The North Wales Express

THE LATE POACHING CASE AT BETHESDA. WE are sorry to be under the necessity to return to this matter. We had expected that. the heavy fine imposed would have been con- sidered sufficient to meet the requirements of the case. We don't want to pose as the de- fenders of poaching or poachers but we do consider that it is our duty, as servants of the public, to defend the weak, and raise our voice against oppression and tyranny, in whatever gaib it presents itself before us. W^e do not want to add to anything we have aJready said upon the action of the magistrates. As ser- vants of the Jaw, as it is, we do not doubt but that they performed their duty, and in the face of the evidence they could hardly have acted otherwise than they did. The fine, no doubt, was heavy still the case, as presented to them, was of an aggravated character and if it had gone before some of our game pre- serving magistrates, we are pretty sure they would have been glad of the opportunity to have given a few months' imprisonment instead of a fine. We are thankful for small mercies, and that the game season kept these unmerci- ful magistrates away. The law having had its way, and the fine having been imposed by the only authority who had legal right to punish, and the sum having been paid to satisfy that authority, we were really as- tounded to find that this has been followed with the dismissal of the men from their employ- ment at the Penrhyn Quarry. We should y I have been glad if we had the same ground for doubting this; but we have had the informa- tion from a source which leaves no doubt about the matter. Our informant tells us that the two men have families depending upon them, that they have never before been charged with any offence whatever before magistrates or before the quarry managers that they are sober and industrious workmen that their relations have been working at the Penrhyn Quarries for generations, and that they themselves have never worked a day any- w here else. In the face of all thia, we have the authorities at the quarries, acting, as we take it, upon instructions given them (as we cannot believe it is possible they could have taken such an extreme step without full authority), throwing these two poor men with their families upon the cold world. We cannot too strongly condemn the carrying of the case to such an extreme as this. If our landlords and sportsmen want to make o-ir game laws still more unpopular, they cannot adopt a safer way to gain that end. We are afraid that some of our neighbouring landowners have game on the brain; and in all such cases there is no room for judgment. It has become too late in the day for our game preservers to ignore the feeling of the country. They are too weak to stem the current that is setting in and if they do not act generousiy and sensibly in matters affecting the land and the game, the changes made in the next few years by the legislature will be far more extreme than if they were now to act considerately and justly. We are sorry to have to add that, not only have these poor men, between fine and expenses, been punished to the tune of something like thirty pounds, and have lost their employment at the quarries, but that this latter extreme act has been again followed with the cruel and unmerciful notice to leave their homes What next ? If this is not carrying matters to extremes, we cannot understand what extremes mean. This is s unlike the action of Lord Penrhyn, that we cannot bring ourselves to believe that it is possible that his lordship knows anything about it. This is the feeling of the whole neighbour- hood j and we ate sure if the parties responsible were to be informed of the feelings evinced, 5 they would not hesitate to withdraw these two uncalled for and cruel notices. We are glad to find that a petition is in course of prepara^ tion to be presented to his lordship. The following are the terms of the petition 0 To the Right Honourable Lord Penrhyn. We, the undersigned, being workmen in yeur lorrlship's employ, beg humbly and respectfully to approach you with a, request that Robert Hughes, Cwlyn, and William Morris Jones, Coedparc, be granted yeur lordship's pardon, and given back their work. We do not enter into the question of their guilt, as the magistrates have decide-1 that; and we do not want in the least to justify poach- ing, and cannot but condemn attacks upon keepers and police; but granting all this we hope your lordship will consider the fact that they have families depending upon them that their ancestors have been working at Penrhyn for generations; that they have never previously been before the magistrates or the officials at the quarry for any offence whatever; and the fact that they have been already punished with a heavy fine. We approach vour lordship with great confidence, as you have always acted so considerate, benevolent, and forgiving. If your lord- ship will grant them this forgiveness we have not the least doubt but that they will willingly undertake not to sin in this matter again and your petitioners will ever fee grateful for this further proof of your lordship's clemency." We heartily and earnestly join in this peti- tion, so strongly supported by the quarryinen two thousand having signed it; and we shall be greatly surprised if his lordship will not in this case, as in his previous actions, uphold his popularity with his workmen, who love him so well, and with the public, who have always been proud of him.

THE DIVISION OF CARNARVONSHIRE. THE division of Carnarvonshire into two par- liamentary constituencies ■was accomplished before the Government Commisioner sitting at Carnarvon on Wednesday with a greater facility, than was expected by either political party. It was hardly to be hoped that the en- tire scheme, as proposed by the Boundary Commission, would meet with the full approval of the Liberals and the Conservatives of the county. And it could certainly never have been expected that both political parties would come before the Commissioner with perfectly identical objections to the Government scheme, Naturally would it occur to every mind that by what one party would gain the other would suffer, or that what would serve the interests of one would diminish the strength of the other. However, for once at at least, the Liberals and the Tories of Carnar- vonshire have agreed not to differ. A very strange phenomenon this, but none the less true. When Mr Nanney rose to object to what the Conservative party thougth was deficient in the Government scheme, Mr R. D. Williams, re- presenting the Carnarvonshire Liberal Associa- tion, immediately expressed his entire approval of Mr Nanney's suggestion, which was to the effect that the parish of Llanrug be nlaced in the southern division and that Llanberis be included in the Northern division. Under these circumstances, Major Tulloch had little difficulties in discharging his duties us commis- sioner in Carnarvonshire. If, however the question of the area was disposed of without any difficulty, the work of deciding upon a name for each of the divisions was not so easily to be accomplished. Immaterial as that might be, it had drawn out a large number of petitioners. The Bangor City Council had sent a deputation to set forth the desirability of calling the northern division under the name of Bangor Division. Members of the Penmaenmawr Local Board were also in attendance, for the purpose of laying before the Commission the claim of that place for the distinction. Criccieth was similarly represented, and so was the county town. It was explained by Major Tulloch that it was their in- structions not to adoptth j terms north and south, but to call every division by a local name. They were also debarred from adapting the name of any town that is included in the boroughs. Under these circumstances the suggestion of the Carnar- von Town Council, that one division be called Carnarvon Division, and the other Bangor Divi- sion, at once fell through. To our mind, the suggestion of Mr W. A. Darbishire, who was supported by Mr John Roberts of Bangor, would appear the best to adopt. It was to the effect that the northern and southern divisions be called Arvon and Eifionydd. The latter word, as the Commissioner stated, doe^not look very Anglican 4 h in print- but it could be improved easily in that respect, and, perhaps, be rendered more strictly ceirect, by making it Eivion. Thus the two divisions would be called Arvon and Eivion-two very euphonious names, whether pronounced by an Englishman or a Welshman. The great question for both political parties is. What is likely to be the effect of the division, provided it is finally sanctioned. Each party seemed to believe that the substitution of Llan- rug for Llanberis was desirable. Certainly one party must be wrong—the change cannot be beneficial to both. The Conservatives thought their influence in Llanberis was greater, whilst the Liberals must have been of opinion that Llanrug was best, in their interests, to be pos- sessed of. One important feature of the division is that the great quarry industries of Bethesda and Dinorwic will be in the same division. Were the elections conducted now on the old lines, with open voting, no Liberal would stand a chance in the Northern Division. When Mr Jones-Parry first cjnt sted Carnarvonshire in 1868, he had but forty odd supporters at Be- thesda, and the strength of the Tory votes in that place and Llanberis was only balanced by the unanimous support of Llandudno and the southern parts. The influence of Penrhyn and Vaynol, under an extended franchise and with open voting,would have been irresistible. Under existing circumstances, however, with a good Liberal candidate like Mr Rathbone, the chances of a Conservative candidate in the northern division is very remote. The quarrymen, a large number of whom will be, for the first time, enfranchised before the next election, are Liberal to the very core and almost all the Tories that are to be found among them are paid dependents. The only class whom the Con- servatives can expect anything from are the farmers. In the southern division-or the Eivion division, as we would call it—a change in the representation from Liberal to Con- servative is very improbable. But, of course, much depends on the candidate. For Mr Jones-Parry there would be a perfectly safe seat. But he is determined not to leave the boroughs, and in deciding upon the candidates for the different divisions, the opinions of the present members will have to be respected. We would not for a moment compel Mr Jones- Parry to take the southern division if he were strongly opposed to it; the party thought it was absolutely poeessary, r. ;rdvr fo secure theseal, that he should contest it, the we should think Mr Jones-Parry ought to defer to the general opinion, which, no doubt, he would be prepared to do should it be proved that the seat was ill imminent peril. The position of the Conservatives in the southern division is considerably better than in the northern division. Mr Nanney has a large lauded in- terest, and is a gentleman of considerable po- pularity, in the southern part of the division, and, unless opposed by the very best candi- date, the Tories might run him in. It is, therefore, of the greatest importance that every caution should be exercised in the selection of candidates for the different divisions, as a little bungling or want of unanimity in this matter would be disastrous to the Liberal cause. Let us hope, therefore, that no split. shall take place or be even provoked. In the next election—come it when it may-we shall require strong and united energy, without which we shall never be able to retain our pre- sent position. Of candidates, there are a multi- plicity, and of Liberal voters there are plenty, though not one too many; but of zealous workers for the sake of the cause, there is a scarcity. Let this class be multiplied, and divisions avoided, and the position of the Liberal party in Carnarvonshire will not very easily be shaken.

HERE AND THERE. BY UBIQUE. Rumour has it that the London and North Western Railway Company are wait- ing the general adoption of the new calculation of time before setting up a respectable clock at Carnarvon station.-that Mr Bunnell must be badgered by inquisitive passengers as to when the fifteen-thirty eight train for Bangor is due- are any change be made in the existing arrange- ments under which one -is dependent on that erratic timepiece, worth at the outside some five shillings, which ticks out a miserable existence over the fire place of the general waiting room. In this respect Carnarvon is about the worst served station on the line of railway. *#* The Carnarvon public clocks keep pace with railway time, and in this respect Mr Chenery is to be complimented. His fellow post-master at Bangor still evinces a determination that no one shall miss the train. The Bangor post office clock, although presumably set at ten o'clock by Greenwich time, will persist in keeping eight minutes in advance of the railway time-the result being that many people find that they are able to traverse the distance between the post office and the railway station at a remarkably rapid rate. They, however, it is generally admitted, do not thank the Bangor post master for keeping ahead of the times, Municipal matters at the monthly meeting of the Bangui' mid Carnarvon Town Council, were dull and unexciting. At Bangor, finance was the chief point for discussion, and the elaborate statement presented by Alderman Pierce as to the relative merits of the sinking fund, and obtaining a loan to pay off liabilities of a good many more thousands of pounds than the ratepayers ever thought they could be held responsible for, came somewhat by surprise, and was left over for digestion by the next monthly meeting. *:JI:* The proposition of Alderman Pierce, if feasible, will be acceptable to the ratepayers of Bangor. The rates are getting extremely heavy, and the financial position of the Corpora- tion is not yet understood. At Tuesday's petty session the overseers of the parish, had to explain why J3800 of a call due in September was still unpaid, and the collector of the rates levied by the Corporation had also a long list of persons whose attendance, consequent upon the non- payment of water, gas, and general district rates, was invited before the magistrates. Economy does not seem to be the order of the day with the Bangor City Council, and the sooner the rate- payers move, and form an association to check and challenge unnecessary expenditure the better it will be, both for the Corporation and the rate- payers. It is certainly time that the ratepayers spoke out. *#* That the ratepayers have a voice in matters pertaining to the City of Bangor and that their representatives at the Council are not supreme, was pretty plainly demonstrated by that fiasco which attended the meeting held on Friday with the object of changing the day for holding the Bangor markets. Upon that proposal they gave an utmost universal condemnation, and they would likely have done the same had they been invited to express their opinion upon other schemes con- templated or carried out by the City Council. Whether Mr W. A. Dew is to have condolence and commiseration in the shocking plight in which he found himself placed—without a single sur- porter to back out his original ideas, for he trimmed rather too much at the eleventh hour -is an open question. Who were his friends who wanted tie change ? The subject was mooted many months back, and Mr Dew might ha ve guaged public opinion better before going to the extent of getting the Mayor to call a town's meeting on a day at and at hour most inconven- ient to the tradesmen of Bangor. Mr W. A. Dew's intentions were doubtless most praiseworthy: but why should the rateyayers be put to the cost of paying for the convention of this town's meet- ing ? There are advertisements, bill-posting and other expenses incurred, and it may well be asked. should the ratepayers, especially in the face of last Tuesday's list of defaulters, be called upon to pay towards the expenses of such a meeting as that which assembled in the Penrhyn Hall last Friday. *#* But, after all, Mr Dew deserves credit—he gave the ratepayers an opportunity of seeing the Penrhyn Hall by daylight. It is regrettable that Lord Penrhyn was not present to see to what a disreputable, dirty, miserable condition that place identified with his name is reduced. No wonder that it is shunned by proprietors of respectable entertainments, and that even Bethesda has the preference over Bangor. The hall is said to be vested in trustees for the public benefit; one trustee at the Bangor City Council declared that he had never been summoned to attend a meeting, and doubtless there are others who could join in the like complaint. The state- ment of receipts and expenditure, although this is a property virtually belonging to the people of Bangor, has not been published for the last three years; no one seems to know, and judging by the appearance of the building, or care, what becomes of the property which is fast falling to rack and ruin. If. instead of bother- ing" about the construction of the pier—a scheme which must be carried out by a public company and not a corporation—Dr Richards would look after the public rights in the Penrhyn Hall he would confer a public service and do a public good. V At the Cararvon Council, the Mayor, acting upon a recommendation made in these columns, prominently brought forward the question of the selection of Carnarvon, for the locale of the pro- posed intermediate school which is to be estab- lished in Carnarvonshire. It was rather un- gracious and very unnecessary for Dr John Williams to endeavour—for it was nothing but an attempt—to throw cold water upon the pro- posal. Carnarvon, as has been found out too late. missed a golden opportunity when the Endowed School for Girls was allowed to go to Dolgelley. It is not likely that Carnarvon will again blunder into the same short sighted policy. As far as accommodation or a site goes, let any doubter take a survey of the new Institute which owes its foundation to the liberality and enter- prise of Alderman Lewis Lewis. He will see a vacant space and room for an addition, and he will arrive at the conclusion that the present Mayor of Carnarvon must have been in the con- fidence of Mr Mundella, or that he has at all event displayed remarkable foresight and pre- science in elaborating the designs for that Institute, which will be a great acquisition to Carnarvon and be vastly appreciated by the young men employed in the business establish- ments of the borough, who find themselves thrown on the streets after closing hours. 'J!' The Mayor ot Carnarvon made a reference to Sir Hugh Owen, and the interest lie evinced in Car- narvon and its educational requirements. This provoke, a query which Mr Thomas Williams should elucidate. What has become of the proposed statue to the late Sir Hugh Owen ? Mr Thomas Williams, when the proposal was moved in the minds of the Cvminrodorion or some other society iu the metropolis, worked up the subject, and a memorial was sent up to someone or somebody urging that if the statue found a home in the Principality, Carnarvon was the most fitting place. being the residence of his son-in-law, Mr Hugh Pugh, and facing his birthplace on the Anglesey side of the Menai Straits. If the Carnarvonites do not take care, the statue will be placed, not in the new park, in Castle-square, or opposite the Lewis' Institute, but be an ornament to the University College of North Wales at Bangor. And then Carnarvon people will complain-almost as usual- a day too late. Major Tulloch, who held an inquiry at Carnarvon 0:1 Wednesday as to the division of the county, found his duties not at all irksome, and they were discharged in little over an hour. Aboat the boundaries there was no dispute. The Conservatives took exception to the scheme of the Commissioners so far as it related to the parishes of Llanrug and Llanberis, and strange to say—would it have been an electioneering dodge—their spokesman was Mr Ellis-Nanney, although Mr George Owen and Mr George Thorna", the retainers of the party, were at his elbow. This is rather a pitiful idea. of adver- tising a presumptive candidate, and showed to what straits Carnarvonshire Toryism is at last rendered. There was a big fight over the nomenclature of the two divisions. Mr Pritchard did excellent service for Bangor, and adduced arguments weighty, well (onsidered, admirably advanced, and lucidly put forward, and which the commissioner will find it difficult to disregard. The Mayor of Carnarvon displayed forensic abilities with which he is not usually credited, and Carnarvon need not regret that Alderman Lewis did battle on her behalf. Mr R. Pughe-Jones championed Criccieth Mr Charles Darbishire did his best for Penmaenmawr, and those favouring the old Welsh designations of Arfon and Eifionydd for the two divisions found able spokes- men in Mr W. A. Darbishire and Mr John Roberts (Bryn Adda), the former of whom imparted a good deal of dry humour intermingled with much common sense into his arguments, and showed that he knew more of Wales and Welsh history than many give him credit for. What the divisions are to be entitled will be definitely known some nine months hence. That I they will be Portmadoc and Llandudno meets with most acceptances. Where was Pwllheli at the inquiry ? Not a word spoken on behalf of '1' that borough which claims to be the chief town of the southern division. Criccieth Local Board sent an advocat,, 101* her claims, hut the im- portant borougn of i^v. iliicj-i by its want of representation. So the question of where the Anglesey Quarter Sessions are to be held is shelved for another three months. CaptA emey very wisely, as most people w-ill agree.declined to take upon himself the responsi bility—and a very grave one indeed—of giving a casting vote for their removal from Beaumaris. The Llangefni committee—or rather those who are working the movement for the change-are thus checkmated for another quarter, and to them, it is idle to conceal, the disappointment is great, for, seeing the vast preponderance of parishes in their favour, it was dittlcult to be- lieve that the magistrates would not coincide with public opinion. The proposed change is a serious one for the ratepayers, and must have most careful consideration. The want of unan- imity—that rival claims should be set up by Menai Bridge and Holyhead—is one bar to the success of Llangefni.

OUR LONDON LETTER. fin" oui: OWN c >NRESPONDENT]. LONDON, WEDNESDAY 2S IGUT. Searching for Wars—Men in Uniform a Pcd Rgypt and Public Opinion—Mr Chambcdain's Spoach—Bismarck—Land Question—The Metho- dist limes Death of the Bishop of London—JJr Johnson. The professional fighters of this little world of ours presents at this moment, a most melan- choly spectacle. At the commencement of the new year, they seem to have made up their minds to work more vigorously than ever- and we see them running madly hither and thither in search of pretexts for the shedding of blood. France and Russia suffer from this fiuditino1 itch m a. very marked degiee. The former country has been carrying on a sort of wild goose chase in China for some time, without proclaiming war without knowing either the real strength of its wily antagonists, or the substantial result of victory. Because he was not ready to afford the necessary facilities for the running this mad career, General < amponon, the French War Minister, has handed in his resignation; but the 9 1 motive for this unreadiness is a most remarkable one. General Campenon, it seems, de- clined to send soldiers to China', be- cause he wanted to concentrate the' mili- tary forces m France with the view of winning back from Germany the lost territories. Alsace and Lorraine. This was the dream of Gambetta. and Campenon is a Gambettist. From France let- us turn to Russia. General Soboleff, a mad Lussian Jmgo has written a letter to the Russ newspaper which has roused the attention of Europe. In this letter. Soboleff builds an elaborate theory. Russia desires possession of the Bosphorus, but is thwarted by England, and by England alone of all the European powers fcuch being the case, Russia will terrify England into submission by invading and conquering India—a task easy of accomplishment, and re- sulting in the acquisition of two valuable terri- tories, India and the Bosphorus. Was ever such a fanciful web woven in the brain of mortal 'J pWe ^v?u,t done with Russia yet. We are told from China that the Czar-a noble prisoner within the walls of Gatsehina—is anxious to iorm an alliance with France against the Celestial empire. And even that is not all. Not content with China and India, some influential Russians cast longing eyes on Abyssinia, the annexation of which country is strongly advocated by one of the most powerful Russian newspapers, the Moscow Gazette of M. Katkoff. These blood-shedders and glory-hunters are the pests of the universe. In the name of com- 111011 sense, why cannot they leave humanity alone. Why cannot they leave us go ourwav and ply our trades in peace ? But while we are fools enough to keep these professional quarrel- mongers in affluence and idleness, we may expect to have quarrels thrust upon us for the idle man is always creating mischief. These are strong werds to say of the men in uniform. But the assiduity with which they prowl about the world with the one object of picking quarrels is a provocation of overwhelming streng th Tt is all very well to hurl sne.r, at the Peiee Society but the fact is that the broad-brimmed have to-day, more than ever, by far the better of the argument. To a man who is obliged to wade throngh a good deal of Jingo political articles, Mr Chamberlain's speech at Birmingham comes like cold waters to a thirsty soul." Every hesitating Liberal should read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest that remark- able speech. Never was a Cabinet's policy defended in more straightforward, determined a manner; never was the future Liberal programme drawn out in such a business-like, definite, sweeping way. Let me call the reader's attention to a couple of the chief points. Mr Chamberlain does not believe the statements made in some quarters concerning Prmce Bismarck's terrible hostility against Mr Gladstone. It is peculiarly comforting to°hear this from a Cabinet Minister. We are asked to believe that the one great object of Bismarck is the over- throw of the Gladstone Government, and that this is the motive of Germany's colonial annexation and Egyptian policies and we are further told that the cause of this hostility is Bismarck's personal dislike of Gladstone. Now this last statement possibly, e ren probably, is correct but that the otheFs should follow from it is extremely unlikely, for Bismarck is an astute statesman and all experienced man of the world, and he would not allow his individual feeling to dictate tne policy of the empire he has, founded. Such is the opinion of Mr Chamberlain and it agrees well with common sense. Indeed I believe that Bismarck's is the only cool head on the European Continent to-day. In all thi§ turmoil about Egypt and the colonies, he quietly proceed with his work and one of his aims at present is the gaming of Frances friendship, which will amount to a second conquest of that country The steadiness and the coolness with which he pursues that object are beautiful to behold, and contrast strikingly with the feverish, helter-skelter doings of some of the statesmen of Paris. 0 I he Methodist Ti mes boasts a very Ion list of contributors, both clerical and lay, and the editor the Rev Hugh Price Hughes, M.A., is it notorious coiner of strong words. The editor means to make his voice heard in the religious and political worlds and while adhering firmly to the original doctrines ot-John Wesley, to discuss fully and freely modern phases of thought. The Methodist Times is a "journal written by young Methodists for young Methodists is intended to burn a great deal of the red tape which is strangling the work of God." The first, number promises well. Mr Broadhnrst's article, entitled Are the working classes indifferent to religion, should be read, and read carefully by all earnest men. The first of a series of Spiritual Workers" is Canon Liddon, at St. Paul's. The reverend clergyman is very fairly treated, though perhaps the real secret of his strength is imperfect! v dealt with. This particular article was to me exceedingly interesting, for I happened to be pre- sent in St. Paul's ou the Sunday afternoon the writer speaks of, and, like him, I failed to *et a seat, though I did not, like him. fiirht my way°+( t convenient corner. The Methodist Times should soon become an influential religious organ, and nil men, especially young men, who try to tiling for themselves, cannot do better than peruse its columns It seeks to introduce new blood new vit' liT + *u veins of Christianity, which is said 'oytome to te becoming antiquated and petrified. I wish the new venture God speed. Could anything be more r/n„„ mnra -1 „ i r ^*°sy, more cold than the death of tne Bishop of /j0n(ionv No bulletin, no consultations of doctor,, n0 siieat truad of in the darkened deatu-chamber, no gathering of friends and relatives around the bed. Only a valet a daughter, and a physician and when the terrible moment arrived, poor Dr. Jackson was alone But as he died, so had he lived. Silent, steady routine work alone saved him from being a respectable nonentity. A solid rather .brilliant man a very conservative turn of mind, and hated all noisy changes. In brief, he was a luckv mediocrity, who had stumbled into a high pos £