Welsh Gazette and West Wales Advertiser

ABERAYRON. A BIG PRIZE.—The Gwalia fishing boat on Monday, whilst bringing her usual catch of herrings also brought in a big seal. The animal measures over six feet. FOOTBALL.—The County School players were again crushed at Aberystwyth on Saturday. An account of the match will be found in another column. PRACTICAL SYMPATHY.—It is reported that Aberayron will ultimately add a sum of about £70 to the War Relief Fund. Are we enthusiasts or faddists ? Are we patriots or wobblers ? AN OLD BOY.-A number of the personal friends of the Rev. W. Compton Davies, vicar of Mynydd- islwyn, Mon, and until a few months ago curate of All Saints' Church, Cardiff, presented him with a solid silver salver, bearing the inscription, Rev. W. R. Compton Davies, from a few personal friends." Mr. Davies is the son of our postmaster, jlr. T. Cc.mpton Davies. TRANSVAAL—Aberayron lads out on active ser- vice in the Transvaal are in the thick of the en- gagements. Private David John Davies, 75th Field Battery was with Lord Methuen in the terrible battle at Modder River. Private William Davies is with the Royal Welsh Fusiliers at Mooi River Camp, and Edwin Davies, of the Cape Mounted Police, is assisting that rare genius, Baden Powell to hold out Mafeking. The latest returns show our comrades to be all well and we can only hope things will continue so until "Johnny comes marching home.again." URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL.—At a meeting of the Council on Thursday evening when there were present Mr. Daniel Evans, J.P., chairman, presiding, Mr. J. P. Evans. vice-chairman Rev. John Griffiths and Mr. David Griffiths, Messrs. B. C. Jones, clerk, John Watkins, Surveyor; Dr. Edward Williams, medical officer of health. A long letter was read from Messrs. Busk, Mellor, and Morris, solicitors to the Llanayron Estate, respecting the proposed scheme of the Council to supply the town with water from Ffynon Maelgwyn, by Pontfaen Farm. After a good deal of discussion it was agreed to adjourn the motter until the next meeting of the Council. S.S. SALTRAM.—The vessel Saltram (2015 tons), which belongs to Plymouth, sailed from Phila- delphia with a crew of 22 hands all told, and a cargo of coal for Havana, Cuba, where she was expected to arrive about Nov. 1 or 2, as the voyage usually occupies a week. On Oct. 28 she was re- ported passing Delaware Breakwater. Since then nothing seems to be known concerning her where- abouts. As several derelicts have been seen in the track, it is considered almost certain that the steamer has foundered with all hands. The majority of the crew are Welshmen, the master being Capt. J. Owen, a brother of Capt. Owen, Cranog House, of this town one of the crew being Mr. William Jones, Neptune Place. The gravest fears are entertained for the safety of the steamer, if not all hopes abandoned. LITERARY AND DEBATING SOCIETY.—A meet- ing of the above society was held on Friday night, with Alderman J. M. Howell, the president, in the chair. Miss Scott, head mistress of the intermedi- ate school, had kindly taken the trouble to arrange An evening with Longfellow," following the ex- ample set last session by her predecessor, Miss Kitchen, B.A., who gave An evening with Tennyson." The programme commenced with a song entitled The Village Blacksmith," by Mr J. D. Jenkins, who is to be highly congratulated on the admirable manner in which he began the evening's entertainment. Miss Scott then delivered an address, which may be divided into three parts (1) Longfellow's Life:" (2) His Works," and (3) His position as a poet." She said amongst other very interesting items, that Longfellow's grand- father was one of those that crossed over with the "Pilgrim Fathers in the" Mayflower" to New England. In a wonderfully short space of time Miss Scott read a very able and interesting paper on the poet, mentioning several of his chief works, more especially those of the "Indian Hunter," and The Wooing of Hiawatha." Then followed a good range of selections in the following order:—Miss Alice Jones, a recitation, The Indian Hunter," which she rendered in the pretty, quaint, and skil- ful manner so peculiar to herself; duett, Excel- sior," Mr J. D. Jenkins and Mr J. R. Davies reci- tation, Wreck of the Hesperus," Miss Bertha Jones, who recited in a pathetic and expressive manner, and she is to be especially congratulated on her recitation, as this was her first appearance in public; song, "The day is cold and dark and dreary," Miss Davies, Tanyfron Villa, who sang with her usual taste and good skill; reading, "The Wooing of Hiawatha," Miss M. A. Davies,- who managed her difficult piece with great skill; recitation, "The slaves dream," Master Foyal Williams, who ought to be sincerely thanked for the quick and able way in which he helped to pass an evening's enjoyment, and we believe that this is also his first appearance in public; song, The Bridge," Mr J. R. Davies recitation, King Robert of Sicily," Miss Olive Jones, who recited with her usual unaffected and clever power of ex- pression quartette, Good night beloved," Miss Davies (Tanyfron), Mrs K. Tina Thomas, Mr J. R. Davies, and Mr Jenkins, which was finely rendered. The Rev. J. M. Griffiths then proposed a cordial vote of thanks to Miss Scott, for the able and scholarly manner in which she had prepared and delivered her paper and arranged the evening's entertainment. Mr Munro Hughes seconded, and remarked that a society which could count such genius amongst its members should have a fitter and more elaborate room in which they could hold their meetings with more comfort. He pointed out that the room at present looked as if it had been bombarded by the Boers In one window was a bush of holly stuck through a broken pane, which looked so old that it must have been brought over in the time of Noah, and in another window the blind was hanging dilapidated at half mast as it were and looking as if Mafeking or Ladysmith had fallen. Mr. D. P. James also congratulated Miss Scott in felicitous teims, which kept the audience in roars of laughter. The presi- dent. Mr. J. M. Howell, also sincerely thanked Miss Scott for her able and instructive paper. The next meeting will be adjourned till the 12th January, over the Christmas holidays, when a debate will take place on Aberayron in its present state does not justify its support as a health resort." The genial president at this stage wished the Society a a very merry Christmas. Miss Scott, in acknow- ledging the vote of thanks, thanked the audience, and more especially the artists and artistes who had helped to make the evening a greater success than she had expected. The kindness and willingness of the Aberayron people said Miss Scott was goodness itself. All the people she had approached were ready and willing to do their part. The evening terminated with God Save the Queen." the solo being taken by Miss Davies, Tanyfron. THE LATE MR. JOHN EVANs.-We regret to announce the death of Mr. John Evans, Aberarth, which took place on the 5th inst., at his residence in the above village. He had a short illness, as to time, but extraordinarily severe. Mr. and Mrs. Evans had only married about three years ago, but had in that short space of time buried two children. Now again, Mrs. Evans, who by the way, is a granddaughter of the late Rev. Thomas Evan;, Al».rar<' h, i-: -I-privH of bpr h'isband, The funeral took place last Saturday. Mr. S. E. Davies officiating. Mr. Davies, who delivered an appropri- ate sermon at Bethel, Aberarth, basing his remarks on Philippians, I, 23, made pathetic references to the deceased's exemplary character. DISTRICT MEETING.—The Calvinistic Methodist Churches of Aberayron and the neighbourhood, held their district meeting at the Tabernacle, Aberayron, last Thursday, when there were present, Messrs. D. Morgan aud Jenkin Jenkins, Pontsaeson; D. Rees and Wm. Evans, R.O., Pennant; David Jenkins, Tanybryn; John Michael and David Jenkins, Aberarth; Lewis Jenkins, John Hugh Jones, J. M. Howell, and Revs. E. Morris (chairman), J. Thickens (secretary), Aberayron. Inter alia, it was resolved on the proposition of Alderman J. M. Howell, seconded by Councillor J. H. Jones that Aberarth deacons should take into consideration the desirability of adding to their number, and report thereon at the next meeting. Mr. David Rees reported that Officers' Meeting had been established at Pennant Church, and that benefit had been already derived therefrom. Mr. J. Michael stated that Bethel kept a minute record of all her operations and resolutions. The delegates urged Pontsaeson and Tanybryn to adopt the same measures. Mr. D. Rees, who bad made investiga- tions into the state of the cause at the Tabernacle, bore testimony to the great fidelity shewn by the members—their average contributions (per head) towards the ministry being 10s. 5d.; towards all causes, about Ll per head. Alderman J. M. Howell and Rev. J. Thickens added further evi- dence proving that the Church was in a flourishing state. It was resolved, on the proposition of Rev. Thickens, seconded by Alderman J. M. Howell, that the churches should co-operate with the other churches of other denominations in the matter of establishing a Temperance Union for Aberayron and the neighbourhood. WAR FUND CONCFRT.-A grand Concert in aid of the War Fund was held in the County School on Thursday, under the presidency of Major Price Lewes. The hall, which was very prettily deco- rated with flags and war pictures, presented quite a gala appearance. The programme was as follows Violin and piano duet, by Miss Price Lewis and Mr. Emrys Williams song, Shipmates," Rev. D. J. Jones, encored; song, The Gift," Madame Annie Jones, encored; recitation, "A Ballad of War," Miss Olive Jones song, Stand by the old flag," Mr. J. D. Jenkins; chorus, Protect us thro' the coming night," ladies' cnoir, conducted by Mrs. T. Z. Jones, encored; song, Miss May Davies, encored; recitation, Transvaal War," Miss M. A. Davies; song, For all eternity," Miss Bessie Lewis, encored; song, The Swallow," Miss M. J. Jones, Lampeter, encored; mandoline solo, Miss Clargo, encored; song in character, Soldiers of the Queen," Mr. Munro Hughes, encored; the chorus of this song was rendered by thd National School cadet-corps, and enthusiastically joined in by the audience; piano and mandoline duet, Miss L wes and Miss Clargo, encored; song' When Johnny comes marching home again," Master Popsy Griffiths; encore, "I fancy I've met you before"; song, Angus .Macdonald," Madame Annie Jones, encored; recitation, The Absent- mirded Beggar," Mr. Denham Evans. A collection was made after this recitation, resulting in the sum of kl Is. 7d. being made, which goes to the "Daily Mail" Fund. Chorus, "Home, sweet home," Ladies Choir, encore, "Llwyn On song, Dr Williams; song, "Y pennill adroddai fy nhad," Madame Annie Jones song, Comrades," Rev. D. Jones, encored song, Gyda'r wawr," Miss M. J. Jones, encored; song, Death of Nelson." Mr. Jenkins, encored; comic song, Mr. Lloyd Rees, who was, however, unavoidably absent; finale, God save the Queen," Miss May Davies taking the solo. Miss Price Lewis, Miss Munro Hughes, Miss Evans, Mrs. T. Z. Jones, and Mrs. Griffiths accom- panied on the piano, and Miss Clargo on the mandoline. Mr. Emrys Williams is to be con- gratulated on the very fine and skilful way in which he opened the evening's programme. The Rev. D. J. Jones sang his well-chosen songs with considerable talent. Miss Olive Jones recited in a very pathetic and touching manner. Her local fame as a reciter is renowed. We cannot too highly praise Madame Annie Jones, the contralto of Chicago fame, on her beautiful and admirable rendering of the six songs which she sang. Mr. Jenkins, of Johannesburg fame, is so well known in this part of the country as a bass that it is quite unnecessary to say anything more than that on this occasion he suipassed himself. The Ladies' Choir and especially the conductor, Mrs T. Z. Jones,certain- ly deserve the very warmest praise for their fine and skilful rendering of their difficult choruses. Miss May Davies sang with her usual tact and ability. Miss. M. A. Davies is an artiste of exceptional merit, and whenever there is a call for local theatricals, concerts or matinees she is never found wanting. Miss Bessie Lewis is a young lady whose star is in the- ascendant, and will assuredly in a short time find herself in the front rank of famous Welsh singers. Miss Kate Jones is a singer of no mean reputation. She comes of a well known musical family. Miss M. J. Jones, Lampeter, sang very sweetly and quite unaffectedly. She is to be con- gratulated upon the very efficient manner in which she distinguished herself. We should have said that Master Popsy Griffiths sang in character, lie always rises to the occasion. Mr. Denham Evans, recitation of Kipling's poem was really clever. Dr. Williams possesses a fine voice which he used with perfect judgment. We have left Mr. Munro Hughes last but he was far from being lest. We cannot too highly speak of his song or of the services rendered by him to the general success of the concert. His donning a soldier's dress only showed to what trouble Mr. Hughes will put himself if it will in any way add to the success of a concert or enter- tainment. He deserves to be highly complimented on the very efficient and kind manner in which he has again proved his worth. The National School cadet corps looked exceedingly smart. The total receipts reached over £15. At the close Alderman J. M. Howell proposed a vote of thanks to the worthy president. Mr. Howell in his remarks said he had the pleasure of knowing and meeting Major Price-Lewes on almost every public body. On the County Council he always found him supporting every good motion, and he was always the right man in the right place. Mr. Denham Evans seconded the resolution!in appropriate terms, and Major Lewes in acknowledging thanked the speakers and said he was very pleased to preside over a concert for such a good cause. He thanked all who assisted to make it such a success. We should have stated that the promoters are also much indebted to Miss Price Lewes who acted as accompanist and to Mrs. Price Lewes and the other ladies and gentlemen who so willingly gave their assistance and support on this occasion.

LAMPETER. COMPETITIVE MEETING.—At the Brondeifi Unitarian Chapel on the 20th inst., a competitive meeting will be held, when prizes will be given for singing, recit- ing, etc., etc. CHRISTMAS Snow.-In addition to the Live Poultry Show the Lampeter Poultry Club will also hold a show of trussed poultry, eggs, and butter in the Market Hall Place on the same day, viz., 21st inst., when prizes will be offered for the best exhibits in each class. LECTURE.—The congregation at the Shiloh C.M. Chapel of this town have decided not to hold a com- petitive meeting next Christmas Day as is their usual custom, but have engaged the Rev. Thomas Levi, the Editor of I I Trysorf a'r Plant," to lecture on "Dyfal- barhad bob amser yn llwyddo," instead. The chair will be taken by the newly appointed pastor, the Rev. Edward Hughes. The proceeds are to go towards the Sunday school. CONCERT.—A grand concert will be held on Boxing Day, when well known artistes will take part, viz., Madame Polly Jenkins, R.A.M., and four members of the Treorky Male Voice Party. The accompanist will be Mrs R. Williams, S.D.C. The proceeds are in aid of the Wesleyan Chapel.

All letters must be written on one side of the paper and accompanied by the name and address of the writer, not necessarily for publication, but as a guarantee of good faith. Correspondents are urgently requested to send their letters to the office as early as possible.

PROPOSED NEW STATION AT ABERYSTWYTH. SIR,-In view of the Manchester and Milford Railway Company's proposal to ercct a new station I believe that the question is so important to the town at large that it deserves the most careful consideration of our local authorities. It is to be hoped that, on the one hand, nothing will be done in a hurry, and on the other that an opportunity to remove the Board Schools to a better site will not be allowed to pass by unheeded: The schools were no doubt built in the best available spot at the time, but it is well-known that their site is not an ideal, nor even a desirable one, in more than one respect, They are much too near the railway station, as most parents know to their great anxiety, especially during the summer season when the children have to run the gauntlet of buses, vans, and what not. If the Board could see their way to have the buildings removed, say to such a healthy site as the Buarth offers, it would, I think, be a great improvement. X.

BARMOUTH AND THE CAMBRIAN RAILWAYS. SIR,—I crave a short space in the Welsh Gazette" in order to direct attention to what I think is of vital importance to our town. In the recent Presentation Meeting, the Mayor, in the course of his speech, recommended the tradesmen to have all their goods by the Cambrian Railway and to back up the Comnanv hv overv possible means." At first, I could nOL Dring myself to believe that such a disastrous policy could have been suggested by our popular Mayor, but on pro- ceeding I was forced to believe that he had not been misunderstood by the reporter, for Mr. Denniss in his reply expressed his appreciation of the suggestion. That the doubling of the Cambrian r,9 line is greatly to be desired, all will admit, but why on earth should Barmouth jeopardise its growing prosperity to attain that end. Can it be expected that the Great Western Company will continue to further the interest of our town if our tradesmen adopt the suicidal policy of giving their support exclusively to the Cambrian Railways. It is to the G.W.R. Co. we are indebted for the bulk of the wealthy class who patronise the town. During the summer months we often hear it remarked by railwaymen and others who constantly travel on the Cambrian, that a higher class of visitors is to be seen at Barmouth than at Aberystwyth. The superiority of the natural surroundings of our town accounts for this to some extent, but in my opinion it is chiefly due to the fact that the G.W.R. has direct access to London and the large provincial towns, and can run its trains into Barmouth. I venture to submit that the best policy for the tradesmen and townspeople is to do all they can for both Companies—G.W.R. as well as Cambrian. PRO BONO BERMO.

MR. HOLLIER AT THE CYCLISTS' DINNER. DEAR SIR,-In reply to your correspondent, "Justice," I would first of all state. that not having the law at my finger, ends the same as he has, that I must plead ignorance to the Watch Committee. But as to enmity, this was the farthest thing from my mind, and in this word, "Justice" reveals his identity to me. When I made the statement I also said that I had passed seven carts or traps without light between Bow Street and the top of Penglaise Hill, and this is out of the Borough. Justice says that the Mayor and Town Council have no power to enforce the bye-law. Perhaps it will surprise" Justice" to know that after my being spoken to by P.S. Phillips, I saw some of the Town Councillors and asked them the question, and they were as much in the dark as I was. See the query to the Town Clerk in your last issue re this question. I did not assume to be familiar as suggested by "Justice," but knew full well that, as to bicycles they were under a statutory law. Justice says he could refer to motor cars, and at the same time reflects on my experience as to the law regulating same. This I will say, that if "Justice" thinks the audience before whom I made the statement were not one and all able to distinguish between bluff and method then he thinks very little of his fellow-townsmen. I have pleaded ignorance on the one point. I will also go further, and say there was an object in referring to this matter, and that object was to create an interest in this matter, and one proof of that object having been attained is the letter from Justice." W. H. HOLLIER- Commerce House, Aberystwyth, December 11th, 1899.

THE WAR FROM A HUMANITARIAN POINT OF VIEW. SIR,—What food for thought the word War gives to the student. What horrors! What misery What pain and suffering it causes, and a hundred other evils that follow in its attendant wake. At times one is prone to think what a mystery it is, and why the All-wise Omnipotent Power does not think fit to prevent this bloodshed. But we are taught not to question His ways, and perhaps it is well that it is so. International Arbitrators and Conventions may meet, but they will never solve the great problem of Universal Peace. Emperors and kings may suggest and pray for a consummation, but it will never become an accomplished fact. The prevention of war is as difficult as was Mrs. Partington's mop to stop the Atlantic, or, say, for the thousand and one religious creeds of the world to merge themselves into one great, happy and contented faith. The spirit of war has permeated mankind from the commence- ment of the world. It is inherent, and so it will be till the end. Misery and poverty will be the outcome of this war hundreds of widows will long mourn the bread-winners of their homes; thousands of orphans will look piteously up and ask, Mother, when will dada come home ?" Parents will lose their loving sons and sisiers their loving brothers, and maidens will lose their lovers. This is not sentiment, but stern and bitter truth. However patriotic we may be, however much we may love our country and Queen, and however much we may mourn our brave soldiers that have fallen, we can at least have some pity for the wounded and slain of our enemy. After all, whatever we may think of the Dutch as a nation, it is only natural that they should look upon the English as usurpers of their soil, and probably will shed their last drop of blood fighting for their hearths andhomes, and the country they love. If this direful war should be a prolonged one the Transvaal will become a Sodom and Gomorrah, and before it is over the veldt will be dyed crimson with the blood of the fallen brave, both Briton and Boer. While we are throwing our hats up in the air, and singing patriotic songs, and rubbing our hands with glee at the news of a British victory, let us bestow a passing thought to those on the other side. If they are our enemies they are also our brothers in kin. Amidst this carnage it is a consolation to know that all the skill that modern surgery can do is being done to alleviate pain, and that there are heroines of the Red Cross flitting about like angels ministering to the wants and comforts of the brave soldiers laid low. Never in our history has there been such a spontaneous response to the appeal for help to those that Tommy has left behind. Every town in the Kingdom has nobly responded to the call, and will continue to do so until the war is over. Let us pray for a speedy termination with the hope that South Africa will rise Phrenix-like from its ashes, and that a brighter era will soon dawn on that part of the Dark Continent. A. EDGEHILL.

DOLGELLEY FREE LIBRARY. SIR,-As your readers are aware, a Committee was appointed some months ago to take steps for providing Dolgelley with a Free Library and Recreation rooms which should meet the needs of the town. The report that this Committee have renounced their task in despair is, happily, some- what premature. Much the same mournful state of things, but on a smaller scale, prevails in Dol- gelley as that which your contributor, Philip Sidney," so eloquently describes as existing in Aberystwyth. Or rather the state of things here is probably worse. Those young men who, unfor- tunately, have but little taste for prayer-meetings, and yet want a change from their not too luxurious homes or lodgings, are almost compelled either to lounge about the bridge and the street corners, or else spend their evenings in the hotels and public- houses. The essence of our Free Library move- ment is to provide them with yet another alter- native in the form of cheerful reading and recrea- tion rooms. The thing has been done elsewhere- and it can and will be done here as soon as the Christian people in our midst wake up to the crying need for it, and recognize their own personal re- sponsibility in the matter. But, as was to be expected, the Committee has hitherto had for- midable difficulties to contend with. As is usual in such cases, a few of its members proved the meagreness of their interest in the undertaking by entirely ceasing their attendance after the first two or three meetings. But perhaps the greatest difficulty has been the unreasoning prejudice which exists among some of our influential people against Billiards. Most of the Committee recognize that as a rule it is futile to expect an imperfectly educated young man who has done a hard day's work in the mine or in a shop to devote his evenings to the serious study of literature-however excellent that literature may be. With average humanity, books and newspapers alone do not as yet form an efficient counter-attraction to the public-house. If possible, it is extremely desirable that some innocent social and recreative element should be added. Accordingly, encouraged by the success with which a room for billiards is worked in connection with the Barmouth Reading Room and with many P.S.A. clubs in England, the providing of innocent games, such as this is when carefully dissociated from gambling, has been part of the programme which the Committee has earnestly sought to realise. Personally, I do not despair of seeing it accom- plished. Dr. Edward Jones and many other well- known townsmen have long since avowed their entire sympathy with the main object which is being striven for, and only last week Dr. Jones publicly expressed his grief at the regrettable state of things which, in spite of all efforts, con- tinues to exist. May I be permitted respectfully to remind him and other friends of philanthropy and sobriety in Dolgelley, that their responsibility in this matter is not a light one-for it largely depends upon them, and on the practical action which they take or refrain from taking at this juncture, whether or not scores of young men in our midst, now and in the future, are shielded from debasing influences, and grow up to useful and noble citizens ? Yours faithfully, E. HAMPDEN-COOK. Dolgelley, Dec. 11, 1899.

London Letter. [FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.] London, Wednesday Al j THE LORD MAYOR. The revelations made in the proceedings before Mr. Justice Wright last week as to the methods of Company Promoters, have come as a surprise even to people who were well -aware of the immoral and dishonest practices of City Financiers. The facts in the case before Justice Wright were briefly these. One William Mendel together with two others bought a grocery business in Brixton for £ 17,000. They then floated a company with a capital of X48,000 and this was subsequently re-formed with a capital of £ 240,000. Questioned as to the differences between the sum of X17,000 and X48,000 Mr. Mendel admitteed that nearly S4,000 was expended on the Press and X875 on the Stock Exchange. The money ex- pended on the Press was paid for favourable notices of the Company in certain papers (which were named) but everybody was at a loss to understand for what purpose a sum of X875 was expended on the Stock Ex- change. In cross-examination it came out that a large number of shares were pur- chased by the promoters in similar under- takings i.e. grocery companies. This was done in order to advance the quotations of these companies and then to demonstrate to the unsuspecting public who were asked to take shares in Mr. Mendel's particular com- pany, that there was a strong tendency in the shares in such businesses to go up in value. As soon as his company was floated Mr. Mendel sold his shares, of course the quotations immediately returned to their real value and Mr. Mendel was the loser by 87 5, this: money being included in the ex- pense of flotation. In this way the share- holders paid for being imposed upon, out of their own pockets the sum of nearly £ 5,000. There was no proof that the Lord Mayor was cognisant of this and he denied that he knew of itjand as Justice Wright said he appeared to have acted the most honourable part in a most dishonourable business. Nevertheless few people. I think, rejoice in the prospect of having such a Chief Magis- trate in the greatest city in the world. THE WAR. Just as the Jingo Press was bracing itself up for one great whoop of triumph over the coming victories at Colenzo and Spytfontein, came the sad news that General Gatacre was defeated and 600 of his men taken prisoners. It was quite interesting to read the notes aud leading articles on the Pro-war Press on Monday. It was so evident that everything had been arranged the leaders written, the gibes at the Boer farmers evolved, the incon- querable might of the British arms demonstrated, and the final triumphant march to Pretoria prophecied when suddenly came this douche of cold water-a British reverse. The papers all speak of a British reverse, plain people know that this is synonymous with a Boer victory and a British defeat. In a day or two more the papers will be telling us that the French are surprised at the dignity with which we bear our reverses, and before a week has passed they will demonstrate clearly that the Boer losses were enormous, and that what at first seenied a defeat was really a victory. What between the Press censor in South Africa and the Jingo Press here we shall probably get to know nothing of the rights of the question. CAPE DISAFFECTION. Of course this defeat means a great deal more than at first appears to the sight. Had it taken place in Natal, it would not have been so important, but as it happened in Cape Colony it may have lamentable consequences. It may lead to an alienation of sympathy. Should this defeat be taken by the Cape Dutch as a victory for the enemy there is grave danger they will join the Boer army by hundreds and thousands. Added to this there is the great danger that Sir Alfred. Milner will call out the Cape Volunteers, iwho are mainly Englishmen settled in South Africa. It will then be a civil war with a vengeance, for these men have to a large extent inter-married with the Dutch of Cape Colony and of the Republics. The Dutch of the Cape, however great their loyalty, can never stand quietly by and watch their hated neighbours doing battle with their blood relatives, and the result will be a civil war such as the world has not seen for centuries. Mr. Chamberlain and the Tory Government will have a long account to pay some day. THE pSESS PROPRIETORS. It appears that the Church newspapers have now caught the prevailing fever, and we hear that cl the editor of the Guardian, Mr. D. C. Lathbury has been dismissed owing to irreconcilable differences between the proprietors and himself." I should think that every editor, the country through, must be quaking in his shoes for fear of the the terrible notice to quit." One cannot help wondering how many of the denizens of Fleet Street are to-day inditing notes and articles opposed to all their cherished beliefs. It is (whispered that some have not the pluck of Mr. Massingham, Mr. Spender, and Mr. Crook. One thing is certain, and it is that the public are losing and will lose all confidence in the Press if this kind of thing continues. Even the Spectator, one of the strongest pro-war papers, protests ener- getically against it. FOREIGN OPINION. The English defeat at Stormberg has pro- duced a curious effect on feeling abroad. The Austrain, French, German, and American papers now talk quite hopefully of a final Boer success. A few weeks ago this view would not have been entertained, but the prowess and strategy of the Boers have taken their foreign supporters by surprize. Our American cousins also, whose alliance the Jingo Press has so warmly encouraged, seem to be cooling in their ardour, for I see that Mr. Mason delivered a remarkable speech in favour of a vote of sympathy with the Boers—in the Senate of the United States. The attacks made by Lord Durham and some of the gutter papers on Sir W. Gatacre are disgraceful, and one must face the fact that soon all vestiges of English honour and justice will have disappeared if such attacks as those on Sir W. Gatacre, Sir G. White, and Sir W. Butler are repre- sentative of the feeling of the country. It should be remembered that none of these men can defend themselves, their mouths being shut as long as the state of war con- tinues. THE CYMnU FYDD SOCIETY. The Cymru Fydd Society has, I am told, arranged an excellent programme for the forthcoming winter months. Principal Roberts, of Aberystwyth, is expected to address a meeti .g in January, and great expectations have been formed owing both to the Principal's reputation as a scholar and teacher, and also lo the fact that he has veiy seldom spoken in public in the Metropolis. It is hoped also that Mr. Owen M. Edwards and Air. David R. Daniel, of the Quarrymeu's ^—i Union, will address meetings. Mr. Llewelyn Williams, gave an interesting address on his trip to Canada at a meeting of the Welsh Pooi, in the East End, and William Jones, M.P., is still occupied in making peregrina- tions to the Welsh Debating and Literary Societies in the different chapels, Mr. Ellis ■jvnvs uruiitua iuxa icuuvcttu ifoiii his indis- position, and on Monday night addressed a meeting in support of the candidature of Mr. Cecil Harmsworth (one of the Liberal Imperialists) in Mid Worcester.

PENNAL. PROPOSED NEW RAILWAY STATION.—On Friday last Lord Henry Vane Tempest, one of the directors of the Cambrian Railway Co., visited the site of the proposed new railway station at Gogarth, where he was met by a large and representative deputation. His lordship has evinced a deep interest in the project, and heard at length the claims set forth by the deputation. At his request, he was afterwards supplied with a written state- ment of the facts, to lay before the directors at their next meeting, when the question will be considered.

LATEST WAR NEWS. LONDON, Wednesday, 5-30 p.m. Lord Methuen wires yesterday that Artillery shelled a strong Boer position from 4 o'clock Sunday morning. The Highlanders made a bold attack at daybreak on Monday but the at,3ck failed. The Guards protected the Highlanders on the right and on the rear. The cavalry and howitzers attacking on the left and the Guard on the right and centre supported with artillery and howitzers. At 1-15 the Gordons were sent to support tho Highlanders. Our troops held their own until dark. The enemy's position extended for six miles towards Modder. "On Tuesday enemy still holding position, and entrenching. The British loss is great. ADVANCE BY B TILLER. ,:The combined English, Scottish, Irish, and Welsh Brigade were moved forward by Buller yesterday, with naval guns, and took up a strong position within three miles of Colenso.

Business Notices. CHRISTMAS CARDS. NEW DESIGNS IN VIEW CARDS With Xmas Motto. NEW DESIGNS IN PORTRAIT CARDS With Xmas Motto. NEW GOODS Suitable for the Season. THE SHILLING PACKET of Xmas and New Year Cards, post free Is. 2d. GYDE, Pier Street, ABERYSTWYTH. A WORD IN SEASON. TRY MORGANS Pectoral Linseed Balsam Certain Cure for|Coughs,r Colds, Influenza, and all affectionsj^of the Chest, Throat, and Lungs. ——— HAS CURED OTHERS. WILL CURE YOU. Prepared only by' R. MORGAN, PHARMACEUTICAL CHEMIST, ABERYSTWYTH. Sold in Is. & 2s. bottles WONDERFUL RESULTS. ALADDIN'S MAGIC TEA, ;• ALADDIN'3 JTY ^.AC.C" ij i i *-■ i ii dr ii H j J' -c'c"-=} THE BEST IN THE MARKET ^^TILLIAM 'ILLIAMS & COMPANY, 5 JgUTTON STREET, RVERPOOL. THE GOGERDDAN FOXHOUNDS WILL MEET ON Friday December 15th Llanfihangel Croyddya At 10-30. Saturday December 16th.Cat and Mustard Pot. At 11 o'clock. SHIPPING NEWS. Of Local Interest. S.S. Pinedene on passage to Hull. S.S. Birdoswald on passage to Bermuda (for orders) S.S. Glenveeh loading at Port Arthur (Texas).. S.S. Glantivy arrived at King Road 10th inst. S. S. Feliciana on passage to Dublin. S.S. Glanhafren discharging at Barcelona. S.S. Isle of Anglesea left Gibraltar on 7th inst.for Marvdort. S.S. Isle of Caldy left Penarth on 9tli inst. for Barcelona. S.S Isle of Ramsey left Cartagena. on 9th inst. for on.

Birtbs. Marriages and Deatbs. BIRTH. J LLI —December 12th, at Maison de Pare, Mentone, t- nife of Mr. Evan Ellis, of a son. MARRIAGES. Pi en -JONES—8th December, at the Congregational C i Aberystwyth, by licence, by the Rev. D. C. Mr. Richard Pierce, Penrhyncoch, to Miss L, nne Jones, Goginanfach. LKV >.—ROWLANDS—13th December, at Salem Chapel, A wyth, by licence, by the Rev. W. Jones, -Moan Lewis to Miss Mary Rowlands, both of L iiiiifan. DEATHS. ELLis-December 8th, at Llanwrin, John Ellis, wheel- \v right,. GRIFFITHS—10th December, John Griffiths, Market- aged 63 years. How —In Columbus, Ohio, U.S.A., David Howell, iv« of Cemines, aged 63 years. Jo -11th December, Hugh Owen Jones, son of Owen Jones, Chalybeate "Court, aged three W -December 11th, at the residence of Mr. Williams, Post Office Clerk, the widow of Thomas Williams, busman, Machynlleth, ears. PRI- i Published bv the Proprietor, GEORGE •;i. the "WELSH GAZETTE" Printeries, --street. Aberystwyth, in the County of < an, Thursday, December 14th, 1899.