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------Radicalism at Cardiff.

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Radicalism at Cardiff. WARD MEETINGS CHOOSING THE 44 THOUSAND." A Western Mail "Reporter Gets Elected on the Thousand in the Central Ward. Thursday night's meetings of the Radical vard associations tended to show the vaJue of the information which the "Western Mail" has been exclusively doling out to local Liberals during the last few weeks. first in the field with the announcement of Sir Edward Reed's intention to retire, "he "Wes- tern Mail" has alsn been absolutely aiooe in informing the rank and file of the Radical party of the arrangements of the inner ring for capturing the new Thousand. When the old Thousand was recently disbanded the officials and the party bosses at once met and laid their plans. It was agreed that all members elected to the new body should pav a subscription amounting to at least one shilling, and in order to retain the character ,.f the old Thousand—which was a kno w n quan- titv-)Ir. R. N. Hall was instructed to send out a list of the ok! subscribers, with a visw, of course, of getting them re-elected. By these means it was expected that any hanky- pa nkying on the part of Labourists and Democrats would be out-manceuvred, and, on the whole, we imagine that the expectations of what is irreverently called the chapel and big seat gang have been fulfilled. Nine wards held meetings on Thursday night, and the tenth-in the South Ward—will take place to-night. An indication of the manner in which the elections were conducted is supplied by the Canton meeting. Here, on the recom- mendation of Mr. C. F. Sanders, the bt of the old members was taken, the names of all those who were dead or removed were elimi- nated, and the remainder were re-elected in a batch. Some of those present were not quite satietied with this sort of procedure, and the working men asserted themselves. With the usuaj result, that they wert thrown over by the party to which many of them have paid allegiance (and money) for some years, and capitalists, consisting of builders, accountants, coachbuilders, &c., were elected on the executive. One singular point which throws, perhaps, a reflective light on the secrecy which was connected with Sir E. J. Reed's letter may be found in the fact that the only ward in the town from wiiieh re- porters were excluded was the Adamsdown Ward, of which Mr. Robert Bird, the presi- dent of the Liberal Thousand, and the re- cipient of the letter from Sir Edward, was chairman. Of course, there may have been other reasons why pressmen should have been excluded from the meeting of the most Radical ward in the town. There were shouts of "No traitors need come here, and a suspicious glance was east round the room by the occupants of the platform. A "Western Mail" man was spotted and ordered to leave. He did so, but although one was taken, an- other was left, and not even the keen pierc- ing eye of Mr. Robert Bird discovered him. It was proposed that everybody in the room should be elected, but as it happened that tilere were only 78 present, and 85 were wanted—in the most Liberal ward of the town -there was some difficultv. Out of the 85 there were 39 of the old Liberal Thousand. Of course, they were elected. Three ladies were appointed, but it was only after a good deal of beating about that the ba-aace could be made up. This is not only the most Liberal Ward in the town, it is the ward over which Mr. Robert Bird presides, and the most charitable construction we can put upon the .mall attendance is that the majority of the Liberal electors in that ward place so much confidence in their chairman that they did not think it necessary to put in an appearance. There wm a warn little scene at Splott-in fact, one of our reporters said it was a "tremen dous' scene. The excitement turned on the contest for the chairmanship. There were Apm candidates, and the votiug was. — Bftfcerts. 31; Comley, 21; Price -Jones, 5. Now, as Mr. Price Jones happened to be the vice-chairman, and Councillor Comley represents the ward in the Liberal interest, there was some little bickering. Of course, our readers will understand that "bickering" is a mild term to use. But "Why should we have Councillor Comley.1 He couldn't ea-il a meeting. The heights of his ambition is to be cuonty councillor he couldn't call a meet- ing until kingdom comes." This strong and loud Radical suDDorter of somebody except Mr. Cornier evidently had an idea ahat there was a municipal election at hand, and that it was nonsense to appoint a man as ^.tuairmen who would possibly have to defend himself, and who, therefore, would be interested not to call any meetings. Such a thing a-s a Parliamen- tary contest at Cardiff was out of his ken. At the Park Ward there was an amus- ing incident. Councillor Morgan Morsran started with an exhaustive account ai the work he had done in the council, and was really making a very fine speech, when Mr. Lewis Williams in feerrnpted, and said—"In view of the crisis we are passing through, and the business we have got to do, I think you had better curtail that." Councillor Morgan Morgan ((ietiantly', "There mav be two opinions about that. What I intend to sro through I go through." And he went through it. A feature of the meetings that is worth pondering is the smart and successful move nade by the women. An afternoon tea at Mrs. Viriamu Jones's last Fridav has resulted ill m revolution, so far as the Liberal Thousand 9 concerned. At that pleasant five o'clock function it was agreed to lay siege to the ThoTMajid. and the success of the movement is th* best tribute to the skill of the tac- fceiane. In every one of the nine wardi "women were elected on the rhousan i. although not always without a murmur. At the Park, for instance, Mr. Jeremiah Collins ccmplained that it was not placed upon the agenda that ladies should be elected. Mr. Lewis Williajns gallantly came to the rescue, and said: —"This meeting is called to elect a Liberal Thousand. The agenda does uot say whether it shall be composed ^f men or women. A similar point was argued out at Grangetown. where Mr. Mildon would not .e, the difference between burgesses and Parliamentary voters. Mr. Mildon was ave-se to allowing anybedy except Parliamentary voters-whom he occasionally termed bur- gesses—to be elected, but when a lady rose to explain there were several lady ourgesses pre-sent. Mr. Mildon at once bowed to the inevitable, and a number of lady "Parliamen- tary bureesses" were forthwith elected. And all the other wards were equally gallant. Altogether, it is probable that the womon nil; have fifty votes on the new Thousand— not at all a bad proportion considering that they have no votes in Parliamentary elections. CENTRAL WARD. The meeting of the Liberals of the Central Ward took place at St. Johns-hall, St. John's- square, and resulted in a very sparse attendance. —Mr. F. H. Jotham's first duty on election to the chair was to ask if the meeting were willing to allow the presence of the "Western Mail" representative. A decided reply in the affirmative having been received, a. letter was read from Dr. Edwards, regretting his inability to attend, and lioping that the ward meeting would be a thoroughly successful one.—Mr. Jotham having explained the objects of the gathering, Mr. Upward immediately caught the chairman's eye with a proposition that persons who are registered to vote in other wards be not entitled to vote at this meeting.—Mr. E. Thojnas ("Cochfarf") secouded the proposal, which brought up a discussion of the most lively character. One gentleman contended that suoh a resolution was a personal insult, and threatened to leave the room. Another demanded a vote, and so on ad lib. Eventually Mr. Upward was prevailed upon to withdraw t.he proposition, and Cochfarf, who had seconded the motion, followed suit, after explaining that Jm only did so because the critios did not seem to understand the proposition.—After these details had been got over, the election of various lofheers was proceeded with in a desultory fashion. Alderman David Jones was unani- mously elected as chairman for the ward, whilst Mr. Williams was re-elected to the position of hon. secretary. Two assistant secretaries— Messrs. D. Shepherd and D. Pedler—were also elected at a later stage. the position of the third being left open, with the object of choos- ing a paid assistant, this being, doubtless, the result of Mr. Williams's pointed remarks that the work of Liberal organisation was in a had condition, the lodger vote especially being hthind.- This matter having been got over, a pretty little set-to between "Cochfarf" and Mr. J. H. Jones enlivened the proceedings. The election of the executive committee followed, and resulted as follows:—Messrs. Edward Thomas. F. H. Jotham, Daniel Lewis, jun., Lewis Samuel, and I). Shepherd. The work of selecting the 70 to represent the Central Ward on the Liberal Thousand was simplified by a proposition that, as there were less than 70 in the room the whole of them should be elected. "Does this include the 'Western Mail' asked a gentleman. "What are hi" politics?" queried another. Eventually the proposition was accepted. The -arrying of this proposition, by the way. lets in about twenty ladies who were in the room at the time, and who at the outset it was unanimously decided should have powers of voting. The close of the meeting came after a rather sen- sational statement from Mr. J. T. Barry, who declined to be placed on the list, because he was a Radical,, not a Liberal, who. he said, fonght on one question only. and who. if they could not have their way. were prone to scuttle the ship. "If all of the party were like iiie," continued Mr. Barry, "we should not want a Liberal Thousand." CATHAYS WARD. At the Crwys-road Board School Mr. William Jenkins presided, and was supported by Coun- cillor Cmssman, ex-Councillor Short, and Mr. R. N. Hall (Liberal a^ent).—The Chairman, after explaining the object for which the meet- ing had been called, saidi that their first busi- ness was to elect a chairman in his (Mr. Jenkins') place, to hold office for the ensuing year. ,—Mr. William Jenkins was then unanimously re- elected chairman of the ward, and Mr. Joseph Parry chosen to fill the position of secretary, in place of Mr. Short, resigned.—A vote of thanks to the late secretary for his past ser- vices was carried, and the election of six repre- sentatives from the ward on the executive com- mittee was proceeded with. Eighteen gentle- men were nominated, and the ballot resulted :n the following six candidates being elected: — Messrs. Crossman, Webber, W. J. Travera, J. Taylor, D. Harries, and G. Milson. Ninety-eight Liberals were then elected ae the quota to represent the ward upon the Liberal Thousand. This number included the names of Mrs. Tom Roberts, Mrs. Charles Davies, Mrs. Williamson, and Mrs. Mullins, who were sub- mitted as candidates by the Cardiff Women's Liberal Assooiation.-This concluded the busi- ness of the meeting. PARK WARD. The meeting for the Park Ward was held in Albany-road Board Schools, and was very numerously attended. Councillor Morgan Morgan presided, and he was supported by Alderman T. Rees, the Rev. A. Tilly, Coun- cillor Ebenezer Beavan, Mr. Lewis Williams, the Rev. J. Morgan Jones, and Mr. Richard Davies. secretary.—In opening, the Chairman called attention to the resolution passed recently at the offices of the Liberal Associa- tion recommending that every Liberal elected on the Tliomsand subscribe at least Is. per annum to the Central Association. There were at present 400 members of the associa- tion in the Park Ward who did not subscribe, and he hoped that extraordinary state of things would no longer exist. The speaker's con- duct as their representative, he went on to observe, had been criticised severely during the last few months, but he claimed to have represented them faithfully and fearlessly. Having spoken upon the part he took in regard to the harbour trust scheme and the project for new municipal buildings, he said he was not a bit ashamed of his action in the "hu>h-money" incident. (Applause.) Nearly the whole of the corporation opposed the action he then took, but subsequent events proved that he was right. (Applause.) The chairman having fully given an account of his stewardship, he (Mr. Morgan Morgan) wad for the third time unanimously elected as pre- sident of the ward. and Mr. Richard Davies as secretary.—Names of members to be on the executive were then submitted from all part,, of the room far in excess of the seven allocated to the ward. After about 30 names had been called out the nominations were closed, and the following were elected by ballot: —The Rev. Principal Edwards. Alderman Rees. Councillor E. Beavan, Messrs. Tom Taylor, Enoch D. Rowledge, and D. Davie.s.-The election was then proceeded with of repre- sentatives of the ward upon the Thousand, a majority of the old members being elected.— Mr. David Davies proposed that Mrs. Sonley Johnstone. Mrs. Hughes, and Mrs. Ransom be members of the Thousand.—Mr. Jeremiah Col- lins questioned if rhe motion was in order, and suggested that notice should have been given.— Mr. Lewis Williams supported the nomination of the ladies mentioned.—The Chairman pointed out 'that there were already ladies on the Thousand.-On a. division the resolution was carried almost unanimously, and Mrs. Hughes spoke suitably in acknowledgment. ROATH WARD. Councillor J. Ramsdale presided over tlie Ro:.th Ward meeting, which was held at the Stacey-road Board School. There was a fairlv large attendance. Before the proper business of the meeting commenced, the ohair- llIaIl stated thai they were present for a special pau'pcee, and he took it to be a. business meet- ing. It was an assembly of Liberals, and, therefore, he took it that those bearing another fthere were any present—would retire. They did not wish any persons who were not Liberals to take part in the meeting, a.nd he was told there were, one or two present who belonged 'to the opposing camp. If they were gentlemen and with any self-respect, they would retire at that intimation. If there were any members of the opposing party present, they were not gentlemen, or else the chairman "took it" wrcngly. for no one offered to leave the room.- Then the secretary iMr. Sutherland) tried w hat effect his eloquence would have upon the unblushing spies. He started by calling them his friends, but said he would be very glad if th-jy would retire. There was another pause, but no one moved, and then Mr. Sutherland took more stringent measures and began to pick out the trespassers one by one. But at the start he made a grievous error. Picking upon gentleman sitting on one of the front forms, he requested him to retire, but the gentleman turned out to be a weU-known sup- porter of the Liberal party. There was a mur- mur of surprise, and then a burst of laughter. "Me I'm not a Conservative." said the gentle- man pointed at. "Why. he was a. Radical before you were born," said another, address- ing the secretary, and others also bore testi- mony to the injured gentleman's genuineness. The secretary offered a profuse apology, and proceeded to explain that he thought the gentle- man was not a. Liberal because he had seen him in the company of Conservatives in trains. The secretary did not point out any moru spies, and the business was proceeded with.—The Chairman read several letters, one of which was from Miss Jenkins, the secretary of the Women's Liberal Association, and de- sired that three women should be elected on the Thousand. The Chairman added that they had Lad a lot of grandmotherly advice from the hands of the Western Mail." but the "Western Mail did not understand their affairs. So far as the management of their affairs was con- cerned, he believed they were as free from trickery and treachery as in any other town in the kingdom. (Applause.)—The meeting then proceeded with the election of chairman, and, after several eulogistic speeches, Councillor Ramsdale was elected unanimously.—In return- ing thanks he asked them to disabuse their minds from remarks made in the Western Mail." The Ma.il knew nothing about their programme. He was aware, however, that there were in the employ of the Western Mail a number of so-culled Liberals who were giving information concerning their affairs. They posed as Democrats and also as candidates, but he thought that the men should not be selected ou the Thousand, and those who nominated them were not worthy of the position they held. (Applause.) Personally, he thought that neither Mr. Bird ror Mr. Moxey, nor anyone e.be, knew who the can- didate would })t'. It had been said that lie (the speaker) was discounted for the chairmanship of the Roath Ward because he was an anti-Democrat, but he refused to give up his views for anyone. (Hear, hear.)—The ap- pointment of a secretary, in succession to Mr. R. W. J. Sutherland, who retired, occupied a long time. A lot of names were suggested, but upon a vote being taken Mr. R B. Hosgood was unanimously elected. Messrs. H. Heale. A. C. Hall. and Y at-e:4 were appointed assis- tant secretaries. Mr. Sutherland was re-elected treasurer, and the following gentlemen, in addi- tion to the chairman and the secretary, who are ex-officio members, were chosen as represen- tatives on the executive: —Messrs. T. Hutchinson (79 votes), M. Roberts- Jfi.es (57 votes), F. E. Fox ;50 votes), and E. W. Shackell (46 votes). Ten gentlemen were nominated, and the election was by ballot. The meeting then elected 83 members of the Thousand, and the following Ladies were included in the number:—Mrs. Roberts-Jones, Mrs. Gaunt, and Mrs. Waugh. RIVERSIDE WARD. The Liberals of the Riverside Ward held their meeting a't the Severn-road Board Schools, when there was a good attendance, Councillor F. J. Beavan presiding, and he was supported by Councillor Noah Rees, both gentlemen being, singuarly. non-residents and non-franchised re- presentatives of the ward. Mr. George Grif- frtho was re-elected president of the ward com- mittee, a vote of thanks for the past services of that gentleman embracing an expression of svnvpathy in his illness. Mr. W. G. Blow was again appointed treasurer, Mr. Fred Blow sec- retary, and the following gentlemen were, by ballot chosen members of the executive of the Thousand:—Messrs. F. J. Beavan. Noah Rees, J. Gardner, — Macnamara, J. Jenkins, and 1. Padfield. In the election of 102 members of the Thousand, a modest request from the Liberal Women's Association to be represented in the wa.rd section by four ladies was received with approval, and Mrs. Dr. James. Mrs. Mildon, Mrs. Stepney, and Mrs. Ridge (who were present in hopeful anticipation) were chosen. The chairman made a strong appeal to the meeting to "look up the young men" and induce them to take advantage of the lodger votes. ADAMSDOWN WARD. A meeting of Liberals in the Adamsdown Ward wa.S held at the Adamsdown Board School on Thursday evening, under the presidency of Mr. William Rees. Amongst those present were Messrs. R. Bird, J. Heald, B. John, C. Morgan, G. Birt, W. O'Neill, J. Fitzpatrick, H. Collins, D. F. Davies, T. W. David, C. H. Bird, J. Williams (Glossop-terrace), H. Collier, and A. Lowe.—The first business was to decide whether the representatives of the nress be ad- mitted. A resolution was proposed and seconded that the reporters be asked to rema.n, but a Mr. Collier objected to enemies Lieing allowed to enter the Liberal camp.. The T'.ri< a excluded Radicals from their meetings, and he thought the Radicals ought to do the same. He proposed, as an amendment, that the "Wes- tern Mail" reporter be excluded from the meet- ing. This was seconded and agreed to by 27 votes to eleven. The proceedings were of a protracted character, and lasted over two hours The Mr. CoHier referred to was on his feet continually with suggestions, complaints, and .peeches. He, however, was quickly silenced by one of his colleague, .vho insinuated that Mr. Collier did more talking than work: — At length, Mr. Joseph Hea-ld pro- posed that no more speaking be allowed, but that they proceed to busi- ness. This suggestion was aotvd upon, and the officers of the ward a*so- a- tion were elected, as follow: -Chairman. Mr. W. Rees; secretary, Mr. Gwyii Morris assistant secretaries, Messrs. R. David, J. Wil- liams, and H. Collier, jun. executive members of the Liberal Thousand. Messrs. R. Bird, E. R. Moxey, W. O'Neill, and J. Munn, the two ex-officio members lieiug Mr. W. Rees and Mr. Gwvn Morris. Mr. Collier, who was on the executive last year, therefore, reaped his reward and was ignominiously rejected. The meeting then proceeded 10 elect 85 members of the Liberal Thousand, among whom were three ladies, recommended by the Women's Liberal Association. GPANGKTOWN WARD. In this ward the nunilxT of person., present at the iron building in Paget-street was under 70, inclusive of a deputation of ladies from the Women's Liberal Association. Mr. S. Mildon presided. Everything passed off quietly and in good order. Councillor Jenkins and Mr. James Turner received 49 votes apiece (the highest vote) for the executive committee. The lady deputation put forward their claim to be numbered among the Thousand. The rule ol the association was read, which made the quali- fication of election that of a. Liberal, willing to pay a subscription of is. a year, or to work for the party. Despite this wide defini- tion, the Chairman ruled, without debate, that only electors were eligible to sit on the Thousand and vote in the selection of a candi- date. He limited the selection of the meeting, therefore, to men and women burgesses Oil the register. This seemed to meet with the approval of those present, who advocate "One man one vote" as the just basis of the fran- chise, yet, who, in the practice of their political organisation, adhere to the condemned limit of the existing law. The women franchise advocates. if any. were silent; but the minds of the ladies' deputation WoJIIr bUH)". By the chairman's ruling lady burgiifes were eligible— he did not distingusli .between municipal and Parliamentary electors. Tins loophole was availed of. The -chairman either did not. or could not. see the evasion of his first ruling, and so five lady ratepayers were added by Graugietown to the Liberal Thousand. The representatives; on the executive were Mr. Marshall, tfctn.. Councillor Jenkins, Messrs. W. Stenner, J. C. Turner Burns, and the chair- man and secretary. It was reported that the ward owed £2 IDs. towards the expenses of the Roseherv visit, and the ha.t was sent round with a result which the officers probably know by this time. SPLOTr WARD. At the meeting for Splott Mr. W. Roberts was elected as chairman, and Mr. G. H. Davies as secretary, these two to be on the executive, with Councillors Comley and Andrews, and Mr. Sam Morgan (a working man). The following three ladies were elected on the Thousand: — Mrs. John Tiplin, IWrs. Davey, and Mrs. John. —Mr. Roberts read a lonsr 1 >tter he had written, and intended to publish, but had been advised by Lis friends not to do so In this letter he complained that Mr. W. Johnston had sent a. communication to the "South Wales Daily News" finding fault with Mr. 11. Bird for retaining Sir Edward Reed's celebrated letter for a month. Mr. Roberts said he had Mr. Bird's authority for saying that he resented 'hat sort of criticism. Mr. Rolierts further stated that tlie Dem^-rats were not Liberals, and lie objected to their presence on the Thou- sand, or to their being recognised by the Liberal party. He hopped the members of the Demo- cratic Union would refrain from taking any part in the selection of a Liberal candidate — On the motion of Mr. Johnston, a resolution was carried thanking Sir Edward Reed for his sei vices, and urging cohesion and unity among all sections of the party. CANTON WARD. If the attendance at the Radnor-road Board Schoolroom is to be taken as a. criterion of the strength of Liberalism in the Canton Ward, then it certainly must be orf- the wane, as during any part of the ward meeting which was held there on Thursday evening the Liberals present did not exceed more than 50. Punctually at 7.45. Mr. Lloyd Meyrick proposed, and Mr. Jonas Holloway seoouded. that Mr. W. Symonds should act as chairman pro tem., which was carried unani- mously.—Upon Mr. W. Symonds taking the chair he at once proceeded with the agenda, the first item of wliioh wan the election of a chairman of the ward committee. Mr. William Lewis was, unanimously elected. After taking his position the Chairman, in the course of a long speech, urged upon the meeting the desi- rability of selecting men who were true to Liberalism, not those who were sailing in false colours. In conclusion, he read the fol- lowing stereotyped letter from the executive committee:—"That it be a recommendation that every Liberal elected upon the Liberal Thousand should subscribe at least Is. towards the funds of the Liberal Association to ena.ble them to defray the ex- penses of the association also that the chairman and secretary of the ward shall be ex-officio members of the Liberal Thousand. It waB decided unanimously to conform with this circular. Upon the proposal of Air. Jonas Holloway, seconded by Mr. J. Norman, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded Mr. Lloyd Meyrick for his services a-s hon. t-ecretary. —Mr. Lloyd Meyrick, in the course of his reply, stated that the last municipal election was won by the active canvass on the part of the Conservative party, and that, as far as his opinion of the Liberal workers in Canton went, they were not to be trusted OIl accouni; of their treachery. — The meeting next proceeded to the business of electing seven members to represent the ward on the executive committee. It wa-s decided that the chairman and secretary (Mr. Lloyd Meyrick) should act as ex-otficio members. Now came the fun, as to how the other five should be chosen, one gentleman proposing one way and another the t'other, but eventually it was decided to take the nominations separately. At last Messrs. C. F. Sanders, W. Symonds, Jas. Edwards. John Norman, and J. Holloway were duly elected. Eleven nominations were given in, but the above were elected by a large majority. Mrs. Conwav, Mrs. Norman, and Mrs. Watts were unanimously elected as lady representatives on the Thousand.-It was resolved, after a long discussion, to read the list of the represen- tatives upon the' late Thousand, each name being subject to amendment, the great majority of the old hands, however, being re-elected, the meeting closing with the usual vote of thanks to the chairman.

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