Papurau Newydd Cymru
Chwiliwch 15 miliwn o erthyglau papurau newydd Cymru
9 erthygl ar y dudalen hon
Bargoed Notes, -f
Bargoed Notes, f John Scurr's Visit. s,4 We had our long-expected visit of J' OP on the 20th, in the evening at our 0e (lit as yet by candle-light), in the afte 00 I the Institute, with Syd. Jones, of r goed, the chair. The latter began by quotii? ?) diction (Block's, if I remem ber right), 11 wjid* fulfilled, that the next war would N :Be not by fighting, but by universal faK?'p,? lutions were needed, elsewhere than lJ1, 1 John Seurr began by remarking t.ll,%t we b joiced with the Russian revolutionar.t)) their victory was not gained at one strol?e??l had been ag-ita?ing and suffering nialr?yr JCI' ever since 1825 (when, on the death of der I., the Decembrists made the R? atte to set up a. Russian republic),' in tile fqltD Brishkousky (the ?grandmother of thesrie?o,I .?ep tion," now returned in triumph from gi'0$ we heard of soldiers treasuring the -ro'5 e,lea? she had touched). We may die in P risoi0 exile; our chiidren and our grandchild ? c? die in prison and exile,; but something of it at last." .?t  If we read the press, we should find tllot' t) I.L.P. is the biggest enemy of the C,' ,O?ir Northcliife, the real ruler of the. Coll ,try,D' nothing but praise for Liebnecht, in j  saYIng that this is a capitalists' war, 2 0,1j nounciug his own government as i-espollsi blc;b for Snowden, in England, saying the SqW' Of  Lono'uet in r 4 rap co own Government, or Longuet, in  grandson of Karl Marx) saying the sa0? of?j? or the Russian workers ayfng the o{ late government, which they had overtb? owoll had notbing but contumely and spite-  that all agreed that this is a capitalist 5 in denouncing their respective govero? api?? it not time for all this foolmg to f"isb? e j#; it is really kept on for was to destroy t be P ofoi of the workers, who were always enslave i a great war. It was so, specially, af telt t?e h oJ, t <I poleonic wars, after the Crimean, aft? ibe?o k?V,ai- (during which the Taff Vale JudgD?)!' pronounced), even after the FraB?' ?t'? national debta were piled up to crush t'iP- Vol in paying them. They told us that, if   15s. 6d. to the Government, we wonI 9 but they did not tell us that we woul M pay ?S4 or ?5 for it in the shape of t,a,sel10I, is, there is a debt of five thousand 111111et the workers to pay. He would say? -M? financiers collect it if they caIL The ftgp" revolutioa would only be a success if fOlloa similar ones elsewhere. And now a l?0wid warning: the governing classes, feelin  ger of this, would be up to the-II' old, to some of them coming out and pretending as advanced as ourselves; all as a i,e ?ell And this time their red-herring would be, ?efl hcamsni; urging that we shotild follo'v" t?0. ample of France. Russia, and the Unitd SlA He was a republican himself, but SocI:;thsV'jbil come first; it woul d make a republic without Socialism France and the United IJ were no better off than we, and we ? l? better off under George V. than undel" •Je" George, Northcliffe, or Bottomley as ¡?,feS
Advertising
I THEATRE ROYAIJ I T AND EMPIRE PALACE, MERTHYR. L i ■ Resident Manager Mr. R. T. REA. | I 6.45. TWICE NIGHTLY. 8.45. Week commencing MONDAY, May 28tH, 1917. I 1 Grand Holiday Attraction I IMPORTANT 'E.-n?! the extreme quietness of these plays, and to ane!al t ? public request, no babies will be admitted. I WHIT-MONDAY & TUESDAY (May 28th and 29th):— I  FIND THE WOMAN! I WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY, FRIDAY & SATURDAY (May 30, 31, June 1 and 2):— I i THE HYPOCRITES .1 j I POPULAR REDUCED PRICES- I 1 ?'C!rc!e, 1/- StaHs, 9d. Pit, 6d. Gallery, 3d.-V4 2 Entertainment Tax Extra. Early Doors to all Parts. 2 IMerthyr Electric Theatre j i Merthyr Electric heatre i Is II II II II 11= I WHIT-MONDAY COMMENCING AT 11 A.M. j Week commencing Monday, May 28th. • I Monday Tuesday, and Wednesday- I HER HIDDEN PAST! j I A Powerful and Gripping Fox Drama with a distinguished caste. I S LIBERTY-Final Episode. LOVE WILL CONQUER-Triangle Comedy. I Thursday, Friday, and Saturday- I = THE BEAST! j I FOX FILM—A Virile Story of a bad man's reformation. I I MARY PAGE-Episode 12. TALE OF A SHIRT-Comedy. I X I Prices as usual-3d., 6d., and Is. Government Tax Extra. I Children's Matinee on Saturday at 10.15—Id. only. I CONTINUOUS PERFORMANCE FROM 2.30 TILL m.30 P.M. DAILY. ) L. II II .i 'Phone 597. 'Phoøe 597. WILLIAM TgESEDER9 Ltd. THE NURSERIES, CARDIFF. WREATHS, CROSSES, CUT FLOWERS, &c. BEDDING PLANTS. Asters, Stocks, Dahlias, Marguerites, Lobelia, &c. Tela TRESEDER, FLORIST, CARDIFF. The action taken by the Joint Board and the statement" issued by the Labour Party, which are referred to in the following pages, deserve a reply. Here it is. It is addressed to the entire Labour, Trade Union, and Socialist Organisations of Great Britain. Study it well, and discuss it in your Societies, for the future well-being of the Working-class Movement depends upon your verdict. Now Deady Price Sixpence Now Ready, Post Free Sevenpence 'THE TATTOOED MEN,' OR LABOUR LEADERS AND THE WORKERS' MONEY The full story told by FREDERICK TEMPLE, (Author of Interest, Gold and Banking," War Finance and the Worker," &c.). London: THE COMMONWEALTH PRESS, 118, Cannon Street, E.C. BLANCHARD'S PILLS Are unrivalled for an Irregularities, &c" they speedily afford relief  alleviate all suffering. They supersede Pennnyyr royy al, Pill Cochia, Bitter, Apple, &c. Blanchard s are the best 01 all Pills for Women. Sold in boxes, MWz, by BOOTS' Branches, and ail Chemists, or post free, same pnce from LESLIE MARTIN, Limited, Chemists, 34 Dalston Lane, London. Samples and Valuable Booklet sent Free, Penny Stamp. THERE IS ONLY ONE OINTMENT THAT CURES And this Is supplied by Chemists and the MANNINA OINTMENT CO., FISHGUARD, And is sold in Three Strengths—1, 2 & 3. Aberdare Races WHIT-MONDAY & TUESDAY, May 28 and 29. OVER £ 100 IN PRIZES. I CYCLING, WALKING, FOOT, BOYS', AND WHIPPET RACES. Excellent Entries have been received. FIRST RACE 2.30 P.M. SHARP.
Family Notices
BRITHS, MARRIAGES, DEATHS. DEATH. WILLIAMS.—On May 22nd, at 24 Tramroad- side, Mary, the wife of Mr. Tom Williams, plasterer. Funeral Saturday, leaving hotyse 3.30.
Political Notes.
Political Notes. [BY F. W. JOWETT, M.P.] TWO great questions as to which attempt* are being made to arrive at agreed settlements have had their trial runs in the matter of House of Commons debates this week. 1 refer, of course, to the Irish Home Rule question and the question of Electoral Reform. The impression left on my mind as a result of these debates is that the prospects of agreement on either of these ques- tions is not very encouraging. AV?ith ? ? the Bill em- With regard to Electoral Reform, the Bill em-? bodying the recommendations of the Speaker's Committee will undoubtedly have a stormy pas- sage and it will be exceedingly fortunate if it weathers the storm. Two days have been set apart for the second reading debate, and the first of these days was yesterday (Tuesday). The debate is being continued to-day. The proceed- ings so far have revealed the existence of a small but exceedingly determined group of members who intend if possible to destroy the Bill. Lord Hugh Cecil is the most prominent member of this group, and he is no mean antagonist. Most of his supporters are Tories of the old school. They are all singularly blind to the new forces at work in this and other lands for the only result, in my opinion, if the present*Electoral Reform Bill is destroyed and not replaced by another and more drastic one, will be to establish revolution, ary methods in this country. If the vast major- ity of the younger men are left without means of constitutional expression during the next year or two—as they will be if no enfranchising bill is passed in the near future—there will be trouble. Lord Hugh Cecil and his friends seem to have overlooked the fact that a very large num- ber of these young men have become accustomed to danger and to the, use of armed force, and if their grievances cannot be removed by consti- tutional methods they wil use other methods. The Cecil and other clans had better be careful or they will feel a draught before long. Speaking of the Cecils reminds me of the bloomer that Lord Robert LÆcil, Mr. Balfour's understudy, made on the occasion of the debate of the Allies' war aims last week. The reader will recollect that Philip Snowden moved an amendment to the Consolidated Fund Bill with the object of giving an opportunity to the Gov- ernment of bringing this country into a better understanding with the Russian people. Snow- den pointed out that as the old regime of the Czar had passed away, and, along with it, the Imperialistic methods of diplomacy and the war aims associated therewith had also disappeared. The Russian democracy stood for peace without annexations or indemnities. He backed the ap- peal of the new Russian Government to the Al- lies for such a revision of the peace terms as the Russian people could approve and fight for. And what was Lord Robert Cecil's answer to Snowden's request? Just an insolent and bare- faced attempt to misrepresent the Russian Gov- ernment's position with regard to annexations and indemnities in order to score small debating points in the British House of Commons. Lord Robert pretended, that the Allies' peace terms did not involve annexations. Armenia and Syria (he said) could be forced back under Turkish rule. Even the Russians did not wish Turkey to maintain her rule over the Armenians, there- fore, Lord Robert argued, Russia was in favour of annexations. Arguments of this kind are wicked and mischievous in such a case because the effect of them is to misrepresent the con- sidered decisions of the Russian Government and the great democracy for which it speaks. Lord Robert knows full well that Russia does not seek to annex Armenia. Russia only wants Armenia to be free to dispose of itself as it thinks fit. Russia refuses to increase its territory by means of war, an d insists that any alterations of boundaries in her own favour shall be by agree- ment and with the full consent of the inhabi- tants. And the point at issue in the debate on the Allies' war aims last week was whether or no Great Britain, France and Italy would bring themselves into line with Russia in this matter by renouncing all claim to annex territory purely as the result of successful military operations and otherwise than by agreement on the part of the peoples concerned. Mr: Asquith, although he was not insolent as Lord Robert Cecil was, went even farther in de- fence of the Allies' policy of annexations than Lord Robert ventured openly to go. He did, however, face the question at issue, honestly in- stead of contemptously pretending, as Lord Ro- bert did, that he was explaining the position of the Russian Government regarding annexations. Mr. Asquith's views on this matter were so clearly and fearlessly stated that I am sure it will be useful to summarise them here and now, for, after all. Mr. Asquith is not only the leader of the Liberal party, he is also responsible per- haps to a greater extent than any other man for the foreign policy te which Great Britain has been committed. Mr. Asquith said, in substance, that there were four senses in which the word annexations could be used: — (1) We could annex to relieve oppressed popu- lations. In this connection Mr. Asquith adopted as an illustration an instance of annexation given by Lord Robert Cecil, viz., Arabia. Arabia has declared its independence from Turkey. But surely it is obvious that the answer to an argu- ment based on this illustration is that there has been no annexation. Araoia has declared for in- dependence and neither the Russian Government nor any other democratic Government would dream of fencing Arabia back under Turkish rule. The policy of no annexation, therefore, is not even remotely involved. 4* (2) Another form of annexation approved of by Mr. Asquith is where the effect of annexation would be to unite separated nationalities even if as in the case of Trentino no oppression is al- leged against the Government from which the territory is proposed to be taken. In the case cited Mr. Asquith takes it for granted that the inhabitants of the territory proposed to annex desire to change. Bitt by what means should the desire of the inhabitants be ascertained. Who is to judge as to the wishes of a people in such a matter? Ollr own Ulster problem shows what a difficult matter it is to decide such questions, even in a state of peace, and when there is the most earnest and disinterested intention to do what is wisest and best for the people concerned. The mere fact that successful military operations by the army of a foreign State has resulted in changing possession does not settle the matter as Mr. Asquith inferred iSiat it does. Clearly, then, it follows, as a matter of course, that the democratic method of the present Russia is the only safe (alternative, which method is, to settle such matters by agreement and with the full consent of the people concerned. (3) Mr. Asquith's third class of annexations, for w»hicb he also claimed approval, is where an- nexation is necessary to obtain strategic security. This is nothing less than a re-aiffrmation of the old Imperialistic policy of Scientific frontiers." If the validity and justice of annexations on this plea is accepted then there is unlimited scope for war policies in the future. Every powerful nation could make this plea of "strategic secur- ity an excuse for war and for annexations, and it is precisely this development of the an- nexation policy that the Russian Government has definitely repudiated and has requested her Allies also to repudiate. One reason for annexation only Mr. Asquith ruled out of order, and that was annexation for the sake of expansion of territory and for poli- tical and economic aggrandisement. But what nation, in these days, would ever confess to such aims? Every nation that seeks to annex terri- tory invariably professes eitherr that its policy is dictated either by exalted motives born of a de- sire to relieve oppressed nationalities or by the necessity of obtaining strategic security." Therefore, the net result of Mr. Asquith's ex- position of the policy of annexation was that he defended annexations on all the grounds on which the policy is, in fact, advocated. Conse- quently the speech, like that of Lord Robert Cecil, was in effect a point-blank refusal of the request of the Russian Government to abandon the policy of annexations and indemnities and make it clear that what the Allies seek is a peo- ple's peace firmly based on reason and justice and devoid of all taint of the policy of predatory and Imperialist expansion. The effect of Lord Robert Cecil's speech in Russia has been to deepen the suspicion of Great Britain's policy. This is now well known. The Petrograd correspondent of the Manchester Guardian and other correspondents have sent strongly worded remonstrances against Lord Robert's exposition of British policy. So early after the debate as last Sunday-the debate, took place on the Previous Wednesday—there ap- peared in the stop-press of the News of the World" the following paragraph, which was not to be found in any 6ther paper next day. For what reason it failed to appear the reader must form his or her own conclusion. I merely re- produce the paragraph and leave it at that. Here it is: Inter-Ally Treaties. Russian Demand that they should be Torn Up. Mr. N. G. Shepherd, the special correspond- ent of the United Press of America, telegraphs from Petrograd to the Exchange that the new Russian Government are pledged to demand the revision of the Inter-Ally Treaties and peace terms. They will request President Wil- son to second their demand. They will not insist on the publication at present of inter-Ally agreements, but will in- sist that they be torn up, and that all new ar- rangements be made public. Further comment is needless. I began these notes with a reference to the two questions on which attempts are being made to arrive at agreed settlements, yiz., the Irish question and the Electoral Reform question. I commented on the latter but not on the former of these attempts. This was because I was led by a reference to Lord Hugh Cecil to deal with his brother, Lord Robert. Let me, therefore, add a word now as to my impression of the Irish debate, and the prospect of an agreed settlement. I find the Nationalist members are hopeful that the proposed Convention—on which the debate turned last Monday—will succeed. Personally, I fail to see much reason for this hopefulness. The speech of Sir Jas Lonsdale, the leader of the Irish Unionists in the House of Commons was distinctly depressing. He prac- tically declared that if he and his party should decide to take part in the Convention it would be on the distinct understanding that six Ulster counties would not enter the Home Rule scheme whatever the Convention might decide. As, in my belief, the time has gone by when the vast majority of the Irish people would be agreed to partition, this declaration of the Irish Unionist leader's would appear to be fatal to the pros- pects of an agreed settlement. The only hope now lies in Sir Edward Carson. He has pro- mised to exercise his persuasive powers on his friends to get them, possible, to accept the decision of the Convention if it should be in fa- vour of an all-Ireland scheme. I hope he will succeed, but he will have a difficult task if Ulster is not left out.
IThe Theatre Royal.
The Theatre Royal. As I ventured to believe last week, the return of Messrs. Armitage and Leigh's Company to the Royal this week has meant that the cosy house has come into its own. The attendances are somewhat after the merit of the fare provided, and the excellence of the management. The presentation of The Lion and the Mouse during the first three days of the week was, as usual, a, sumptuous fare for even epicurean palates, though the unfortunate omission of Arthur Leigh from his part as the Hon. Fitzroy, burnt the soup, so to speak, for his deputy did not handle the part with that master's skill. The outstanding figures of the play were L. Hector, Henry Nunn (as Jefferson Ryder), and Wm. Clayton, who, unfortunately, has not much work as Judge Scott. Unfortunate, because what he has to do is done so well. Jessie Belmore, as Shireley, must not be omitted from mention for her work is the counterpart of Clayton's bril- liant passages. "Lucky Durham," last night's and Friday's piece, is, if anything, a piece even more fitted to the company than its predecessors. The best piece that Barrett ever wrote, a.nd I know all about The Sign of the Cross," is being played by the best company that ever handled it; a company that fits itself, sympa- thetically into the spirit and style of the work. But the great play, the chef d'oeuvre, to keep to my metaphor, is reserved for Saturday, when the company is to handle Rex Beech's The Bar- rier." I have seen the company play The Barrier," and I know the soundness of its com- ponent parts, the fineness of its modelling, and the strength of its characters as handled by this company. I would sooner see "The Barrier, than argue politics on Saturday night—and the last is my hobby. Next week's menu is compounded of Arthur Bouretier's "Find the Woman," the greatest dramatic success the Garrick ever had; and Henry Arthur Jones' morality play The Hy- pocrites"—the last to run from Wednesday on. Both plays are classes of the stage and need no savouring by me; and it is but needful to re- mind you that the same company continues the pieces to assure you of a perfect Whitsun holi- day though the heavens fall. A very sensible decision, in view of quietness of the plays, is the decision to prohibit the attendance of babies. M. PLAYGOER.
Rhymney Valley Notes.I
Rhymney Valley Notes. Bargoed Colliery Dispute. A meeting was held on Friday (18th) to con- sider the Polka dispute re price list. The Powell Duffryn Company submitted to the men by leaflet what they termed their final offer, pointing out that the notices expired on Saturday, and unless the terms were accepted all offers would be withdrawn, and that the com- pany, rather than have a strike, had determined to close the Polka (red seam), the men being free1 to seek work elsewhere. Mr. Walter Lewis (agent) stated that the terms offered had not been offered previous, and also answered a number of other questions. It was clearly understood that if the Polka men came out the whole colliery were prepared to do likewise. On the question being put as to whether they were in favour of accepting the Company's terms a large majority decided in favour of accepting. The Company asserted that the increased rates would raise the average wages per day iiom 13s. 9ad. to 1.5s. 9b, the men contended the in- crease would vary from lOd. to Is. 6d. per day, or 5s. to 9s. per week.
Briton -Ferry Notes.I
Briton Ferry Notes. I The Leeds Conference. Briton Ferry I.L.P. is determined to be re- presented at Leeds on Sunday, June 3rd. All roads will lead thitherward that day. Let us hope that from it pure streams of living water shall flow and purge this England of ours of its blood-mania, for she is become a fen of stagnant waters. The appointed delegate is Mr. Cecil Waters. A "Call." Rev. R. Powell (Jerusalem English Baptist, Briton Ferry), who has been pastor of this church for nearly 22 years, and who has tafeen his stand for freedom of conscience and peace by negotiation, has received a call" from his old church at Treherbert. After carefully con- sidering the matter, the rev. gentleman has consented to remain. The decision was joyfully received by the church on Sunday last. That feeling is also typical of the town in- which he has laboured so long.
Labour's May Festival u
Labour's May Festival u EXCELLENT ENTRIES FOR MERtH j RINK. It is gratifying to learn that the  concert of open solos, organised ? » -ggM Jed to! Trades and Labour Council, and the first and least of annual May f(?stiva? the district, has caught on better eve" th,%p anticipated by the organisers. Mr. W riBS ¡roJ the Secretary, has already received en soijh large numbers in all the classes, includi of the most famous names in natiionql d eisteddfodau. in ,I Apart from these entries the ??? ? jn W? event displayed by local per f ormers, ? at! ijjy event dipllyed by local performers, dil ti terest in the spread of musical j amongst the masses—as an iIltroduc (JoW which nothing is more suited than ? ? P" titive events—together with an excei? J¡ci¡¡.\ ficient programme of adjudicators an d c ee, promises an attendance' at the R ink ne c Till day that will justify the Trades Conncl  f 0 ing into full effect their ambitious Prog to !,I de  ef i for next   for next May. Given an encouraging success—and all the signs point that ?a,?' ? scheme of the Trades Council should § ?a? wards bringing back to Merthyr that P1. 1 jjo# reputation in the world of popular inusi? ft, oo ]  ments which is in danger of being Mlo?st ? -gt? One admirable departure in this eVM^ decision of the organisers to do away -?}t t? ?M tedious preliminary competitions, ??-). them at Bentley's Hall earlier in the J r I
. The Electric Theat^'i
The Electric Theat^'i The Wm. Fox Company in procu? t? works of Daniel Roosevelt for screeiH?)? fouda wnteT of full-blooded power c.$pg pulling out their capacities, and pro?-? work for their fine company of artistes;  Electric in securing these exclusives  has onee again demonstrated its e. ilte f which has made the Electric our pi-?ernie rPI-C?0, theatre. "Sporting Blood," his fine Par0?00'i. of turf life and love, of intrigue ancI J plot that has inspired the above i-enla'A,t J, easily one of the first half top-liners ?.? never fade off the memory. It vigour, and go and action to an unus Ilql and yet it never fell into the impose? '? It was reality all through. The coin? fO Revenge of Mr. Tommy Atkins," ?'?e í hewn piece of humour that was good ? ?' '? There is another startling Fox il",pja heading this half of the week in ?( Love," an amazing but true to life gt^i passion and sweetness. It is a picture ??. ct?t? fies an adequate brief description, but 0 can confidently recommend to all who i ( realism, with action, of the best. T totf J* For the Love of Mike," tells the s?of?? Hyam A..Waker's viUainis and su so.Llejl t JOof fall to a tornad o of healthy laughter-??? well caste American comedy with lobt'15 to produce a big crop of five reelers. ?g Daisy! Mary Page continues to ho?, J'  tention of the people by sheer merit, 01 pd is a full basket of admirable fill-ups. The two big pictures for the Whits?? ?0? ? next week are also Wm. Fox pro uct-io? are insured in advance of something$0J^ value for money. ?Her Hidden Past? e ?< l?ner from Monday on, has one of pic j powerful castes that even the Fox P\0pl°jy gathered together, and as a story 1,?110 .0 unique points. There will also be ,? ? de^(! laughter-raiser "Love Will Gonqu, » cPl ful burlesque of the ordinary. LibeTty to an end. We shall miss it from the B*?j ? From Thursday the Fox nim will.??? fj bad man's redemption under the titieigr &}■] Beast." It is a virile story of life n^ ent conditions than those we know co11m under which the primitive peeps out 1 s> 1 and in which the humanities tell stro?&  Pase" is an excitinz mstaJmeD?., <(j0»j [Triangle is A Tale of a Shirt." Lt, ÆoJ;P\ 1 V" |