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Chwiliwch 15 miliwn o erthyglau papurau newydd Cymru

Cuddio Rhestr Erthyglau

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Outlines of Industrial History!

,The Theatre Royal. I

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¡I The Fate of Mansel Grenfell…

Newyddion
Dyfynnu
Rhannu

The Fate of Mansel Grenfell I HIS STATEMENT BEFORE THE COURT- MARTIAL. Mansel Grenfell, who was arrested on March 14-Sh, tried at the Swansea Police ConrV fined £10 and handed over to the Military Authorities, was on March 28nd court-martialled at Kinmel Park, Rhyl. His uncompromising statement before the District Court-Martial was as follows: — I understand that tlae charge against me is of having "wilfully disobeyed" a lawful com- mand or lawful commands given by a "superior officer" or "superior officers." I plead guilty, technically, to ,the charge, although I do not re- cognise the charge, and the terms used is it, as applying to me. I am an objector to military service, and as such, am unable, to recognise military authority and the commands of military officers as the commands of "superior" officers. I say that, I hope, with due respect to the gen- tleman or gentlemen in relation to whom I am involved in this charge. I have deep and sin- cere convictions againat war and against mili- tarism as preparation for, and the method of war; and I have particular and extreme dis- like for militarism in the form of Conscription or compulsory military service. War appears to me always as unnecessary slaughter and maiming of men, and all-round destruction and impoverish- ment of life—for the masses of the people of the victorious belligerent nations as well as for those of the vanquished. "Those who live by the sword shall perish by the sword." Conscription, not only implies sanction of militarism and war, but requires that med young men, too I-should submit to training, and work, and objects, regardless of the fitnesses of their natures and the sacredness of their con- victions, and so involves very large numbers in forced and unnatural diversions of life as ex- pressed in their individuality and personality and in the violation of their conscience, which I believe is the most valuable thing in the world. This is my reply to the charge to which I plead guilty, technically and only technically, in the sense I have already submitted to you." On March 24th the sentence was promulgated, it was two years' hard labour with one year, 153 days, remitted, leaving 112 days' imprison- ment. Writing from the Guard Room, Grenfell tells us: There is very much respect for the C.O. among the soldiers. This respect arises largely from the soldier's disgust for the military, owing to his experience of them and not yet so much from conviction against militarism. We must endeavour to show the relationship-loving the soldier and humanity and hating the system, as to the corruption and destruotiveness of which he has not yet been enlightened." "Carry on," he ys, "for the good cause. Chaps inside are, spl ndid. Those outside must not slacken in their efforts. I feel more and more every day that our cause is progressing." On Tuesday, March 27th, Grenfell was taken to Wormwood Scruobs, where he will probably spend his term of imprisonment. Writing on the way to the Scrubbs he says: It is such a lovely morning and I should like to be free, but I feel at ease and at peace with the world and not a bit worried by my going to prison. I shall continue to do 'my bit' even inside prison. I am confident that the people outside will 'Carry on' too. I go to prison gladly and without any regret. Gorseinon comrades, workers for the cause of Humanity, renew your efforts in the fight for Liberty and Justice. Let not the Good Cause suffer because a few of the most active workers have been shut within prison walls and locked behind cell doors! They sow the golden grain to-day To-morrow comes the harvest." SPES."

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INo Room for Conscience.

I The Electric Theatre. I

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IDowlais Time.

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