Potter's Electric News

and who may be far mare useful than a popular preacher—I mean a man with ordinary gifts—Volun- taryism in that case is not sufficient. That is proved by Mr Spurgeon's own statement: it is proved by Mr John Angell James, and I may quote from the Evangelical Magazine, and other books in circulation among Nonconformists to prove that it is not sufficient. It answers very well when you have a man of popular talents, and among well-to-do people: but when you take the back slums of large towns, like Whitechapel, the outside parts of other large towns like Liverpool, I say voluntaryism is not sufficient. (Applause.) I don't for one moment reflect upon our Nonconformist friends: I say they have done great things—(hear, hear): they deserve all commendation, but they cannot work impossibili- ties, They can't do it, and what is the conclusion? Why here it is, and 'here again I quote the sentiments of a Nonconformist layman in Manchester, who, in a pamphlet on the Pew System, says:—It is to the disgrace of some dissenters that they should seek to deprive the Church of England of the endowments she possesses, which enables her to hold her ground amongst the poor, when they themselves, by the Voluntary system, are not able to reach these poor, who otherwise would be entirely neglected. (Ap- plause) I will not enlarge upon this: let me just say that we have glanced at three or four points. We have examined the question of Church and State: We have examined the objections against the Irish Church on the ground that she is in a minority—and the further objections made against her in respect of her property. We have noticed one or two other points—the misrepresentations, and the argument of Mr Spurgeon, that it would be well for the Irish Church to throtv herself upon the Voluntary prin- ciple. We have seen—I think so at all events, perhaps some of you are not of that opinion- that none of them are valid objections. (Ap- plause.) Abuses there are we don't deny it: you have abuses amongst yourselves. Let them be removed. I ask for the reformation of the Irish Church, and also of the English Church— (hear, hear),—but don't let us have destruction. (Applause.) We are in favour of reform but we are not in favour of spoliation. (Renewed ap- plause.) We say let every abuse be rectified; let every needless excrescence be removed; let the Church be rendered more pure, and let her go about her noble mission. (Applause.) Crippled as the Irish Church has been in the past by un- fair legislation, let her now have fair play. (Loud applause.) Leave her in possession of her pro- perty; see that it is rightly distributed, and all evils removed, and abuses rectified, the Irish Church, having done well in the past, will still do more gloriously and more nobly in the future. (Great applause.) Whilst many cry out against I z;1 the Church, and among the strange combination ofRomanistsand Infidels I am sorry to see ourNon- conformist brethren-whilst they combine for the overthrow of one of the best and one of the purest churches in Christendom, to use the words of John Wesley in reference to the Chnrch of England— whilst they cry "Down with her, down with her even to the ground/' let our prayer be—and let our exertions correspond with our prayer—" Peace be within her walls, and prosperity within her palaces."—[The rev. gentleman sat down amid tremendous cheering, which was maintained for several minutes.] Chairman Ladies and Gentlemen,-It is now quite competent for any person to put any question on any single point referred to in the lecture just delivered. No one more ardently desires than the rev. gentleman that the question he has brought before you should be freely end fairly discussed. (Hear, hear.) If there is any dourt in the mind of any individual—if there is anything latent he would wish to be revealed-or if a further ex- planation is desired upon any single point, I am sure Mr Bardsley will be delighted to answer any question that may be put to him. (Applause.) Rev Mr Bardsley: I hope, my friends, you will not go home, and say that you wish you had put a question to me on some point or other which you would like ex- plained. Do not be afraid let us have a friendly dis- cussion upon any point which you think requires eluci- dation. Chairman I am most anxious that you should not depart to-night without putting your questions if you think any should be put. There might be very good, ex- cellent men here, who may have some slight doubt in their minds, but who are unable to make a speech. If the humblest man in the simplest dress wishes to ask a question, I hope he will do so. (Applause.) I am sin- cerely desirous that questions should be asked, and I hope no one will leave this Hall with the feeling that we have introduced a lecturer who has brought forward arguments which he is Dot, in a gentlemanly and Christian like manner, prepared to defend. (Loud ap- plause.) If any gentleman has a question to put to the rev. gentleman, I shall be most happy to ask for a reply to it but in the absence of that, I shall call upon some gentleman to move a vote of thanks to the lecturer (Applause.) After a lengthened pause, Mr Massy proposed a vote of thanks to Mr Bardsley, and the proposition having been seconded by Dr E. P. Phillips, was put to the meeting by the Chairman and carried by acclamation. Mr Bardsley My dear friends—I am not going to give you another lecture; I can only say that I am very pleased with the kind manner in which you have ac- cepted this proposition, and still more so with the atten- tion you have given me when dealing with a number of dry facts and figure?. I am really disappointed that our friends seem to be all of one mind :—that is an Irish- ism.-(Laughter.) I am afraid I shall be put down for an Irishman after all.—(Loud laughter.) —I want you to be all of one mind, but I am afraid some of you will go away and not feel that you are of the same mind. On those points on which we differ, I think a little friendly discussion will assist us very much. I say we are right in thinking that the Irish Church ought to be upheld and maintained as one of our most glorious institutions. (Applause.) I can only say this—that I am not a politician: I never meddle with politics I never had my name upon a committee for any candidate for the post of member of Parliament until this year. I was never upon a political platform, and I gave my name to the committee simply on these grounds-that we ought to take good heed that we are thoroughly honest and straightforward, and that we do not give our vote for any man who will not pledge himself to uphold the Irish Church as a part of our institutions. (Ap- lause.) The Rev Mr Podmore; Ladies and Gentlemen,-l have been called upon to propose n vote of thanks to our Chairman but before I do so I should like to men- tion to you one fact which I am sure will be interesting to you all. You are aware that Mr Bardsley is one of the hardest working clergymen in London, and I will just tell you a fact which is kn?wn to me, but which'is not known to all of you, that at the present moment and for the six weeks past, Mr Bardsley is supposed to be taking his holiday. (Laughter.) That is to say, having been worked as hard as any man can work, he has come out for a change of air, and for recreation,— (laughter) -and to my certain knowledge, there has not been any man within tho circle of my acquaintance, who has worked half as hard as Mr Bardsley has done during his holiday. (Applause.) I do feel that any man when he has to prepare himself for his future work and at the same time works in another cause, tleserves our especial thanks. (Hear, hear.) There are two reasons why he should be designated our champion one reason is, because be is so highly endowed by nature I never met with a man in my whole experience better quali- fied to grapple with a great question of this kind. (Ap- plause.) Another reason is that be has a good cause. (Applause.) I sincerely believe we have in Mr Bardeley the advocate of a good cause—we believe he has truth n his eide; and when a good man has a good cause, I hive no hesitation in saving that such a man is irresis- tible. (Applause.) Mr Bardsley has established a lilli, between himself and the Chairman: he has told you that no minister, whether connected with the Church of England or with any Dissenting body, has less identified himself with political movements yet it does so happen -and I acknowledge it is a very happy coincidence- that Mr Bardsley himself finds in our worthy Chairman s Ll genial spirit. (Applause.) They have like sympathies; they have the same giorions end ir view. (Applause) Though one is a minister of the Church and the other i, a champion in the cause of politics, yet both have the same sympathies, and both aim at the same noble end Therefore although there is some difference in the name ot Bardsley and in the name of Pitman, yet when you look at the sentiments, you find that their views are the same. (Hear, hear) As you have shown your marked apprecntion of the lecture, when you consider that'the same sentiments are entertained by our worthy Chair- man, you must feel it i" an honour and a high satisfaction that Mr Pitman should have taken the chair to night. (Applause) I don't speak from prejudice orfrOTs favour, for I tell you honestly that I have never met. Mr Pitman on any previous occasion; but from the sentiments I have heard him express, I believe very good principles dwell in his hear'. (Applause) I sincerelv hope I may have many opportunities of meeting Mr Pitman again, and not only Mr Pitman as Chairman ofa nwetin¡r like this, but Mr Pitman as a member of parliament. (Loud aoplanse) I bea; to propose a vote of thanks to Mr Pitman our Chairman. (Loud applause.) The proposition was seconded by Mr Powell, and carried amid great cheering. The Chairman: Gentlemen—T think it was the DlJke of WeUinfton made the remark that no man required to be thanked for doing his duty. I red that I have -imply done my duty in coming hpre this evening to take the chair, and that the feeling you have shown will best prove whether I WHS right or wrong in taking the chair this eveninsr. I really have felt that a chairman was scaredv wanted here at all: and the earnest consideration wii!(!h has bet-n given to the remarks of the lecturer, and the agreeable way in which they have been received by cne and all, give me the impression, which grows deeper and deeper every day, that men on all sides of the question- the men of all parties in Haverfordwest are earne-itlv seeking the truth, and that in the end truth will triumph in the^e boroughs (Applause) have only to offer you my sincere thanks for the honour you have done me, and I assure yen that I think it a great privilege to have been permitted to perform the simple and slight duty of pre^idinsr over this meeting. (Loud applause.) The meeting then separated. THE RESULT OF THE RECENT REVISION" OF THE BOIWUGU LISTS OF VOTERS. We are indebted to a correspondent for the following statement, respecting the result of the recent revision of the Lists of Voters tor the Borough :— In last week's Telegraph, after giving a report of the Revision Courts, it, is-stated that at thectoseof the in- vestigation the result wasa gain to the Liberals as follows At Haverfordwest 5 At Nurberth 2 AtFi-ihguard 2 making a total gain of 9 We are requested to contradict this, and to state that there was a gain to the Conservatives of- At Haverfordwest 4 At Nurberth 6 AndatFishguard 8 Total 18 The Liberal agents are invited to meet the Conserva- tive agents, to ascertain which statement is correct. Is it an unreasonable inference that the overwhelming majority claimed for Colonel Edwardes was obtained upon the same principle of calculation? at all events we have no doubt it will be discovered to be equally accurate in its results." HAVERFORDWEST PETTY SESSIONS. These sessions were held at the Shire Hall, on Thurs- day before J. W. Phillips, Esq, Mayor, S. Harford, E:q, John Harvey, Esq, T. Rowlands, Esq, and T. Rule Owen, Esq. ASSAULT. George Thomas, of Dew Street, was charged with as- saulting Thomas Henry Ball, at the Market Hall, on the 24th of September. Mr Price appeared for the complainant; and Mr W. John for the defendant, Mr Price having opened the case, The corrplainant deposed that about nine o'clock on the evening of the 24th of September, he went to a meeting held at the Market Hall. He passed the door- keepers, and went up stairs into the Hall. He had been there about two or three minutes, when he fait a grasp at his coat collar, he was wrenched round, and put over the stairs by the defendant. The defendant then said to him—' This is a private meeting you have no business here.' He endeavoured to get out of his grasp, and succeeded in doing so. He complained to the defendant that he had not asked him to w-ilk out, as he (com- plainant) knew how to conduct himself, and would have walked out if he had been asked. He said that he was anything but a gentleman for treating him in that man- ner, and was much surprised that he had done so. De- fendant said nothing to him before he caught hold of him. In cross-examination, the complainant said he had not been invited to the meeting. He had not seen any circular, addressed to the supporters of Col. Edwardes, convening the meeting. He bad no vote, and it made no difference to him which of the candidates was re- turned. He had no influence either; but his sympathies were with Mr Pitman. The defendant did not ask him if he knew it was a private meeting. He did not say to the defendant that he was not doing any harm, and that he would not go out. He did not pretend to say he was hurt: he was not bodily hurt. He did not offer to fight the defendant if he came down the stairs. In re-examination, the complainant said Police Con- stable Simpson and another person were at the door when he went in they did not stop him, but they did stop some other persons. There were some persons in the Hall who were not voters. Nathaniel James Lewis deposed, that he was standing near the stairs, and the complainant was a few yards before him. The defendant was putting voters in seats in the Hall, and when he came towards the complainant he did not notice him particularly. He saw the defen- dant put out the complainant by force. He did not see the defendant catch hold of the complainant, but he was fast of him when he looked at him. He did not hear the defendant tell the complainant to go ou'. In answer to Mr John, the witness said there were one or two persons between him and the complainant. The thing was done quickly no words passed between defendant and complainant. John Griffiths, an assistant w;th Mr C. Saies, draper, of Market Street, deposed he was at the Market Hall on the evening of the 24th of September. He was no voter, and was not invited to the meeting by circular. No one interfered with him when he was entering the Hall nor while he was there. The complainant was in the Hall. He saw the defendant go to the complainant and catch him by the collar of his coat, twist him round rather sharply, and put him out. There was no time for any conversation. In cross-examination, the witness said he did not ask the defendant to allow him to go into the meeting. Ho was aware that his employer, Mr Saies, was a supporter of Col. Edwardes. A shopmate went into the Hall with hifa- he did not hear him ask for permisison to go in, but he could not swear that he did not. He was distant from the complainant when the defendant seized him by the collar, about half the width of th9 Hall. He heard some one Bhout 1 put him out.' If the defendant said anything to complainant, he must have done so while he was putting him out. This was the case for the complainant. Mr John stated the case on behalf of the defendant, and called Mr John Phillips, grocer, of Dew-street, who deposed that he saw the defendant go to the complainant, and heard, him tell him distinctly that the meeting was a private one, and request him to go out. He did not hear the complainant's reply, but he did not go. He could not tell how long they were talking, but defendant laid hold of him by the coat, and they went out side and side quickly. There was sufficient time for the com- plainant to go out before defendant took him by the coat. In cross examination, the witness said be distinctly heard what the defendant said to the complainant, but he did not bear what the complainant said in reply. Mr W. Phillips deposed that he saw the defendant eo to the complainant, and, taking him by the arm, he said: "Are you aware that this is a private meeting of Mr Edwardes's committee: yon must go out." He did not hear the complainant say anything, but he seemed 'rusty' in goiug out. He saw defendant take hold of complainant's coat collar, after he had remonstrated a little bit. Complainant had time enough to walk out. They went out side by side. In cross-examination, the witness said that some person ciied out" put him out," and there was a little row. It was all done in a short time. James Lloyd deposed that he saw the defendant go towards the complainant. The defendant told him that he must go out, as it was a private meeting of the Com- mittee. The complainant sail: I am not domg any harm: I am not going out." The defendant caught hold of the complainant round the arm, and they went over the stairs. There was a row on the stairs: be went there, and saw the complainant in a fighting attitude; but when the complainant saw him (witness) he 'hooked it.' The defendant put his arm round the complainant when he refused to go out: and afterwards caught hold ef him by the coat. This wits the case for the defendant. The magistrates retired, and on their return into Court, The Mayor said: We are of opinion that this case is really one that ought not to have been brought into Court. It icl a very trivial case, and might have been passed by without notice, or settled out of Court. As the case has been broueht here, we are bound to adjudicate upon it. We are of opinion that an as-ault has been proved: that the notice given to the defendant was not sufficient, but we consider the case a trivial one, and one which maybe met by a very small fine. Our judgment is that the defendant pay a finj of 6d, and each party pay their own cost". I will throw out a suggestion, which perhaps will prevent anything of this sort occurring again, and that is that I think it would be for tbe pro- tection of both sides if there were distinct notice given by placards that the meeting is a meeting of the supporters onlv of the particular candidate. Mr John was understood to say that be would act upon the suggestion of the Mayor. Mr Rowlands: I think it is right to say that the decision was not unanimous. I have siit here many times, but I never heard a more trumpery case brought into Court. Mr Harvey: We are unanimous in that opinion. ) Mr Price: What I was going to say just now, in reference to interference with a witness, is this, We have here to-day a witness named John Griffiths, who has given evidence in the case for the com- plainant. Mr William Williariis-wliom I see in Court—waited upon him, and, after hearing what he had to say, he said to him—" You have some business from home, and you can go on Thursday—(the day on which the case was to come on) as well as on any other day." I call your Worships' attention to this fact, because I think it was an attempt to prevent justice being done to my client. If it is not true, perhaps Mr Williams, who is here, will deny it. Mayor: 1 think I may say that if Mr Williams did so. he was guilty of a very great indiscretion. He was interfering with the course ot justice, and is deserving of very severe censure. Mr Williams: If I have committed a breach of the law, I exceedingly regret it: but I cannot say that I fed any regret personally on that account, bat simply in reference to the Bench before me and the gentlemen around me. I am not aware, myself, that I have committed any wrong. The reason why I did so was this: B ing one of those who had requested Mr Thomas to take charge of the door, because he was acquainted with the parties of the town generally, and hearing that this affair had occurred, I felt some little interest in the case, because 1 had made that suggestion. Having been told that one of my neighbours was a witness summoned against him, I took the liberty to ask Mr Saies if I should put a question to him, and I did so because I felr. I was one of those upon whom the responsibility to seme extent rested. I don't deny;what Mr Price has stated: Mr Saies was present: and if he will eay 1 did so, why of course I will give in but I don't remember it myself. Mr Price I may say that I did not hear of this from Mr Griffiths himself I heard it, and asked him if it was true. It must not be supposed that he volunteered the statement. Mr Williams admits the truth of it. Mr Williams: Idon'tsayladmitit: I don't. remember anything at all about it. The Clerk: We have nothing to do with it: there is no information laid in this case at present. The matter then dropped. CHARGE OF STEALING A BANNERET. George Thomas, George Carter, Thomat Noot, Eli Noot, and Hugh Powell, were charged with stealing a banneret of the value of 4s Gd, the property of Mr Whicher Davies, of Castle Square. Mr W. John appeared for the accused. The Complainant deposed: On the 21st of last month, I had a quantity of banners fastened to a rope,extending from my top window across the street to the top window of Mr Hughes's house. On the following morning I discovered that the rope had been broken, and several flags were mitsing. About four or five were gone: one —a Union Jack—cost 30s: the lot taken may be worth 50a. 1 proceed on tho charge of stealing one only, a banneret, worth 4s 6d. The flags have not been re- covered. Mr Thomas Htiglic; deposed: On the 21st of Sept., Mr Whicher Davies asked me to allow one end of the rope, to which banners were attached, to be fastened in my house. One end of the rope was fastened in my bed- room through the window. I was awoke in the night by a noise: I found it came from the rope. Ijumped out of bed, opened the window, and saw two men had hold of the rope, and were pulling at it, trying to get it down. I called on them to desist: they kept pulling away. I tried to draw it from them, but could not suc- ceed. I called out police.' After some time, a man Dame over the Bridge, and said he was a policeman. I told him to take that man—George Thomas—in charge. There was a younger man there in a white dress: but I don't know who he was. The young man ran away. The policeman seized the other man. I told him to hold on by him till I came down: lie said he knew him perfectly well. I said, Then you can do as you like.' After the policeman took hold of the man, I pulled in the rope. The weight and rope produced were entangled with it: I noticed that the Union Jack was gone. Cross-examined I think it took place about two o'clock in the morning. I did not go down stairs. I don't know when the rope was pulled down from the other end the things were down that end, and on the pavement by Mr Davies's corner. My dressing table danced about lively. Mr John A novel species oftabie turning, (Laughter.) Witness: Yes, and just rapping. (Great laughter.) The other man only spoke one word, and that a vulgar one. By the complainant: The rope was placed 40 feet above the roadway. Police Constable Morse deposed About a quarter or twenty minutes to two o'clock on the morning of the 22nd, I saw three men standing by Mr Fletcher's house. Two other men came down the street, and talked with the three men. I moved over to the Castle Corner, and saw the five men now present. They went in the direc- tion of Bridge Street: I saw nothing further of them. At that time I noticed the rope and banners across the street: they were not then disturbed. George Davies, of Merlin's Hill, deposed I am a special constable. On the morning of the 22nd of Sep- tember, I was on duty about two o'clock, and was going over the New Bridge, when I saw somebody in Mr Fletcher's door. I went up there, and saw George I Carter, Thomas Noot, and Hugh Powell. They asked me if I had seen any women I said 'No.' I walked to the Square, and the three men went up a few yards and met Eli Noot and George Thomas coming down. The five men came back and talked a little in the Castle Square. George Thomas said to me privately, You had better go up the street a bit.' I asked what for ? He made me no answer. I went over Bridge-street, and went right round by the Kilns. When by the Bridge End Garden, I heard some one singing out 'Policeman.' I listened, to find where the sound came from, and thought it came from the Square. I beard somebody running, and saw four men, George Carter, Thomas Noot, Eli Noot, and Hugh Powell, running by the Salu- tation towards me. I asked 'What's up?' Thomas Noot said Nothing.' I heard somebody still calling out for the police, and I went towards Castle Square. I saw the rope was loose that the banners were fastened to, and I saw Mr Hughes in the window. He told me to take George Thomas in charge. George Thomas had the rope in his hand. I asked what he wanted with the rope he said it had become entangled in his legs, and he waa only loosing it. Mr Hughes aske4 me if I knew the man perfectly well, and I told him I did. Mr Hughes sail That will do we will summons them.' I then let him go. In cross-examination, the witness said he was coming into the open space, when he heard the cry of police,' and that Noot passed him before he got to the Saluta- tion. They ran fur the Kilns. This was the case for the prosecution. Mr John addressed the Bench at some length, con- tending that there was no proof whatever that the flags had been stolen by the party accused. The Bench were unanimously of opinion that there was no evidence to convict the accused, and dismissed the charge. PORTFrBLD FAIR.-The annual hiring fair was held on Monday, and was very numerously attended by both country and town folks. The usual amusements were provided in plenty, and seemed to be liberally patronized by the pleasure seekers. The business part of the fair was a very unimportant feature, [and we believe few hiringg took place. The wages given to agricultural servants were slightly reduced compared with last year, and it was the reduction that made servants unwilling to engage The fair was visited by some members of the light fingered fraternity, but no cases of theft have been reported. HAVERFOBDWEST RIFLE CORPS.—Tbe shooting for the prizes presented by Col. Peel for attendance at drill during the month of September took place on Mondays The ranges were 300 and 400 yards, five shots at each distance: the Wimbledon target was used at the first range, and Hythe third class at the second range. The following is the result of the shooting — 300 400 Total 1 Private Geo Morris (10s) 13 13 26 2 „ Geo Williams (7s 6d) 11 14 25 3 Sergt T. L. James (5,) 13 11 24 4 Private D. Phillips ..(3s6d) 11 12 23 5 „ W. E. Jones..(3s 6d) 10 12 22 6 „ D. P. Davies.. (2s 61) 11 10 21 7 A.Lewis (2s) 14 7 21 8 Corp H. Andrews (2s) 7 10 17 9 Private F. Clifton (2s) 7 9 ]6 10 „ W.Rogers ('2*) 10 5 15 Two competitors, who made 25 and 18 respectively, were disqualified, because they were not on the ground when the last squad fell in at the first range. F I S H G U ATTDT^^ A TRUE BLUE COMMITTEE.—At a True BIlte Commit- tee, held on the evening of Wednesday last (after Pen- twr Church meeting), at the Great Western Hotel, a motley number assembled. Present—a most respected and revered wealthy uncle, a lord well known as the Knight of Malta, and no less a person than a celebrated doctor was elected to the chair. The proceedings of the meeting were soon brought to a close, by his lord- ship expressing his disapprobation and requesting the chairman, the celebrated Doctor, to abandon the present mode of proceedings, or he would give them the benefit- of the cuttas, exercise in which his lordship is well ex- perience! .— Communicated.