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Advertising
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THE MERTHYR SELECT SKATING RINK ANGEL BUILDINGS (Entrance Gillar Street), Still has the Finest Quality and Best Laid MAPLE FLOOR within 100 miles. ELECTRIC LIGHT. ORCHESTRAL BAND. REFRESHMENT and CLOAK ROOMS. RICHARDSON'S and WINSLOW'S BALL-BEARING SKATES. FOUR SESSIONS DAILY-Morttin-, tOft till 1. Afternoon, 2.30 till 5. Night, 7 till 10. Special Session for Ladies and Children/ G tili 7.30 p.m. LESSONS GIVEN BY EXPERT SKATERS Free of Charge. DRILL HALL, MERTHYR. A GRAND t Evening CONCERT WILL BE GIVEN BY THE Dowlais Male Voice Choir (Conductor, Mr. W. J. WATKINS, F.R.C.O., L.R.A.M.), First Prize Winners at the Royal National Eisteddfod, London, 1909, ON THURSDAY, APRIL 7th, 1910, Assisted by the following Eminent Artistes—SOPRANO MADftME GLEESON HITE The Great Prima Donna of the Royal English Opera. Covent Garden, 1906-9, and all the leading Festivals throughout the Kingdom, also Royal Choral Society's Concerts, 1904-9. The Renowned JVSJEl. GaS-AJEeiUBS TEMESX3 Of the London Symphony's Concerts. Booked last Season (1909) 21 Concerts at Llandudno. Booked this Season (1910) 21 Concerts at Llandudno. Accompanist Master A. P. HUGHES. Doors open at 7, commence at 7.45 sharp. fteserved Seats (Numbered) 3s.; Second do., 2s.; Third do., Is. -'C GWENT CHAIR EISTEDDFOD (12th Annual)! 1\i![O:I\T WHIT-TUESDAY, MAY 17th, 1910. CHIEF CHl RAL-(a) "Britons, Alert!" (Elgar) ninn (b) "Sylvia" (J. H. Roberts) I&IUU SECOND CHORAL-" The Lord is my Shepherd" (H. Evans) J320 MALE VOICES-" Peace, be Still" (D. Jenkins) B25 LADIES' CHOIRS-" Gentle Spring" (Holbroke) £ 15 JUVENILE CHOIRS-" Who is Sylvia?" (D. T. Evans) JS10 BOYS' CHOIRS-" Whispering Wind" (Labbett) £5 AWDL Y GADAIR-l'Y Duf fryn" £ 5 a Chadair Gwent PRIF DRAETHA WD-" Diarhebion Cymru Eu Swyn a'u Dylanwad £3 3?. BRASS BANDS (Class B)-" Robin HeGd" (Macfarren) £ 18 ) Solos, Two Guineas each. Recitations, Ambulance, &c. Programmes-Twopence each. I. W. EDWARDS, Secretary, The Terrace, Rhymney. f F. JELLEYMAN ] ARCADE MUSIC SHOP, J • =" A f Holds one of the I FINEST STOCK OF PIANOS, ORGANS, J and all kinds of Musical Instruments j>. • •• •: in the District. ▼ „ „ ■■ I' All the Latest Muslfc Stocked. P0ST 0RDERS CAREFULLY I' Tuning and Repairing a Specialty. ATTENDED TO. m a MERTHYR TOWN MISSION HALL (Shiioh), CHURCH STREET.. ttKXT SUNDAY, GOSPEL ADDRESSES by Rev. H. 0. HUGHES, Missioner. Selections by Mission Orchestral Band. PARK BAPTIST CHURCH, THE WALK, MERTHYR, PREACHER NEXT SUNDAY Rev. J. Lloyd Williams, Pastor. Services at 11 and 6 o'clock. MAY 9th, 1910. BARGOED & DISTRICT 5th ANNUAL MAY-DAY SHOW AND PARADE 'l'AKf.S PLACE AT BARGOED. Splendid Classes, Local and Open, Cash Prizes. Fire Brigades Tournament. Ambulance Competitions. Timbering Competitions. Fancy, Novel and Comic Classes SPECIAL CLASS FOR BOY SCOUTS. Schedules and Entry Forms may be obtained from: D. G. STAPLETON, Sec., or ALF. THOMAS, Assist. Sec., BARGOED. D RESCUTTING CLASSES IN MERTHYR, OK THE NEW EUROPEAN TIC HYGIENIC SYSTEM. I IMPORTANT TO LADIES.—Owing to the Success ot Pupils already learning and their ■excellent recommendation to friends, &c. Madame LO YJTH E R KN I G HT Has consented to hold one more Class at ANGKL ASSEMBLY ROOMS, Merthyr, to commence MON- DAY, APRIL 4-th, at 11 a.m., 5 p.m and 8 p.m. Names can be left with Miss BALLARD, Glebeland Street. Go to J. GRAY & FLORISTS & SEEDSMEN, For WREATHS, CROSSES, HARPS, ANCHORS, tc., made up on the premises, of Choicest White Flowers and Maiden Hair Fern. From 3/6, 5/ 7/6, 10/6, 12/6, 15/ 18/ 21/- and upwards. Cnt Flowers, Pot Plants, and a large stock of ARTIFICIAL WREATHS. iffood variety of ROSE TREES and SHRUBS. THE TREDEGAR & DISTRICT Permanent Money Society Registered under che Friendly Societies' Act. %• -.Q „ „ can be obtained by Tradesmen and othei jOail £ > persons in Regular Employment upon a Tomissory Note on Kasy Terms, namely s. d. For a £10 Share the Repaymcnta are l 2 weekly £ 20 „ 2 2,. £ io M „ 3 a £ 43 „ „ 4 2. „ ,f £ 50 pt 5 2 „ Applications for Loans received *t any time by th« Secretary:- THOMAS JONES, 86, Commercial- Street, Tredegar. Btanth Oçe: 25, BsawiA* TSUACS, IWUW. YALE. THEATRE ROYAL AND OPERA HOUSE, MERTHYR TYDFIL. Leseep.-THE SOUTH WALES ENTERTAINMENTS Co. MONDAY APRIL 4th, 1910 For Six Nights. 1 HALLATT & HOWARD'S Original Company in the Stirring Romantic Drama, "HER LOVE ACAINST THE WORLD." By WALTER HOWARD. From the Lyceum Theatre, London. DOORS OPES, 7.15. COMMENCE 7.45. Circle, 2s, Stalls, Is. 6d. Pit, Is. Gallery, 6'3. MAESTEG AND DISTRICT COOTAGE HOSPITAL KISTiSDDFOD. GRAND CHAIR EISTEDDFOD Rlaesteg, Tuesday, August 2nd, 1910. AGGREGATE PRIZES— £ 200. Adjudicators—Music: Dr. S. Coleridge Taylor, London; ¡ Preliminary W. Thomas, Esq., Treorchy; Brass Bands: Tom Morgan, Esq., London; Literature: Gwiti ¡ Arabuiance Dr. D. J. Thomas, Nantymoe). CHIBP CliOFLAT, liark! the deep tremendous Voice" (Haydn), 1st prize, M; 2nd k20. SECOND CHORAL-"The Lord is my Shepherd (S. Daviet, O. & L., Maesteg), Prize IP20. MALI? VOICK—"Spartan Heroes" (Dan Protheroe>, 1st prize, £ 20; 2nd £ 5. JUVKNUE CiroiR-" Over the field, of Clover (Adam Geibel), 1st prize. £ 6 2nd £ 2. BRASS BANDS (2nd Clws) -"Atemories of the Past" (W. Binitners) 1st price £ 10 2nd £ 5 3rd £ 2. Action Song for children, 1st prize £ 2 2nd £ 1. Solos It gliB. each. "Prvddest, 2 gns., & handsome Chair. Ambulance Competition, £4. Togetlier with substantial prizes for other musical com- petitions, Essay, Reeitations, Englyn, &c. Full particu- lars, see programmes. 2d., from the Secretary, J. P. James, 15. Brynmawr-place, Maesteg, Glam, THE BOAT INN, BOUGHROOD, LLYSWEN, S.O. On the banks of the Wye. FREE FISHING. GOOD ACCOMMODATION. Proprietor E. LEWIS. CENTRAL HOTEL, MERTHYR, Under New Proprietorship. JAMES FRANCOMBE, Many years with R. E. JoNEs, LTD., Caterers, Cardiff; HEAD WAITER, five years Queen's Hotel, Reading, and Metropole and White Hart, Margate. CATERING IN ALL ITS BRANCHES COMMERCIAL, COFFEE & DINING ROOMS. FIRST-CLASS CHEF. Balls, Banquets and Parties Catered for. J -.t' IGOMEMRETWI 8H* -5*^ HEOISTEHEDE^-RASB gjlfliii'I HI mm mimi III mil ii ii i" i'i W>1jffRyrwSiliiiiii n. ntf' Fac-simile oj One-Ounce Packet. Archer's Golden Returns The Parfoctlon of Pipe TobjwOO. CooL, awn." I'JU8.. ¡ HOPE CHURCH, Merthyr Tydfil RELIGION AHO-PERSONALITY Fifth Address of the Series BY THE REV. J. MORGAN JONES, M.A., ON SUNDAY EVENING NEXT, MARCH 27 1910. r. SERVICE TO "COMMENCE AT 6 P.M. ALL ARE CORDIALLY WELCOMED. T. PRICE DAVIES, (Late W. Price and Davies.) BONE-SETTER, HAS REMOVED TO 8, PARK PLACE (3 Doors above Theatre Royal), MERTHYR. MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS, FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS, at the sbove address also at MARKET TAVERN, ABERDARE, every TUBs. DAY from 10.30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and CARPENTERS ARMS, PORTHt every THURSDAY from 11.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. "Merthyr Express" Diary. "<"I All fixtures advertised in the Express" will be included in the diary free of charge. Sunday, APRIL 3. "Religion and Personality" — Hope Church, Merthyr. Monday, APRIL 4. Theatre Royal, Merthyr—'Her Love againat the World." Palace, Ebbw Vale—"The Sins of a City." Olympia Skating Rink, Merthyr-Daily. Central Ska ting Rink, Wellington-street-Daily. Skating Rink, Angel Buildings, Merthyr. Rink Pavilion, Blackwood (daily). Thursday, APRIL 7. Concert at the Drill Hall, Merthyr. Thursday, APRIL 14, Fancy Dress Carnival, Olympia Rink, Mertiayr. Monday, MAY 9. Bargoed May Day Snow. Whit-Tuesday, MAY 17. Gwent Chair Eisteddfod, Rhymney. Eisteddfod, Cwmaman, Aberdare. Tuesday, AUGUST 2, Eisteddfod at Maesteg. i
THE SETTLEMENT IN THE COAL…
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THE SETTLEMENT IN THE COAL TRADE. THE principle and methods of conciliation in trade disputes have again justified themselves by the final outcome of the protracted negotia- tions between the employers and workmen in the South Wales coalfield. The good news was received with an immense sigh of relief and gratification when it was announced on Saturday evening that new proposals had been submitted by the employers, which contained a satisfactory basis for settlement. They embodied concessions on both sides, but the; compromise carried a substantial improvement i of the workmen's position. The critical question of a new equivalent in the selling price of coa for an advance in the minimum wage was proposed to be met by an increase of five per cent, in the minimum, from 30 to 35 per cent., J with an advance of the equivalent price of coal I i from lis. 8d. ,to 12s. 6d. f.o.b. The demand for the 60 hours extra allowed by the Eight Hours Act was withdrawn, the claim for com- pensation from the workmen for refusing to work the extra hour per week was withdrawn, and a modification of the terms relating to abnormal places was included in the employers' concessions. The workmen were required to withdraw their demand for payment for small coal and to agree to the introduction of a system of overlapping shifts, by which, for a portion of the working day, there would be two shifts of men at work, whilst the hours for winding would be prolonged, and the two things combined would result in a more economi- cal working of the pit. The new terms were regarded with favour by the workmen's representatives as a fair basis of compromise, and accepted, subject to a consultation with the executive of the Miners' Federation of Great Britain, and their ultimate ratification by a ballot of the workmen themselves. THE Miners' Federation of Great Britain met in London, on Tuesday, and had the new terms under consideration for two days, finally accepting them as a fair and reasonable basis of settlement. There were some extremists amongst the South Wales representatives, who, because they could not get all that they wanted, were prepared to reject the olive branch and plunge the country into the horrors of an unparalleled industrial war; but they were only a fraction against the overwhelming majority of the representatives from England, Scotland and Wales, who accepted the em- ployers' proposals and voted for peace with advantage and honour. The grievance of abnormal places, they said, was not peculiar to any district, but was experienced in every coalfield, and a general strike could not be sanctioned for this difference alone. It is a fact of the utmost importance, and one which, without doubt, will have great weight both with employers and workmen in the future, that the, association of the Welsh colliers with their English brethren, in one common association, has worked for peace in this controversy. The men who have the responsibility for conducting the affairs of half-a-million colliery workmen take long pauses before they commit themselves and their constituents to any step which must have the effect of suspending the wage-earning activities of two or three times that number of persons. They have the wider experience of I all the coalfields of the country to guide them in formin.g opinions upon matters affecting the 0 industry, and it is a powerful factor for peace to have the heads of the greater organisation brought into council at such crises as that which we have just passed through. Another thing that has materially helped to promote the happy issue is the admirable spirit of mutual respect and consideration which has characterised the discussions from the beginning, j o The desire for peace has been real and apparent throughout the proceedings on both sides, although there have been a few individuals of irreconcileable tempers except upon their owni terms. Amongst so many negotiators that is, not surprising. The gratifying and all-impor- tant fact is that the great majority on both sides were sincerely anxious for peace with honour," and strove earnestly to achieve that purpose, and now we have only to express the gratitude and pleasure of the whole community upon their triumph. <
THE GREAT PARLIAMENTARY !…
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THE GREAT PARLIAMENTARY STRUGGLE. < THE greafe.struggle upon which the two Houses of Parliamcn- entered when the House of Lords rejected t :1<: in December last, was renewed on Tuesday, when the Prime Minister moved in the House of Commons his resolutions for the removal of the veto of the House of VU59B acts el CeflHBSSWi M the custom of the men in and out of Parliament and in the press, who baited the peers last year, to their violation of constitutional usage, to represent the present policy of the Government and the Liberal party as revolutionary," the object being to destroy th ■ T-iml,;e ot Lords and to establish government by a single Chamber. The Prime Minister, in his great speech, once more repudiated that construction of the Government's intentions. This reform, he reminded his opponents, has for its obje^t^ot the destruction or mutilation of the constitu- tional rights, powers, and privileges of the ¡ Second Chamber, but to restore and establish beyond all future controversy the hitherto unchallenged supremacy of the elected House in all money matters and its ultimate supre- macy in general legislation. The abolition of the veto is demanded in order that the practice of centuries may be recorded in the statute book—that the House which derives its authority directly from the people shall be the sole authority for the raising and spending of money, and not be at the mercy of an irrespon- sible hereditary assembly which is answerable for its actions to no one. It is to prevent the House of Lords from acquiring, by the pussilani- tuous assent of an invertebrate House of Commons, a power which would raise it over the heads of both the Sovereign and the people. The financial condition of the State at this moment demonstrates that as a mere matter of business only one House can satisfactorily control the finances of the nation. As regards general legislation the limitation of the veto is of equal urgency. Under present conditions a Liberal Government is in office upon sufferance of the House of Lords. It may have been sent with an express mandate to carry particular measures, but it can only accomplish what the leader of the Opposition in the House of Commons assents to. He is the master of the situation through his party majority in the House of Lords, and laughs to scorn Bills passed by a Liberal House of Commons that he dooms to destruction elsewhere. That system has to be brought to an end. There must be the same means of accomplishing legitimate objects in reform for Liberals as for Tories, and the battle begun will never cease, let the conflict be long or short, until that purpose is attained.
GOSSIPI
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GOSSIP I The first holiday of the year has come and gone, and it must have been enjoyed by all. Better climatic conditions could hardly have been desired. From Friday morning until Tuesday night the weather was almost perfect, Monday morning was dull, but the rain kept off. and on the other days the sky was cloudless and the sun shone brilliantly. Such a fine Ea.ster was some compensation for the long trying winter. As usual the railway companies offered facilities to those who desired to spend the brief holiday at the seaside or at other pleasure resorts, and a large number of people availed themselves of these cheap oxcursions. The majority, however, spent the holiday at home or in the vicinity of Merthyr. Thousands of people visited Pontsam, and both young and old seemed to enjoy themselves thoroughly. Cyfarthfa Park was also a favourite haunt, while the football matches attracted thousands of people to the town. Barely have such large crowds been seen at Penydarren Park as on Monday and Tuesday. And here I would say that the directors of the Association Club and the Athletic Syndicate are to be congratulated on the really fine ground which they possess. It is doubtful whether there are any better playing areas in South Wales, and thousands of spectators can be accommodated comfortably. All that is now required is a grand stand, and I. understand the directors propose to erect one ere another season comes round. Two First League teams were seen at the Park during the holiday—Notts Forest on Monday and Middlesbrough on Tuesday, and the attendance each day was estimated at from eight to ten thousand. The local players are to be complimented on their fine displays against such redoubtable opponents. On Monday they drew with Notts Forest, and on Tuesday were only beaten by two goals to one. The skating rinks in the town and the Theatre were also well patronised, and there were numerous other attractions. < Gorse at Penderyn, on the Breconshire mountains, became ignited last week-end, and an extensive tract was laid waste before the fire burnt itself out. The flames at one time were of considerable magnitude, and were visible for miles around. « Eisteddfodau are as popular as ever. Those held at Abergavenny, Mountain Ash, Bargoed and elsewhere, during the holidays, were attended by thousands of visitors, and the greatest interest wns taken in the proceedings. I have heard it suggested several times that an eistedd- fod on a large scale, at Merthyr, if properly organised, would be as successful as those in other places, and large sums of money might be miRed for charitable purposes. At Mountain Ash hundreds of pounds have been handed over to the Cottage Hospital as a result of the eisteddfodau held ^hore in recent years. Is it impossible to raise enthusiasm among eistedd- I fodwr in Merthyr district ? l The second report of the Departmental Com mittee appointed to inquire into the law relating to coroners and coroners' inquests, and into the practice in coroners' courts, has just been issued, and it contains interesting reading. The Committee observe that the law relating to coroners is antiquated. Much of it dates from the thirteenth century, and is of great historical interest, but is not well suited to the changed conditions of modem life. Among the chief recommendations are the following:—A pro- fessional qualification for coroners and deputy coroners payment of coroners by salary instead of fees; abolition of the verdict of felo-de-se.; acceptance of a verdict of three-fourths of the jury; the viewing of bodies by the jury may be dispensed with; abolition of franchise coroners 5 extension of the system of fire inquests. The Committee have been astonished at the good work done by coroners with out-of-date f and imperfect machinery, their success being attributable to the good sense and tact shown by the great majority in their dealings with the public. The total number of coroners at present is 330, made up of 200 county and 54 franchise coroners. » The gross value of the estate of the late Mr. John Cory has been sworn at £798,777, with net personalty £726,356. Mr. Cory left nearly £100.000 for religious and charitable institutions. < Speaking at the opening of an I.L.P. bazaar, in London, Mr. Keir Hardie, M.P., said Socialism would form the issue in the final conflict between the working classes and their opponents, and unless they had an electorate educated in the principles of Socialism they were bound to go under. Mr. Hardie is continually preaching Socialism and Liberals in the Merthyr Borough would do well to follow his example, and educate the electors in the principles of Liberal. ism. Leagues of Young Liberals have been formed in various parts of the constituency, and if they are properly worked the influence of these organisations should be felt at the next election. • At the great conference, held at Bala seven years ago, when The Lloyd George Revolt Fund was established to fight the Education Act of 1902, Mr. Lloyd George suggested that among the specific objects for which the fund was to be raised should be the promotion of the Welsh Disestablishment movement. To this the conference objected, insisting upon confining the movement to fighting the oppres- sive Education Act. Mr. Lloyd George, when I this decision was arrived at, significantly said Well, don't blame me when you find out your t mistake." Many Welsh Progressives now think that a mistake was then made. Precise figures j are not available, but it is estimated that between £ 15,000 and £ 20,000 was raised, and- a considerable, balance is now locked up. At the annual meeting of the Welsh National the annual meeting of the Welsh National Executive last week a communication was received fron Sir Herbert Roberts, M.P., the f Chairman of iihe Finance Committee, announcing that opinion had been obtained as to the disposition of the surplus. Counsel advised that the funcl must be regarded as trust money and without an order of the court, or alterna- tively, the sanction of the subscribers, cannot legally be ditferted from its original purpose. The practical effect of this decision is that the money must iremain locked up until the need p,rb»«< for recommencing the revolt campaign. V The American Cpnsul-General at Frankfort j states that a new.method of preventing explo- sions of coal dust in mines has been-tried-in the Qfyxo%a naias .çj¡!01 .t-.lW.Re_w- Mining Company, which, under certain circum- 1 sbnces; ma.kec: blasting superfluous. A^c-nfrding | tc the c; Minin 'innal Glueckaud ■ i introduced un- ;;i pressure into a ci v hole of a coal the hole closed a-- pressure allowed tmon the coal until is forced out through the fissures. The coal body is thus thoroughly wet and so loosened that the coal can be broken out with the miner's } pick and blasting is avoided. Practical experi- merits in some places with this method have given very good results, At the annual conference of teachers held at Plymouth at the beginning of the week, a resolution was passed calling for an immediate J increase in the grants from the Imperial Ex- chequer to relieve the increasing burden of the local rates. The cost of education has increased i enormously in recent years, and in some towns like Merthyr the burden has pressed heavily upon ratepayers. Possibly, the time will come when the whole cost of education will be made 1 a charge on the Imperial Exchequer. Part of a burnt and nmd-burried ancient ship has just been discovered in the harbour near Christchurch, Hampshire. At first it was. considered to be a Viking vessel, but further I excavations and expert criticism of the articles discovered have-established the fact that the ship belonged to the Romans. A small incense cup of graceful outline, 3iin. high and 2in. in diameter was sent to the British Museum authorities for examination, with the result that Mr. C. H. ROOJi replied it was of Roman date. Altogether more than twenty articles of iron, bronze, and pottery have been found. # The following story is told in the St. Mary'9 HospitaJ Gazette" :—A woman brought her child to the out-patient's department, and was asked to strip him for examination. She seemed rather annoyed, but did not reply, so the doctor asked her again. Then she turned indignantly, and said :—" Not 'arf, dawetor; sewn tip for the winter «E Mr. Edgar Jones, M.P., made his maiden speech in the House of Commons on Tuesday night, on the House of Lords. Commenting on the speech, the Parliamentary correspondent of the "Daily Chronicle" said: "Mr. Edgar Jones, a youthful member, voiced the feelings of Wales in a maiden speech. His fervid eloquence, withal so fresh and unspoilt, created a very favourable impression. Cheers and laughter marked his Welsh quotation, Trech gwlad nag arglwvdd." To cries of" Translate," the young Welshman replied "It means A country is greater than a lord.' # As a result of the intervention of the President of the Board of Trade, the South,Wales coal- owners and men's leaders met again last week- end to discuss terms for a new agreement. Freeh proposals were submitted by the masters and these were favourably received, though they I did not meet with unanimous approval. Generous concessions wero made, however, and the hope was expressed that they would pave the way for a settlement. Certain of the men's leaders were far from satisfied, and manifested a disposition to firrht rather than concede any of the points for which they had been contending. The question camo before the national con- ference of miners, held in London, on Tuesday, and when it was announced that no settlement had been arrived at the outlook was regarded as grave. The conference resumed on Wednes- day, and eventually it was decided to recom- mend the South Wales Miners' Federation to accept the terms offered by the men. These terms included a new clause relating to the I working of abnormal places, and to this the greatest opposition was offered. It was stated that the owners had agreed not to press the clause, but were prepared to leave matters as they were, on condition that the rest of the proposals were accepted. I I Some of the delegates from South Wales appear to have still offered opposition, and I pleaded for the putting into operation of the Twientieth Rule, which would have meant a stoppage throughout the country. Delegates from the other coalfields, however, expressed I the view that fair terms had been offered by the owners on the main question, and they were/strongly opposed to a national stoppage. Whether the South Wales Federation will act I on the recommendation of tho M.F.G.B. remains to be seen. A delegates' conference will be held at Cardiff (to-morrow) Saturday, and it is believed arrangements will be made for I a ballot of the workmen. The result of this ballot, if taken, it is expected, will be made known about tho middle of next week. That is the position at present. Both sides have shown a desire to avoid a stoppage, and it is to be hoped wise counsels will prevail at the meeting to-morrow, and that, as the result of the ballot, the calamity which has so long threatened South Wales will be averted. Masters and men having arrived at agreement on so many of^t-he points at issue, it would be a thousand pities if a strike were now to take place. ) Polling took place in the Mid-Glamorgan Division yesterday, and the result will be declared at Neath to-day (Friday). The candidates are Mr F. W. Gibbins, Liberal, and Mr. Vernon Hartshorn, Labour. Both sides profess to be sanguine as to the result. At the General Election in January Sir S. T. Evans was returned with a majority of 9,793, the total votes cast for him being 13,175. I I Great Western Railway Company nave withdrawn their opposition to the Mountain Ash Water Bill. _jftlr. Edgar Jones, M.P.,was present .it meetings held at Hereford, on Sunday, In connection with the first Welsh National conference of Young Men's Christian Associations, and his addresses were highly appreciated. The hon. menlber has also taken part during the week in. the ajinual conference of Teachers, held at Plymouth. # The first Court of Quarter Sessions for the County Borough of Merthyr will be lieid on Wednesday, April 13th, before Sir D. Brynmor Jones, K.C., M.P., the Recorder. POLONIU3.
From Over the Water. -
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From Over the Water. 41, Third Street, Tagona, Sault, Sainte Marie. I To Mr. Southey, Sir,—Thank you very much for your nice letter; it seems quite homely to hear from' our I old quarters. First I may say the papers have come the right edition since writing you. We I have left behind us at Ebbw Vale some interest, so we like to hear how things are going on. If I' I get on here well we shall be coming over in a year or two to sell, and settle down here. There is a great deal of difference when we get our cheques here at the month's end. I worked 14 years in Ebbw Vale pattern shop, and had a good many extra hours to work to make 30s. per week my cheque comes out 91 dollars 50 cents on the 10th of every month, so it encourages one to persevere. January and February were very cold—28 to 30 below zero. To get out in the mornings nearly screwed you in a knot, This month we have lovely sunshine, and the snow is going away fast. We have only just had the slightest shower of rain since November. I believe people get used to it soon; it's a nice healthy country, plenty of space, o every house, if it were only cultivated, but being new it will take a long time to look like old Wales. That was a terrible nerve trial for whoever got into the vault at Cefn. I see in Lloyd's" they tried another grave. We get some English papers—" Answers," Tit-Bits," and "Lloyd's" —here every week. They charge 5 cents for every penny paper. So, trusting all continues to go on well.—I remain, respectfully, AQUILA. G. BEVAN 16—3—10.
A Boon in Motherhood.
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A Boon in Motherhood. Nowhere are. the evil effects of the hurry awi, !I stress of present day life more apparent than in the increased hazards and jeopardies of mother- hood. Greatly to the benefit of future genera- tions, thousands of intelligent wives recognise that the insufficient nerve force of their off- spring is due to the mother's low vitality, and consequently in replenishing their own energy with Phosferine they transmit the access of vigour to their progeny. As a factor in motherhood, the importance of Phosferine is insisted upon by Mrs. Wilson, who writes :—" Beforo-my child was born, I took Phosferine regularly, as it supplies just the strength needful, and the subsequent tax upon my constitution was rot! half so great. I am < or'.a in Phosferine is a great help to mother and child, both before and after i. its birth, as the tonic imparts strength and staininato both, and quick recovery-assured," ._41Aedfot" Bw.g.
i RELIGION AND SOCIALISM.
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RELIGION AND SOCIALISM. WAS JESUS A SOCIALIST ? The Rev. J. Morgan Jones continued his uie- courses at Hope Chapel, Merthyr, on Religion and Socialism," on Sunday evening last, W his subject being Was Jesus a Socialist There was again a large congregation. Taking for his text Isaiah x-lii., verses 1 to 4, Mr. Jones said :—I have seldom undertaken a more un- congenial task than that of discussing this question. For many years I have not felt the slightest inclination to ask the question it has appeared to me, and does appear to rn 'W, in the highest degree a.bsurd. But I c. uiot ignore the fact that during the last fifty years it has been asked and variously answered by many thoughtful and sincere persons. It has been answered in the affirmative, with no lack of assurance, by Christian Socialists," and by 1 men who, to say the least, were Socialists first and Christians, of a sort, afterwards. It has been answered in the negative, with equal confidence, by Christians of the stiffest orthodoxy and by irreconcileable Socialists. And in some circles to-day it is a burning question. There are many in this neighbourhood, some in this I audience, in whose case much depends upon the answer that is given to it—nothing less, indeed, than their whole, attitude towards Christianity fcnd Socialism. It is clear, therefore, that I must not shirk it in this series of addresses. THE SAYINGS OF JESUS. Now, in saying that it is, to my mind, an absurd question, I do not mean that it is capable of ready and easy solution. On the contrary, its difficulty and the need of extreme caution in handling it have been increasingly borne in upon me during the past ten yeara, and especially during the years I spent in preparing a little book on the Gospel of Mathew, which, by the way, contains the substance of what I am about to say this evening. Let me, as briefly as I can, point out some of those diffi- culties. With a few exceptions, "hone of which bears upon our subject, no single word of the Master's has reached us in its original form. Jesus, as you well know, spoke the vernacular of His countrymen, the common dialect of the Galileans, but all His utterances have come down to us in a Greek translation. Some- times it is no easy matter to determine what was the Aramaic form which a given Greek word represents. Take a familiar example "Blessed are the MEEK, etc." What was the Aramaic word which Jesus used ? And wherein did it differ from the word HOOR in the first Beatitude? Any scholar would tell you it is rather a nice question. Then, even if we succeeded in getting behind the Greek translation to the Aramaic original, it would only be to encounter another difficulty, viz., that some sayings of Jesus are differently reported by the Evangelists. Let us again take a f%miUar example: according to Mathew, Jesus said' Blessed are the pftdc in spirit" according to Luke, Blessed are the poor." To many of us, no doubt, these seem I to be two different statements, and we are inclined to ask which of them is genuine. On the other hand, a.person versed in the Semitic languages and the religious thought of the time of Jesus, might come forward and say that the two statements men precisely the same thing. The man in the street ridicules such disputes about words, but I venture to say to that man that he is in much less danger of being led astray by listening to such disputes than by listening to men who bandy these words about without ascertaining their meaning. Again, everybody knows how much the meaning of words depends upon the occasion on which they were spoken, the particular events which led up to their I utterance, the mood and intention of the speaker, at the time, etc. In this respect the Gospel narrators often leave us in much un- certainty, because of the peculiar method, or lack of method of their style of composition and for other reasons. It must be added that those sayings of Jesus that relate to social matters were uttered 1900 years ago, amid I conditions widely different from ours, a different climate, different physical and social needs, I a different social organisation, different stan- dards of material prosperity and adversity and, therefore, the person who takes His words in their baldest literal sense must find it a difficult problem to infer from what He said then what He would say if He dwelt among us to-day. NEED OF EXTREME CAUTION. These are some of the difficulties that lie at the very threshold of the study of our question. There are others that might be mentioned, but these are enough to show us the need of extreme caution in answering the question, and at the same time to warn us against the dogmatic utterances of persons who have eschewed the way of honest, patient study, and reached their opinions on the social teaching of Jesus by short cuts. If only these few facts had been more commonly realised the wings of many an orator would have been clipped, and the world would have lost many a beautiful drama and novel. But this loss, I think, would have been counter- balanced by the fact that the world would have been spared much confusion of thought. Now lest what has xbeen said about the Gospels should lead anyone here to exaggerate their ) indefiniteness, let me hasten to explain that while they leave even the most patient student in perplexity with regard to some minor details, they set before us a very definite and complete picture of Jesus, His character, His life's aim and the essential contents of His teaching. And a man need not be a great scholar, he need only be a man of average intelligence, and a man of intellectual integrity to obtain this general conception of Jesus and His doctrine. I can venture to assume that every thoughtful person in this audience, who takes an interest in the subject, and who has read the Gospels without any scientific equipment, ie able to discuss and to judge the statements which I am about to make. We shall all agree that Jesus belonged to the people. He was the Carpen- ter's Son "—that, in the phrase of the time, was his social status. He spent the greater part of his life working at His father's trade, in an obscure Galilean village. He never strove to rise out of the social state into which He was l born. During His brief public life He remained I a simple man of the people. His constant companions were men of the same class. His ministry was directed to tho MULTITUDE-that oft-repeated word of the Gospels. His style of preaching and of teaching was conspicuously POPULAR. Even if we knew nothing of His history, and depended solely upon His recorded utterances we should be compelled to say: Here is a son of the people, speaking to the people's mind and the people's heart. SYMPATHY WITH THE MASSES. We shall also agree that Jesus felt the keenest sympathy with all the physical and social condition of the masses. Not the condescending sympathy of a social superior, but the sympathy of one who lived their life, and* shared all their joys and all their sorrows. All the records agree that He devoted much of His time and 1 energy to relieve the suffering and the sorrow of the sick and the destitute and the outcast, and that in the intensity of His sypmathy He Himself bore their sicknesses and carried their griefs." If I had time to enlarge upon this topic it is not likely that anyone in this audience would be inclined to say that I exagger- ated. And let me say, in passing, we have reason to thank Socialists that they have compelled us more thoroughly to realise this popular character of our Lord's ministry, with all its tremendous implications and demands. But, on the other hand—and now we approach an aspect of the problem on which I am not sure that our agreement will be so complete—the more thoroughly we study the question the firmer our conviction must grow, that the attitude of Jesus towards the masses to which He belonged, aud to which He felt Himself bound with the ties of the deepest and most comprehensive sympathy WAS XOT THE ATTITUDE OF THE SOCIAL RETORMKK. The motive of all His ministry to them was not social but religious. In the first place, you j cannot have failed to observe that Jesus was no politician. There was no lack of party politics in Palestine in His time. One might appropriately describe the Pharisees as the national democratic party and the Sadducees as the aristocratic imperialist party. But not only did Jesus refrain from interfering in such affairs, but the better we know Him the more convinced we become that such interference on His part would have been utterly incon- gruous with His whole life-purpose. And everyone who knows Him well must- feel that nothing could be farther from His mind than to propound a political theory, or advance a political programme, or lead a political party. The politicians of our day, of all shades of opinion, who appeal to His authority, may know something about politics, but they know next to nothing about Jesus Christ. Moreover, they would not dare to take the liberty with John Stuart Mill that they take with Jesus Christ. CHRIST AND THE SOCIAL PROBLEM. The case is precisely the same as regards the social problem—a problem, which it is safe to say, at any rate I will and must say it; weighed on the heart of Jesus more heavily than it has weighed on the heart of any man since. Of how many of our modern social reformers whom we know can it be said without exaggeration: Surely he hath borne our sicknesses and carried our griefs ? What WfS His attitude towards 1:_obl!m)- _1.JO"_DJj2iDÏB saying it was essentially and completely m religious attitude. There is no hint that H« ever tried to organise a party. There are hint8, that He feared and took steps to prevent such movement. If He had lie would have met with' a ready response. Those Galileans were always ripe for revolnuon-as ripe, to say the least, aa the French. And all the Galilean risings of that century rolled into one would have been a little affair compared with a Christian Revolu- tion And there is no hint that Jesus ever dreamed of, much less advanced, a social I programme. I was glad to read, the other day: a confession of this made by the most renowned Christian Socialist in Germany, whose reputation and influence are world-wide. Did Jesus evet express an opinion or—let me put the question more mildly for the sake of the weaker brethren —was Jesus in the habit of expressing opinion^ on questions of economics and social science t For example, can we refer to His authority ou; any of the questions that came under th# general head of Capital ? I have not that slightest hesitation in saying Xo. And I must j content myself with this blunt denial to-night^ although it is a tempting them to defend the I position, for my time is limited. Perhaps, it will tempt some of my friends to send ma questions. Let me repeat in this case agal11t not only has Jesus not faced the ssocial question from the point of view of the social philcsophe* .or of -the social reformer, but the better we know Him the more convinced we become that He COULD JFOT take up this position. Eii attitude towards the social problem was essen- tially and exclusively religious. His mission to the poor and the oppressed of His time was I to reveal to them a Father in Heaven, and to lift them out of their apathy and despair inta the blessedness of Faith in that Heavenly Father and the Love that springs from that Faith to set them free from the slavery oi their physical and social and moral condition j and to give them the liberty ami the dignity, yes, and the pride of the Children of God/ Christ's Gospel to the poor was not a promise of a better. environment, but of a spirit that would enable them to triumph over all dis. advantages of environment, and gradually and eventually to create n. new environment. A UNIVERSAL VISSIOX. But now a new thought thrusts itselt into o minds. If the mission of Jesus was simpl, religious, then it must also have been universal.. it was not only a Gospel for the proletariat^ but also a Gospel for the middle class and th< aristocracy. And this is the fact; it is tha; unmistakable testimony of all the records ot Primitive Christianity. Admitting all that ha £ been said of the popular character of Jesus and His gospel, and even emphasising it as I do it must not be forgotten that His ministry was by no means confined to the proletariat;' that it extended to all classes and all conditions among His countrymen. Even among His disciples were men who can scarcely be described as belonging to the proletariat. And many of His followers were men of Istifl higher rank* And many of His words were sPF, not to thfe poor but to the rich and those of high estate alike. And the Church, from the first, contained representatives of the classes as well 'as of th* masses, and there is no evidence that they we" required to renounce either their position oi their possessions although, on the other it is certain that those privileges secured foi them no pre-eminence in the Church. That it a thing that crept in afterward?. The qualify cation for the fellowship of the early Church; was the same for poor and rich. It is true th< number of rich and aristocratic members was small, see 1 Cor. i., 26, but the fact that Paul savs not many shows that there were some.* The conception, therefore, of the" Proletariat Jesus must be modified-that is, if you lik supplemented. Christianity sprang from thai lower classes but it grew upwards through the higher classes. Indeed, Jesus, in His own person presents the same fact. Although a plebeian He might have taken the highest rank in Jewish society, where rank did not depend so much; upon possessions as it does to-day among usj Indeed, He did rise in His person and character^ in His genius; though socially He remained « son of the people. This fact has no social-. political meaning at all. The reason is fully explained in that word of Jesus How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the Kingdom of Hea ven." It was purely a moral reason it was that the masses were so much more susceptible to the Gospel of the Father in Heaven and all the ethical implications of that Gospel. So it has been throughout the ages. The great Prophet has always arisen, and the great movement has always begun among the masses. It seems to be to be a law: the must run upwards. And when I dream of the good time that is coming it is in the direction of the masses that I look for its begin. ning. NEITHER A SOCIALIST NOR AN INDIVIDUALIST.. INDIVIDUALIST.. By this time you understand why I regard this question—"Was Jesus a Socialist?"—as an absurd one. But perhaps I should have. added that while I emphatically deny that He was a Socialist I also deny with equal emphasis that He was an Individualist—taking these two words now, improperly, I admit, in the economic sense in which they are very commonly used* Jesus was neither a Communist nor a Captialis nor can His authority be claimed ior r.ny "ism" whatsoever, of political or social science. Nowj I daresay some of you will ask: If the mission of Jesus was purely religious if the Gospels. are religions books pure and simple are thet then of no interest or value to us in our aspira^ tions and struggles for social reform ? I answeri be it far from me to lend any countenance such a thought. While Jesus did not give tel the men of His time any programme of social- reform, or any sort of theory of social organisa-i tion, or even the vaguest outline of the outward features of the future perfect social state which He expected; He did enunciate those funda-, mental, unchangable, mcral principles with which the whole social life of mankind shall conform, and by the application of which, ancÎ, their working out, the highest social well. being, shall be obtained. This is the unique and abiding social value of the Gospel of Jesus. I gives to men in every age and condition th motive and the unchangable principles of social reform. But it does not shew them the way; that they must find by their own reason working upon the special circumstances of their OQ time. You shall not use the Gospels as text-book of social science and social politics i but you shall and must use them as the final court of appeal on every question that relates, to the well-being of man. In my next three; addresses—for I must extend the number from six to seven—I will endeavour to explain these, fundamental principles of the Gospel of JesuS. as they apply to the individual, to the family and to the State. -—
SHARPS AND FLATS. „_ '.H
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SHARPS AND FLATS. „_ H [Bv "Crowder") 'I Decidedly, band music is looking up in MeP* thyr. I have already mentioned tue reeenl concert of the Territorial Band-, and last weelfi we had a very successful concert by the newly- formed Corpor.a.tioD Bund. Lndel the jeader* ship of Mr. Harvey, late bandmaster of thtf 11th Hussars, the band gave a very good peN formanoe of several selections. A private military band has been formed, under the baton of Mr., W. S. England, so well known locally for hi* excellent cornet playing. I wish them everjj success. The rehearsals of "Judas Maccabaeus" giva every indication of choral performances worthy of the good old town and of the experienced conductor. A large and good orci:«ftra haa been engaged, and as the booking is very satis* factory, all should be well. I regret- to hear of no effort being made fJci raise a choir or band locaJlv to compete at the National Eisteddfod. Already I bear of a band from the Rhondda Valley b&ing formed for the orchestral competition. Surely we have- talent enough in Merthyr and Dvwlajs to make strong combination With its rich musical ditions, Merthyr should not lag behind in tha race. The- following anecdote of Handel is told Dr. Charles Bumcv, one of Dr. Johnson s many, friends, and author of a "History of Music. Handel was crossing to Iceland with hia "Messi3.h" in MS. for itsfu,t performance in Dublin. He stayed for a few days in Chester, and applied to the local organist for a few good sight-readers, as he wished to try the effect of some of the dhoruses. The singers duly turned up at the inn where Handel was staving, but the sight-reading was conspicuous by its ab» sence. Handel stood it for gome time, bu+ in the choq»; "And with Ills Stripes," one of tho bass singers, named Janson, after many trials, failed so lamentably that the compo-cr lost hia naturally short temper. After swearing ia foms or five langutr.sres, he suddenl. cried in English, "You soouncjiel! Did you not tell me yoiI could sing jight?" "Yes, sir," said the terri- fied Jansoi' "and so I can; but not at firsi sight'
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Some thirty white men are said to have beelc murdered by Libsrian natives. The charity match between Llanelly and Swansea Police in aid of Llanelly Hospital realised about £100. According to '"Kemp's Mercantile Gazette, the number,of commercial failures published in Great Britain and Ireland during the quarter ending Saturday, March 26th, was 2,201. The number in the corresponding quarter of last year was 2.526, showing a decrease in 1910, to date, of 32V
Notice to Subscribers.
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Notice to Subscribers. Three editions of the "Merthyr Fxpreqs" 'are printed everll week one for the Aberdare Vol ley from I-lirwain to Abercynon; one. for the nOt ough of Merthyr Tydfil and East Glamorgan; end one for West Monmouth, inclusive of the Rhymney Valley. Subscribers in one district desircm :it obtainina the edition in another district can be supplied with it through their regular agents by sending a post card to the publisher, Glebeland- street, Merthyr, intimating their wishes and nan*- ing the aaent. mht HUvtiiiu' (Srxjjws SATURDAY, APRIL 2ND, 1910. 9