Welsh Journals

THE WELSH OUTLOOK NOTES OF THE MONTH Home Rule We find it difficult to believe that for Wales any man, who is not blinded by ignorance or prejudice or both, can defend the present system of central government under which the towns and counties of Wales, in common with those of England, are treated as suburbs of London." The Managing Director of a large company with many branches, who had not learned the secret of adequate delegation, would unhesitatingly be described as inefficient, and what is true of individuals in this respect can fairly be regarded as true of nations. We do not imagine that any wide difference of opinion exists as to the principle of devolution, and many of those who advocate such a reform in the interests of efficiency alone would probably agree to a measure which would have regard to national senti- ment, and be prepared to allow Wales facilities for working out, to some extent, its own political salvation. Difference of opinion is inevitable as to the best means to be adopted, and various opinions are held by men of equal sincerity. On the one hand there are those who suggest the appointment of a Secretary of State for Wales, and this proposal would,we assume, carry with it the formation of separate Boards or Departments with headquarters in the Principality. Clearly the adoption of this reform would be of great benefit in the administration of Welsh affairs, and might result in a fuller measure of self-govern- ment by easy stages. It would not prevent the federal solution of the problem, but it would certainly postpone it. It would not touch the question of legislation, and therefore would effect no relief to the congestion of work in the House of Commons. It would, no doubt, command the support of those who, whilst dissatisfied with the present system, are of opinion that Wales is not yet ripe for APRIL, 1914. self-government, or that other difficulties in the way of a Welsh Parliament are too great at the present time. On the other hand, there are those who favour the scheme of devolution provided for in the Welsh Home Rule Bill which was introduced in the House of Commons by Mr. E. T. John on March 11th. This Bill is similar to that which deals with Ireland, and provides for a complete measure of self-govern- ment, including legislative powers on matters relating exclusively to Wales powers of taxation and powers with regard to the administration of justice. It is not in the least probable that the Bill will be passed in the House of Commons this Session, but its introduction will serve to focus public attention on a problem which is rapidly becoming an urgent one for Wales, and will give Welshmen an excellent opportunity for considering definite suggestions, and for making up their own minds. That decen- tralisation is essential for the best government of our Country we are quite convinced. The Large In gauging the probability of success Farmer for any schemes of agrarian reform and Agrarian the attitude of the large farmer is Reform always a factor which has to be reckoned with. Although he may be one whose margin of profit is not particularly wide, the fact of his farming on a large scale gives him a prestige, which carries with it a potent influence upon his neighbours, in all matters pertaining to agriculture. In most cases he is an unyielding individualist, and has an inveterate antipathy to any form of interference. The bane of agriculture has always been and still is the lack of a sense of corporate unity among farmers. Seldom