Welsh Journals

Wales and Armenia. Cymru Unllais. No. SEPTEMBER i6th, 1896. PRICE id. EDITORIAL. " Cymru Unllais " is sent by post to 200 gentlemen in all parts of Wales, all of whom are believed to have shewn active interest in the cause of the Armenian people : and it will be so sent daily, if it is wished for. We do not ask any subscription from these gentlemen, with whom we are proud to be in communication. What we ask for is their judgment as to the cause we advocate. Of the opinion of Bangor we are left in no doubt by the communications we daily receive. Of the opinion of Wales we have no right to speak: but those who receive this circular are well entitled to speak for it in this matter. We ask all to write without delay to express their views : if they are favourable to our undertaking, we shall persevere with it. Movements of this kind are not conducted without expense; but that is at present a secondary consideration. If the people are with us, they will not fail to provide us with means; and we are anxious that none should stand aloof merely because they do not see their way clear to contribute in money. What we need first is the judgment of the heart and intelligence of Wales. Is this a cause Great Britain ought to espouse ? Has it the power if it has the will ? Is it right that Wales should take part in the movement ? There should be no misunderstanding as to what is meant by action. Diplomacy alone is elaborate trifling. The only action possible is the use of the army and navy of Great Britain, at the time and in the manner the Government think best. We propose to give to-morrow more fully the reasons which induce us to think that action in this sense is practicable. We re-print to-day Lord Rosebery's letter. Its trans¬ parent honesty in the disowning of all party movement, and its official character, make it a document of the highest im¬ portance At the same time, we must recognize that it is not the letter of a friend to this movement. Lord Rosebery believes in diplomacy : Mr. Gladstone and all who take part in this movement believe diplomacy to be worse than useless, unless supported by force. Lord Rosebery thinks that Liberals are not called upon to take up the lead : we think that a movement intended to express national confidence in the Government will be meaningless unless the opposition definitely joins in it. There are hundreds to whom any excuse for inaction and indecision will be welcome, and who will rest contented with Lord Rosebery's views. We put it to our readers whether Lord Rosebery has convinced them, and whether they will support the policy of relying on diplomacy. We reprint also the views of Mr. Samuel Smith, M.P., expressed in Parliament on 3rd March, 1896. In accordance with our undertaking we publish to-day forms of memorial suitable for signature. The memorial reaches us from Mr. F, W. Crossley, Manchester, one of the most devoted promoters of the cause. Mr. Gladstone knows his mind. Not only does he favour the " national movement" of which he sees " a glimmering of hope," but he is prepared to take part in it. Every one knows that at his advanced age he will do so at the most serious risk. But this is the only spirit in which the crisis can rightly be approached. Those who make no sacrifice can achieve no result. Of a general movement in Wales we can at present say no more than that we have a "glimmering of hope." Almost everywhere Welshmen are hanging back,' not knowing their own minds, and indulging the empty hope that others will do what is necessary. We hope this state of mind will rapidly pass away. It is possible that working men are very imperfectly in¬ formed of what has really taken place. We should like to see some large town, Wrexham for example, undertaking to issue a short reprint of some of the official accounts of recent massacres, of which, be it always remembered, that of Con¬ stantinople was not the worst. We shall be prepared to arrange for such a reprint if we have friends to circulate it, by preference on a Saturday. The cost will be compara¬ tively trivial. THE MOVEMENT IN WALES. Bangor.—The position is being much thought over. It is being realised that to take action means war : and on the other hand to remain inactive probably means war only a little postponed, and after further terrible events have occurred, in which Englishmen abroad may not be spared. A very large Committee is being brought together, and will meet at the Queen's Head Cafe, on Thursday, at 8. This meeting will be of a most important character, as the resolutions to be proposed at the public meeting will be discussed, and the general feeling of the citizens ascertained. N. B.—Copies of Cymru Unllais will be distributed to members of the Bangor Committee for the next few days, except to any who may express a wish to the contrary. Llandudno.—Copies of Cymru Unllais have been sent to Llandudno, and the daily papers that circulate there contain full reports of the general movement. We hope residents and visitors alike will lose no time in writing to Rev. C. R. Astley to support him. To remain silent now is to incur the gravest responsibility. Rhyl.—Mr. Abel Jones, Chairman of the Rhyl Urban District Council, has received the following memorial, numerously and infiuentially signed: "We, the undersigned, in common with the whole of the people'of this country, having read with horror and dismay of the latest develop¬ ment of the massacre of Armenian Christians, which have culminated in the butchery, at Constantinople, desire you to call a public meeting of the inhabitants of Rhyl to protest against this wholesale assassination, and to urge upon our Government to take immediate steps to prevent any further outrages committed by an irresponsible tyrant." The Chairman has announced his intention to call a meeting at the earliest possible date. This is a good begin¬ ning, but it must be followed up by united and enthusiastic action. All in Rhyl who favour an expression of public opinion should send their names without delay to Mr. Abel Jones, or to Mr. P. Mostyn Williams. Swansea.—A public meeting has been arranged for Sept. 22nd. Ruabon—The members of the Mount Pleasant English Baptist Church, Ponkey, Ruabon, passed the following reso¬ lution at their meeting last night:—" That this meeting hereby expresses its horror and indignation at the continu¬ ance of the heartless cruelties, instigated or permitted and supported by the Sultan of Turkey, and especially the recent slaughter and murder of his Armenian subjects in Constan-