The Welshman

CARDIGANSHIRE ELECTION. The nomination of candidates for the representation of Cardiganshire took place on Saturday last, in the Town Hall, Cardigan. There were two candidates, Sir Thomas Davies Lloyd, Bart., of Bronwydd, and Mr David Davies, of Llandinam, Montgomeryshire. Sir Thomas and his friends arrived in Cardigan at a late hour on Friday night; and Mr Davies and his friends about 8 o'clock on Saturday morning. It was known that both parties were making a close canvass, and would go to the poll whatever the result. A good deal of interest was, therefore, felt in the contest, but every- thing passed off in an orderly and peaceable manner, to the infinite credit of the two candidates and their more active supporters. The doors of the hall were thrown open at 11 o'clock, and the room which is by no means suitable for such an occasion, was soon uncomfortably filled. There was a very large attendance of ladies, in favour of Sir Thomas Lloyd, who had enlisted their sympathies and their invaluable support. The ladies were ad- mitted at an earlier hour. No notice was taken of Mr Davies's entrance, but when Sir Thomas appeared the greater part of the audience greeted him with hearty cheers. The writ having been read, and other preliminaries observed, The High Sheriff stated that they were assembled for the purpose of electing a fit and proper person to repre- sent the County of Cardigan in Parliament. He was glad to see so numerous an attendance, and particularly of the fair sex without whom they could not get on very well. This showed the great interest that was felt throughout the county in the election of a member to serve them in Parliament. As High Sheriff it was not for him to say one word respecting the candidates, to whom they would no doubt give a fair hearin He would now call upon them to nominate the candidates. Mr Jones, of Llwyngroes, who was received with cheers, said-I beg to nominate Mr David Davies, of Llandinam, as a fit and proper person to represent the county of Cardigan in Parliament, (cheers.) Mr Davies is well known as a keen, shrewd, energetic man of busi- ness, who has raised himself by his own industry and labour from a low step in the social ladder to the high position he now holds in the commercial and railway world, where he stands second to none in ability and practical intelligence. (Cheers.) I have had the plea- sure of knowing Mr Davies for some time, and I have no hesitation in saying that he is an honest, upright,straight- forward and honourable man (cheers.) He has already a great interest in our county, and if we only return him to Parliament, he will do all in his power to deve- lop the resources of the county by piercing it with rail- ways-by opening up our ports-by supporting our public works-by turning the attention of his brother capitalists to our inexhaustible mines and quarries and by otherwise devoting his best energies in doing all he can for our local interests, (cheers.) I am glad to find that Mr Davies is a popular man in this county, but some people will say small things during occasions like the present. They say for instance, that Mr Davies is no scholar and that he could not make an effective speech in the House of Commons in support of any measure, and therefore we ought not to support him. As I have already told you Mr Davies is a self-made and self-taught man, who has been so busy all his time in making railways and in attending to other things, that he has not, I am free to admit, taken a degree at either of our Universities and I do not pretend to say that he is altogether so polished and finished a scholar as the honourable baronet opposite, but for all practical learn- ing-for the learning of every day life,—for a thorough knowledge of details in business matters, he will bear favourable comparison with any. gentleman who is re- turned to Parliament in the Principality, or indeed in any other part of the united kingdom. (Cheers.) A great proportion of the real business of the House of Commons is done in Committee, and there, I take it, no one will deny that Mr Davies would distinguish himself. His great commercial experience-his prac- tical knowledge—his thorough business habits would enable him to do his duty there with credit to himself and honour to his constituents. (Cheers). Mr Davies has been blamed for making a division in the Liberal cause in this county. Well, there certainly has been a division, and I ask you calmly to consider who is the real offender in this case and who is to be blamed ? and whether Sir Thomas Lloyd, to whom we had looked up as the champion of the Liberal cause in this county, has treated us well and fairly ? and whether he has come out like a good and a true man in this cause on this occasion ? and whether we ought not to work heart and soul for Mr Davies, for exposing the little compact that we know of, and coming to the rescue in the face of the greatest disad- vantages ? (Cheers.) You know all the circumstances and I leave the judgment with confidence in your hands. Mr Davies is a man of the people, and knows their wants. He is a thorough Liberal, and not likely to waver in his politics. He is a man of great wealth and ready to spend a good deal of it in this county. (Cheers.) And, now, gentlemen if you back him as you ought to do, I have no doubt we shall return Mr Davies by an overwhelming majority. (Loud cheering.) Mr Jenkin Thomas, Llaithliw, seconded the nomi- nation. Mr J. Pugh Pryse, Bwlchbychan, said—I am placed to day in a position, which I occupy with the greatest pleasure, to nominate a fit and proper person to repre- sent the county of Cardigan in Parliament. I think when I name Sir Thomas Davies Lloyd, Bart, of Bron- wydd, you will all agree with me that I could not have brought to your notice a more proper or fit person to represent us in Parliament. (Cheers.) He is a man, many of us have known from his cradle. His family have for centuries been connected with this county. (Cheers.) Having a large estate in this county, his interests must be the same as ours, and we can, therefore, the more readily believe that he will look to our own interests, for they arc really identical with his own. (Cheers.) I think, too, when we have fit and proper persons in the county, thoroughlv able and willing to represent us in the House 1:1 of. Com- mons, we should not look for strangers to do so. (Hear, hear.) Mr Davies is no doubt a good practical man of business, but until about twelve months ago he was almost unknown to us, and you may rely upon it, that Mr Davies did not come into Carmarthenshire and Cardiganshire merely for our sakes. (Laughter and applause). If he had not found it practicable to bring the railway through these counties we should most probably never have seen Mr Davies here, (Cheers.) My friend, Mr Jones, has made allusion to the division in the Liberal interests of the county, and taunts my worthy friend Sir Thomas Lloyd, for causing it. I will call to his remembrance the fact, and I tell you that it is not twelve months since Mr Jones, and his party, fully intended to support Sir Thomas. I know that for a positive fact, (Cheers,) Now, gentlemen, I think it most unfair and unjust to Sir Thomas, after giving him that promise, and thereby deluding him with the idea i. 11 -L 1 u ..L .L ..L 1- T. 1 1 mat ne was me cnosen representative 01 me ljioerai interests of the county-I say it is unjust and unfair to him now to turn your backs on him and to give your support to a stranger. (Cheers.) I really think the taunt should more properly be thrown on the other side. (Cheers.) There have been some allusions in one of our local papers to Sir Thomas's political views. Now, so far as I am concerned, if I had any doubt whatever on that point, I would not have come here to propose him. You know my family and their politics well, and for half a century you have never known one of us swerve from a straight line, and I will tell you more, you have never known a Pryse to turn from nis word. (Loud cheering.) And, I promised Sir Thomas Lloyd my full and unconditional support, and I am here to-day in fulfilment of that promise. (Cheers.) I am here to-day, to show you that I will keep my pro- mise—that I will not turn my back on Sir Thomas, who from the promise I gave him in common with others, has been induced to come forward to represent this county. (Cheers.) Gentlemen, I do not mean to throw him over for any one. I think Mr Jones had much better have left that subject without touching upon it. (Cheers). Mr Jones, too, referred to Mr Davies's politics, and said that he was a thorough Liberal, and not likely to change. I rather think Mr Jones should look back, if I am correctly informed, for I am told that Mr Davies has supported to the utmost of his power, what is known here as a Red or Tory. (Laughter and cheers.) If I am misinformed, I hope some gentleman on the other side will correct me. But if that is really the case what confidence can we have in such a man who comes forward now in the Liberal interest, and says he is not only a blue- but blue to every hair on his head. (Laughter and cheers.) I do not know exactly how that is effected. I wish I did, for such a transformation would mate- rially assist me in my canvass. This has now become not only a matter of politics, but a personal matter between us all. The question is shall our county be represented by a stranger or by one of ourselves—a man belonging to the county ? I call upon you all to give Sir Thomas Lloyd your unconditional support. Let us return him by a large majority. (Cheers.) I am glad to see so large an attendance of the fair sex, and I trust we shall have their support. I am a mar- ried man, and know what influence the ladies have. (Cheers.) And if they only use it judiciously, no man can do half as much as one lady. (Laughter and cheers.) Mr Pryse then spoke for a few minutes in Welsh, urging the electors to vote for Sir Thomas Lloyd, as a thorough Liberal and a resident gentleman. Mr T. O. Morgan, Aberystwith, said-I have great pleasure in seconding the nomination made by Mr Pugh Pryse. Sir Thomas Lloyd is a gentleman you are in the habit of seeing here frequently on the jury, at our Assizes, and sitting on the bench as a magi- strate. He is in fact well known to us all. (Cheers.) I should perhaps state that I accompanied Sir Thomas in his canvass through the upper parts of this county, and that he was very successful there. I would also unhesitatingly state that we found a strong feeling in those parts of the county against Mr Davies. I heard strong language used by some persons with whom we came into contact. They said they should consider the county everlastingly disgraced if we send an unedu- cated man to the great senate of this country. (Hisses and cheers.) I have a perfect right as an independent elector to make that statement. (Hisses and cheers.) That was what I heard—that was the feeling I met with. I know something of the nature of the duties that de- volve on the persons who have the honour to make our laws, and I can assure you it requires a man of first-rate education and abilities. This is an unfortunate divi- sion in the Liberal party, and those who wish well to it will certainly deplore what has occurred. It has certainly not been done by the gentleman whose nomi- nation I have the honour of seconding, for he has been forced into this contest. There are some who attempt to make a charge of that sort, but I indignantly re- pudiate it. (Cheers.) I have no doubt if the pro- mises made are adhered to, we shall see one of our own county gentlemen—belonging to an old and respected Liberal family-returned as our Member. (Cheers.) But if those promises are broken, and Mr Davies is returned, this county will become a bye-word, and we shall everywhere be laughell at. (Hisses and cheers.) Mr Davies, who was received with cheers, said —The strangest feature in this contest is, that this county, which for generations has been in the hands of the Conservatives, is now contested by two Liberals. This bothers old England, with all its learning, and we may depend upon it, that England has its eye wide open to the result of this contest. (Hear, hear). I wish in the com- mencement of my address, out of good feeling to my brother candidate, and the ladies connected with him, many of whom I am glad to see present, to state that I do not intend to use any harsh language, although I am a bit tempted to do so, but I will avoid it, as it would not be prudent for me to go on in that strain. (Cheers.) I need not tell you that this end of the county is Sir Thomas Lloyd's, and that the other, which is the most numerous, is my end of the county. But I will leave that part of the story to Sir Thomas, who will tell you all about it more effectively than I can. I have no doubt that you, in this end of the county, will believe him before me. However, I am quite satisfied to leave the matter entirely in his hands, and I will at once go into some of the facts connected with the contest. And, in the first place, let me tell you that I have a warm heart, and that I was a warm supporter of Sir Thomas Lloyd this day month. (Cheers.) I will give you the exact words I made use of when I first heard that the honourable Baronet was a candidate for the representation of the county. I made a few inquires of my friend Mr Szlumper, the bridge sur- veyor for the county, and one of my engineers, because I really did not know Sir Thomas at that time. In fact I had never heard his name before. Well, in reply to my inquiries, Mr Szlumper said Sir Thomas Lloyd is a gentleman all over, but he is rather shy." (Laughter.) I tell you candidly and honestly what occurred. (Hear, hear.) I said" Well, if that's his only fault-if there is nothing worse—I'll tell you what we'll do, we will take him by the arm and bring him in on a canter against a dozen Tories." (Cheers and laughter.) Sir Thomas you see was then my best friend-or rather I was his best friend. But you may say,, how strange it is, things are now so turned that I am Sir Thomas's opponent. I will explain all that by and by, for this is to be a hard contest. You must bear with me, ladies and gentlemen, if I am not quite so fluent and connected in my remarks as I should like to be, as I have not been in bed last night, so resolutely am I engaged in this contest. But then you have been told by the gentleman, who seconded the nomination of my honourable opponent, that I am an ignorant fellow. He had no occasion to say anything on that question, if we might judge from his remarks to-day, which were I certainly not very fluent (Laughter and cheers, Mr T. 0. Morgan having spoken with considerable diffi- culty and hesitation i. To make matters short I will proceed with the story, as I am anxious to be away, having to address a meeting to night in the extreme end of the county. On Friday fortnight I was going from Pontrhydfendigaed to Tregaron, with my friend Mr Szlumper. At Tregaron we waited for a change of horses, and there we saw the WELSHMAN of that day, a paper which Mr Szlumper thinks a good deal about, but for myself I have very little time to read the papers. After looking through the WELSHMAN for a moment or two, Mr Szlumper says. Look, here, Mr Davies, Sir Thomas Lloyd has retired in favour of Col. Powell." We then read through Sir Thomas's address and found that on account of a promise he made to Col. Powell, he would not oppose the Colonel, whose health was sufficiently restored to warrant him, so it was said, in seeking re election. Now it seemed to me that this was all a compact, for the ,Colonel did not want to retain his seat, and that lie was induced to hold it on suff ranee to put in a Tory at some other time. (Cheers.) I am a Welshman, ladies and gentlemen, and as I thought of these things I felt my Welsh blood warming within me, and I asked, Can nothing be done ? I began to feel that I had myself a duty to perform in this emergency, and as we drove from Tregaron to Lampeter we talked over the matter. My own conviction was that a Liberal could be returned if put up against Col Powell; but I was not satisfied with my own conviction, and I requested Mr Szlumper to communicate with Mr Jones, of Llwyn- groes, a gentleman who I knew had the great Liberal cause at heart. (Cheers.) I had met Mr Jones on railway Committees, in London, and knew what sort of a man he was. I had confidence in him, and I said to Mr Szlumper, Let us consult Mr Jones, and ask him if a good Liberal is brought forward, not lacking in anything, will he support him." It was then Satur- day, and I was in Lampeter. I went on that day to Tenby, and on Sunday I received some letters, one of which I knew was from Mr Szlumper; but interested as I was I did not open it, for I never open any letters on Sunday. (Laughter, and "oh! oh!!) It is oh! oh!! is it; perhaps so, and however much you may cry out ch! oh!! and laugh at me, I tell you as a matter of fact that, on principle, I never open any letters on Sun- day. (Hear, hear.) On Monday morning another letter came from Mr Szlumper, and I then opened the two, and they gave me the answer from Mr Jones I had looked for. In effect it was, If Mr Davies brings forward a thorough good Liberal, whom we can de- pend upon-a man who will not turn his back on us, I will get into my saddle at once, and not leave it again until we return him." That, ladies and gentlemen, was the answer I had from Mr Jones. (Cheers.) So far no one knew who it was I intended to bring for- ward. I assure you that when I entered the house at Tregaron 0.1 the previous Friday, where I saw the WELSHMAN, I had no more intention of offering myself for election, than I have now of going to the sun before night. I felt disappointed, irritated, annoyed at the retirement of Sir Thomas Lloyd, who I considered had abandoned the Liberal cause to serve a Tory compact. (Cheers.) Well, on Monday, I felt that I had some one to consult, whose consent was important, for my wife was at Tenby. (Laughter.) She is a loving, dear soul. (Renewed laughter.) I always feel my heart warm when I see her. (Con- tinued laughter.) It is indeed so, and I said to her, Margaret, do you know, I have a good mind to offer myself as a candidate for the representation of Cardi- ganshire; there are lots of old Methodists there who will stick to us like bricks." (Koars 01 laugiater.) Sue said I don't mind if you do, but you must not begin unless you are pretty sure of being returned, for I do not like the idea, my dear, of your being beaten That is so like her. (Cheers and laughter.) I said that I would at once set about, calculating my chances of success; and I determined, if I began, to set about it altogether in a business-like way. I then made my calculation and came to the resolution that I would contest the county against Col. Powell. (Cheers.) My wife and I then started for Aberdare and went on from there to Llandinam, where I left my wife on the platform, and went myself to Aberystwith. To my astonishment I there met Mr Richard, who was then canvassing on his own behalf. I said to myself This is really very strange but it shows me very clearly that I have been on the right track." The people in London had found what was up, their attention had been drawn to the compact, and Mr Richard was in the field. So far I was right. (Cheers.) I thought it would be cowardly for two jolly Liberals to fight an invalid Tory one of us must retire. I told them we should go about this contest in a straighforward manly way, and then whatever the result we should have nothing to be ashamed of. (Cheers.) I offered to leave the selection of a candidate to a committee chosen equally from our friends and sup- porters. It was not honourable—it was not fair that two Liberals in the full exercise of their physical powers should fight a Tory, and he an invalid. Only one condition I attached to this proposal, that if Mi- Richard was selected, we should give him a guarantee to carry him through the contest, finding the elements of war, for there would surely be a fight. (Cheers.) That was agreed upon, and the meeting took place at Aberayron. This was all on Tuesday, and the meeting was on Wednesday. B ut on Wednesday it was reporte d that Sir Thomas Lloyd was a candidate. There were then three Liberals in the field. This was monstrous. Mr Richard came to the meeting volunteering to retire in favour of Sir Thomas, and he asked the committee to recommend me to do the same thing. No," I said. I cannot do that." (Cheers.) I felt annoyed that Mr Richard and his friends should retire in this way, asking us all to support Sir Thomas. I saw at once there would be a split in the Liberal camp, and I said, If I must fight I will fight like a man, and if I pull two heavy waggons after me, the greater my honour if I win." (Cheers.) These remarks have been misunderstood. The reference was to a railway engine-in fact an old engine that I have which can draw after her twenty or thirty waggons, with sixty or seventy tons, and I described this fine old engine at work. Her old cranks move majestically. I mentioned this and showed the action of the cranks, and out of doors it was said I was fightable. and wanted to box. (Laughter and cheers.) I ought to have mentioned that Sir Thomas Lloyd was represented at Aberayron by Mr George, his agent, and I advised him kindly to tell Sir Thomas who he had to contend with, and that I really meant it. (Cheers.) Here we are then in the thick of a contest. Sir Thomas, in a letter to the constituents, asking for their support, regrets that he had no time to see them all personally. Oh! oh!" thought I, "if that is the way in which you are going to work, the victory must be mine, for I shall see them nearly all, and the result is I have made their love from one end of the county to the other, except in a little corner in this immediate district, but I have been received here better than I expected. I put down opposite Cardigan kicked out from here." (Laugh- ter.) That was my calculation; but I have not been kicked out, you have received me in a most flattering way. (Cheers.) If Sir Thomas had consulted the ladies they would have told him it would be of no use to send those dry letters to the constituents, in order to gain their affections and their votes. I wonder he did not remember his early days, for he must then have known that a dry letter was not the way to make love. (Laughter.) When I was myself young I tried letters, but the darling of my heart cared little for them. (Roars of laughter.) You know that is the case every- where. When a lady receives a cold letter from her lover, she tears it up and throws it to the four winds of heaven, and then when the rival comes, although per- haps not liked as well, he is received with favour and is happy with his arm around his darling. (Con- tinued laughter). Seriously, a letter is not the way to win love or votes. And what has been the result in this case ? Sir Thomas will tell you that I have won the affections of the people. I say all this with the greatest respect for the honourable baronet, who is a gentleman all over. (Cheers.) I am told that I am a stranger in the county. Now, I think that is going rather too far. Why, I am well known throughout the country as David Davies, of Wales. In the Parliamentary Committee Rooms David Davies has made them merry for three or four hours after a weary and dull time of it. And yet I am a stranger. Now that is really too bad, isn't it ? (Laughter and cheers.) Why, I live much nearer to the more populous, and therefore the more influential part of the county politi- cally, than my honourable opponent does. (Cheers.) I am within a ride of- an hour and a half from it, and I hope in the course of a year to be an hour s ride only from it. (Cheers.) Besides, I live among the people, I am one of the people, and the people know and trust me. Everywhere in my canvass the people say to 1fle We know you my boy, but we don't know Mr Thomas Lloyd." This is what the common people'say, who do not know that my opponent is a baronet, and should be called Sir Thomas. (Laughter, and cheers.) And they say further, We don't want to know him; you are one of us and we will carry you through. Some persons say the people here are all religious. I wish they were, but some of them are not religious, for they swore they would take me by God to Parliament for fear the old Tories would carry me off. Ladies & gentlemen, that is not religion, and I mention the circumstance only to show you how warmly the people enter upon this contest. (Cheers.) I am told by some, that I am an ignorant fellow-that I cannot write my name-that I do not understand the English language. Well, per- haps I do not understand English, but if you send me to the House of Commons, when your interests or the interests of the public require it, I will be heard, or there will be a jolly row in the House. (Laughter and cheers). Another gentleman, connected with the law I suppose, says "Davies knows nothing about the making of the laws, but if we sent Sir Thomas to Parliament he knows all about it." (Laughter). A member of Parliament is not required to take up a pen and write out the laws for the Government of the country. That is not the way in which the laws are made. A bill is framed by com- petent men and it consists of clauses, and those clauses affect the people of this country, and who so likely to see that they are properly drawn as the man who under- stands the people—who has lived amongst them-who is one of themselves and knows their wants. (Cheers.) Now, gentlemen, I maintain that I know the people- that I am one of the people, and I am not ashamed to own that my father never paid more than sixpence a week for my schooling when a boy. I leave you to judge whether I have not made the best of that. (Cheers). Suppose many before me had never had any better schooling than I was favoured with, what would they have been now ? I employ at this moment about three thousand men in this country, and I tell you that I know them-that I know the people well. I would not care if those three thousand men were here now and heard me speak. I could appeal to them and say Jack, Harry, Tom, Bill, have I ever done you any injury, have I ever done you any injustice, have I ever been guilty of a shabby act to one of you ?" I know that those three thousand men with one great voice would say, No, never." (Loud cheering), How many employers of labour can thus appeal to those who work for them ? I now leave these matters in the hands of the electors in this county, who must judge whether I am a fit and proper person to represent them in Parliament. (Cheers). I tell you further that I will undertake to do what has never hitherto been done in this county: If you send me to Parliament I wil come here to this hall after every session, and give you an account of my stewardship, for I should then be your servant. I would also visit the other parts of the county in the same way. You would of course watch my proceedings pretty closely and when the session was over, I would come down and talk over the busi- ness of the session with you in a straightforward man- ner. (Cheers). And if you found fault with me I would in the next session do better. In this way I would go through the county, and as we say in railway matters, I would then strike an average of the people's wants and opinions. (Cheers.) Well gentlemen, if you have confidence in me vote for me, I do not want to show any bitterness towards my opponents; nor, in- deed, can I afford to do so, for if I cannot go through this contest in a straightforward, gentlemanly way, I would a thousand times rather never have entered upon it. (Cheers). I am glad to see so many ladies present and if I have said anything amiss, I he to apologise to them, for I fear I have said some thmgs forced upon me by the remarks which were made in seconding Sir Thomas Lloyd. (Hear, hcal*)- I now leave the matter in vour hands, and It is for you to say which of us you think the most able to represent yoq in Parliament. (Cheers). Mr T. O. Morgan rose and was understood to ay, amidst much confusion, that in speaking of Mr as an uneducated man not fit to represent the coinly, he was merely stating what others said in that part of the county he had visited in company with Sir Thomas Lloyd. Sir Thomas Llovd who was received with cheers, said—I beg leave to follow suit in the comp"'?'"s which have been paid to the fair sex on the present occasion. I am gratified by their attendance and hope to enlist their sympathies. I wish to preface my re- marks by presenting to you a statement of  I am anxious to make it perfectly clear to you tha I am not altogether responsible for having put the c ^y to the turmoil of a political contest. Years ago I a- nounced my intention of coming forward as a cayl" date for the representation of this county, in the event of Col. Powell's retirement. That has been for the last two years announced month after month, and week after week, in the local papers. And to-day come forward to fulfil my promise. (Cheers). 1 1 laying before you a bare statement of facts. and ,I pledge my honour as a gentleman that they P r- rl fectiv true. (Hear, hear). I never intenueu- v turb Col. Powell in the representation of the county, ?l? I said so. Col. Powell was himself returned under somewhat peculiar circumstances, and although at the contest he was supported by a section of the Conserv^ a- tives his seat was virtually secured by the ad?hes"ion of the Liberals. And, upon inquiries being made J me twelve months ago I found that an attempt to contest the county with Col. Powell would not be favom a > y received by the Liberals in the northern par, of the county. this being the case, when a dissolution of Parliament was imminent, I wrote to Col. Powen ask- ing him what he intended to do, and stating that 1 he retired I should come forward as a candidate in support of Lord Palmerston's Government. (Hear, hear.) An interval of some days elapsed before I received a reply from Col Powell. At last an answer came to the effect that Col. Powell's health was so much improved that he intended to offer himself for re-election. Upon- this I immediately wrote to the local papers stating that as Colonel Powell had intimated his intention not to re- sign in consequence of his improved health, I was precluded from becoming a candidate. Mr David Davies, my oppenent, very handsomely mentions in his address that he highly appreciates the feeling I exhibi- ted towards Col. Powell. (Cheers.) That is so far per- fectly clear, then. Another interval of a week or more elapsed, when on Wednesday night week, at half-past nine o'clock, a special messenger arrived at Bronwydd with a packet from Col Powell, informing me that having understood he was to be opposed by Mr Davies he would resign his seat, as his health would not justify his entering upon a contest, at the same time offering me his support provided a Conservative candidate did not come forward. (Cheers.) At that time I bad no more intention of offering myself for the representation of Cardiganshire than I have now of offering myself for Yorkshire. Gentlemen, I have been accused of delay in coming forward, but as this messenger returned wIth my answer to Col. Powell, at ten o'clock that same night, the delay resolves itself merely into a question of half-an-hour. (Cheers ) So early was my intention known the next day—Thursday, that at 12 o'clock two gentlemen called on me, the Rev Mr Hare, the minister of a religious denomination in London, a perfect stranger to me, accompanied by Mr Samuel Morris, or Rhydlewis. Mr Hare introduced himself to me as the personal friend of Mr Richard, who is also personally unknown to me. Mr Hare told me on behalf of Mr Richard, that having understood I was now a candidate Mr Richards waived all claim he might have in rriy favour. (Cheers.) One allusion only was made to politics. I believe Mr Richard is connected with a certain society in London, and one question, and only one question was asked me by Mr Hare. He inquired, Are you prepared to vote for the total abolition of church rates ?" I replied that I was, and he said, That is quite enough." (Cheers.) Mr Hare and Mr Morris then retired and went to Aberavron, where the political meeting, composed of the friends of Mr Davies and Mr Richards took place. I cannot tell you what occurred in that meeting for I was not present, but Mr Davies determined to go on with the contest. (Cheers.) I wish to speak with the utmost respect of Mr Davies. (Cheers.) I honour the man who has raised himself to wealth and position by his own unaided exertions, and by the exhibition of the great qualities of industry, perseverance, and enterprise, (Cheers,) And I beg it to be clearly understood that I waive all considerations of position on this occasion, for after all Burns is quite right— The rank is but the guinea stamp, "A man's a man for 'a that." I must, however, set up some claim to your support on the ground that I reside amongst you and am a freehol- der. Indeed, these are grounds upon which my opponent cannot claim your suffrages. (Cheers.) Gentlemen, there is no doubt that an enterprising railway contrac- tor is a very useful member of society, and deserves our support. Mr. Davies claims some credit to himself for introducing the railway into this county, and I am quite willing to give him his full meed of praise, but at the same time it must not be supposed that he did so wholly from patriotic and disinterested motives, for he sees looming in the distance the prospect of a good dividend. (Laughter and cheers.) In fact, we could not expect otherwise of Mr David Davies, and even his enemies, if he has any, would not wish him to throw away the money he has earned in unremunera- tive schemes. Mr Davies is not a freeholder in the county, and it struck me this morning, gentlemen, as rather curious, considering Mr Davies's position here, that if I had, instead of issuing an address to the electors of Cardiganshire, addressed the electors of Montgomeryshire, what would have been my reception in that county ? I might have visited the great houses there-Lord Powis, Lord Vane, and Sir W. Wynn, and other big wigs, as well as the electors, and the first question asked would be, Who, is this Lloyd, and what business has he in this county?" I should no doubt have been received with the cold shoulder, and politely bowed out of the county. (Laughter and cheers.) Gentlemen, I have been called a shy man, and perhaps I am, but if I had been offered a thousand pounds, I could not have mustered up brass enough to canvass the county of Montgomery as a stranger. (A Voice Send Mr Davies there.") I admit that shy- ness is a disqualification in a candidate for Parliamen- tary honours, and I only wish I had a little more brass. (Laughter.) Gentlemen, I should not be doing justice to my own feelings, nor to the feelings of others, if I omitted to notice the honourable conduct of that great party, so conspicuously represented on this occasion- I mean the great Conservative party. Seeing the split in the Liberal camp they might easily have taken advantage of it. and put in their man, and I am sur- prised they did not do it. However, when on a former occasion there was a contest between two Conserva- tives, I would not be a party to getting in on those terms. (Cheers.) I, for one, would have scorned to take advantage of that split, and I am proud to see that the Conservative party on this occasion have risen superior to party claims, and given me their honour- able support, although a great difference of opinion exists between us. (Hear, hear.) Undoubtedly this country must be governed by party, and it is but fair that each party should have its turn in office, and I can only say that when the wheel of fortune brings Lord Derby into power I would not offer him any fac- tions opposition, but would support any measure his government might bring forward if for the general benefit of the country, imitating the generous policy -exhibited by the Conservatives on many occasions in an emergency almost approaching the character of a great party conflict. (Cheers.) Gentlemen, I under- stand that Mr Davies has been brought forward on this occasion principally by the Calvinistic Methodists. I have always felt the greatest respect for that body, and my family, too, have done them many good turns in the past, and in spite of the present contest I am quite prepared to do the same for them in the future without any reference to this contest or its result. (Cheers.) I have at times been asked to renew leases which have expired, and lately to grant a piece of ground for a chapel. (Cheers.) I have gladly done these things at different times, and I will not alter my course of com duct. Why, it is only about six months ago since I renewed the lease of a chapel in my own neighbour- hood, and it gave me very great pleasure to do so. (Cheers.) Gentlemen, I am a churchman—a most earnest, churchman, but I am perfectly prepared to stand for the right of free thought, in all those who conscientiously differ from the church, and for the removal of any civil disabilities they may fairly com- plain of. (Cheers.) I am a Liberal, but a moderate one, determined to stand by the old institutions of the country—to adhere to our venerable monarchy—and to maintain unimpaired the union of Church and State. I have an important witness in my favour on this point. I was present a month ago in the House of Commons when the debate on the University (Oxford) Tests Bill was going on. I then heard no less a person than Mr Foster, the member for Bradford, say that he was a Non-Conformist and the son of a Non-Conformist, and he regretted very much that he had not enjoyed the advantage of a University education. He said, too, that under the peculiar constitution of England and the peculiar relations of society, and the various ano- malies handed down to us for so many generations, that he considered the parochial system the best system for England, and that a resident clergyman in each parish was beneficial to the country at large. (Cheers.) Mr Davies and I agree in our promise to support Lord Palmerston's Government, and it is almost presumptive in me to tread on the heels of so many great statesmen, especially Mr Gladstone, who have so ably advocated the noble Viscount's policy. The principal difference between Lord Palmerston and Lord Derby is in their foreign policy, and I must myself say that I am in favour of an intimate alliance between France and England as opposed to the old policy of England, which under the provisions of the Treaty of Vienna, adhered more especially to a close alliance with the German and Northern powers. With regard to Italy I think it is owing to the wise policy and the non- interference advocated by Lord Palmerston that we to- day see the great spectacle of an united Italy. (Cheers.) With regard to Denmark I must say that my sympathies were entirely enlisted in favour of the gallant Danes, for it seemed to me that the con- duct of Prussia resembled that of a big bully towards a little boy in a public school, and if England had ever gone to war for an idea she might have done so fairly on behalf of the Danes. But wiser counsels prevailed, and I am glad the peace of England has not been disturbed. (Cheers.) Gentlemen, with respect to Ame- rica, I trust all of you will acknowledge that we did wisely to maintain a strict neutrality, for had we recog- nised the South it never would have become an inde- pendent nation. Gentlemen, I cannot leave the Ame- rican question without paying a tribute of respect to the memory of that great man, Abraham Lincoln, who seemed to me to represent the words of the Latin poet, Equant memento rebus in arduis non secus in bonusHe was never elated by prosperity, nor depressed by ad- versity. (Cheers. I only hope Andrew Johnson will tread in the footsteps of Abraham Lincoln. I believe that nothing would shock the feelings of the English people more than harsh measures towards Jefferson Davis, and the other leaders of the South. (Cheers.) The United States may be really united in the course or years only on one condition—i.uat 01 conciliation based on prudence. (Cheers.) The financial policy of Lord Palmerston has been immensely success- ful. When Mr Gladstone came into office he found a deficiency of £ 4,000,000 which he has converted into a still increasing yearly surplus. The national expen- diture has within the last six years been reduced k3,000,000 and taxes have been taken off to the extent of £ 10,000,000, and £ 11,000,000 of the National debt has been paid off. (Cheers.) Gentlemen I fully believe the policy of the Liberal party is confidence in the people tempered by prudence. (Cheers.) I am opposed to the ballot because I think the franchise a trust, which should be exercised by the franchised on behalf of the unenfranchised in open day. (Cheers.) The fran- chise is a trust and not an inheritance, and I am in favour of its moderate extension to the best portions of the artizan class. The more we widen the basis of society the stronger the edifice becomes, but the foun- dation must be sound. (Cheers.) I must remind my friends that my opponent is a formidable man and my position in regard to him reminds me of some lines in Hudibras- Ah wo3 is me, the perils that environ The man who meddles with cold iron." (Laughter and Cheers.) Sir Thomas then addressed the electors in Welsh with effect. Mr Mitchell, solicitor, said—As an elector for the county of Cardigan I claim a right to put some ques- tions to the candidates. In the first place I should like to ask Mr Davies to declare his policy with respect to the separation of Church and State. Mr Davies-The period when the question of sepe- rating Church and State will come before Parliament is so remote, that it is hardly fair to ask for my opin- ion. Mr Mitchell—I require a directf answer to my ques- tion. Mr Davies—You are too soon. Mr Mitchell—Did you not the other night at a public meeting in this county, declare that you would vote for the separation of Church and State ? Mr Davies—The question is not likely to come before Parliament in my time. Mr Mitchell—Am I to understand that if you are returned to Parliament and the question is brought on in the course of the next session, that you would vote for the separation ? Mr Davies Yes, if such a bill were brought in, I would vote for it, but you should not separate this part of my answer from the fact that the introduction of such a bill is most improbable, and I will further tell you that I should not bring it in. Mr Mitchell—1 am quite satisfied with Mr Davies's answer and 1 should now like to ask Sir Thomas Lloyd whether he is prepared, if returned, to support a Liberal or a Conservative Government, in the event of Lord Palmerston's retirement. Sir Thomas Lloyd-I should most certainly support a Liberal Government, but I would not be blinded by party ties. I believe the Government of this country must be carried on by party, and each party must have its turn in office, and when Lord Derby comes in I would give every good measure he introduces my sup- port. I would offer him no factious opposition. I approved of much that was in Lord Derby's Reform Bill. Mr W, 0, Brigtoçke, Gellydywyll-No reference having been made to the Ballot by the candidates, I should feel obliged if they would tell us what their views are on that subject? Sir Thomas Lloyd-I am decidedly opposed to the Ballot. I look upon the franchise as a trust, not an inheritance, and it should be exercised in open day. It is a mistake, I believe, to suppose that the ballot secures secret voting. Your experience will tell you that not one man in a hundred can keep a secret, and only one woman in a thousand. [Laughter.] Every man tells his wife secrets, and every wife tells her friends under a promise of inviolable secrecy, & as a mat- ter of course, it is no sooner made than broken. Thus everyman's vote would be known. This is, you will I am sure agree with me, a true picture of everyday life. [Cheers and laughter.] Mr Davies-I have been opposed to the ballot, and in my canvass I have been talked to more on that point than ever before, but I stick to my old arguments which I still regard as unanswerable. I say the Liberal wants the ballot to carry those measures in the dark which he cannot carry in the light and the Conservative is afraid of it because the Liberal is sure to carry his measures in the dark. I think this country is too enlightened -too far advanced to require the ballot. [Cheers.] We must now carry our measures because they are good. We want and must have measures of liberty and freedom, and they must be carried in the light. [Cheers.] But it will depend on this election whether I shall, if returned, support the ballot or not. [" Oh !■.oh and cheers.] I will give you my reason for it. There seems to be an element in existence in this county that I knew nothing of. The constituents tell me they are not free agents politically. That there are noblemen and gentlemen in this county who-will count the votes of their tenantry, as the farmer counts his black cattle. [Cheers.] That is the kind of thing that calls for the ballot, and if there is any good in the ballot it is to prevent this servile, cruel counting. I do not say it is so. I tell you what I hear. [Hear, hear.] All I can say as a man is that if any nobleman inter- feres with the free and independent action of the elec- tors, he is guilty of mean, shabby, degrading conduct. [Cheers.] I say it is shabby and degrading in the ex- treme for any one to take away the privilege given by law to the elector of recording his vote as his con- science dictates. (Cheers). I cannot believe that any nobleman or gentleman in this county would be guilty of such conduct, but I have heard it more than a dozen times that there are. I have said, and I again say to the electors, 11 Give your votes honestly and I will stand by you and protect you from harm. Let us join to crush this intimidation by the light of day." (Cheers.) We are too far advanced, I hope, for any one to interfere with the liberty of the electors in re- cording their votes. (Cheers.) The Rev. Dr Emlyn Jones-I did not quite catch Sir Thomas Lloyd's views on the admission of Dissen- ters to the privileges of the Universities, and should feel obliged if he would explicity state his views on the subject. Sir Thomas Lloyd—I am obliged to Dr Jones, for I wish to be perfectly clear on this point. I am willing to admit Non-conformists to all the political honours of the University, that is to say, that the degrees of B.A. and M.A. should confer the right of voting for the University, but as the University has for centuries been bound up with the Established Church, I am not prepared to admit Non-conformists to the govern- ing body of the University. I have reason to believe that both parties are now agreed upon this, and a measure will be brought into Parliament in the next session with every probability of being carried. The show of hands, which was then taken, was very largely in favour of Sir Thomas Lloyd, and Mr Jones, of Llwyngroes, demanded a poll on behalf of Mr. Davies, A vote of thanks to the High Sheriff was then pro- posed by Sir Thomas Lloyd and seconded by Mr Davies, to which the High Sheriff replied, and the proceedings terminated. The poll was fixed for Tuesday, and the declaration of the poll for Thursday. We shall give the result in our fourth page.