Welsh Journals

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The Review of the Churches. January, 1927. Ernest Benn, Ltd. 3/- net. This admirable journal. edited by Sir Henry Lumi, is always interesting, and deserves wider recognition among Welsh Free Churchmen. This number opens with a fierce attack on Dean Inge by the Editor, on account of his unfair treatment of America in England. The articles are: "The Nicene Greed and Philosophy," by J. Scott Lidgett; "The Orthodox Eastern Church in Palestine," by the Bishop of Plymouth; "Methods of Controversy," by C. F. Rogers; The New Testament Doctrine of the Christ," by Kenneth Kirk; "The Balkan Situation," by Alexander Ramsay, etc. Correspondence. THE LATE BISHOP OF ST. DAVID'S. Sir,-In further appreciation of the late Dr. John Owen, may I point out that, if he was an integral patriot, it is curious that his undoubtedly strong personality did not arrest the anglieisation of Llandovery. My father-a London Welshman-sent me to that School, just after it had passed from Dr. Owen to the Rev. Owen Evans, in order that I might learn something of my country and its language. In spite of the painting of Lady Llanover in her Welsh hat," which decorated the Warden's study, there was little or no Welsh tradition or atmosphere. The masters were mostly non-Welsh and unin- terested. The Welsh boys painfully acquired the precious sub-Oxford English accent, and lost interest in their native language-which was how- ever summarily taught, to those who wished to learn, for one hour a week, by a curate who was attached to the staff for that purpose. The letter of Lady Llanover's intentions was materially com- plied with, and the spirit ignored. Most pupils attended the English services of the Church of England. We learnt English history (" Savage was Wales until the Three Shifty Shirkers arrived to make it tame ") and Imperial Geography (" Le loup a mange l'agneau ")­anything and everything except our own history and geography and traditions. Welsh boys being turned into sham Englishmen." To this Dam-the-Welsh castle the doughty Dr. Owen came on periodical visits, and I well remember the delightful humour of the diminishing expostu- lations (in English, but in an accent most un- Oxfordian) with which he parried our demands for a holiday in his honour. I also remember his confirmation service at Llanfair. and the Cymric fervour which he imparted to the words, Defend, O Lord"- in English, over Welsh boys! As to his Protestantism, I think that there could then have been no doubt. He was vested in the I crept out, softly, on a starry night, And sought the wood, all manifold with sound, A hedgehog ambled, squeaking, o'er my path, And insects rustled in the waving grass The bats shrilled high in chorus to the stars, And in a nearby tree, a white owl croaked The spirit of the coppice touched my soul, And in the restful lap of Mother Earth I stretched my wearied form, and breathed her breath, Y Lienor- Gaeaf, 1926. (Hughes a'i Fab, Wrecsam; 1/6.) Cymru Ionawr, 1927. (Hughes a'i Fab; clrwe' cheiniog.) Yr Efrydydd—Ionawr, 1927. (Hughes a'i Fab; 6ch.) Seren Gomer-Ionawr, 1927. (Wm. Jones, Barmouth; 6ch.) Y Dysgedydd-Ionawr, 1927. (Hughes Bros., Dol- gellau; 4ch.) Y Traethodydd— Ionawr, 1927. (Caernarfon: Llyfrfa'r Cyfundeb; 1,16.) magpie," with its Elizabethan connotations. I do not think that he had then been brought to realise his oriental lineage. The Jerusalem theory, and the embroidered cope (portrayed in the Western Mail' last year) must have been later developments. Perhaps the national ardours kept pace. In those far-off days I think that Great Welsh but not too Welsh would have defined him. But schoolboys— not uncritical-recognised him as a good sort." May his soul rest in peace. (REV.) Ivon DANIEL. Conway. WHAT THE WELSH NATIONAL PARTY DOES NOT STAND FOR: A CORRECTION. Sir,-In my short article in your last issle, through my own fault, the all-important word "not" was omitted from a certain paragraph. The said paragraph should have read thus: "As regards methods, the Welsh National Party does not stand for revolutionary, unconstitutional, actively illegal methods, or methods of physical resistance and violence. This would not exclude methods of passive resistance, non-physical reeis- tanice, boycott, and non-co-operation, such as non- participation in parliamentary elections." By the way, is it not strange that enlightened people, like leaders of "Urdd y Deyrnas," the Christian Student Movement, etc., are quite willing for Wales to be regarded as a unit, and to be allowed self-expression within the sphere of their own particular interests, but shrink at the idea of Walas being a unit in legislative and high adminis- trative matters. They are, however, "building better than they know" in the direction of reasonable self-determin- ation,, parliamentary autonomy and racial freedom and equality for Wales. Yes, equality and voluntary co-operation and inter-dependence, not a selfish, anti-social type of independence. Wales has won religious equality; she is now out for complete recial equality.-Yours, etc. E. LLOYD OWEN, M.D. NIGHT-IN PENTRE BYCHAN WOODS. And listened to her sweet encouragement, Wafted by fragrant zephyrs all around, Until I seemed to be again a child, Wrapped in a snow-white mantle fresh from God And lo Night stooped and smoothed my weary face With healing hands then Dawn stole shyly by, And dropped, upon my eyes, her lightening kiss. Margaret Pierce.