Encloses a cutting of a paragraph from the previous day's South Wales Daily News - 'the most one sided I have yet seen in the choice of Justices'. Lists the names of the current justices for the county and gives their political affiliations. He is anxious for the appointment of 'thorough going Liberals' to the bench of magistrates at Merthyr and Aberdare. Has thanked Mrs Thomas for her great kindness to the ladies of Merthyr and Aberdare.
How many of the miners in Merthyr Boroughs voted in April? Does this number include the surface men? He should wire D. A. Thomas to say that they would prefer local option for south Wales to the bill in its present form with bank to bank. Telegram.
A meeting at the Cambrian collieries held on 29 June resolved to protest against the selection of the Jury on the Cilfynydd Explosion. They feel that they have been ignored as a class as there is not a single practical miner on the jury. He will use the press to express their feelings. A copy of the resolution is to be sent to the Home Secretary and the local MPs in the hope that they may legislate in this matter. Printed.
Encloses a resolution passed unanimously at Ebenezer Church last Sunday in favour of the Government Liquor Traffic Bill and the Welsh Local Veto Bill. A petition relating to the same measures has been despatched. Hopes that D. A. Thomas will do his utmost.
He is writing about the Pontymister riot. Cannot get the newspaper report before the magistrates until Monday, but is sending to D. A. Thomas a report of the case at the Assizes. A big demonstration is planned if the sentences are remitted. Has sent a copy of D. A. Thomas's letter to Pontymister where it will be very well received.
Has sent four petitions bearing 9,669 signatures to the Home Secretary together with a statement of facts relating to the Pontymister Riot. Hopes that D. A. Thomas and others can discuss this with the Home Secretary. The men have already been in prison for forty days and have suffered enough.
He has received a letter from the Home Secretary informing him that he has advised the Queen to reduce the term of imprisonment of the Pontymister rioters to four months. He is grateful to D. A. Thomas for his kindness and trouble.
Encloses a copy of the statement of facts on the Pontymister Riots as sent to the Home Secretary. There is a very strong public feeling in the district. It is hoped that D. A. Thomas will be able to help. A letter is also being sent to Mr Albert Spicer MP.
He has searched the Argus file for the report before the magistrates, but it does not go as far as he thought. Discusses the order to charge at the Pontymister Riot. The enclosed paper is not of very much help on this point. He has received a letter from Mr Albert Spicer MP who says that he is meeting D. A. Thomas the same day. There is great anxiety to see the result.
He is grateful to D. A. Thomas for his role in helping to reduce the sentences of the Pontymister rioters. The outcome has been well received locally, and the prisoners and their friends are very grateful to D. A. Thomas.
Drafts of a letter from D. A. Thomas to the press in response to a letter from Thomas Edward Ellis MP as Chief Whip who had accused D. A. Thomas of having brought about the resignation of the last government.
Thomas Edward Ellis acknowledges D. A. Thomas's letter of the 8th and will place the name of William Roberts on the list of candidates for the post of Boatman in HM Customs service. As there is a large number of applicants, however, Roberts is not sure to secure an appointment.
Thanks for D. A. Thomas's letter of introduction to Mr Morley. It is kind of D. A. Thomas to speak of the writer in the way he does. Could D. A. Thomas send a price list so that they do not go to their opponents for coal?.
Gives the resolution passed at a meeting of electors last evening at Carmel, Penrhiwceiber. The resolution supports the action of the 'progressive Welsh Members' and calls Gladstone's attention to the Welsh demand for disestablishment of the Welsh Church.
Thanks for the letter and cheque. Will be delighted to dine with D. A. Thomas at the Grosvenor at Portsmouth on Monday. Explains the purpose of the 'note of warning'; it was meant to underline D. A. Thomas's position as director of the Welsh Demonstration and to stir up the organisations in North and South Wales. The purpose of setting up a Demonstration. Has very little faith in the organising capacity of Richard N. Hall or Frank Llewellyn Jones. Is securing a second reading of the bill enough? The team of speakers is quite strong, but what is Reed's position? The proposed Newtown meeting of the North Wales Liberal Federation.
Regrets not seeing D. A. Thomas last week. Congratulations on his election as President of the Chamber. He was honour bound to support Mr Heywood, but he will give D. A. Thomas all possible assistance.
