Beriah Gwynfe Evans, general secretary to the Welsh National Federation (Cyngrair Cenedlaethol Cymru Fydd), 136 Miskin Street, Cardiff, and Penybryn, Caernarfon. D. A. Thomas will have heard of the outcome of last Friday's Council meeting. Several of the writer's friends were unable to be present. A few votes would have turned the scales in favour of the writer. He is very disappointed that he [Bge] did not secure the appointment, but he is grateful for D. A. Thomas's interest and support. 'Meanwhile, from want of a more congenial berth, I presume I must be content to continue to tread the more stormy paths of political life and duty.'.
He has heard a story about D. A. Thomas which has much pleased him. Writes to ask if it is true, and how much of it he can make public. The story related to an official of the Taff Vale Railway Company dismissing Welshmen and replacing them with English officials and to D. A. Thomas's response. How much of the story is true? 'Private'.
Writes to confirm that a joint meeting of the two executives be held at Llandrindod the following Tuesday or Wednesday to draw up a policy for Wales and to issue an official manifesto. Anticipates working in complete harmony. Has been instructed to summon a meeting of the Council to discuss certain eventualities.
They have been requested to bring out a Welsh edition of the outline of the Parish and District Councils Act issued in English by the Liberal Publication Department. Could D. A. Thomas give an order for distribution in his constituency? 'You are of course fully alive to the importance of educating the Welsh Electorate on their new duties and privileges, and every intelligent interest taken in the present extension of local government must necessarily beneficially affect the fortunes of the Liberal Party at the next General Election.'.
Mr Marjoribanks is grateful for D. A. Thomas's letter of the 12th and will pay attention to D. A. Thomas's recommendation of Mr G. Jones for the appointment of County Court Examiner.
Mr Marjoribanks will be happy to place the name of D. Regan on his list of candidates for the post of Boatman in the service of HM Customs as requested by D. A. Thomas. But he cannot be sure of securing an appointment.
Gives a list of names which D. A. Thomas has agreed to ascertain whether they have the property qualification. Outlines the three property qualifications. Wishes to know the politics of two individuals.
The Lord Chancellor is prepared to put Mr Thomas's name on the list of applicants for the post of attendant at the British Museum. But Thomas has little chance of securing an appointment. It is customary to promote the boy attendants to vacant posts.
He is glad that the government is prepared to consider proposals to modify the disestablishment scheme; has asked Asquith to receive a deputation on the allocation of the tithes. There is great interest in this point in south Wales. Information on parochial revenues is available in his motion entitled 'Ecclesiastical Endowments of the Church of England and Wales and Mon'. They would wish to see a central fund with local appropriators according to population. There is division among the Welsh people, but the government did not consult with them before introducing the measure and departing from the established national policy.
Cannot give any information about the intentions of the Government regarding disestablishment. This should not cause embarrassment as the new session is only a month away, and Mr Gladstone's proposals concerning legislation will be known by the end of January. Strongly recommends the advice of Mr Punch to those about to marry - 'Don't speak or write about it.' Does not know what authority Sir George Osborne Morgan MP has for his statement.
D. A. Thomas and his associates have scotched the Eight Hours Bill for the present. The Federation agitators were responsible for the cry; they are 'entirely reckless as to the ultimate result of their Mad schemes on the welfare & prosperity of their Country & Community'. The bill, if carried, would have become a dead letter within five years and would have destroyed the trade and prosperity of the country. Hopes that D. A. Thomas will enjoy the retirement of country life.
Circular from Bella Lloyd, honorary secretary of the Aberdare Women's Liberal Association, enclosing a resolution and urging the recipient to vote for any Instruction or Amendment to the Registration Bill which would lead to the Extension of the Parliamentary Franchise to Women.
Encloses a copy of the Grocers' Licences Abolition Bill which he has introduced into the House of Commons. It has already been read a first time. These licenses cause drunkenness, especially among women, and publicans are often unfairly blamed. The restrictions which apply to retail dealers should also be extended to wholesale dealers. Proposes to introduce a bill next session. Would like to know recipient's views on these points.
Circular Letter from J. P. Hughes, honorary secretary of the Liverpool Cymru Fydd Society, and A. Gomer James, honorary secretary of the Manchester Cymru Fydd Society, 18 Cecil Street, Manchester, enclosing 'a copy of the proposed scheme for the organisation of Young Wales into a disciplined political force' (probably document A4/8), and noting a conference to discuss the scheme to be held at the Liberal Club, Chester, on 16 June 1894.
Circular Notice from D. A. Thomas as President of the South Wales Liberal Federation, 53 Queen Street, Cardiff, and three other officers of the Federation, giving the resolutions adopted by a Conference of south Wales and Monmouthshire Liberals the same day.
Circular Notice to Labour MPs from John Evans, 13 William Street, Twynrodyn, Merthyr Tydfil, giving a resolution passed by Conference of Delegates representing the Merthyr Vale, Plymouth, Cyfarthfa and Dowlais Underground Workmen, held at the Globe Inn, Merthyr on 14 July 1894. The resolution related to the selection of 'practical workmen from the collieries' as Sub-Inspectors in given districts as a means of protecting the lives of working miners. The resolution was passed following the recent 'sad calamity' at the Albion Colliery.
