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■i SUNDAY LESSONS.

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TO CORRESPONDENTS. )

THE WORCESTER AND HEREFORD…

TESTS FOR PARLIAMENTARY CANDIDATES.

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TESTS FOR PARLIAMENTARY CANDI- DATES. WHEN the Derby ministry came into office, there was a general feeling that free traders must close their ranks," and unite in defence of the great principle of plenty. The national manifestation in behalf of that principle, however, has been so convincing, that already the cause of restriction is abandoned by its sworn champions; and they are almost running a race with each other in announcing their adhesion to a policy which they not long ago stigmatised as the abomination of desolation. It was once remarked of a humourous member of the House of Commons who still sits in St. Stephens, that when a principle gathers around it sufficient strength, those who once denounced it, will run after it, as if it were their grandmother. Of this somewhat odd saying, we have now a most remarkable illustration. But, however gratifying this may be to all who be- lieve in the soundness of a cause which is thus com- manding such general acquiescence, this fact very materially alters the position in which the electors of the United Kingdom are placed. In the first place, we can feel no confidence in men who desert a poli- til creed, not because they believe its principles to be truthful, but because it would peril their chance of party supremacy to be faithful to it. But even if we take it for granted that they will maintain their new position, what ground is there for confiding in such men, with respect to the gene- ral principles upon which legislation is to be con* ducted ? There are many other questions of great importance, besides that which even these parties at length admit, is now settled. It will be the highest folly,then, for any Liberal constituency to be satisfied with a man simply because he professes to be a free trader. No man should find favour who will not give a straightforward elucidation of his principles and intentions. A very suspicious vagueness is the order of the day and the reasons are obvious. The first thing, then, for every constituency, is to bring out the candidate's views. It is a gross insult- a piece of insufferable impertinence—for any man to ask to be placed in the responsible position of a le- gislator, without indicating very clearly what course I n he means to take. Of him who objects to do this, we may safely say, Let no such man be trusted." Then there are are certain leading points by which every candidate should be tested. No man is wor- thy of the support of liberal electors, who will not ad- vocate some extension of the suffrage. We lay down no rule as to the particular extent to which he should go and we should advise the different grades of reformers to avoid splitting upon that rock. But he who is not for some progress, is behind the age, and quite unfitted for the post which he seeks. Again, the Ballot is a measure which it is all im- ^portant for candidates to support, If there be con- stituencies where undue influence is not known, they may naturally be indifferent to it; but in the majo- rity of cases, it is a matter of great moment. There are, of course, degrees of criminality and corruption in vote-mongering but wehave seldom known a per- feet Utopia in this respect. It is not to say that the Ballot would not be efficient. The oppressed elec- tors have a right to demand that it should be tried. Further, no man is entitled to support, who is not really a thorough economist. Many men will repeat parrot phrases about retrenchment," and the re- dress of all acknowledged abuses;" but the way to test them will be to ask what particular savings they mean to promote, and for the redress of what abuses will they vote ? If they cannot point to these, but beat about the bush of vague generalities, they either do not understand the business with which they ask to be entrusted, or mean to hoodwink and delude the "free and independent electors." There are various other points upon which it is desirable for candidate legislators to be closely cate- chised but these are the chief, and men who are thorough-going in these particulars, will be ready and willing to redress various practical grievances, un- der which this fine country suffers. Finally, if any candidate declares himself a supporter of the present government, no reformer need hesitate to bow the gentleman out with a polite negative to his silver- 0 toned application for the honour of your vote and interes'

LOCAL INTELLIGENCE.

I♦ - NEWPORT CATTLE MARKET,…

--DIAGRAM,

| SOUTH WALES RAILWAY TRAFFIC.

[No title]

ARCHID1ACONAL VISITATION.

THE 48TII REGIMENT.

- BRISTOL BANKRUPTCY COURT.

MONMOUTH AND GLAMORGAN BANK.

THE LATE ELECTION FOR THE…

PARTING.

MAGISTRATES' OFFICE, HIGH-STREET,…

TOWX HALL, NEWPORT.—MONDAY.

BRISTOL DISTRICT COURT OF…

ABERCABN.

ABERGAVENNY*.

BASSALLEG.

BLAENAFON.