The Rhondda Leader

Y ^—I a Ibappp )J)ulotibc to all our IReaOers. i' THE Jingo of the Musical A Second Hall who thought it all so Majuba. easy, once Buller was on the scene, has had a rude awake- ning. The entire British nation is convulsed to its depths at the reverse which echoed through the country last Saturday. Not only the Jingo has been shaken from a blind and ignorant conceit, hut people of calmer and more rational dispositions have let down the scales from their eyes during the last week. Before the war we deprecated the im- patience of our diplomacy, but the die is cast, and we must stake our all in order to see this war through to an honourable conclusion. We ask now for patience from the impatient; we must not divert our annoyance upon the Generals without first of all learning more of the conditions of the struggles than could be ell, gathered from the nervous and excited tele- grams from the front. But the lessons of the war point clearly enough to the need of generalship, and the discovery of brains in our army. IN all the reported engage- Tommy ments Tommy has been as Atkins good as the best tradition of Brave. his name. He has faced danger everywhere at the command of his officers, and indeed lie lower ranks of our officers have always inspired their men to these daring deeds by the word come and not" go." We have lost in generalship almost in every engagement of any importance we have been not so much out-numbered as we have been out-manoeuvered and out-generalled. It matters not what our numbers are, if we get them trapped and entangled in this diffi- cult country. It is full time that our people recognise that we are face to face with very skilful and fearless enemies.doubtlessly assisted by some of the most brilliant military talent which the Bohemianism of European military can supply. THIS gentleman who per- Mr. Gordon haps thought that a bit of Lennox. second-rate wit could be passed at a Tory meeting held at Porth, described the Boer as narrow- minded, excessively ignorant, and living in a circle which lie calls his own. They thought they were the best soldiers and the most superb marksmen, but their guns have been fired, and their shells have come in thousands into our camp. They shoot pretty well, but they don't understand the time, fuse or range, and so when they lire they do very little harm. This kind of nonsense uttered from a public platform, and that by a responsible man is seriously misleading and distinctly insult- ing to the intelligence of the people to whom they are addressed. This war is no Opera Bouffe,* but a solemn business which this great Empire is just waking to behold in its possibly grim conclusions. Jr. Gordon Lennox's jingoism is not the stuff we want just now, but brains in the army. It is not quality in soldiers, but in generals, and we sincerely hope that the changed programme of the authorities in sending out Lord Roberts and Lord Kitchenerwill furnish that most essential item—brains. AND it will be well also that The something of reasonableness be Moral. shown in our home discussion of the situation. Belittling the Boer as Mr. Lennox did, is only insulting British capacity. If the Boers are mere no- bodies, whose only ability is "to shoot a bit," then is not the degradation of the British Empire the more in being thwarted and even repulsed by these ugly farmers No, let it not be forgotten that the Boer is more than the intelligence of Mr. Gordon Lennox has realised. We are faced by a skilful enemy, who is fighting, as lie believes for his country and his home, which is an element of moral strength of inestimable value in every great struggle. Our Christmas Festivites at Pre- toria are impossible but to the 2000 prisoners, who are there as a proof of our bad general- ship. THIS song has already brought The in some thousands of pounds, Absent and there is no question of its minded effective influence in bringing Beggar. funds to the charitable schemes which seek to help those who suffer for the loss of Tommy. We were pleased to find that the Concerts of this week by collection after singing the song has enhanced the local funds by £10 Os, 4fd. This plan of keeping the charity for the widows, wives, and children, of the soldiers could be immensely helped in the Rhonddas by collections in our concerts during the coming festive season. At Tonypandy, the kindly foie thought of Mr. J. W. Jones, of the Schools, arranged that Mr. Ivor Foster should sing it. It is needless to say how admirably lie did his part when at one meet- ing nearly £ 4 lOs. was made by a Tambourine collection. We are glad to find that the Country generally is responding nobly to the call. Already nearly half a million pounds have been subscribed to the various war funds. The Mansion House scheme is responsible for £ 400,000, and the remainder by Newspapers, and by Local Committees. We earnestly trust that no district in the Rhondda will be wanting in the returns of this practical and urgent charity. The Country to-day is face to face with a great crisis. Its utmost re- sources in men and money will be needed. The Volunteer Reservists and Soldiers have answered nobly and promptly to the call of the trumpet, and therefore the civilians must answer with equal readiness the call of charity for the succour of those near and dear to the brave. The best way to give him strength and courage is to assure that the loving objects of his heart are not forgotten by sympathy and benevolence at home. There is one caution which should always remain with us, that these funds should not be wasted by over-lapping zeal. Co-operation should be secured, and confusion avoided. PROFESSOR W. R. Smith, Diphtheria Medical Officer of the in Schools. London School Board, has delivered himself upon the questions how far attendance at School influences the spread of this disease. His conclusions are that attendance was not an important factor. Before dealing with London Professor Smith quoted statistics relating to a large number of towns and cities in England, America, and on the Continent. The figures were supplied by medical officers, and the impression obtained from them was, the lecturer said, that the majority considered attendance at school to be an unimportant factor in the spread of the disease, that it undoubtedly played a small part, but no greater than would occur whatever social intercourse could take place and more important still, that closure of schools and abolition of compulsory education would not stamp out the disease. WITH reference to the incidence Boys of sex, Professor Smith stated and that the percentage was 86.8 of Girls- female to male mortality under one year, and at the ages of two and three the mortality was practically equal in the two sexes. After this age the female mortality was in excess, and in London the percentage increased year by year. Between five and ten, which might be fairly taken as representing school age, girls were one-third more liable to die of diphtheria. No difference of the school conditions of the two sexes could be imagined which would yield even a plausible explanation of this difference, and the cause must be sought among conditions affecting boys and girls in different ways, and to a different extent outside the schools. MARKED attention had been In the drawn to the fact that certain Holiday, holiday periods in the London Board Schools had occurred simultaneously with a decrease in the noti- fications of diphtheria, and from this it has been assumed that so-called school influence was the main factor in determining the spread of the disease. Dealing with this point, Professor Smith exhibited a series of charts showing certain coincidences with this theory, but showing also that the fall in notifications did not occur with regularity every year in the first holiday week, nor was it maintained throughout the holidays. IT is most gratifying to learn The late that the memorial movement Tom Ellis. to the late Mr. Tom Ellis will develop into truly na. tional dimensions of generosity. Already, and that without any vigorous canvassing, it has the full promise of over 91,000, and is not at all unlikely to reach even twice that amount. We have no hesitation in predict- ing a hearty reception to the fund when a systematic appeal is made to all the admirers of the departed worker for Walia Wen. Young Wales was nobly represented in Mr. Ellis. His life and his patriotic sacrifices have quickened the national aspirations. He has given to our young people, who are to-day growing so increasingly numerous in our great Centres of Education, the right key note in conduct of life, which aims at making in Wales a community of strong and intelligent citizens. He was one of the fore- runners who went forth to public life, and modelled in it the future type of the Cymro who would realize the highest and most glorious dreams of "Cymru Fydd" in all that is best and noblest in national ambition, Whether there will be a statue, scholarship, or any other concrete form of memorial, it matters little, for the unperishable character of his name will ever remain. His efforts for educational enthusiasm among the people, his striving for a broader recognition for the common people to equality of opportunity in all matters of national privilege, will re- main long and endurably in the history of Wales. He played a noble part, and it would be vile and contemptible ingratitude if Wales forget to create for him some tangible and magnanimous tribute of its appreciation. AGAINST the popular and en- Rational grossing pastime of football, Football. much has been written and spoken from time to time. Football is just now the king of winter games. The great evil connected with it is, that not more than one in a thousand of its devotees ever touch a football Watching a couple of fifteens or ele" ens struggling for the mastery, may be seen crowds, stirring up opposing players to excitement, which often results in cruel and even brutal actions. These crowds consisting chiefly of young men, their teeth chattering, and their limbs a-shivering, are imbued with the most morbid excitement with regard to the issue of a football contest. Do these lookers-on ever play the game ? How can one account for so Who Make many sprained limbs, bro- the Noise, ken ribs, and other acci- dents so prevalent in the football field, if not by the feeling for mastery roused by bawling crowds, who urge the players on to superhuman efforts ? There is a hypocritical friendliness assumed by the opposing teams, which is often rather sicken- ing to look at, and which reminds one of the friendly handshakes of two pugilists. This friendliness is carefully set aside in the con- test which follows. What is the remedy for this state of things ? First and foremost, something should be done to provide more recreation grounds in the Rhondda. There would then be an opportunity for developing games that are now never seen played. Hockey, and other games, would be quite as enjoyable as football, and would be more suitable for our population. If the present interest in football were spread over a number of games, and the majority who now simply look on, were to engage in these games, the rowdyism which is so prevalent on Saturdays would soon die away. What, indeed, is this rowdyism but the loafers' way of getting physical exercise *e Were one to notice care- fully, it would be seen that the actual players who benefit by playing the game, are seldom guilty of rowdyism. It is the hangers-on, the loafers who accompany the players, that cause most of the unseemly noise and disorder. OUR young men must in some Some way or other play off their exercise superabundant animal energy, needful. and should provide means for giving vent to this over-flow of vitality in orderly and (langerlss games. For games will be played as long as boys are boys, and if innocent games cannot be played, irregular and stupid games will be indulged in, to the detriment of the body and morality of the players. It has been freqently said that our working population does not require physical exercise, because the body gets sufficient exercise in the worker's avocation. There is some truth in this, but it is not the whole truth. Many bodily movements rarely come into play in the ordinary daily toil. Other movements recur too frequently, and give the worker a disproportionate physique. Instances could be given of peculiarities of body in every class of toilers. To provide on the one hand for the insufficiency of bodily movements caused by a special work, and on the other hand, to counteract the too great frequency of other movements, games and other physical exercises are needful. But more important than this utilitarian principle is to be considered the great relaxation allowed to the mind of the player intent on a, game. Recreation grounds of any magnitude are conspicuous by their absence. Who of our Councillors will champion ;the cause of healthy physical recreation ? Games requiring greater bodily skill than football should be fostered. It is in this way alone that the artificial interest now taken in football will give place to a general participation in games of a more healthy, educative, and dangerless character. THE annual prize distri- Prize but ion of the County School Distribution passed off with unusual at Porth. enthusiasm. The Rev. W. Morris, Chairman of the Governors, gave statistics respecting the suc- cess of the scholars, which were of an except- ional brilliant character. The reputation of the school is undisputably of the very highest order. The popularity of the Head Master, both with the scholars and parents, had an emphatic expression at this meeting. As the Chairman said, Mr. Samuel was a man from the people-" asgwrn o'n esgyrn," who had Ily proved his capacity and ability as Head Master of the Porth County School, and had worked it to an efficient point of success. "A wado hyn, gwaded yr haul godi." The Rev. W. Charles also emphasised a few points in connection with the school which will deserve consideration. The fundamental principle of the Welsh Scheme is the promoting of ability from all ranks of the people. Without money, but with brains, the working man's lad or lass can have the opportunity by Scholarships and Bursaries. The great stream in its pur- pose is to develop power, and seeks the raw material from every class of the people. We have clamoured loudly and long for equality of opportunity for our children. At the Rhondda County School this is done and will be done, so long as the people retain their present interest in the institution. Doubtless, some of the least educated of the money-bag fraternity do not like to see this invasion of the trademan's and worker's child into the domains of secondary education but it is in- evitable. The country cannot afford to leave talent undeveloped. It needs it. The lessons of South Africa prove that what is wanted there to-day is brains among the leaders. Tommy as a fighters stands still at the top of the tree. IT is well established that Where were the Rhondda possesses the such an institution to-day, Governors P and its bright boys and girls can be stirred on by Excelsior." One regret only remains Why cannot the majority of the Governors be iu sympathy with this movement, and why were t hey absent from the chief annual function of the school ? If the majority had no intention of attending, why did they decide upon it ? Were they afraid to meet the parents and scholars? Do they think that the whole chapter of duty consists in attending so many meetings at the Clerk' Office once a month, in addition to the" hole and corner" ones held to discuss reasons which they will not and dare not give to the public at a legal meeting of the Governors? We should like to know how many visits some of these Governors have made to the school during the year. These and many other queries are con- sidered just now most pertinent by the parents of the scholars at the school. The marvel is that, with all this haggling and hostility, the school was never a more pronounced success, and never better in regularity of attendance or more unanimously patronised. Why? be- cause the intelligence of the Rhondda know that the school is an inestimable boon, and doing splendid work.

Spares f roM 'Y Twil Cloi.' By DAI SHIRGAR Just as I had sat in company with two or three fellow-workmen one morning this week, and had set about cleaning the glass of my lamp, I heard a voice saying that he would say "much stronger things," but did not care to have his name figuring in the newspapers, and" as old Dai sends in everything we say we have to be very careful." The speaker was Mocyn Spwngwr, who has a very good gift of the gab. With hun was Ned Pen- iyrch, Avho, immediately he caught sight of your humble servant, addressed me What you think of the war now, Dai?" "Well, indeed," said I, "it looks very serious in South Africa, but I suppose things will be alright soon." "0 aye," said Ned, "when some of our cliaps- I do mean the big bugs, the generals and so on—went out they were going to make short work of the poor Boers, but Juwpert and his mates have shewn our fellows a trick or two. I saw in one of the papers some time ago that there Avas too much people in our country, but if the Boers keep ou for a bit we shall 'ave plenty of room here. The English fellows are goin' to the other world very fast. It don't strike me as our generals out there are a very bright lot; they are going all the time 'into a jaws of death,' as that well known old hymn do say." "Hold on, Ned, they are all doing their best." Ned flared up and burst forth But their best is not good enough. Our people do look very silly now after all the bother they did make about going to Pretoria, where Kruger do live in a month. Well, aye, some of 'em did get there in a month, but they wasn't going very willingly they did go as prisoners, and I hear them say as those fellows get a good time of it—playing football and cards every day." Well jawch ariod ejaculated Dai Cwm- twrch, why they out go and help their part- ners to fight, the lazy old scamps Ned laughed and said: "But, Dai bach, they are prisoners." "Funny prisoners—playing football and cards!" continued Dai. Well," continued Ned, that's the way it is. If you was only to make a p'liceman's nose bleed here, you would have hard labour for it, and I have 'eard as that is not a very nice life—plenty of work and not much food; but you kill a lot of people, and you are 'lowed to kick football and play cards (and that shows what short of chaps they are). What did our big men want to send the soldiers to Africa at all ? ,Take time, Ned," I said, "our Government sent them out to protect our interests." Ned Protect our interests indeed. There are plenty of Boers for 'em to look after in this country. If they want to put down in- justice and make the conditions of people better, they can start at home—there is any amount of work for 'em here. But, jawst, you can't make out what people believe these days. I know of a person who was praying very hard, and as long as old Kruger, for the army, for the soldiers to kill the Boers, when lie was at the same time at home doin' all lie could to take the bread and cheese from the mouth of a man 'oldin' a responsible position. Prayin' for putting down the Boers because they 'ont give what a lot of people, which include a nice number of runaways and vaga- bonds, do want; and at 'ome, he do stab a innocent man behind his back. Of course, if the gentleman I do mean was goin' to the Church 'e would be everything that was good; s'posin' he got drunk now and then too. What do puzzle me is, w'ere is the conshens of this sort of people ?" "0 aye," interrupted Shoni'r Clochydd, that person was one of the stock of the old days, but you don't get that sort now, an "Wait a bit," said Ned, "no old days about it, except his preachin'—that is a bit old. No, he is a present day person; and he have for 'ears made people believe lie was a very nice man—very just and straight, but they are eomin' to 'now 'im now. To 'ear that man preach love and charity, and then go out of 'is way to cut a man's throat for no reason whatever, except that the man would not bow to him, was disgraceful; but I got a lot more to say about that person before I do finish with 'im."

Oddfellowship. The half-yearly Meeting of the Pontypridd and Rhondda District of the Grand United Order of Oddfellows was held on Monday, December 18th, in the Lodge-room of the "Lily of the Valley," Gwern-y-Milwr Hotel, Senghenydd. The officers present were :— Bros. James Tudball, D. M.; Evan L. Parry, D.D.M.; Lewis Lewis, D.S., and J. Rowlands, Tylor. The sub-treasurers for the day were Bros. Edward Williams, Whitchurch, and Geo. Evans, Tonypandy. After the general business of the meeting, the following Brethren were elected officers for the year 1900Evan L. Parry, D.M.; William Edmunds, D.D.M.; Geo. Evans, Junior Auditor. Delegates to the A.M.C. James Tudball and William Hinton. TheD.S., LeAvis Lewis; and the D.T., W. T. Leyshon; Solicitor, Walter H. Morgan and Trustees, Ivor A Lewis, Cynimer; David Evans, Miskin Hotelv Trealaw; and Edward Williams, Whitchurch, were unanimously re- elected. A most pleasant meeting was brought to a close by the delegates passing a hearty vote of thanks to the host and hostess for their excellent dinner, and other preparations for the meeting. Brother Morgan suitably acknowledged.

The Mid-Rhondda Reservists' Fund. The local committee met last Wednesday evening at the Tonypandy Public Library and completed the accounts, with the exception of a few minor outstanding promises. The result up to date is very satisfactory. The details subscribed is in another column. The following represent the sectional efforts. x s å Clydach Vale 45 17 3 Post Office 5 5 0 Llwynypia 27 19 l Toiiypaiidy 31 14 8 Penygraig 11 17 0 Trealaw 44 7 2 Concerts-Sin-oring The Absent- Minded Beggar" 10 0 4i 177 0 7i

Presentation at Pentre. On Thursday evening, an interesting presentation meeting took place at Pentre Church school-room, when the ReJ' Gomer Price, St. David's, Ton, was the recipient of a beautifully illuminated and framed address, executed by Mr D. ° Roberts, Trealaw; an Oxford Bible, and* Purse of Gold ( £ 50), on the occasion of h» leaving St. David's for the living of pennt: near Aberdovey, to which place he will ) going shortly. Mr Edwards (manager)) Ton, presided over a good attendance, in opening the meeting testified in mos» worthy terms to the rev. gentleman's gen- iality and conscientiousness throughout biO long period of 10 years as curate in of St. David's, Ton. Songs were rendered by Miss Thomas, Mr Jones, and Mr »• Royal, together with pleasing and apparop- riate selections by the St. David^s Voice Porty, under the conductorship Of Mr T. Royal. Mr David Jones, Pentre, be- ing the accompanist for the evening. & humorous recitation was also contributed by Mr H. Collins. On behalf of the sub- scribers, the Chairman called upon thO following ladies to make the presentation1 the address, Mrs Collins, Pentre purse 0* gold, Mrs Thomas (the oldest lady member of St. David's); and the Oxford Bible, Phillips, Ton; all of whom, in making he presentation, made short, but effective ladylike speech in asking Mr Price to regard these as a slight token of esteem. The Rev. Precentor Lewis addressed meeting. In a very feeling speech, he said he was very glad he had lived to see the daY when Mr Price's services were acknotf' ledged, and that the Church in general were showing their appreciation of valuable ministrations, and he was verl pleased to say that no clergyman in Parish of Ystradyfodwg had ever been aI, lowed to leave them without some tangible proof of their services. The Rev. J. M- Raymond, Ton; Rev. T. Harries, vicar, Cwmpark; Rev. Mr Davies, Treorchy; Ll. Collier, Capt. Dyke, Mr H. Collins, Mr B- l1. Jones, Ton; Mr John Pearce, also spoke in eulogistic terms, and corroborated the praises bestowed upon Mr Price, who has won for himself golden opinion in the locali- ty for the promptness and readiness which characterises his willingness to render his services in the cause of the needy at all The Rev. Comer Price, on responding was almost overcome with emotion, and hIf, "thanks to you from the depth of my heart' greatly touched the audience. Mr Price reviewed his ministry amongst them, and in commending them to God's keeping, be' seeched the young people of St. David's to work with his successor as they had done with him. Amongst those present we noticed Rev. W. Welsh, Mrs and Mill 31al Lewis (vicarage), Mrs Pritchard, Ton; Mr" Noyle, aldon House, Tontycymmer; Mis* Ethel Dorrington, Misses Evans (Dunderri), Miss E. A. Lloyd, Ton; Miss Amy and MarY Richards, Ystrad; Mr Holmes, Ton; ^,on >. Yorath, Messrs Piesold* C. i W. Davies, J. W. Thomas (Stores), Jack Collier, T. Lloyd, James Morgan, 14, Morris, Pentre; J. Hughes, Thomas, Ton; ihe uev. T. H. Williams, St. Stephens, bf ing unavoidable absent through indisposi- tion.

Pontypridd Police Court. WEDNESDAY,—Before the stipendiary (Mr Ignatius Williams), Alderman Rich* ard Lewis, Alderman W. H. Matthias* ™rV«" C- Hunter, Messrs R. T. Richards E. H. Davies and Ed. Edwards. Trespassing on the G.W.R. Healy Adams and George Baker, colliers, irealaw, were summoned for trespassing on the Great Western Railway at Clyd»cA Vale. They were seen by Inspeotor ChM' Mills walking along the line from the? work at the Cambrian Colliery. Traigs were due at the time, consequently the? were exposing themselves to danger? Defendants said they had passes to travel by the workmen's train, and so though they were entitled to walk along the linei ihey were fined 10s. each. Sunday Trading. Albert Dodge, refreshment house keeper, Hopkinstown, was convicted of trading oN Sunday, and fined £1 and costs. Drunks. Thomas Richards, collier, Porth. wøS fined PI, and Alfred Parfitt, collier, Her kin,stown, 5s., for being drunk and dis- orderly, while Wm. Flooks, haulier, Tre- alaw, and Evan Richards, collier, YnysWtt who were charged with similar ofienceft were let off with a caution.

Theatre Royal, TONYPANDY. On Sunday evening a grand sacred conceo was held under the auspices of Mr. Arthtf Farren's Concert Party at the New itoyal, Tonypandy. Sacred solos were rendered most effectively by the artistes, and illu9' trated by superb paintings exhibited wif mechanical limelight effects by Mr. J. W- Cumming, who also favoured the large audience with a short but pathetic and intet' esting lecture upon Jane Conquest with ilitaos, trations. The concert terminated with th/f singing of Lead kindly light" by audience- Ihe new Theatre Royal, Tonypandy, wlg re-open on Christmas Day with the dranol "Is Life worth Living," periormed by 3ft W. H. Hallatt and his powerful company- In the second act an impressive scene is introduced, when a monster steam roll^ is set in motion. The performance wi** take place at 2.30 and 7.45 p.m. On 3oK ing Day and Wednesday, Thursday all,, Friday, the new drama, "The Iron Maiden, will be performed, a grand illuminat day performance being also given on Bo' ing Day.

Obituary. We regret to announce the death of Dd. Owen, Cemetery Road, Trealaw, expired on Monday, at the age of 41. W Owen was one of the founders and deacon9 of Noddfa Chapel, Blaenclydach, and the past 18 months, deacon of Bethleheø Trealaw. He had always taken an act11 part in industrial, as well as political, ters in Clydach vale, and his loss will sorely felt. The funeral will take at Trealaw Cemetery, on Saturday, Vbejl the Rev. J. Y. Jones, and the Rev. 0' Waldo James will officiate.

The last of Amy Evans' Concert" The last concert of the series was giv6^ on Wednesday. There was another lar$ audience. Mr J. W. Jones, in the sence of Mr Tom John, conducted. Mr G- *5 Llewellyn again sang "The Absent-min<lef xseggar with much better effect, the t lection being £ 3 3s. 4 £ d. towards the | fund altogether. Mr Todd Jones gave most popular song "Queen of the Eartb< f 'Sound an Alarm," and "Mona." To great delight of the audience Miss ? ihomas appeared and sang "Gwladd 11 Delyn" and "0 na byddai'n Haf o HY61 t both items being encored. The renderi^ < of "Wmg sweet Bird" and "Jerusalem" "J, • Miss Gertie Hughes was heartily j ded. In the interval, Mr J. W. Jones troduced Miss Amy Evans to the audien t wh<? clearly demonstrated their pleasure seeing her once more by a round of hea^H cheers. This last concert was an excelle?fl finale, the singing, and appreciation of singing, being excellent. rØ Reports of the three previous colaceto will be found under "Musical. Notes." i