THE ABERDARE FUND AND THE GOVERNMENT GRANT [To the Editor
of the SPECTATOR.] SIR,—I beg that you will not be downcast over the restrictions as to the incidence of the Government grant. It is in any case not quite as depressing as it might have been, and the Coalfields Distress Funds Committee is quite definitely committed to the recognition of " adoption " schemes. People who talk slightingly of the value of the principle of " adoption " have no conception of the splendid fellowships which have been created in this coalfield, and none of them will vanish in a day. Sweet music—linked sweetness long drawn out—falls upon the ear and seems to pass, but we live in its memory for many a year.
Your readers never gave to win a prize, and the giver with you was always behind the gift. And who would have missed the splendid lay sermons of your Special Commissioner ? You, Sir, and your great contemporary, the Times—greater to-day than ever, as some of us think—have been writing new chapters in the record of journalism, illumined with light more tender, and a spirit nearer to the heart of all things, than we have known for many a day. Was it not Johnson who answered when asked the question, " What is your religion ? " " That, Sir, of every Englishman," " And what may that be ? " " An Englishman never tells." We know now something of the readers of the Spectator, of what sort they are, and what their religion is. May I too quote Scripture and say, " Thou art not far from the Kingdom of God " ?
For the rest you may be assured that we have in the Lord Mayor of Cardiff a very good and understanding friend, and we of the Divisional Committee shall help him all we can to see that the vanguard in their battle shall not lack less recognition than those who came in late. " Every penny of Spectator money to Aberdare—that at least "—that is the assurance, and the more there is of it to earn the grant, the better it will be for others less fortunate than ourselves. The Service Committee is, of course, intact ; the small adjustments are immaterial. We are a cheerful crowd and our faces are turned to the dawn of another spring. " When the best man gives up trying, the world falls back like lead." Tell your readers to go on trying, and we shall do something more, than whistle to keep up our courage.—I am, Sir, &c.,
Previous page
