Welsh Journals

ances and cheaper transport facilities. It is. he urges, enterprise, science and organisation which will win the commercial race of the future. The book, which has 23 illustrations and two maps, runs to nearly nine hundred pages, and costs only six shillings. It should be in the hands not only of every intelligent collier and manager, but of every citizen who wishes to understand the magnitude and power of the industry which is at the base of our civilization. 1. John Williams, the Shipbuilder." By Basil Matthews. Oxford University Press. Pp. 298. Thitty-three illustrations. 2s. net. John Williams, the Shipbuilder, is John Williams of Erromanga, known to some Welshmen for his missionary labours and to many more as the source of the puzzling name of the first Principal of the University College, Cardiff. Viriamu was the native way of saying Williams" in Rarotonga, while in Samoa it became" Viliamu." Mr. Mathews has retold the famous story with great spirit, and the coloured pictures of the awesome natives will fascinate the most respectable Sunday School scholar. CORRESPONDENCE AN APPEAL TO THE WOMEN OF WALES. To the Editor of The Welsh Outlook. Sir. Your correspondent. Miss Barrett, reads a good deal into my letter which is not there. On one point, however, perhaps you will allow me to substitute for my rather free paraphrase the exact words of Miss Marshall's report, from which my information was drawn. I wrote: They themselves (i.e., the women's deputa- tions to the Powers) were constantly urged to bring about a settlement." Miss Marshall's words were as follows: From statements made by ministers of the belligerent countries, it was clear that though no initiative could come from them, nor could they say that they would welcome negotiations, nor themselves make suggestions as to terms of settlement even if asked to do so, it would not necessarily be impossible for them to express an opinion on a given definite proposal put forward from some outside source and again Two chief points emerged clearly from all their interviews (I) That action on the part of neutral countries might be acceptable even though it could not be invited and (2) that action impossible to men in time of war may be possible to women and welcomed by the men." But surely neither Miss Marshall's words, nor even my own can by any stretch of meaning, be made to bear the inter- pretation of your correspondent that The British Government desired peace at the present time," still less that certain specified ministers had committed themselves to such a statement. This sort of guesswork is wholly misleading, and bears no relation whatever to the reported facts. May I add a word on your correspondent's statement that Peace at the present time, while she is in possession of Belgium and a large part of France, would doubtless suit Germany admir- ably ? It is surely a matter of common knowledge that Cerman is deeply divided on this question of annexation, As a well- known politician points out in a pamphlet recently issued Two broad tendencies of opinion are showing themselves among leaders of public opinion in Germany. The one which may be called the militarist opinion favours a prolongation of the war, an extreme policy as to methods of warfare, the restriction of free speech at home, large annexations in Europe, and an ultimate reconciliation with Russia directed against the Western powers. The other, which may be called the liberal opinion, favours an early peace, methods of warfare in accordance with international law, some public discussion and parliamentary control, no annexa- tion in Europe, and finally an ultimate reconciliation with England, which would link Germany with the Western Powers." The writer of the leaflet also emphasizes the significance of the anti- annexation manifesto, signed by names which are in themselves a guarantee that the document could not have been issued without the Emperor's consent. Nothing is more certain to consolidate militarist opinion in Germany than a smashing military defeat, whereas the triumph of German liberal opinion would, as the author of the pamphlet says: secure a real change of mind in Germany, a result which is almost universally regarded in this country as the best guarantee of future peace." May I, in conclusion, point out that no pacifist organisation, so far as I am aware, contemplates the possibility of a peace settlement leaving Belgium and the invaded districts of France in the hands of Germany. Certainly the women at the Hague Congress did not. They demanded an honourable peace," a peace which shall be permanent, and therefore based on principles of justice, including those laid down in the resolutions adopted by this Congress, namely That no territory should be transferred without the consent of the men and women in it, and that the right of conquest should not be recognized." The resolution from which the above quotation is taken was proposed by a Hungarian delegate, and was passed by a unanimous vote of the whole congress, including both German and Belgian women. women. Yours, &c, Bhubina. GWENDA GRUFFYDD. Cardiff. A Belgian gentleman (of Brussels), of good social standing, now living in Paris. wishes his daughter (aged 15) to learn English. He should like to confide her to a British family for a year, and reciprocally to receive at the end of the war a child of this family in his home for a like period, to learn French. For particulars apply to the Editor, The Welsh Outlook, Cardiff. THE Calvinistic Methodist Health Insurance Society. (Joint Approved Society No. 375.) Office REGENT CHAMBERS. WREXHAM. General Secretary Mr. T. W. THOMAS. Organizing Secretary Rev. W. W. LLOYD. General Treasurer Mr. J. S. LLOYD (Wrexham)