Pioneer

fThe Conscientious Objector. I By THOIIAS THOMAS. w dear Fellow Patriot,—Yes, advisedly, I e word patriot, for if patriotism means Rpf one's country tlien. assuredly, no man gfeplaved more of this virtue than yourself. I refuse to be a party to a crime which ady despoiled the country of some of st manhood, and which will, unless wisdom ils among statesmen and diplomats, still r despoil the country of its young men. refuse to condone an evil which will ulti- Y land England and the whole of Europe S kriiptev; an evil which has already fas- upon the workers fetters that will rivet to a,es of griming poverty and despotism; .fbra(lopting this manly course you have subjected to vile calumny and barbarous j ution. e mighty hairy hand of the law has you in lp, and is .1 endeavouring to squeeze out » palpitating, exuberant moral life which isiven British junkers such unholy spleen du- the past few months. You must be suffer- tensely; but, thank heaven! your courage has been equal to your injuries: your en- ™ce equal to the weight of your yoke. In r hour of trial I can only say, Nil Des- dum!. To-day, you are spat upon, hounded ostracised; crowns of thorns are pressed ur heads; but to-morrow you will be H as benefactor, as the pioneer of an ever- g piece. The blood of martyrs is the seed ogress. Illake my obeisance before all forms of oou- on the battlefield, in the coalmine, midst ra.ging tempest; but I consider the courage evince on a par with the most enobling llces of bravery. To brave contumely, and ribald jeers requires more conr- than to face the muzzle of a gun; and YQU arc called a coward and a shirker! A damnable slander was never uttered. With Jte respect to the soldiers who are, saorific- fDr what they consider the claims of duty, '?w many of them. when in civil life, would I their emp* loyer for their rights? No, it of your calibre who have kept the ban- f true freedom flying: you it is who wiU e menace to unprinciples exploitation In future. Small wonder you are placed on -raeli for your conviction. Imperialists and (lj,(-ial potentates never had a better op- i j ttHty of crushing the agitator; and they tit for vo -7 jpit for your blood. Yes, your blood will be r incense than the blood of the Prussian !• As for the civilian gutter-snipes, the Welujah Jims" and" Praise the Lord I am 1'; Johns who sneer at your presumption Riming a conscientious objection to war. a ilerng angeL—no. I won't sav that, but 11e{1l. they will be made to howl for their ?st defection. Perhaps the hatred of ? People is intemitied because of their own consciousness of the justice and morality I Ur stand, for what is immoral in times *ce cannot be morai in times of war. ¡ 11 have been told that the Prussian is ab- with a gun. and that a perfect attitude possible when dealing with a ruffian. It '1 for humanity that the LIvingstones of ?y held a. higher conception of "the plan ,tion" than that, and it is to your ore- ??o that you refuse to accept jungle mor- ? .? deciding international issues. If the lans were as virtuous as the British be- 'he war. then it is to war and not inher- .?epravity can be ascribed their present ?4ties; and if that is the case. then peace ? restore them to their moral equilibrium. H'er, as you well know, war debases all ?s and no war has yet been fought in ? brutalities against the civilian population Hot been perpetrated. ? have taken the only consistent course ? can be taken to end warfare. When men ?fuse to fight, then diplomatists will soon 1 method of amicably settUng interna- disputes. It is hard for you. but such en the history of all pioneers of good ?ents. The form of persecution varies in ]it countries, but the motive underlying ?position to reform is the same. The cult ? day fights for its existence, and th? r prevaiHng beliefs are embedded in the of the people, the more difficult the work ating the evil. ?Ur figh against the fetish of war is going a difficult one—a fight which will de- (1 your sole energies and unwavering de- flation butihe cause you espouse will as- triumph, as truth has always triumphed "tet error. War zealots in -England decrv 8ian militarism: they are determined not B reath the sword until this evil is utterly tOJed--in Germany; but in the process of l ction we find that this country is being 1'J'£!,T'd under such a sea of military domin- j| as evver afflicted Prussia. If I am to suf- awation. the agony won't be less if suf- on British soil. ttttwer courage, my friend; I am confid- Jou will emerge from your present trying -1 with dignity and honour to yourself, ,With credit to the cause you represent ,t mind the curs which snarl at you; don't 1 the superior back-biters whose patriotism 8 with the stink of Gehenna. "For this is kwortlty if a man for conscience toward endure grief, suffering wrongfully." Or wah Seneca; Provided that we too!{ conscience, regardless of opinion, let m«> rye well though I hear ill." Whilst your Nence has been made the subject of general ^M g, it has already proved potent enough o d the military machine; before the war end it will prove a bigger obstruction The ranks of your sympathisers are daily ^sjing. The desire for peace i* rapidly .Ming throughout Europe, and perseverance • Js required to see once again the olive h of peace waving above the belligerent trIes. M assured of this, that your great sacrifice K llot be in vain; neither will the ca.use you So ably and practically advocated be at- r to rust during your enforced durance..For l conscientious objector arrested there will left to do his work, and the measure of U hardship will ennervate those AVIIO remain 11CWed activity. As you know, persecution '1l, movement is like oil on a fire; so be 1n mind, for if the Government persist in eirtiel and futile policy of punishing men Melity to principles recognised to be of Unitarian character, they will eventually b. I" t by their own petard." The prime in.sti- .Ol. at least one of the instigators —of lian tactics in England "has had his poli- 'nachinations cruelly exposed in last Sat- 11 The editor 31's "Daily News and Leader." The editor Gardner) gave the IIIcol of Wales" such Evincing, such an unequivocal exposure at Huce David Lloyd George to a third rate Ord of political power. Thus we find that are deep sinister motives behind all this r of patriotism, and ea'ch exposure onlv to demonstrate the necessity for peace. So IIp, my friend; when "rogues fall out tmen get their due," and it is palpabiv ttt that the Northcliffe—Lloyd George ) have come to the end of their tether. \It luck to you during your soj ourn in tia

HAVE YOU PAIN? J. Swift, Attercliffe, Sheffield, says The first dose"gave me great relief. I can confidently say that one box of these pills has done me more good than all the medicine I have taken." Mrs. A. Wilkinson, of Nelson, states: "My sister, who suffered from weak kidneys, took one box, and it has done hg more good than pounds spent on medical men." dlioOme LDhRel OYD'S GRAVEL PILLS, a positive cure for Grave!, Pains in the Back, Dropsy, Bright's Disease of the Kidneys, Goat, Sciatica; is. 3d., all chemists; post free 14 stamps.- HOLDROYD'S MFDTCAT, HALL, Cleckheaton.

THREATENED WITH COURT MARTIAL. I GEO. NEIGHBOUR IN "CLINK." I Tuesday Evening. Tuesday morning we were sent under escort to the Recruiting Office, where the officers in- quired if Ave had changed our minds. We were asked to submit to medical examination and to sign papers. We refused; were told that we should be tried by court-martial. Ultimately we were sent back to the Guard Room at the Bar- racks. Half an hour later the colonel in charge of the Barracks sent for us. and told us that he intended giving us some formal commands. ff we refused to obey, then we were liable to severe penalties under military law. He referred to similar cases where sentences up to two years hard labour had been imposed. We refused to obey his orders, and eAndenc-e wa,s taken by witnesses. We are to be tried by court-martial here in Cardiff. We do not know when that will be-—probably next week. George Neighbour is now here for refusing to obey orders.

Llandebie Notes. I May I ask for a brief space in your worthy paper to announce the success of the workers m the Llandebie Ward (No. 1) in having a Labour man to represent them on the Llan- dilo Rural District Council and the Llandilo Board of Guardians for the first time, in the person of Mr. Evan Morgan., Coun. Morris has for many years been a very ardent worker in the cause of Labour, and is greatly respected by the working classes of the district. He has been checkweigher at Llandebie Oolliery the starting of that colliery, and is still continu- ing to fill this office in a most satisfactory man- ner; He has also done a deal of good work in or- ganising the workers of the Llandebie lime firms and through his energetic services they have been able to form there a very promis- ing lodge of the Labourers' Thlion. Therefore, I am very pleased to congratulate Coun. Evan Morris on his success, and I sincerely hope and believe that the good work he has done in the past is only an earnest of what he will do in the future. I hope that the labouring classes at Llandebie will not rest content with things as ftie" v are. We have now one Labour representative for each ward, but as the workers form a very great majority of the ratepayers, their represen- tatives should also form a majority on the Council. Therfore I trust that the workers of IAandebie, with the leadership of Coun. Bevan for Ward No. 2 and Coun. Morris for Ward No. 1, will prepare the ground to run two successful Labour candidates for each ward at the next election. RATEPAYER. I

Gorseinon Notes. Meeting Against Conscription. I attended a meeting at Swansea on Sunday, April 16. held at the Elysium, and when I read in the P-IO.NEElt of the glorious meeting address- ed by Mr. John Thomas, B.A., and Bob Wil- liams, I may say that" Bob" must have car- ried away with him the enthusia.sm of this meet- ing at the Elysium. Let me state that Mr. Tom Richardson M.P., is fuLl of the good fight ag- ainst Conscription. Perhaps not so fluent as many of our men in the Labour movement; but Tom Richairdson is as solid as a rock. The hit of the meeting was Mr. Gilbert Cannon, who gave a thorough; honest, and straightforward speech, and brought the great audience to prolonged cheers and shouts of Let us have it, Canaan"—and we did. How he described the meeting of the N.C.F. at London, the inspiring appearance of the young men presentl He said that it was now the real war was beginning; and his story of the end of the Emperor brought to a close one of the most reasoned speeches I have been privileged to hear. We shall hear more of Mr. Cannan. LL.P.. On Tuesday, the 18th last.. the branch met at the Institute. The first hour was spent in- structing the delegates to N e w cas t le-on-Tyne, and who, we know, will bring back a full ac- count. The latter part of the meeting was taken up by Comrade D. Lewis, who read a paper on "Our Old Nobility." He gave full play to his humorous view. The discussion was ?od and the Apologists" were defeated. Comrade D. J. Williams led the apologists." And all went well save that Comrade W: H. Davies made a reference to the war. Next Week we meet on Friday at the Institute. Comrade W. H. Davies (late Aberdare) will deliver an address on "Faots in Relation to a. Study of Life After Death." Who says we do not look ahead in Gorseinon! This will be a red letter night for us, as we intend to make our first lady member. May I implore the wives of I.L Peers at Gorseinon to rally round; and, in place of electing one lady member, that every man will bring his wife, who a.re all I.L.Peers in spirit, but not recognised members. Many a. man inquired of me who was that lady at the Swansea meeting selling the Pioneer and Woman's Labour." It was good Mrs. Kelly (the lady guardian) putting her beliefs into practice. Now, ladies; come on -Friday night at 7 o'clock and be enrolled. Steel Smelters' Meeting, Stel Smet:rs'. M:ting. 1 attended the Steel Smelters' D.O. meeting on Saturday at Swansea, at which Mr. Tom Jeremiah Avas in the chair. It was a splendid meeting, full of warmth in discussion, and when I listened to Willie Griffiths and Tom Dummer (of Neath), I must candidly say that the Neath toilers are asleep to let such men of brain and talent outside the Neath Town Council. There were many important resolutions from branches, but I must not disclose them, as they are of a private character. But I will say that the tinplaters are awakening, and will be heard of in days to come. I shall not let this note fin- ish without congratulating Mr. T'om Griffiths, organising secretary, and Mr. George Davies. of Briton Ferry, upon their speeches. May they hold fast to their words, and we shall be able to sing with the kiddies: "There is a silver lin- ing, through the dark cloud shining, etc. Cymanfa Ganu at Seion. I As I awaited the conductor (Mr. Gabriel Mor- gan) to commence the singing, he informed the congregation, We will sing; first of all I-Ger- many,' and all rose to their feet and sang "Ger- many for all they were worth. And I believe that the German toilers were singing "Eng- land" at the saane time. Would to God that the toilers of the nations would open their eyes and sing "Peace" —the Peace proclaimed by Jesus of Nazareth. This war would soon be over then. I must thank "TaJmoi" for the translation of this hymn Germanv." 0, Cen- weh Fawl i Dduw." (0 Sing to God with Glee): Praise Him with comely might, And for His wondrous mercy free. All lands and tongues unite." —Talmai. The anthem, Salvation to our God." com- posed by John Morgan. Eynon Street, Gor- seinon. was a huge success. I have attended meetings under the conducborship of the late Harry Evans and many other fine men. but I must candidly say that the singing of this fine anthem has excelled all. The blending between soprano and alto was beautiful; the words sung distinetlv: and I would not be out of order in saymg that pioneer musicians should get a. copy of Jus anthem. Once bought, suijg a. hundred times. I am not a member of Seion, but I requested it to be sung again, and immediately the conductor got on his chair, and all sang AA ith delight. The same thing took place at the evening service. Several people requested the anthem to be repeated and their request was complied with. Many thanks are due to the Secretary and Treasurer—Robert Baker and Hy. Thomas—for its success; not forgetting the ac- oompanists- the two All visitors were catered for at different houses. May I uive a nod to the future conductors. That the congregation should stand more often this Avould alleviate the tiredness of some children who attend. Trv it for once, Gabriel and John. Look out for that good old veteran! George Lansbtiry, London, will be at the Palace Sunday next, April 30. Miss Sylvia Pankhurst is com- ing soon. Rally round. Comrades! CHUM.

Mr. R. Wallhead Hits Out I AT NEWCASTLE-ON-TYN'E. Speaking to a packed audience at the Wm. Morris Club, Newcastle-on-Tyne. on Sunday week. Mr. Wallhead completely trounced the would be so called patriots, and in contrast to the meeting held by the so-called leaders of the people at one of the local theatres, received an ovation from comradeis, friends and visitors that will not be forgotten. "Richard" was more than himself; he was a complete host. He hand- led the Government and their hangers-on so effectively that there was no answer, not even from those who might be present who held dif- ferent views from the comrades. There has not been a more heartening or successful meet- ing held on Tyneside for a very long time.

Conscription and the Guard Room. THE ABERCYNON BOYS' EXPERIENCES. I (FKOM CARDIFF BARRACKS.) The climax of Conscription has come; we have finished with the Tribunals and the Civil Court, and are now under the control of the Military Authorities. We were honoured at the Poiice Court by the fact that a Peer of the Reakn sat in judgment upon us. Lord Aber- dare does a little amateur jurisdiction in his spare time, and turned up for the occasion. On the Bench, too, was Mr. Jones, who had seen some experience of justice as a member of the local Tribunal, and the Military Represen- tative (Colonel Morgan)-all most potent, grave and reverend seigneurs, impartial, dignified and worthy representatives of the local ruling class. We were fined 40/- and (tosis--who pays this we don't know —and sent down to the cell to await the escort, which arrived in time to take us down to Cardiff by the 1.15 train. A crowd of comrades gave us a good send-off. and we came down to Cardiff, and were taken to the Recruiting Office to be examined by the Medi- cal Board. We refused to be medically exam- necl. and were treated to an exhibition of blasphemy which would have made Shadbolt gasp with horror. Of course, these men were professional bullies paid for this work, and ur- ged on by a sergeant-major. Then Major Lucas was; sent for. He blustered and cursed, and when his flow of language was stopped for lack of wind, we were taken into the doctor's, who coaxed and persuaded us, saying that this was not a military order, and we were not com- prümisins: our position by obeying it; but that if we- reflsed to obey it we came under military law! Gwilym Smith pointed out how illogical it was. But logic doesn't seem to count. At length we were told that we would be shot, and I immediately requested him to send for the firing party. That settled the matter, and after giving us half an hour to think the mat- ter over, th Major rang un the barracks for an armed escort. Sixteen soldiers in full fighting kit, and with fixed bayonets, arrived, and the four of us were marched up to barracks. The garrison were alarmed, for such precautions seemed to show that four dangerous characters, probably German spies, had been caught red-handed. At last we were put into the cells—Beth and Percy together. Gvrilym with an absentee from Llan- trist and myself apart, but able to talk across to them. The next day we were put into the guardroom together; allowed visitors and cer- tain privileges. Here we are as I write. We are to be removed on Tuesday, probably to North Wales to be court-martialled. The autho- rity seem in an absolute state of perplexity; they don't know what to do with us; we have signed no papers nor committed ourselves in any way, nor do we intend doing anything of the kind. We understand our course of action. We obey only one law. As Lord Morley says: The one commanding law is that one should follow truth and right though the very heavens fall." Wo stand by that. The plain fact is this, that as time goes on and the drafts of young men who refuse to be conscripts come in, it wit: obstruct and im- pede the working of the military machine. That is not our fault. It is the inevitable result of the stupid attempts of reactionary authorities to impose milita.rism on a country where the young men learned to think, and can act up to what they think. Somebody said that the army can tame lions. Let them try. The mili- tary authorities have not to deal with men who fear bullying and who respect military law. From the guardroom we greet our comrades outside; we have given you a lead, and are going on. EMRYS HUGHES. í G. T. SMITH. PERCY J. KENDELL. BETH MORGAN.

Correspondents are requested to condense their letters as much as possible. Letters of a personal character will not be inserted. The Editor wishes it to be distinctly under- stood that he will not hold himself responsible for the opinions or statements of correspond- ents, nor undertake to return rejected manus- cripts. Correspondents MUST write on one side of the paper only.

A NOBLE MOVE FOR DISABLED SOLDIERS I (To the Editor of the PIONEER.) I Dear Sir,—No doubt you are aware of the refusal of the Government to grant an adequate pension to our disabled soldiers on their dis- charge from the Army, and that arrangements have been made to seek charitable collections for this purpose. My Council consider that method of providing for ourbrave soldiers who have sacrificed so much for their country, by collections in various ways, is unworthy of the British public. They have, therefore, instruc- ted me to appeal to the Churches. Trade Un- ions and Friendly Societies for their oo-opera- tion in bringing pressure to bear on the Gov- ernment to make provision for the disabled sol- diers, so that they or their families shall not suffer for doing their duty. They also hope that you will disapprove of the steps taken to make the disabled soldier dependent on charity. Hoping to hear that you are prepared to give the movement your hearty support.—I remain, on behalf of the above Council, yours truly. BVAN MORGAN. NO-CONSCRIPTION S PROTEST. f (To the Editor of the PIONEER.) I Dear Sir,—At our last meeting the following resolution was cHilTied unanimously: This Ealing Branch of the N.C.F. protests strongly against the savage sentence passed of 3 years' penal servitude passed on J. Maclean at Edinburgh, under the Defence of the Realm Act, and cailIF3 on the Government for his im- media,te release. Yours sincerely. D. C. MUIRHEAD, Secretary. 40 Oxford Road, Ealing. W. BRITISH PRUSSIANISM. I (To the Editor of the PIONEER.) Sir.—When reading in the PIONEER of last week the account of the breaking up of the Trafalgar Square meeting by soldiers, according to Miss E. Sylvia Pankhurst; deportation of Labour at Clyde, and the treatment given to our Conscientious Objectors at our prisons, we are rapidly-yea, very rapidly—developing into the worse form of Prussian ism, and are we the people under false pretences going to destroy Militarism in Germany? What cant! Do you believe so? If so, you must be a lot of dupes and proper subjects for the asylum. But there it \s: It is folly to be wise where ignorance is bliss." I thought of what Patrick Henry said respecting soldiers: "You read of a Riot Act in England, which is called one of the freest in the world, where a few neighbours cannot assemble without the risk of being shot by a hired soldiery, the engines of despotism. We may see such an Act in America. Every boyish- minded defender of his country is simply a policeman for the rich." We are told the sword and purse are necessary for the national defence. The junction of these, without limitation, in the same hands, is, by logical and mathematical conclusions. the des- cription of despotism. Austin Blair, again, wants order secured by the institution of peace; the court and jury, and not the soldier with his bayonet, who never did, and never can, secure it—not the peace of a desert made by fear, but the blooming, wholesome peace that respects the rights and liberties of all men. Let us stop the shedding of human 'alood I Enough, despots! Barbarism still exists. Let philosophy protest; let humanity protest.— Yours in Peace, T. E. DAVIES. Trimsaran, April 24. 1916. TREATMENT EXTREMELY BAD. I (To tho Editor of the PIONEER.) I Dear Sir,—No doubt your readers will be in- terested to hear that I received a message, through a, soldier, from Emrys Hughes and Gwilym Smith, on Saturday night. After leaving Pontypridd they were taken to the Recruiting Office at Castle Arcade, CardifF. Here they were ordered to take the oath but refused to do so. They were reminded toC that it was their duty to us the word "sir" when speaking to their superior officers. They also refused medical examination. Several times- was the effort made to get them to take the oath, and to acoept medioal examination. But each time they politely and determinedly re- fused. So angry were the officers at the Re- cruiting Office with their persistent refusals that they swore and cursed at them a good deal, and ordered them to be taken to the guard room until Tuesday to see what they could do with them there. They were then maifched through the streets by an escort with fixed bayonets" to Maindy Barracks. Whitchurch. Here they were placed in the guard room until Tuesdav when, I un- derstand. it is likely they will be again mar- ched through the streets by an escort with "fix- ed bayonets" to the Castle. Cardiff, for some kind of trial or court-martial. In the meantime they are being fed upon little more than bread and black tea. My soldier informant described the treatment in the guard room as extremely bad, and something he could not stand him- self; he would prefer to give in; but he does not understand, although he is sympathetic. They are all in good spirits, and are determ- ined. in spite of the persecution which has be- gun in their case, to remain loyal to their principles. We honour them; and those of us who have to tread the same path hope to re- main loyal, too.—I am, Yours sincerely, IDWAL WILLIAMS. 55 Swan St., Llantrisant. April 23, 1916.

British Workers' National League. NEWCASl LE-ON-TYNE BRANCH. After some weeks af pushful propaganda on the part of Mr M. T. Simm, the local secretary of the above organisation, a demonstration was ( held in the Palace Theatre, Newcastle-on-Tyne, on Sunday week. A prize band was engaged which discoursed very fine music for an hour. The speakers included Madame Vandervelde and Messrs C. B. Stanton, M.P.. and Victor .fisher. They received support from Councillor James Wilson and Councillor J. W. Thawaites, J.P., both of whom owe their present position on the Council to the I.L.P. at Newcastle. Councillor Rowe. of South Shields, organiser of the Boilermakers, and Mr. M. T. Sinun, all reputed Labour leaders, were also in support, with many others searching for limelight. Singu- lar to say, in a, theatre that holds at least 3,000 people, all that these leaders could mus- ter in the shape of an audience was not more than 200 people. This amongst the munition workers. The answer to Mr. C. B. Stanton's election at Merthyr is contained in this re- sponse.

Blackwood Educational Class. i The above class held its usual weekly meeting on Tuesday last (April 18), when Mr. Syd Jones gave as the subject of his keture "The Faculty and Process of Thought." He pointed out. in his lecture, the varied forms of thought. and how they manifested themselves in correspond- ence with social progress. The mind was the mirror through which was reflected the reali- ties of sense perceptions. The unity of things could only be understood by the multiplicity to understand, we must first misunderstand. The understanding of the process of thinking was indispensable to the understanding of the historical held. An excellent discussion followed, in which several members took part. Judging from the quality of the discussion, it augurs well for the future prosperity and success of the class. It would be a good idea if this matter of an edu-. oational class were taken up elsewhere, because S it is a well known fact that among the working- classes there exists plenty of latent genius which only needs the tutorship of some of their more enlightened fellows to develop and nurture to a steady and clear flame. The advantageous pos- sibilities of such an undertaking toward the propagation of the Labour movement are boundless, so we sincerely hope that our ex- ample will be followed in other localities where a similar class does not at present exist. We meet every Tuesday at 7 o'clock in the Waverley Cafe High Street. Blackwood, and any new member is sure of a cordial reception. Applica- » tions for membership should be made to the secretary, Mr. J. T. Oakley. 45 William Street. Blackwood. Mon. ■

Has yeur name appeared in our 10,000 Shil- lings' Fund Hst P If not, let it be there next week.