The Amman Valley Chronicle and East Carmarthen News

VRST HND PRESENT. THE REFLECTIONS OF "A." -1 Never in the history of the world have so many events of far-reaching importance crowded themselves into the space of a month c)-oiN- d e d iiii-) the spa(-e of a ijioiitli ns Lave happened during the four or tive wet'k" I that followed the appeal by Germany for an armistice. The signing of that armistice and the ending of a gigantic war have beEn: accompanied by the passing of a great Empire, the final break up of its ramshackle neigh- bour, and the disappearance of two Imperial Majesties with a jostling crowd of miner potentates. These events have had their louiantic side as well as their moral signifi- cance. British and Indian troops, occupying 'he forts aloni: the Dardanelles, have cheered oil tlic, way to anchor opposite the mosques and minarets "f Constantinople. The captive cities of Bel- gium have been set free amid scenes of jubilation, and "Te Deums" have been -hanled in the cathedrals and churches of many nations. Our great goal—peace with victory—lias been attained, and the world settles down to consider the means of ensur- ing that no such calamity as that now ended hall ever again overtake it. The chapter is closed, a new chapter opens. We turn to our daily tasks with a sense of relief akin to that felt by a convales- cent who walks abroad after a long illness. Our peace celebrations are sincere peihaps even noisy—but there is a serious side to our rejoicings, for there are few families who have not been visited by the Angel of Death. What is to be written in this new chapter? Is it not clear that the best outcome of the catastrophe of the War will be the determina- tion of all of us, collectively and individually, to make a wise use of the new liberty that has dawned for civilisation? We are freed from the menace of Prussian militarism, and we can devote ourselves to the work of recon- st ruclion so that a happy and industrious and prosperous nation may be built up while the wounds of War are being healed. Therein will be found the reward for our sacrifices, and the true expression of our gratitude to those who fought the good fight and gave their lives for the cause of humanity and for their >-o'j.ntry's honour.

ÐUR NOTE BOOK. By RANGER. WHAT TO DO NOW. I Readers of these Notes are asked to distin- guish carefully between the national appeals to them that are still continued and the appeals that are no longer made. Fiji- instance, ille not to ti-oiible themselves any further to vollect nutshells and the s:ones i>f plums* and peaches for presenta- non to the Director of Sahage. Those articles were very useful in making gas masks, but 'lie ending of the War brings with it the '•nding of that horrible poison gas, so that 'he collection is no longer necessary. On the other hand, the coal shortage continues and "ann-ot be remedied for some time; it is import-ant, therefore, that the carefu l saving of coal and light should be continued by all patriotic people throughout the winter. Among the thing- that the country need not bother about are the precautions respect- ing air-raids. Bells may be rung, and lights way be shown (except at certain points on the coast). Do not imagine, however, that ) he appeals to Jend money to the < lovern- meiat are finished, for Mr. Boiiar Jaiv says that lie s,till wants to borrow twenty-five a week f, j- the country' "war expenditure. In this connection, theDirp;tor ) Publicity of the National War Savings t'o-mmitt-ee, Mr. Sutton, has had to vary the nature of his appeal. He cannot ask people to buy Bonds to help win the war, because the war is "won, but he now begs the public to buy them a- a practical expression of thankfulness to the n en whose aJlant déed have brought, us such a magnificent consum- mation of our hopes. The money is really wanted so that we may maintain during ihe difficult times ahead t he same strong financial front that we have presented to the world iiuriiag the last four years. There are many catechisms in the world. I There is the famous S horter Catechism," and there is now a new little catechism s horter than the Shorter." It contains twenty-eight questions and answers, and bears the title, The Demobilisation and Resettlement of the Arm v." By means of this little book, issued Ly the Ministry of Reconstruction, and sold at twopence, anybody can ascertain at once the method by which a soldier gets his dis- charge, what he has to do to obtain employ- ment, what money he is to receive, and how he is to get it. Any bookseller or newsagent can easily obtain this very useful booklet. -x As a specimen, let me quote one question and answer from this -loddier's catechism. ion.——What will be the cash payment that r shall receive ar the dispersal station ? _■! jisirc.—It will be a part payment on account of the following (1) any credit balance on your accounts (2) pay and ration allowance during your twenty-eight days' furlough (3) any service or other gratuity that you have earned (4) an allowance for the purchase of plain clothes. The balance of the total due to you on the above (with the exception of any war gratuity, which will be placed to your credit in the Post Office Savings Bank) will be forwarded to you through the post in three weekly payments during your period of furlough. The money orders or postal orders will only be cashable on production of the protection certificate that will be issued to you at the dispersal station. The steps taken by the authorities to meet the difficulties of resettlement are too miiner- (Continued on last column.)

AMERICA'S GREAT PRESIDENT. America has been privileged to spend her blood and her might /or the principles j that gave her birth and happiness. —PRESIDENT WILSON.

1 A MODERN ITALIAN DREADNOUGHT. I [Britisit OIlcial One of Italy's fine war vessels with three gun turrets.

Ður Note Book (CONTINUED.) 1 I ouk to ciescribe here in full, but mention may be made of one or two. There is. for example, a simple scheme by which ex-service men may lari(I on easy terms. The Ministry of Reconstruction has this scheme in hand. and | details are shortly to be published. Grants are to be made by the Government in the form of a special unemployment benefit. Es-ser- vice men out of work are to receive 24s. a week, and similar arrangements are being made for civilians thrown out of work by the Peace. The difference between the soldiers and civilians in this benefit is that the former may receive it for a period not exceeding twenty-six weeks, while for the latter it is limited to thirteen weeks. Women workeis who become unemployed will be entitled 1,) 20s, a week. boy workers (ages from fifteen t,) eighteen) to 12s., and girl workers to 10s. ihere are also allowances for children of these civilian4- and soldiers situated in this uncom- fortable condition of lack of work. Prisoners of war returning to this country are. in many cases, in a very poor state of health. The War Office would be glad to know l iial: eggs in larger quantity were available for ihese disabled wariors. Should this note meet the eye of anyone who is desirous of helping our home-coming soldiers in this matter, he or s he is informed that presents of eggs should be sent to the National Egg Collection, 39. Great Queen Street, Kings\v;:y, London. \Y <\ 2. I do better than end these notes w:th a quotation from a fine tribute paid to us thi- New York Herald." The following lines were written by Mr. Frederick B. Hodg.iis i for that journal: — WHAT HBS BRITAIN 0 NE 'I IWHAT HPIS BRITAliN DE)NE What has Britain done? Kept the faith and fought the light For the everlasting right j Chivalrously couched her lance In defence of Belcliiiiii. This has Britain done. 'Yhat ha" Britain done? Given every seventh son. Met the challenge of the Hun Placed her men on every field Proud to die, too proud to yield. This has Britain dolic-f W hat. has Britain donc- Answers every far-flung breeze Blown across the Seven Seas Watch and ward secure we keep, Vigilance that never sleeps." This has Britain done What has Britain done? On every front, her flag unfurled. Fought a world-war round the world Then, when all is said and done. Ask her Allies, ask the Hun. What has Britain dune ■ What Itas Britain done ? For her slain Britannia weeps— She might boast who silence keeps, But, when all is done and said, Call the roll and count her dead, And know what she has done!