The Montgomeryshire Express and Radnor Times

O'R TWR. JOB. Nyni, os derbyn a wnawn O'i ddaioni-Dduw uniawn, Oni ddylem o ddwylaw Ion doeth, dderbyn drwg pan daw ? Ac mewn adfyd, blinfyd blwng, Yma yatwyth ymostwng I ewylJys, a gallu, A threfniad ein Oeidwad cu? Ei gerydd ddaw o gariad- Yr haint hwn a dry ein Tad Ini'n win trwy rin ei ras O'i fodd mewn pryd eyfaddas. Fy Ion doeth a feadithiaf,-yn ddilesg, Doed a ddelo arnaf Byth yn Nuw gobeithio wnaf Hyd drwy angeu y trengaf. GWILYM HIRAETHOG. Bu Ymerawdwr Rwsia ar ymweliad a Brenhin Prydain. Ar fwrdd Hong y cwrddasant, ond glaniodd yr Ymerawdwr ar dir Lloegr un dydd. Gosodwyd milwyr a heddgeidwaid fel i gadw amddiffyn ar y fan yr oedd i lanio, ac yno yr heidiodd y dyrfa o edrychwyr, ond yn y oytamser daeth i dir yn ddisylw mewn man arall, Cafodd fyned a dod heb dderbyn un niwed, a hyderaf ei fod wedi cael defnydd myfyrdod ac ystyriaeth, ac yr ymhola paham yr oedd raid wrth yr holl amddiffyn a'r gofal am dano ef rhagor araU or penau coronog. Gobeithio y daw gwaredigaeth i'w ddeiliaid gorthrymedig fel ffrwyth ei tyfyi- dodau. Fy nhyb i am dano mai gwr caredig yw ef ac awyddus am wneud lies yn y byd ond nad yw yn ddigon cryf i orchfygu yr hyn sydd yn atal. Drwg genyf drosto ef a'i bobl a m gobaith yw ei fod wedi derbyn cyngor a chefnogaeth gan Frenhin Prydain i weithio o ddifrif gyda gwella cyflwr ei bobl. 1 Trin yn ffyrnig ar y Cangellydd mae yr Arglwyddi a'u ffrindiau gan roddi iddo bob enw drwg allant ei ddyfeisio. Dygai toll fechan ar yr holl enwau a brawddegau ditriol a bentyrir ar ei ben a chryn arian i'r drysorfa pe buasid wedi meddwl am doll o'r fath yn y gyllideb. Ar y llaw arall enill poblogrwydd gydar werin y mae y cynygion. Fel y deuir i ddeall beth yr amcenir ei wneud a b»th fydd y manteision i r wlad ya y dvfodol o'r herwydd, daw pobl nid yn umg I ddyffymod a'r gyllideb ond hefyd iV chroesawu yn Twd/rydig Gwelais Lanes am un *wr duwiol yn Mon yn gweddio bob nos dros Lloyd George a Sys Jnyf fod llawer heblaw et gyda r un TZtK Llawer a ddichon taer weddi y cyfiawn. Yr arwyddion yn awr yw Y dygir y gyllideb yn ddiogel i dir i ddechreu cytnod newydd yn hanes trethiant a gwleidyddiaeth Prydain,-cyfnud mwy goleu a bendithiol na r un fu o i flaen. Ffol a phlentynaidd yw gwaith rhai sydd ganddynt dda lawer yn bygwth prinhau yn eu rhoddion at achosion daionus, ac yn rhif eu gwasanaethyddioo mewn canlyniad i ofynion y llywodraeth. Rywfodd llefant yn rhy fuan cyn iddynt frifo ac yn rhy groch, allan o bob cyfateb i'r briw pan ddaw, mewn canlyniad tuedda pobl i chwerthin yn lie derbyn y cwymon yn ddifrifol. Di- ameu y deuant hwythaui weled wedi i'r ddaeargryn fyned heibio fod ei hofnau yn fwy na'r perygl, ac ua fu y golled o lawer gymaint ac y tybiasant yn eu dychryn. Deuant etc i gyfranu mepda cynt a bydd eu cyfraniadau yn fwy eu gwerth os bydd ryw gymaint o flas hunanymwadiad arnynt. Dyna fendith anuniongyrchol oddiar y gyllideb, pe dygai yr uchelwyr i ymdeimlo mai rywbetb y teimlir oddiwrth ei roddi ydyw gwir elusen. I Cyd-deithiai yn y tren weinidog a gweithiwr. Llosgai yr olaf y ddeilen sydd yn dod a chymaint cysur i ddynolryw; yn foneddigaidd gofynai i'w gyd-deithydd, a oedd ganddo wrthwynebiad, atebodd hwnw ei fod yntau yn arfer yr un moddion mor bell ac y caniatai Lloyd George iddo, gan gyfeirio yn chwareuus at godiad y doll. Cymerodd y gweithiwr y peth yn ddifrifol a dechreuodd ganmol Lloyd George fel cymwynaswr goreu y gweithwyr y dyddiau hyn ac nid oedd fawr gyfle i'r gweinidog ddyweud gair ffordd arall pe buasai yn un i wneud hyny. Yr oeddwn yn meddwl wedi cael perchenogion y pyllau glo a'r glowyr yn Neheudir Cymru i gytuno a'u gilydd fod pob perygl am streic wedi myned heibio am dymor beth bynag. Ond gwedi llwyddo i wasgar y cymylau yn Nghymru ac yn Lloegr, cododd cwmwl du yn yr Alban a bygythiai hwnw ymdaenu dros yr holl d3yrnas. Hyd ymron i'r diwedd ymddangosai yn an- mhosibl i'r ddwyblaid ddod i gydsynio. Mawr ofnid nad oedd dim i fod ond streic gyffredinol drwy yr holl wlad. Both fyddai canlyniadau alaethus hono mewn colled a dioddef nid oes neb all ddyfalu. Trwy gyfrwng y ddeddf ddygodd Mr Lloyd George i rym bu Mr Winston Churchill, fel Llywydd Bwrdd Masnach, yn llwyddianus i gael man oyfarfod i'r ddwy blaid. Cytunwyd ar drefniad i barhau am dair blvnedd ac felly y mae heddwch i ffynu yn nglofeudd y deyrnas. Diolch am hyny, a gall yr holl bobl anturio dyweud yn galonog, Amen. Tipyn o lecyn glas yn y wybren ydyw lie y mae y cyfarfod ysgolion, hen ifasiwn, yn dal mewn bri-cyfarfod yr holi a'r ateb o'r Ysgrythyr Sauctaidd. Pe digwyddai y darllenydd fod ar Cefnmawr ar y Sul cyntaf yn Awst a throi i mawn ohono i gapel Peniel clywsai y plant yn y boreu yn ateb o'r nawfed benod o Efengyl loan, ac yn y prydnawn y rhai hynach yn yr 16fed o'r Actau. Yr oedd yno adrodd hefyd, adrodd penodau o'r Beibl. Cyfarfodydd a benditb ynddynt. Yn ddiweddar yr wyf wedi cael cyfle i weled y cyfarfodydd ysgol o'r dull newydd pan ar fy hynt o gartref. Fy mhrofiad i yw, Gwell yw yr hen, gwell o gryn lawer hefyd. Nid oes pall ar ddyfeiswyr yn yr oes hon. Ceisio dyfeisio peiriant ehedeg y mae y nifer fwyaf yn awr. Dywed un o'r swyddogiou yn y Swyddfa Rhyfel ei fod yn derbyn cynlluniau a chynygion wrth y canoedd,—tua deugain bob dydd. Siawns na bydd rhai ohonynt yn abl i weithio ond cwymp y mwyafrif mawr i'r llawr yn ddifudd fel dail yr hydref. Nid yn hollol ddifadd ychwaith oblegid y mai dail Hydref yn faeth i'r dail ddaw ar eu hoi. Felly y mae y dyfeisydd sydd wedi methu cyrhaedd llwyddiant o bosibl wedi dod a llwydd yn nes i rywun ddaw ar ei ol. J Da oedd genyf weled yr Awdurdod Addysg yn penderfynu ail ystyried y ewestiwn o gynal ysgolion nos. Nid oedd y rhifedi y llynedd yn dal i fyny gystal ag o'r blaen, a phenderfynwyd, dipyn yn frysiog efallai, eu rhoddi heibio am un gauaf. Derbyniwyd yr hanes gyda chryn anfodd- lonrwydd yn y trefydd, ac antonwyd cais am ail ystyriaeth. Teilynga y pwyllgor ganmoliaeth am heidio sefyll yn ddiysgog at a benderfynwyd. Disgwyliaf mai y diwedd fydd, cynhal dosbarth- iadau hwyrol, ac hafyd y dangosir mwy o sel yn eu dilyn oherwydd y perygl fu o'u colli. Ni phrisir yn iawn bethau da nes eu collir, ond gobeithio mai digon fydd gweled y perygl o'u colli y tro yma. Prin y gwn am un achos cryfach o afiechyd nag alcohol, heb gymeryd i ystyriaeth y ffaith ei fod yn fynych yn ffynonell troseddau o bob math. Credaf y dylai darlithwyr fyned o gylch y wlad i ddarlithio i'r bobl o'r dosbarth canol a'r ucba!- ganol ar antanteision alcohol fel yr arferir ef yn ddyddiol. Dylai y cyhoedd wybod, o'r holl bethau sydd yn dadansoddi neu doddi y rhanau maethlon o'r bwyd nad oes dim cyffelyb i ddwfr. Y mae dwfr yn cario y maath i'r cyfansoddiad yn ei ffurf buraf.—Syr William Gull. Yr oedd yn brydnawn tesog yn yr haf, yr athraw a'r bschgyn yn teimlo trymder y gwres, yr olaf yn myned yn ddifater o'r wers ac amynedd y blaenaf yn prinhau. Pan roddodd holiad lied hawdd a neb yn ateb, gofynodd, Beth wyddoch chwi mo hwna? Pan oeddwn i yn fachgen gallwn ateb holiadau anhawddach na hwna a dechreuodd adrodd y pethau a wyddai pan oedd vn fachgen, nes parlysu y bechgyn a syndod y crwyddai un bachgen gymaint, hyd oni thorwyd ar y dystawrwydd gan lais bachgenaidd, Hwyrach, syr, fod genych chwi athraw da." Y mae yn amheus ai nid yw y gallu i ymresymu yn fanwl yn cael ei leihau bob amser trwy ddef- nyddio alcohol. Y mae yn ddefnyddiol i adfywio gallu meddyliol, pan oherwydd amgylchiadau dam- weiniol, megys eisieu bwyd, &c., y mae wedi llesgau, ond ni ddylid pwyso arno fel cynorthwy i ymdrech barhaol, neu ymroad mawr.—Dr. Barney Yeo. GWYLIWR.

The driver and fireman were killed and a num- ber of passengers injured in an accident to a London and North-Western express near Friez- land, in Yorkshire. The train left the rails through the heat causing the metals to spread.

THE ECCLESIASTICAL CONTROVERSY. Christianity introduced into Britain in the Sixth Century from Ireland!" DR. SAMUEL DAVIES V. CAERSWS CITIZEN." Sir,—" Citizen is mistaken, I am not a believer in the well-known legend of Joseph Arimathoea, which has been thoroughly sifted by Stillingfleet and shown to be devoid of any reliable ancient authority, and to have been invented by the Monks of Glastonbury. I shall, with your kind permission—as a contin- uance of my former letter—trace the British Church which we meet with in fathers of the second and third centuries. Irenoeus, a disciple of Polycarp, and bishop of Lyons in Gaul, A.D. 177, mentions the consent of the Celtic churches nd those of Spain and Germany as agreeing with those of Libya, Egypt, and elsewhere; and the context would lead us to include the British churches in the common designation of Celtic. Tertullian A.D. 200 instances districts of Britain which, unsubdued by the Romans, had been subdued to Christ." As to the wide preach- ing of the gospel, Origen A D. 230 says of Christ: Whose power was seen in Britain as well as in Mauritania." Hence it would appear that in ttie second and third centuries the extension of the gospel to Britain was known throughout the Roman Empire. Britain seems from a variety cf favourable circumstances to have escaped persecu- tion until the Edict of Diocletian, which, however, did not continue in execution here for more than two years, A.D. 303-5. It was during this period that Alban, the first British martyr, a native of I I erulum, suffered in that city. -e rom this time I we may date the flourishing stite of the British. Church. But the first evidence that we meet with of its settled condition is the appearance of its representatives—of three bishops-in the Council of Aries in Gaul A D 314. Henceforth the British churches appear to have kept up regular intercourse with the other churches of Christ, and to have had their share in all the controversies by which they were agitated. British bi-hops were ftt the Council of Sardica, A D- 347, during the reign of Constantius and ConBtans. Again, three British bishops were present at the council sum- moned by Constantius to meet at Arminum, A D. 359. During the latter period of the Roman occupa- tion Christianity appears to have been established throughout England and Wales. Among the testimonies to the British Church in the fourth century, we have Jerome A.D. 378-" The way is open to heaven from Britain as well as from Jerusalem." Again, Nor is the Church of Rom3 to be considered different from that of the whole world. Both Gaul and Britain. Africa, and all barbarous nations (that is, those who spoke other languages than Latin or Greek) adore one Christ and observe one rule of truth." Also Chrysostom, AD. 398, bishop of Constantinople, incidentally refers to the prevalence of Christianity here-u For the British islands, those which lie beyond (Mediterranean) sea, and are situated in the ocean itself, have expeiienced the power of the Word." When the ravages of the Goths in Italy obliged the Roman Emperors to withdraw their forces from Britain, and Honorius, the lawful emperor of the West, had acknowledged the independence of the country during a period of forty years, from the departure of the RomaDS in A D. 409-finally left in 420 (possibly from Caersws (P)—having revisited it more than once in answer to appeals from the Britons for help against their enemies to the invasion of the Saxons in 449-tbe Britons weie once more a free people. South Britain, as stated by Gibbon, which I wish Citizen to note (the italics are mine) wa3 ruled by the authority of the clergy, the nobles, and the muncipal towns. and episcopal synods were the only coun- cils that could pretend to the weight and authority of a national assembly." 0 But during this period the country suffered much from Saxon pirates and the attacks of savages from Ireland and Caledonia; and what was more to be regretted, the Church was dis- tracted by internal causes by internal causes of disquiet, animosity, and dissension. Early in the fifth century, A.D. 410, the doctrine which derived its name from a native of Wales whose name was Morgan-of which Pelagius is the Grpek and j Latin translation,—agitated the Christian world. Stillingfleet, however, as shown that, though born in Britain, it was not here he learnt his errors, for it was not until long after he left his native land and resided some years in Rome that they were published. Nor did he return to propogate his doctrine here. His time was spent in vindicating himself in Asia, Africa, and Rome and after his condemnation at a Couocil in Antioch, he lived in obscurity, and died somewhere in the East. For our present purpose it would be unnecessary to give any details of the Pelagian heresy, which probably was imported here from Gaul through the instrumentality of Agricola, a bishop in that country. The orthodox British clergy, finding themselves unequal to cope with those false teachers, sought for help from their brethren in Gaul; whereupon the Galliuan bishops called a Council, and let Citizen note, that without any injunction, or even concurrence with the Bishop of Rome, unanimously deputed two of their own bishop of Auxerre, and Lupus, bishop of Troyes-to undertake the work of confuting error and establishing the faith of their neighbours. They held a conference at Verulum A.D. 446, which was attended with temporary success. But soon after, the heresy beginning to spread again, Germanus was summoned a second time to the help of the orthodox in Britain, and was accompanied by Severus, Bishop of Treves. As the result the true faith was re-established, and the heretical teachers banished. Sir, by an edict of Gratian, who was Emperor A.D. 375, all the chief cities of these parts of the Roman Empire were to settle and maintain in them professois of learnings both of the Greek and Latin languages. I By virtue of this, we may j conclude that schools of learning were then established among the Britons; as long, there- fore, as the Roman power continued here, the Britons had the same advantages for secular learning as the other provinces ottbe empire. To Germanus, who found that the evils he came to correct were largely owing to the dee.y of learning, has been attributed the institution of schools for Christian learning among the Britons, of which the most ramous were those of his two scholarp, Dubrius and Iltutus. The school of Iltutus was probably near Neath, Glamorganshire. I have simply toue-he as to the establishment of schools of learning IH order to supply the means e of forming a more correct estimate cf the state of knowledge, and I could add literature in the British Church before the Saxon invasion. Sir, it was during the fifth and sixth centuries, notwithstanding the perpetual warfare in which they were engaged, that the British Church put forth successful missionary effort. Through the instrumentality or Ninias, son of a British chief, ChristiaLity was introduced into the southern part of Scotland,and laboured amengst the Picts to the south of the Grampians for twenty years, A.D. 412—432. Sir, "Christianity came from Ireland in the sixth century! so says Citizen." Yet Patrick, the great apostle of Ireland, was a native of Britain! Born about A D. 396, he was sold as a slave to the Irish picts, escaped home, prepared himself for the priesthood, was made bishop and went back to convert Ireland. Why should he go to convert Ireland, when according to Citizen the Britons were pagans at the time and up to the sixth century r A desolating war had been carried on between the pagan Saxon invaders of England and the Britons. "Never," says Gibbon, "has conquest appeared more dreadful and destructive than in the hands of the Saxons," who violated without remorse the most sacred objects of the Christian worship." In 5SG the Archbishops of London and York were compelled to flee into Wales; and once more the darkness of pagan superstition covered the fairer portion of the land; Cumberland, West- moreland, and Lancashire—which three counties formed the British Kingdom of Cumbria—Wales, Devon, and Cornwall alone retaining the light of the gospel. Sir, in my rapid review of the history of the British Churches, I have shown that their Christianity was derived not from Ireland, nor yet from Rome, and may be traced back to the apostolic age and a date coeval with the reception of the gospel by the Romans in Italy. Tteir bishops took their share in controversies which agitated the Christian world and in the Councils which were summoned to deliberate upon them; and they furnished divines and devoted missitn- aries, through whose labours Christianity was widely propagated. The old British Church still exists in Wales with a history quite unbroken from the earliest ages. Let her enemies term hr an, alien, but let them so speak also of Christianity itself, for its holy Founder never set foot on this island of ours. He blessed our country with His gospel of peace, but, alas! in the so-called religious Wales of to-day, it has become that of strife! Is it any wonder that infidelism, in- differentism, and other isms, are on the increase when the irreligious find professed Christians abusing, and fighting with each other ? Does not all this impede the progress of God's work in our country ? Thank God there are many good and pious Nonconformists, however much they may differ from the Church in their principles and practices, who strongly disapprove of the present aggressive movement of the political Dissenter, and unsparingly condemn the calumnies and misrepresentions that are heaped upon the Church and tae ciergv.-I am, sir, yours, etc., Dolfor Vicarage, SAMUEL DAVIES. Aug. 11th. 1909. [Dr Davies desires us to intimate that he will further deal with Citizen's" two last letters, and probably with those of our other corre- I spondents.—ED]

I SECOND EPISTLE FROM" KERRY HILL." Sir,-Dr Davies has disappointed me. His somewhat churlish dismissal of my let- ter professedly because of my nom-de-plume does not offend me but I regard it as decidedly weak in one who has voluntarily elected to enlighten people upon ecclesias- tical history. If the Vicar of Dolfor has no respect for the conclusions of Dr Hatch, then he must excuse me for the belief that it is owing to his inability to answer the statements I bade him ponder. Yet shall I continue to read his epistles. Up till last week he interested me now he has started to amuse me, and, surely, also all your | intelligent readers, with an effort to prove I that the Church of pre-Reformation times was I not. Roman Catholic. We must now re- model history upon the Dolfor plan. Free- man, Dr Stubbs, Dean Hook, Bishop Short, Lecky, Blackstone, Froude, and other emin- ent authorities must be regarded as eccle- siastical novelists, and all the Henry and Elizabethan legislation as mere fiction, be- cause the Vicar of Dolfor has so pronounced. Well, Mr Editor, I much respect the gentle- man who so faithfully ministers to the spiritual needs of Dolfor, but really he must excuse me, if he compels me to smile over his vain attempt to demolish historical facts. I gather from your introductory paragraph to the correspondence this week that Dr Davies contemplates an elaboration of this notion. That smile is likely to be ripped into hilarious laughter ere he has done with the subject. I see that another correspondent ("Lux ") has appeared within the arena. I agree with Dr Davies that if all anonymous let- ters contained such a mean and dirty per- sonal reference they should be branded as truly cowardly. Happily, however, they do not. The writer is apparently a person with a personal grudge, and such letters,I think, you should consign to the waste paper bas- ket, as the froth of an evil mind. The object of that letter is too transparent to disguise the character of its author.-Yours faithfully, KERRY HILL. P.S.—My passing reference to himself, the Vicar of Mocdre describes as "unlovely vituperations." Am sorry I cannot con- scientiously make my strictures less un- lovely," for the simple reason that, I don't love a man—especially a minister of the gospel, and a reputed exemplar in chastity of speech-who thinks in the language of "liars" and" poltroons."

Caersws Citizen v. Dr. Davies. INTRODUCTION OF CHRISTIANITY INTO BRITAIN. Sir,—As I expected from his earlier letters, Dr Davies has now clearly shown that he relies too much upon the doubtful and precarious aid of tradition, and too little upon well-founded historical facts, concerning the introduction of Christianity into our country. In a previous letter I have shown that Christianity was nomin- ally embraced by the Britons generally about the year 500, that is, about the commencement of the sixth century. I adhere to that statement, so far as the Welsh are concerned. Christianity was introduced among the Romans certainly at an earlier date, but we were nofc dealing with that point at the commencement of this correspondence; we were dealing with the Welsh Church and the commencement of Christianity among the Welsh people. The majority of Dr Davies's statements in your last issue are mere speculations based upon little or no surer foundation than tradition. I do not think there is a single professor of history in any of our universities, colleges, or schools who would seriously suggest that either St. Paul or Bran, the father of Caractacus, brought Christianity to Britain, that among' the saints of Caesar's household' (Phil. iv, 22) may be included some of the noble captives from Britain," or that "Aristobulus was one of the first Christian missionaries sent to Britain," etc., etc. I will venture to criticise one of these state- ments made by the Doctor. His other statements are equally as groundless as this one. He believes that St. Paul visited Britain. Let us examine this statement. He places the time of St. Paul's visit between his first and second imprisonment, and says that this time could not well be less than three years, A.D. 63-66;" and this is the time generally allowed by the best authorities. Now, how did Paul spend those three years ? Accompanied by Titus he visited Crete, where the latter was ordained as the bishop of its church (Titus i, 5). He afterwards went with Timothy to Judea, A.D. 64. After spending some time there Paul and Timothy visited a number of the churches in Asia Minor, passing through Antioch, Cilicia, Galatia, and Colosse, at which latter place he stayed for some time [Ph ill., 22). Here Paul wrote his epistle to Titus. He next proceeded to Ephesus, where he left Timothy (I. Tim. i, 3). and went on to Troas. Here Paul left his cloak and parchments with Carpus and afterwards directed Timothy to bring them to him (II. Tim. iv, 13). Next he visited Macedonia, and stayed a short time at Philippi (Phil. i, 25; ii, 24). At this place he wrote his First Epistle to Timothy, and then wintered at Nicopolis (AD. 65, Titus iii, 12). Titus came over from Crete to see Paul, and then, together with others, they went to Corinth. Here Paul left Erastus (II Tim. iv, 20), and proceeded to Troas, Crete, and Miletum (Malta), where Trophimus fell sick and was left behind, A D. 66. The most terrible persecution of the Christians was now going on at Rome under Nero, and Paul hastened thither in company with Titus. They were soon apprehended, and imprisoned (II Tim. i 16) Knowing that his latter end was near, the great Apostle of the Gentiles now wrote his Second Epistle to Timothy. St. Paul and St. Peter were condemned to death (A.D. 66)-the former was beheaded, being a Roman citizen, the latter was crucified, because he had not the privilege of being a Roman citizen. Now I am sure your readers will consider the above a pretty good three years' work, which left the Apostle not the remotest chance in the world to visit Britain, a country thousands of miles away from the seat of his activity, and approached by few roads, and with almost insuperable difficulties in travelling. There is no doubt that Paul on more than one occasion expressed the desire and intention of visiting the utmost bounds of the West (more probably Spain and Portugal than Britain), but whether he succeeded in doing so is another *^1 have much admiration for Gildas as a man If the clergy of the present day lifted their voices only half as much as Gildas did against the corruption and vice of the times, the Church would become a great and living power for good in the land, and the standard of social and moral life would be lifted to a higher level. In one respect Dr Davies may resemble Gildas—he may be a very good man, but a poor historian. Sir, your readers have no doubt observed that this correspondence has drifted far away from its original position. I commenced with the assertion that the Established Church in Wales is an alien Church, in contradiction to the Vicar of Mochdre. That statement has not yet been disproved. Instead, most of my opponents have been doing Instead, most of my opponents have been doing nothing but drawing red herrings across the path, and trying to throw dust in the eyes of your readers. With sincerest thanks to yon, sir.— Yours truly, CITIZEN. Ancient City," Aug. 10, 1909. P.S.-By an error on the part of the printer, or of myself, Henry VII was inserted in last week's letter instead of Henry VIII. CITIZEN.

I A PAUPERS' PARADE. Able-bodied Man at 68. High Living at Forden. There was not a big attendance of Guardians at Forden on Wednesday, but the Chairman (Mr W. Pritchard) was in his seat, and he was supported by Miss Oakley, Captain Corbett-Winder, Messrs Ed. Davies, Robert Tomley, John Humphreys, D. Pugh, R. Edwards, W. Humphreys, Morgan Jones, T. Rogers, E. R. Morris, J. Pryce Jones, and J. Anwyl. In attendance were the Clerk (Mr C. S. Pryce), assistant clerk (Mr Walter J. Jon-s), and Relieving Officers Jones, Humphreys, and Fortune. It was announced that Mr John Davies, of Stalloe, was willing to take on trial a deaf and dumb lad from the house. The Clerk, however, had previously communicated with the Royal Institute for the Deaf and Dumb, and the reply which came to hand said that they had a vacancy for such a lad on payment by the Guardians of £ 25 per annum, and also the cost of boarding him out for ten weeks in each year, as the directors ot the institute did not approve of boys returning to the workhouse for their holidays. Mr Morris: For how many years would that have to be paid ? The Clerk: Until he is ready for some trade, I should think. Mr Edwards: I think our intention was to teach him a trade. The Chaitman was directed to ascertain how long it would take for the boy to be taught. The temporary master (Mr Jones) reported that Nurse Bright bad asked for ten day leave of absence, and the doctor recommended that as there was so much sickness in the house that a substitute be provided during her absence. Mr Pryce Jones: I propose that Miss Bright have leave of absence, and that Mrs Fortune be asked to find a substitute. Mr W. Humphreys seconded, and it was agreed. The Chairman remarked that there seemed to be a number of able-bodied men in the house. Mr R. Edwards: I think there was something said jokingly at the last meeting of the Board about A PAUPERS' MARATHON RACE, or something of the kind. At this very time there is a man in the house from Montgomery who has been in the habit of coming here to spend the winter, and going out for the summer, but for some reason he has not gone out this summer. I'm sure I don't know why he is here now, but he is only about 55 years of age. There are 95 inmates in the house now, whereas there were 69 here last year, and it sepms to me from what I have read that there are less paupers now than there were in the other Unions, and yet in FordeD we have more. It seems to me that they must fare well and live well here, for there is no reason why they should be here now There is a busy time coming for the farmers. What with the haivest and the hedging there's any amount of work, and I for one certainly object to having these people in the house. I went to see the Matron weighing out their meat, and she was weighing out 4iozs. of meat for each. It certainly seemed a big lot, and I am sure I should not GIVE THAT AMOUNT TO MY MEN who are working for me; it's too much, and they would not eat it. I should like to ask whether that is the maximum or the smallest amount allowed. The Clerk: That is the maximum amount allowed, and they can demand it. Mr Edwards (continuing) So I asked the Matron to cut them a 31 ounce allowance, and see how that would do; what a difference that would make in the year. I should like to ask the Master whether these 12 able-bodied men, when they do happen to do any work in the House, do they get anything extra in the way of tobacco or anything else for it ? The Temporary Master Some of them when they work get an extra ounce of tobacco, but I don't know that they do very much extra work here now. Mr Edwards No doubt that is one reason why they are still keeping in the House. There is another thing about this tobacco. I think if we were to stop their tobacco allowance that they would get clear of this house; though, on the other hand, I should be sorry to deprive them of their tobacoo, but those who are able to work certainly ought NOT TO HAVE ANY TOBACCO, and they have been here in the house quite long enough.- The Chairman then read the names of the six most able-bodied paupers in the Hi. use. The first-nam^d was a bricklayer, and concerning him Mr Prycs Jones said that be did nut know what they would have done without this man in the House, as he had done a tremendous amount of work. Mr Edward Davies I beg to differ from Mr Pryce Jones. We don't keep the men here for that. If there is work to be done let us pay a man honestly for doing the work (hear, hear). Mr Pryce Jones: I am speaking of F and he could not get any work outsid-A. Mr W. Humphreys: He is a man who has done a lot of very useful work in the bricklaying. Mr Pryce Jones And he is 60 years of age. The Chairman: Then there is another brick- layer on the list. Mr Edwards: Yes, that's the man I have been alluding to all along. The Chairman then read another name. Mr Pryce Jones That is a man who has done a lot of work for us, and he is an old man; all these men are doing SOME KIND OF WORK. We have an impression that they are able-bodied, but some of these men are sixty years of age, and have defects in the eyesight or something else, the only man I don't know about is the man from Montgomery whom Mr Edwards mentions. Mr Robert Tomley Yes, he is quite able to get his living, but as soon as he gets money he spends it. The Chairman gave the ages of the other able- bodied men as follows, 60, 50, 57, 69, and 30. Concerning the one aged 57, Mr Edward Davies said he thought he was at least 20 years older. It was agreed to call the men in one by one for the Board to interview them. The last mentioned, a young man named Chalmers, stepped into the room, a tall, square-shouldered, handsome fellow with a frank, open countenance, he seemed, and quite distinct from the usual type of inmate. He answered the questions of the Chairman and other guardians straight, as follows: The Guardians seem to think you would be able to get work better outside than inside.—Yes, I think so, too. Hadn't you better get out and try?—Yes, I think I better had. Where do you come from ?—Ayr. What are you able to do when working ?—I have no trade. You were really born at Welshpool, weren't you ?—Yes, sir. Mr Pryce Jones: What labouring can you do ? -I can work in the harvest field. The Temporary Master: He is one of the best men in the harvest at Forden. After the inmate had quitted the board room, the Clerk informed the Board that this man had been admitted first to the asylum as a dangerous lunatic. He really SHOULD HAVE GONE TO BICTON, but Dr. Kirk examined him and said he could see nothing the matter with him; whether or not he would have a return of his madness he did nnt know (sensation). DOt Mr W. Humphreys I don't know whether you would be justified in sending him out before he was examined. w The next inmate named Alexander was ushered into the board room. Although only 57 years of age-as Mr Edward Davies said—he looked at least 20 years more. He said in replv to «! £ Chairman that he did not know whether he coSd get work now, but he would be ouite try, in fact he would like to have a try H? had HousIery 3 E°re he Waa adnSed to the Afterwards another able-bodied inmate was shown in. The Chairman How old are you ?-I am over bo, sir. J Are you very well now ?—Yes, sir. Don t you think you could do better outside ?— Yes, I could, sir, if I could get a bit of work. What work have you been doing ?-At a farm house, sir. You would be quite willing to try ?—Yes, sir. You don't feel too old to work ?-Ob, no; I think I can work quite well, sir. It was afterwards discovered that the man whom Mr R. Edwards had referred to had just gone to take a telegram to Forden, so he could no be interviewed. Mr W. Humphreys: Thfse are very bed samples I don't think anyone w( uld f Ilgfge that lot. Mr Morgan Jones If those men are discharged from this House without a penny in their peckets, j are we not SENDING THEM OUT ro BEG? The Chairman We are not discharging them, we are ouly recommending them to go. Mr Pryce Jories I think the gnaidians should make some provision for tbem. Work is still scarce excepr fcr young people. Since the pass- ing of the Wcrkman's Ccmpensation Act the masters will not engage-grey-haired men. Mr W. Humphreys: Candidly I don't think that there is a man about who would employ any of them. MISCELLANEOUS. The Guardians next passed to discussing the best cream separator for the workhouse, and fixed upon a X15 Melotte, which had been offered them by Mr Runner for .£11. A motion on the part of Mr Pryca Jones for the erection of a stand pipe at the end of the house in case of fire was agreed to without dissension. The Clerk announced that the rateable value of the new county rate basis had increased from £ 274,610 to £ 295,744, The County Council had originally fixed it upon the standard of the Union assessment, but the assessment committee engaged objected to that on the ground that the Forden Union had already tfOh-n steps to get their assess- ment up to date, and at the meeting in Newtown Mr Tomley, in whose hands the assessment was, pointed out the unfairness, and the result was that that basis was abindoned, and fixed upon the income tax assessment: it had made a tre- mendous difference to Forden. Mr Pryce Jones It was unfair for us, they sent our assessment up, and often Unions sent theirs down. The Macter (Mr Walter Downes), who had been on the sick list for some time past, was next called into the room, and he told the Guardians that he felt as well as ever be did, and he was much betier for his holiday at Llandrindod Wells, and that he thought he was quite capable of doing the work, and, if he did not feel equal to it, he would at once inform the Board. After a little^iscussion it was decided that Mr Downes should recommence his work as soon as the stocktaking was done.

Welshpool Agrees with Newtown. We in Newtown often wonder whether the experiences of our neighbours over in Welshpool agree with Newtown experiences which are con- stantly being resorted in the local press. The following by a Welshpool woman will remove all doubts. I enjoyed go',d health until about threa months ago," said Mrs M. Hamer, who lives at 2 Waterioo-Terriice, Welshpool, when speaking about her case to a representative. Then I was taken with an awful pain in my back. I thought I had caught a cold in my back the pain was like a stab with a knife. A friend who had used Doan's backache kidney pills some years ago recom- mended me to try them. I did sc, and am thank- ful I followed the advioe, for I had not taken many doses of the pills before I found relief. Now, I am glad to say, the pain has left me altogether, and I shall recommend Doan's backache kidney pills at every opportunity. (Signed) Mrs M. Hamer" Don't neglect your kidneys if you have any such unmistakable sign of kidney and bladder trouble as puffy eye. watery swelling in the ankles and limbs, urinary disorders, cloudy urine, rheumatism, aching back, pains in the loins and sides irrita- bility, nervousness, depression, and a constant worn-out feeling. Doan's backache kidney pills cure all these troubles by discharging the liquid poisons and waste in which so many fatal diseases have their beginning. Doan's backache kidney pills are two shillings and ninepenee per box. or six box^s for thirteen shillings and ninepenee. Of all chemists and stores, or post frhJ. direct from the Foster-Mc- Clellan Co., S, Wells-street, Cxford-street. London, W. Be sure you get the same kind of pills as Mrs Hamer had.

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