil; entrants from Portsmouth, Birmingham, Liverpool, and Leo- minster. The officials were: —Chairman of General Committee, Alderman J. Straker. J.P. (Maer y Fcnni) Adjudicators—Music, Mes-rs. Granville Bantock (Birmingham). J. H. Rob- erts, Mus. Bac. (Liverpool), and D. C. Williams (Merthyr Tydfil) poetry, Rev. H. Elvet Lewis (London); essays, etc., Col. J. A. Bradney (Talycord, Monmouth) and the Rev. John Da- vies (Pandv) art, Mr T. H. Thomas (Arlunydd Penygarn), Cardiff, recitation, Rev. T. M. Jeff- reys (Ebbvv Vale); band contest, 1\1 r. Richard Stead (Huddersfield). Accompanists, Mits Gwen Morgan, Messrs. G. L. Loam, and J. R. Ro3scr. Eisteddfod conductors: The Rev. W. Silvanus Jones. Messrs. T. Allen and J. Owen. Tho secretarial arrangement- were carried out by Mr. R. H. Jackson, who deserves great credit for the success of the day's proceedings. A featuro of this year's meetings was tho hold- ing of a Gorsedd in the grounds of Abergavenny Castle. The Cymreigyddion y Fenni have al- ways had a separate order of bards, and the order was resuscitated on Monday, the bards appearing in green robes. The morning's proceedings, presided over by Alderman \V. Williams. Mayor of Abergavenny. were opened by a band of triple harpists, con- ducted by Mrs. Gruffydd Richards (Penccrddes y De), Llanover, rendering a selection of Welsh airs. In his address, the Mayor said the Aber- gavenny Eisteddfod was one of the chief events in Wales, and he hcped th thcy would be successful in tho endeavour to get the National Eisteddfod cf 1911 held at, Abergavenny, and he could assure the Eisteddfod authorities that they would have a most hearty welcome. The afternoon proceedings were presided over by Major-General Sir Ivor Herbert, C.B., C.M.G.. M.P., who, in the course of an address in Welsh, referred to the late Gwenj'nen Gwent (Lady Llanover), whose commemoration form- ed an important part; in that day's proceedings. Tho chief male voice choral competition, for choirs of from 60 to 80 voices, attracted no less than nine entries, but Garw, Morriston, and Upper Cwmbran United did not put. in an ap- pearance. Tho choirs sang the test piece. "The Reveille" (Elgar), in tho following order: —Merthyr Vale (conductor, Mr. S. Evans), Bir- mingham Victoria. (Mr. W. E. Robinson), Tvon- fig Hill (Mr W. R-ees), Barry (Mr. D. J. Tho- mas), Treharris (Mr. Fred Evans), and Mid- Rhondda (Mr. Emrvs Richards). The winning choir (Kenfig Hill) were awarded 71 marks out of 80, while Barry were placed second with 70 muks. Bass Solo, "The Wanderer" (Schubert): Mr. David Chubb, Pontypridd. Boys' choirs (20 to 30 voices), under 13 ye&re of age, "Welcome thou whose deeds conspire" (Hande!). Three choirs sang as follow :—Rom>- illy School, Barry (Mr. W. Williams), St. Jar&es', Pontypool (Mr. W. J. Williams), Rom- illy School, Barry (B.) (Mr. W. R. Johns). Tho prize was awarded the Pontypool Choir. Second choral competition (60 to 30 voices). "0 Lovely May" (German) Pontnewydd and District Choral Society (conductor, Mr. A. Bum- ford). "History of Cymreigyddion y Fenni and Eis- tcddfodau from the Earliest Times to the Pre- sent Day": Mr. A. Morris, F.R.H.8., Newport. Orchestral bands, 13 performers: Three bands played the test piece, "Don Giovanni" (Mozart), in the following order:—Blaina (Mr. W. Aus- tin) Penydarren (Mr. Ben Evans, L.C.V.); and South Glamorgan (Mr. Herbert Ware). — 1, South Glamorgan 2, Penydarren. Tenor solo, Prize Song from Wagner's "Meistersingers," Mr. David James, Beau- fort. Congregational choirs (30 to 50 voices), "0. ye that love the Lord" (Coleridge Taylor). Abertillery Temperance (Mr. T. H. Cooke), TonyrefaiJ Music Lovers (Mr. W. J. Lewis), Duckpool-road Baptists. Newport (Mr. T. H. Miles), and Bethel Congregational, Pont' newydd (Mr. F Hutchings). The first prize was awarded the Bethel Choir, and the second to the Duckpool-road Choir. Violin solo, "Mazuika Caprice."—Mr. Bert Sims, Newport. Pianoforte solo (open). LRonde (W7eber).—Miis Constance M. Probyn, Ponty- pool. The proceedings were further interspersed with selections by the band of triple harpists and the singing of the Eisteddfod song (the words being specially written for the occasion) by Madame Kate Morgan Llewelyn. Transcription of French or German lyrics.— Mr. T J. Thomas, Llanelly. Essay, "Y Gymanfa Ganu."—Mr. D. Jones. Rhymney Junior pianoforte solo.Miss Nana Thomas, Dowlais. Poem, "Gwenynen Gwent," a. prize of £5 and an oak chair value J35, being presented by Major-General Sir Ivor Herbert, grandson of the subject of the poem. Six competitors entered, and Elvet, in his adjudication, award- ed the prize to "Crwys," whose identity was disclosed when the Rev. W. Crwys Williams, Brynmawr, stood up. He was conducted to the platform amid the strains of "See, the Conquering Hero Comes," played by the Bor- ough Band. The ceremony of chairing the successful bard was then gone through, under the direction of Eifionydd, the successful bard being invested by Miss Herbert, of Llanarth, grand-daughter of Lady Llanover, and the Eisteddfod song was well rendered by Ma- dame Kate Morgan Llewelyn to the well- known air of "Bugeilio'r Gwenith Gwyn." The band of triple harpists, under the direc- tion of Pencerdde9 y De, played selections of Wekh airs. Congratulatory poetical addresses were delivered by Gorwydd, Ceitho, Madog Mon, Sarnicol, Gwenith Gwyn, and others. Glee, 16 voices, "Awel y Wawr" Mr. W. GriffithL-The Excelsior Choir, Beaufort, con- ducted by Mr. J. Price. Essay, "Castles of Monmouthshire," with il- lustrations.—Mr. Tudor Davies, Newport. Six Welsh recitations, suitable for children.— Divided between Mr. A. Morgan, Blaenffos, Pembrokeshire, and Mr. H. Davies, Ruabon. Triple harp solo, "Pant Cprlan yr Wyn. Miss Jones, Pontnewydd. Oil or water oolour painting (open).—Miss Young, Abergavenny. Drama, suitable for performance on St. David's Day.—Mr. W. W. Moore, Swansea, conditionally on his re-writing the same. Recitation, open to adults, "Extreme Unc- tion" (J. Russell Lowell).—Mr. D. Hopkins, Newport. Juvenile choirs, 40 to 70 voices, "The Shep- herd" (H. Walford Davies).—1, The Canton Juvenile Choir, conducted by Misa G. Thomas; 2, Romilly School, Barry, Mr. W. M. Wil- liams. It was announced that "Iago," the winner of the prize for the "Primer of roots of Welsh pbcenamcs in Monmouthshire," was Mr. W. Davie-" Talybont, Cardigan; and-that "lfor," the successful competitor on the Walsh letter, was Master Ivor Davies, Aberaman. Brass band contest, Verdi's works.—1, Cros- field's Soap Works, Warrington; 2, Fern dale Silver Band; 3. Aberaman Original Band. Contralto solo, 'The Captive" (Berlioz).— M iss Maude England, Bristol. I Soprano solo, "Was it a dream?" (Sibelius).— Miss Ethel Winbury, Kidderminster. The greatest interest was taken in tho chief choral competition, for choirs of 150 to 180 voices, a first prize of £70, a second of £20. and a third of £10 being offered for renderings of "By Babylon's Wave" (Gounod), and "Cwsg, fiiwr, cwsg" (J. H. Roberts). Four choirs- Newport Choral Society (Mr. A. E. Sims), Rhymney United (Mr. ,T. Price), North Staf- fordshire District. (Mr. J. Whev/all), and Troed- yrhiw United (Dr. E. A. Evans)—had entered, but the last-named withdrew, and the others sang in the order given. Additional interest was given to the competition owing to the fact that earlier on in the day at Mountain Ash, North Staffordsliire secured the first prize with Rhymney United second, the test piece being "By Babylon's Wave." Result: 1, Rhymney United (conductor Mr. J. Price); 2, North Staffordshire (conductor Mr. J. Whe- wall). Mr. Granville Bantock said the Rhym ney Choir gave a really wonderful, refined ren- dering, and the adjudicators could hardly find any fault with it. Ladies' choirs, test piece "Gentle Spring."— 1, Troedyrhiw Ladies' Choir (conducted by Miss K. Jonad; 2. Dowlais Ladies' Choir (con- ducted by Mr. Wm. Hughes). Composition of part rong to any Welsh words. —"X.L. whose name did not transpire. In the course of a conversation, Mr. Gran- ville Dantock said that the competitions dur- ing the day had been of a high standard. He was arlad to find that the committee had intro- duced new pieces for choral competitions in- stead of putting the old hackneyed selections forward. He trusted that the standard in Welsh Eisteddfcdau would be still higher. As a musician he was perfectly satisfied with what he heard.

Mysteries of Memory. Aft everyone knows, the memory plays odd tricks with us •sometimes, and the chaos that would result from a midden general loss of memory staggers the imagination. The marvel of a Lacker who, blindfolded, plays two games of chess simultaneously, has its counterpart in a Datas, who will on demand give the most important or least trifling date in the world's history. In the case of Datas, this extraordin- ary faculty is acquired, and commenting on the innumerable cases of loss of memory, some- times tragical, which are the outcome cf nervous breakdoivn, Datas says "My income de- pends upon an absolutely perfect memory, and after hours of committing dates and facts to memory. I feel mentally exhausted, but soon put myself right with Phosferine. I have u-sed Phosferine for six years and am quite convinced it is the bast nerve tonic for the brain worker."

Anyone car. deposit money in tho savings b.nk, or lock it up in a safety deposit vault, and the meagre gatums that are paid to theirt in interest. To do this does not require I

EVENTS OF THE WEEK. Damage to the extent of £ 10,COO has been caused by a fire in Finsbury. Several fatal accidents to holiday-makus cn road and river are reported. Among the new inmates of Newport Work- house is a man who says his wife is a countess. Seventy lascars from the wrecked liner "M.ah. ratta" have overcrowded the Dover Sailors' Home. Mr. Algernon Charles Swinburne, the poet, died en Saturday morning at his residence at Putney. The Prince and Princcss of Wales watchei the Army Football Cup final, on Monday, at Aldershct. Official denial is given to the report that Ja- pan contemplates renouncing the Treaty with England. Mr. F. W. Jowett, M.P., has been elected chairman of the I.L.P., to succeed Mr. J. R. Macdonald. Lady memberr of the congregation of Wick- ford Parish Church. Essex, have painted the church gates in order to save expense. By fira which broke out on Sunday afternoon the lamp-room, containing about lAoc lamps, a.t the Tylorstown Colliery was destroyed. A proposal that the Postal Clerks' Association should affiliate with the Labour Party was de- feated at the Nottingham Conference on day. Mr. Joseph Martin, ex-Prime Minister of British Columbia, has been adopted as the Lib. eral candidate in the Stratford-on-Avon bye- election. As John Lucas, of Poole, was cycling round a dangerous bend known as Steepleton-corner, near Blandford. on Tuesday, he collided with a motor-car and was killed. As a, result of the mutiny of the troops in Constantinople, the Young Turkish Ministry resigned, and Ahmed Riza, President of the Chamber, also gave up bis post. A new bread trust has been started in the State of Jersey, which is to control he Eastern States of America. There is a smaller loaf in Now York. and higher prices in Chicago. Henry Jones, a foreman platelayer employed on the London, Brighton, and South-Coast Railway, was knocked down by a train a.nd killed at London Bridge Station on Tuesday. John Twamley, an undertaker, who died in his 85th year, has been buried at Yoxall vil- lage, between Burton-on-Trent and Lichfield, in tlis 600th coffin manufactured on his premises. Two workmen, named Thomas Jolly and John Devlin, nho were engaged in loading timber at North Wall, Dublin, for Messrs. T. C. Martin and Co., were struck by a falling log and killed. Mrs. Georgia Sampson, a popular young Washington hostess, who was on trial on a charge of murdering her husband, a nephew of the IGte Admiral Sampson, has been acquitted. Mr. Russell Kerr Gaye, M.A., an ex-Fellow of Trinity College. Cambridge, has been found dead in his rcom at the college. Ho had been shot through the head, and in his hind was a, revolver. It scpms probable that a general strike will be declared amongst the buttonmakcrs in + hp Ois0, in Fnmo2, in which ca*=e very serious riots may result. The district is occupied by the military. After careful '?earcb by the scout "Forward," the position of the destroyer "Blackwaler" has been located in much less depth of water than was expected, and it is considered possible that Sh3 may be salved. Mr. Andrew Carnegie has given a. donation of £100 to the fund that is being rAiscd for the benefit of the widow of Captain Charles Littler, who lost his life by the burning of the El'.ermai, liner "Sardinia" at Malta. As Noah Fisher, a gamekeeper, employed on Lord Tredegar's estate. was holding aloft an electric torch in order to locate some poachers. after midnight on Sunday, a shot was firedi and some pellets struck his thumb and finger. Firemen who were called to No. 89, Fleet- street, on Monday, occupied by four firms, found six separate outbreaks, two on each floor. Two safes and a cash-box had been tampered with. A young man was detained. > Mr. Haldane has appointed a special Com- mittee to consider to what extent the War Office can assent to a. scheme put forward by the Aerial League of Great Britain for training Territorials to repel attacks by airships. The annual conference of the National Union of Teachers, attended by 2,500 delegates, vwa opened at Morecambe, on Monday. The presi- dent. Mr. C. W. Hole, of Stoke Newington, ad- vocated a. secular solution of the education pro- blem. A boy named Leaver fell from a groyne at Clacton into the sea on Tuesday, and was being carried away, when Miss Rattee, daughter of a late Clacton station-master, rushed into the sea up to her neck and saved him. Miss Rattee, who is a school teacher, could not swim. Two single-decktra.mcars were in violent col- lision on Saturday night at a loop in WTvverne- road, Cardiff, due, it is believed, to the brake of one of the cars failing to act. William Cutlan, one of the drivers, sustained a compound frac- ture of the left leg, but although many peo- ple were on board no one else suEered injury beyond shock. A Northampton cripple named Mills, aged 77, who had been receiving outdoor relief and other charitable gifts for many years, was found by the relieving officer to have in his possession £25, and several new suits of clothing. The old man was removed to the Workhouse, and his belongings have been handed over to the Guardians. Joan of Arc will become a saint of the Roman Catholic Church throughout the world on Sun- day next. when the Pope is to perform the ceremony of sanctification in St. Peter's, Rome. Archbishop Bourne and the Catholics of Great Britain will be represented at the induction by the Bishops of MiddlQllborough and Clifton, who have left London for Rome. Speaking on Sunday night at an Independ- ent Labour demonstration at Leith, Mr. Keir Hardie, M.P., said the Labour movement had gained its present position by the efforts of the working men. who had had no press to help them and no morning and evening papers to lie for them. Protection would intensify the social problem, and the only remedy was Socialism. Mr. Gibson Bowles, speaking on the natal scare, on Monday, said, as regarded ships, we could hold our own against any conceivable foes. The late Government had departed from our naval traditions in respect of the sort of ships built, the training of officers and men, and the government of the Fleet. These depar- tures constituted a. serious danger to our naval power. The concluding session of the Independent Labour Party in Edinburgh on Tuesday was of an animated character. Mr. Keir Hardie, M.P., Mr. Philip Snowden, M.P., Mr. Ramsay Mac- donald, M.P.. and Mr. Bruce Glasier, despite strong appeals, resigned their membership of the National Administrative Council as a pro- test against the action of the irreconcilablea in the party. Suffragettes, said Professor John Lobb, in an address which he delivered at the opening of a new Spiritualistic church at Manor-park, are un- d-er the control of their spirit friends, who will turn the suffragette movement to great account for the benefit of humanity. The present year will mark a wonderful new era in the develop- ment of Spiritualism, in which women will play a leading part The French authorities have ignominiously expelled ex President. Castro from Martinique. Senor Castro affirmed he was too ill to travel, but surgeons who examined him at the request of tho Governor of Martinique stated he was well enough to be moved. Police officials ac- cordingly carried him on a mattress straight from bed, and unclothed, aboard the steamer Versailles, whicbr afterwards sailed for St. Na- zaire.

Crippled by Bad Feet SORES HEALED AND NEW SKIN GROWN BY ZAM-BUK. Hard wcrk and much standing—common ex- periences of wives and mothers—so weakened Mrs. Kir by's legs and feet, that her skin at last completely broke down a.nd refused to heal with anything but Zam-Buk. To a local re- porter, Mrs. Kirby, who lives at 1, Buxton Avenue, West Lhdsbury, i\lallchester, said:- I, "Two years ago, following a breakdown in health, my feet began to cause trouble. The skin became painful and inflamed and peeled off in scales, especially between the toes, where r the ilesh was particularly raw and painful. I suffered a lot from my feet; swelling; in fact, ¡ for three months I was a cripple indoors, un- able to put boots or shoes on. "Did your feet become so bad all at oace?" the reporter asked. "Oh, no! It was a case of gradual break-up of the tissue which ordinary ointments and mere salves quite failed to check. One cheap ointment from the chemist's made my bad feet much worse. The skin and flesh seemed to be- come dry and lifeless. On one of the few occa- sions when I managed to hobble down the street I bought a box of Zam-Buk, as I had heard very good accounts of this healing balm. When I returned home I smeared the rare balm all over my sore feet and was absolutely surprised at tho amount of ease I got. It was a great pleasure to watch tho way Zam-Buk destroyed the worn-out skin, healed up the raw and in- flamed sores, and built up new tissue." "I never have the slightest trouble with my feet now. Zatn Buk has taken away all the pain and swelling and covered my feet with a strong, firm iskin." The boon Zam-Buk was to Mrs. Kirby is due entirely to the wonderful composition of this secret healing preparation, which must not be confused with the cheap salves and coarse oint- ments that no amount of rubbing will force I into the pores of the skin. These things are at best merely toilet articles and of not the least medicinal value as the absence of any reference to eczema, piles, ulcers, and bad legs on thir labels clearly shows. There IS WJsdol11 and economy in buying Zam-Buk because Zarn-Buk I has printed claims on its sealed, registered ..lwl!-}J;1At çJ

J I There's a reason | j For my Success, f Rg yil A BECAUSE THE'MAGNETAIRE TREATMENT IS A BLESS- (' J MW M ¥$ING TO WEAK. WEARY, AND DESPONDENT MEN AND 4 VV IS E « WOMEN WHOSE STARVING NERVES AND PAIN-RACKED SYSTEMS CRY OUT FOR THAT NOURISHMENT, RELIEF, ? AND NEW VIGOUR WHICH MY TREATMENT AFFORDS. Your Health and Strength is of Supreme Importance. | REMEMBER. j "f¡¡ successful man is tha man of healthy body and sound rflrnd-th man r wiih the stream of pure blood vigorously fiowme through his v-ins; with a • stomach able to digest the hearty melis caJied for by his strenuous physical ii and mental efforts; with nerves of whipcord, asid a brain bright and keen as a ) Damascus blade. His siep is elastic, his eyes Ciear, his complexion fresh, his u hand-shake magnetic. j Wondertnl Testimony to the Success of this Treatment, | SPINAL WEAKNESS-UNABLE TO WALK. IL, RTHII R. 10, Lamb Lane, Giebeland, Merthyr. jj Dear Sir,—In response to your inquiry, I am pleased to say my daughter is per- j fcctly we and has never been otherwise since undergoing your treatment. Prior to this she was quite unable to walk, and had been in this condition for nearly twelve months. I entertairued but small hope of her recovery especially as the doctors told me |l she would never waik again, and every effort to restore her had failed. After seeing her you took a more hopeful view of her case, and (!a.ve me every encouragement. When she i, i had worn the "Magnet.aire" for about two months, she became generally stronger and able to walk. Everyone who saw her walking about was greatly surprised at this great IJ change; and it was a difficult matter to see that she did not overtax her newly acquired |! strength. Except for vour treatment I feel certain my child would never have walked | j again after being given up bv the doctors. Make whatever use you like of tIllS. I should be only too proud to answer anyone who is suffering from a similar com- I I plaint. Yours truly, JOHN MANNING. |t [ I lf ABERAMAN. 55, Brook Street, Aberaman, Aberdare, June 10th, 1903. jl j Dear Sir, —I feel I should be doing an injustice to you and others by failing to ac- |> f quaint you with my experience of the "Magnetaire." At the time of your previous >' f visit to Merthyr, chronic rheumatism dyspepsia, and general debility, with which I i had suffered for some years, had played havoc with my constitution. I found it f 1 quite almost impossible to walk without assistance, and then only in great pain. My f( f stomach was so extremely weak that all efforts to take ordinary food had to be entirely m f abandoned, and the greatest care exercised in taking even the lightest food. The many v 9 things I tried only served to encourage the belief that my complaint was incurable. T i The "Magnetiire exerted such a wonderful influence, that in three weeks after your f treatment I could walk with perfect comfort, and had gained so much in strength as to < bo able to resume work, which was of a heavy natur«. 0 Yours truly, R. DAVIES. J { SWANSEA. } > Twenty-seven years aco Mr. W. Davey, of 13, Sebastppol-street, St. Thomas, Swan- 4 ea, adopted the "Magnetaire." He now writes:— X ? Dear Sir,—I suffered from Acute Rheumatism in tho upper p-rtion of my body. I 1 was held fast; it was impossible for ms to raise my hands to my head, ana even my ? i food had to be cut up for me. I was advised to try your "Magnetaire" treatment, C f which I commenced at once. In a month I was restored, and my terrible pains left me ? and even to-dav I have not a trace of Rheumatism, though I am 83 yeajs of age. My A i "Maernetaire" is powerful after all these years; and when I tell you I have had it with 1 1 me all over the world, I think I am right in saying I have proved its value these 26 r ? years. Yours truly, W. DAVEY. 1 me all over the world, I think I am right in saying I have proved its value these 26 r years. Yours truly, W. DAVEY. I J NERVOUS DEBILITY AND LIVER TROUBLE. INABILITY TO ATTEND J WORK FOR FIVE YEARS. ? Rose Cottage, Clydach, Abergavenny, July 14th. f Dear Sir,—At the time I visited you I was in pain from head to foot, too weak io w.i'k, and without, encouragement of getting better, and in six years had not been V able to do more than fifteen months' work I had tried my doctors without being rewarded with any relief, but in three weeks after adopting your treatment I was £ better than I had been for years; the nervousness left me completely, and I con- m tinued improving daily, gaining in energy and vig-our" and was soon able to fill an ap- j pointment as attendance officer under the Breconshiro Educational Authority. I v owe my good health solely to your treatment, of which I shall never fail to speak in f the warmest praise.—Yours faithfully, f JEFFREY MCINTOSH. J COMPLETE RESTORATION TO HEALTH AFTER TEN YEARS. { STOKE. 47, Wharf Street, Stoke-on-Trent, Sept. 18. V Sir,—My cure has been described over and over again as the most wonderful, and I [ am anxious that you should use my name, and I now give a few particulars of my nistory. About 20 years ago, when I was living at Stoke (at the age of 20), I had a Y Paralytic Stroke, which immediately prostrated me. My head was drawn down on a to my right shoulder, my body was twisted into the most singular forms (the shapa A of my figure being almost reversed), and in every way I was entirely disfigured and V disabled, and an object of constant pity. My Photo will best show my condition at T that time. I was nearly a year in the North Stafford Infirmary, under Drs. Arlidge and Ashwell; and I spent fourteen months under the care of Dr. Little, in the Na- (1 tional Orthopcedio Hospital, Great Portl and Street., London, attended by Dr. Sib- j son and was two months at the Middlesex Hospital, Charles Street, London, where j Dr. Thompson gave his attention to my case; and for about six weeks I was with Dr Bradford, at the Southport Sea Bathing Infirmary. In addition to these I was under |l other medical and surgical treatments, and during the time I was in London three <| casts of my deformities were taken by the Hospital Authorities, and also, by request j of Dr. Little, my photograph was taken; but by skilled and unskilled alike my case was declared to be positively hopeless, until ten years ago, hearing of you, I placed myself under your treatment, the result of which was that I began at once to improve, 11 and before a year had passed I was quite well. My features and form were quite < regular and erect, in which condition I have continued ever since, being now quite, healthy and strong, and able to attend my own business, and walk and talk as if no-1 thing had ever ailed me. Rest assured that if there is anything I can do to spread the fame of your remedy I shall not fail to do it, as I can never be tired of telling the, a story of my cure.—Yours ever gratefully, A JOHN SIMCOCK. J GREAT NERVOUS WEAKNESS, SPINAL TROUBLE, AND DISFLACEMENT., HANLEY. 91, Bucknall New1 Road, Haniey, March 14th, 1907. 9 Dear Sir,—I brought my wife to you less than a month ago. She had suffered fof f seven years from Spinal Weakness, Nervous Prostration, and Displacement, the doc- d tor saying no relief was possihle unless an operation was performed. The beneficial J effects of your treatment made themselves felt almost immediately, for on the second J day she was relieved of the pain, and was in a different state from what she had been f for years. She has recovered strength which had been so long lost, her spine no longer f troubles her, and all sense of her former suffering has disappeared. I consider the g "Magnetaire" should be in every home, and I am doing all possible to place your J treatment before those who suffer, for I well know that my life is bound up in the lives of others; and whatever works good to others helps my own life for peace and r well-being.—Yours gratefully, WILLIAM BARKER. JOHN HALL (Pilot). 58, Loudoun Square, Cardiff. f "I suffered fearfully with Lumbago and Sciatica. After four days I was free from. V pain and have been so ever The result in my case is simply marvellous." w ( SAMUEL TREGEAGLE, 21, York Street, Plymouth. f "I suffered for upwards of 10 years with Rheumatic Affection in the leg. Acting f on your advice, I tried tho 'Magnetaire' treatment, and thankful I feel in being able j to tell you I am thoroughly cured." jE JOHN WELBOURN, Chapel Terrace, Peterborough. '1 i "I had been in ill-health for the last seven years. I have been in Peterborough In- i X firmary, Royal Free Hospital, Gray's Inn-road, London, at St. Mary's Hoepii?d, LOD-) don, but was discharged incurable. Hearing of the 'Magnetaire,' I was induced to try; • the treatment. After four weeks I find myself better and expect soon to be a.t work i again. v JOHN BARTLAM. Normacot Road, near Longton. "For three years I suffered from Bronchitis and Weak Lungs, two years of which I had to cease from working; breathing was so bad that I often felt fainting with a f suffocating feeling. I tried your 'Magnetaire.' Am pleased to say I am losing my & cough and breathe quite freely, and have begun to follow my employment again." i Mr. DAVID FLETT (Teacher of Musoic). 52, North King-street, North Shields. A "My troubles were all chronic, having suffered for many years from Asthma* Weakness, and Indigestion. I found relief practically at once." Miss E. STONEBANKS- 2, Grey Street, North Shields. 1 "The severe headaches which troubled me so much have quite disappeared." Mrs. E. BROWN. 1, Clifton Terrace, Whitley Bay. "I am now in my 80th year, and, thanks to the 'Magnetaire,' I am quite free from f those infirmities so common at my age." 0 Mr. G. LONNBERG. 19, Lawson Street, North Shields. "I was quite lame with Rheumatism and Sciatica. Your treatment relieved me at fl once." V THE REV. SILAS HOCKING. THE HONOURED PREACHER AND AUTHOR. [ Dear Sir,—I have much pleasure in bearing testimony to the value of your "Mag- f netaire." I adopted vour treatment for my little girl, who suffered for some tima P, from weakness of the spine. In less that a week I observed a marked improvement A in b^x condition, which, I am happy to say, has since continued without abatement. ;r jj I am, your very truly, SILAS HOCKING. I These letters should not leave any doubt in your mind as to the value of my i treatment. Can you wonder that these remarkable Testimonials keep me busy i —they are—WORDS THAT BREATHE. THOUGHTS THAT BURN. J Mr. R. LONSDALE, MEDICAL ELECTRICIAN, OF 25, NEW J OXFORD-STREET, LONDON, WILL AGAIN VISIT MERTHYR, M AND MAY BE CONSULTED AT HIS PRIVATE ROOMS J A2, UNION TERRACE, MERTHYR TYDFIL, f On SATURDAY & MONDAY NEXT, April 17th & 19th. t HOURS 11 to 1 and 3 to 7. M | All Consultations FREE. I i REMEMBER, on Saturday and Monday Next Mr. Lonsdafe visits Merthyr. You have } f then the opportunity of FREE Consultations. A SWANSEA CONSULTING ROOMS, 6, WALTERS' ROAD. f "I H CHEAP WOOD WORKS. arr —-Ay. JV ifwipf 'i f-* Steam Saw Mills. Timber, Joinery and all kinds of Balding Materials. Cots of all kinds in sections or put together. Light Rafters and Boards, 5s. 100 feet. Solid Rainwater Shoots. 4Jd. ft., hold up against snow. Illustrated Price List. Id. stamp. Carriage paid anywhere. TILNEY, ch^0pr^°p Abertillery. Miss Jennie Jones, L.R.A.M., SOPRA.NO. Double Bronze and Double Silver Medaliat of the Royal Academy of Music, For ORATORIOS, CONCERTS, > AT HOMES, etc. Givus LESSONS IN VOICE PRODUCTION, SINGING, PIANOFORTE PLAYING, AND THEORY OF MUSIC. z For Terms, etc., apply- Ty Llwyd, Brynmawr SERVANTS can easily be obtained by I the use of a small Want Ad. in these columns, State your requirements, and kJIW. IJl at 00. MERTHYR TYDFIL TURKISH BATHS Hot and Cold Water Bathsi SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS have been nada for an experienced trained Norse to be iff attendance on Tuesdays (ladies' day). Mr. JOHN PORTJCR has had over 20 years practical experience at some of the beat establishments in the country, and is making arrangements for the Naa^ein Treatment, in addition to Sulphui Brine, Piue, Sulphur Vapour, Pine Vapour aod Plain Vapour Baths at reasonable charges. LADIES'. DAY, TUESDAYS. Pieaae Note Address— Below Parish Church, Advertise Your 4 "WAHTS" :,|! f In the "Merthyr Expreu,*1 4 *1 j "Tl Bf "Tl » 'li Hi n. j Printed and published by the Proprietor, HARK* WOOD SOTJTHET, at Gl^belaod-streotj JULeztUjg TYd&li Apnl 17th, 1^4

ways, mines, land, etc., or, in short., the Social isation of the means of production ? I was born of Catholic parents. I am still a Catholic and hope to remain so. I don't think it necessary for me hero to give my reasons for being a Catholic, but I may say I am a Socialist because I believe that Goel never made any man or class of men good enough to own the means of life of the rest of men. I am a Socialist be- cause I believe that needful commodities can be produced by dignified labour for human US3 and not for private profit. A correspondent teus U8 in your last issue that the Catholic Church must go before Socialism can be real- ised. This writer also tells us that the object of Socialism is to do away with Nonconformity. Then he would have us believe that religion must be abolished before Socialism can be fully established. Religion is that which men be- lieve about the Power tha.t brought them into existence, and their relations to that Powor. So long as man has a brain he can think about these matters; the establishment of Socialism will not, neither will persecution nor anything short of death, prevent a man from holding what he believes to be the true religion. Re- ligion cannot be abolished so long as the human race exists, and the assertion that the churches must go before Socialism it realised is pure ignorance.—Yours trulv,