The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

The Radicals of the city celebrated their restoration to power at the Town Hall on Wednesday by electing a Mayor and Sheriff from their own ranks and ejecting two Unionist aldermen, who had a long record of public service to their credit. The occasion attracted a larger gathering than usual, which may be put down to two causes-first, the curiosity to see how the Radicals would comport themselves in their hour of victory, and, secondly, a desire on the part of citizens to see the new Council Chamber. Chairs were placed in the centre of the room, and occupied by ladies, while there was also a fair sprinkling of the fair sex behind the Mayor's chair. Somehow the space avail- able for the general public did not seem as large as in the old Council chamber, and it must be that the new horse-shoe table is larger than the old one. At any rate the people stand- ing behind the councillors' chairs found them- selves uncomfortably crushed, and both the public entrance and the doorway leading from the Mayor's ante-room were congested with spectators, anxious to get a glimpse of the pro- ceedings. Looking around the room before the Mayor and his colleagues put in an appear- ance, one was struck with the tact that the faces were not as familiar as usual, but nevertheless there were many well-known citizens present including the Revs. E. C. Lowndes, J. L. Bedford, J. K. Montgomery, F. Barnes, and J. W. Clark, Com- mander Crawford, R.N., Dr. Lees, Dr. Hopkins, Messrs. A. Barker. F. W. Sharpe, W. M. Weaver, W. Chalton, Skipwith, J. R. Thomson, S. J. R. Dickson, G. F. Clough, J. Stivens, C. Cooper, T. M. Lockwood, R. L. Johnston, A. Lamont, R. L. Wilkinson, R. J. Williams) Horace A. Smith,T.J. Smith, Bereaford Adams, W. A. Gardner, J. Scott, H. Viggars, W. F. J. Shepheard, G. Parker, W. Lockwood, Walter Spencer, J. E. Haswell, T. W. Griffiths, John Dickson, W. E. Little, G. Adams, J. Dutton, J. Hunter, Churton, jun., J. M. B. Mowle, H. B. Dutton, J. Hobday, F. Turner, J. B. Mencock.T. H. Banks, A. Clemence, A. E. Jones, H. G. Hope, J. H. Dickson, Coppack, W. Ferguson, A. Armstrong, T. Hibbert, H. Jackson, W. H. Hallmark, E. T. Hallmark, W. Tasker, J. Norbury, E. Minshull, Arnold, A. L. Williams, H. J. Price, F. W..Ward, T. Mills, Orme W. O. Roberts, C. Wiseman, J. Owen, Williamson Jones, Barker Jones, T. Roberts, C. Davies, T. Snelson, W. Jones, Pearson, H. Ander- son, Rimirer, J. Watkins, Williamson. Fletcher, G. F. Cox, G. Barnes, J. Taylor, Maher, Gemmell, the City Coroner (Mr. E. Brassey), the City Surveyor (Mr. I. Matthews Jones), she Chief Constable (Mr. Laybourne), the School Attendance Officer (Mr. G. Avery), the Superintendent of Markets (Mr. H. Price), &c. The public gallery was also well filled with interested onlookers, who, judging by the way in which they demonstrated their feelings during the proceedings, consisted largely of jubilant Radicals. A few minutes before 12 o'clock, the Mayor (Mr. J. Gooddie Holmes), wearing his chain and robe of office, entered the room, accom- panied by the Town Clerk (Mr. S. Smith), and followed-most people were pleased to note- by the Sheriff (Mr. J. W. Huke), who, though not a member of the Council since his rejection by the Boughton electors, attended to receive the thanks of the Council for his services during the past twelvemonths, and took his customary seat. The Town Clerk having reported the result of the recent elections, the roll of members was called, and the following answered to their names, in addition to the Mayor and Sheriff :-Aldermen J. P. Cartwright, Leonard Gilbert, G. A. Dickson, Chas. Brown, H. T. Brown, John Smith, W. H. Churton, and Thos. Smith; Dr. Archer, Messrs. John Jones, J. M. Frost, S. Coppack, John Lightfoot, and J. W. Carter (Boughton Ward) Messrs. R. C. Davies, Wm. Brown, William Williams, J. F. Lowe, J. Egerton Gilbert, and Dr. Roberts (St. John's) Messrs. Samuel Moss, M.P., Roger Jackson, Isaac Jones, E. S. Giles, Dr. Hamilton, and Dr. Stolterfoth (St. Mary's) Messrs. J. P. Davies, J. G. Frost, Thos. Browne, J. J. Cunnah, and Henry Dodd (Trinity) Messrs. R. Lamb, W. Vernon, B. C. Roberts, Wm. Denson, J. Jones, and Edgar Dutton (St. Oswald's). The only absentees were Allerman Sir Thomas Frost and Alderman H. R. Bowers. The Unionist forces were thus reduced by two. but, on the other hand, until the election of his successor they had the vote of Mr. Huke, so that when the Mayor took his seat the strength of the two parties stood thus:—Unionist, 19; Radicals, 20. The election of Dr. Stolterfoth as the successor of Mr. Holmes passed off most harmoniously, his nomination being proposed and seconded by two Radical aldermen, and sup- ported, on behalf of the Unionist members, by Mr. B. C. Roberts, who, as deputy Mayor, occupied the chair on the left hand of Mr. Holmes. As Dr. Stolterfoth came forward amid general applause to assume the gown and chain transferred to him by Mr. Holmes, the Cathedral bells, as usual, broke forth in a merry peal. After taking the customary oaths, Dr. Stolter- foth replied in felicitous terms in a speech whose only fault was its length, and then the Council proceeded to express its thanks through the mouths of Alderman Churton and Dr. Roberts to the ex-Mayor for his services during his signally successful year of office. Afterwards Mr. John Lightfoot was installed as Sheriff in the place ot Mr. Huke, who, replying to a vote of thanks, chided the Boughton electors with their ingratitude,and judging by the enthusiasm with which his declaration that he was pre- pared to stand again' was received, there should be no doubt about his return at the forthcoming bye-election in St. John's. Interest in the proceedings was just beginning to flag when the announcement the next business is the election of aldermen put everyone on the qui vive. Aldermen Cartwright, Gilbert, and Dickson at once left the room, and as Mr. Huke had no longer any power to vote (though he occupied the seat vacated by Mr. Lightfoot), the position of the parties was now as follows :—Radicals 19; with the addition of the Mayor's casting vote; Unionists, 16. The voting papers were quickly filled up, and read out by the Town Clerk, the result being the unanimous re-election of Alderman Sir Thomas Frost and Alderman Gilbert, and the return of Messrs. W. Williams, Geo. Dutton, and G. A. Dickson. On the previous occasion on which it was sought to pitchfork Mr. Geo. Dutton into an aldermancy Mr. Jno. Jones (Boughton) and Mr, Roger Jackson voted against him, but on this occasion'the party lash had evidently been used with the desired effect, for the Radical vote was solid in favour of the caucus' nominees. Subsequently the company were treated to an amusing ebullition on the part of Mr. Wm. Williams, who, though having voted for himself as an alderman, made the astound- ing statement that it was an honour which he did not seek, and would, in fact, rather have declined. When someone in his vicinity ejaculated Oh! oh Mr. Williams became extremely wrathful, throwing about his spectacle case, and inveighing against 'tyranny' in a manner which was most edifying. The remainder of the business was more or less of a AVUUUO \.iUQ&.Q\.I\OJ.. DR. STOLTERFOTH'S ELECTION. Alderman CHAKLES BROWS said he had the honour to propose as the Mayor for the ensuing year a gentleman who he hoped would meet with the approbation of every member of the Council. He need only mention the name of Dr. Stolterfoth to make his election unanimous. (Applause.) Dr. Stolterfoth was an old citizen, his father and grandfather held good positions in Chester years ago, while he himself had been a member of the Town Council for eleven years. He was also a magistrate for the city, and six years ago h., filled the ancient office of Sheriff to the satisfaction of everyone. Not only had he attended most regularly on com- mittees, but he had shewn great interest in the work of the Council generally, and more especially in sanitary matters. Outside the Council Dr. Stolterfoth had taken a most active part in the educational work of the Grosvenor Museum. (Hear, hear.) Many of them might not be aware of the very large educational work carried on at that institution, where he believed there were upwards of a thousand students. Dr. Stolterfoth bad also found time to give his gratuitous attendance most frequently at the Infirmary, and he (the speaker) believed that there was no physician or surgeon who attended there so regularly. (Applause.) Dr. Stolter- foth had further had much to do with the establishment of the infectious hospital at Sealand, which was drawing near completion, and he (Alderman Brown) thought it was very fit and proper that the doctor should be Mayor at the time that hospital would be open for occupation. (Applause.) Alderman GILBERT briefly seeonded. Mr. B. C. ROBERTS (DeputyMayor) rose with considerable pleasure to support the nomination of Dr. Stolterfoth, and said he thought they were peculiarly fortunate in obtaining the services of a man of his attainments and position. He felt confident they would shew their appreciation of Dr. Stolterfoth's worth by electing him unanimously. (Applause.) The resolution was then put to the meeting, and carried unanimously, Dr. Stolterfoth being warmly applauded as he came forward to assume the robe and chain of office, and take the customary oath. THE NEW MAYOR S REPLY. In replying, the new MAYOR said he returned them his most sincere thanks for having placed him in the honourable position of chief magis- trate. Personally he felt proud to stand there as their representative. (Applause.) When he thought of the long list of names in the other room of remarkable people who had held the office before him, he only felt humbled and hoped he should be able to carry out his duties in a way that would give satisfaction to the town. By descent, like many more people, he was not an Englishman, although for three generations his family had lived in this country. His grandfather came to England a foreigner and an alien, a young man having lost everything in his native country-his father, mother, and almost all his friends-by a terrible visitation of smallpox, while he himself bore to his grave the marks of the malady upon his face. He made Chester his home, and he never wished to go away from it after he came. He was a staunch admirer of the English Con- stitution and all that was English, and at the beginning of the present century, when he became possessed of some little money, he took steps to become naturalised. In those days naturalisation was not such an easy thing as it was at the present time, for he had actually to get an Act of Parliament passed declaring him to be a British subject. He (the Mayor) possessed that Act of Parliament now, and what was very interesting to him was that the grandfather of the present Duke of West- minster was kind enough to come forward and help in obtaining that Act. (Applause.) It was also a curious and noteworthy feature that owing to the Napoleonic wars it was recited in that Act of Parliament that his grandfather must not leave the country for seven years, so afraid were they at that time that some foreigner might come over to this country and carry away to the enemy news of what they were doing. However, his grandfather not only took the oath not to quit England for seven years, he lived in Chester till his death, and carried on a school that had been founded by a Mr. Sellars in Queen-street for many years. As some small return to the city for taking in his grandfather as a stranger and a foreigner, he felt grateful to them for allowing him to come forward and serve them in the office of Mayor. (Applause.) Since he had been in the Council there had been a good many changes in the city, and he thought most of them had been for the better. They had tried as much as possible to preserve in the streets of the city that which was ancient and ancient looking, and it was still a place to which every foreigner, and particularly every American, always turned as the early home of the English people, shewing them perhaps in some small degree what they could not see in their own country—how our ancestors lived some hundreds of years ago. During the coming year—and he was glad that he as a medical man should be in the position of Mayor on that occasion- they should have the new infectious hospital open. He himself had been connected with the infectious hospital at the Infirmary ever since its erection, and it had been of incomparable use to the city, saving them many and many a time from disaster. It was not so many years ago that smallpox broke out in Chester, and on that occasion the hospital was so full that they thought it advisable to erect a tent in the Infirmary field for fear any more cases came in. Thanks to Providence, however, from the moment the tent was put up the disease seemed to abate, and it was never required. This question of smallpox was a very important one indeed. He felt as a medical man very strongly upon it, and he could not say—although he should have to administer the law on the question-that he felt in any way satisfied with the present Act. (Hear, hear.) He was afraid it would not work to the general good of the people. Persons would come with frivolous reasons for the purpose of getting off what he believed himself was a safeguard to the general public wherever it was faithfully and truly carried out-he meant vaccination. (Ap- plause.) Coming next to the question of public baths, he said he thought they would be a great boon to the public generally. In our smaller towns we were behind other nations on the Continent in this respect, for there was hardly a Con- tinental town of the size of Chester which did not possess good public baths. He hoped they should be able to wipe off that reproach very shortly indeed, and he trusted during his year of office to see the baths completed. (Applause.) Alderman Charles Brown had spoken very kindly of what he (the Mayor) had done in the cause of technical education. The old apprentice system was to a certain extent dying out, and it was to technical schools of the kind they had established in Chester that they looked to produce the skilled workman, trader, and manu- facturer. He was ashamed to say that foreign countries had done a great deal more than our- selves towards making their artizan class capable of fighting the battle which the great competition of the present day had forced upon them, but still if we persevered in what we were doing, he thought we should succeed, and stand, as we always had done, one of the first nations in trade and manufacture. (Applause.) Dr. Stolterfoth concluded by again expressing his thanks, and inviting the members of the Corporation and citizens to accompany him to the Cathedral on Sunday morning. THANKS TO THE RETIRING MAYOR. Alderman W. H. CHURTON said in the spirit of the old axiom welcome the coming, speed the parting guest/ he joined in the chorus of congratulation to their worthy Mayor, and sincerely wished him from the bottom of his heart a most successful year of office. (Applause.) The swing of the pendulum had brought their old friends, the Radicals, back to power in the Council. (Laughter and applause.) Alderman GILBERT I rise to a point of order. Please let us have no politics. Alderman CHURTON I am not going to introduce politics, and I don't think there was any necessity for your interruption if you had waited and listened. (Laughter and applause.) I was going to say I did not in the least regret it—(laughter)—because I feel that too much prosperity is apt to demoralise a party. (Renewed laughter.) We have had a very recent instance of this in my old ward- Boughton. Proceeding, Mr. Churton said there was another reason why they should not be selfish and wish one party to be always in power, because in that event they were apt to- exhaust the possible mayors and sheriffs among them, and it was only reasonable that the other party should have a turn. (Laughter.) But he thought he might say with tlle greatest possible confidence, that beneath the veneer of political principles, there existed deep down in the depths of their hearts an earnest determination to uphold the honour and ennance the interests of their historic city, of which they were, or ought to be, all so proud to be members. (Applause.) The object with which he rose was to propose a very hearty vote of thanks to the retiring Mayor for the way in which he had performed the duties of his office. (Applause.) To his (Mr. Churton's) mind, one of the chief characteristics of Mr. Holmes's year was the extreme courtesy, urbanity, and affability with which he discharged his duties, and dealt with everybody who came in contact with him. (Applause.) He was sure they would agree that the words of the wise man, 'A soft answer turneth away wrath,' were as true to-day as when they were written. They really could not appreciate as fully as they ought the value of kind words. It was said of Dr. Livingstone, that when he was in Africa, although the blacks could not understand a word he said, they all loved him, because there was something loving and sympathetic in his face. He (Mr. Churton) could not help think- ing the ex-Mayor had set them a very good example in that respect. If, in their various intercourses in life, they were all to endeavour to give a little more love, and impart a little more sunshine, the world would be better and brighter for their having passed through it. Whether they looked at the liberal hospitality which Mr. Holmes bad displayed to the citizens, or the admirable and impartial way in which he had presided over the Council, or whether they looked at the careful and painstaking way in which he had dispensed justice as the chief magistrate, he was sure they would join with him in saying that the Mayoralty of John Gooddie Holmes was a great success. (Applause.)* Two events of importance stood out prominently in his year of office. One was the visit of the High Court of Foresters, in which he took a deep interest, and the other was the rising, almost pbconix-like, from its ashes of that beautiful chamber in which they were assembled. He could only hope Mr. Holmes might be spared for many years to assist the Council in their deliberations for the welfare of the old city. Might he be allowed to add to the vote of thanks the name of the Mayoress ? (Applause.) There were many onerous and pleasant duties which Miss Holmes had fulfilled in an extremely gracious manner, and one of her last acts as Mayoress was to try and induce the ladies of Chester to help their suffering fellows in the West Indies. Personally, he was much disappointed at the scanty response on the part of the citizens. We prided ourselves upon being a colonising nation-a nation upon which the sun never set; yet when it came to putting those sentiments to practical proof, the result was somewhat disappointing. He hoped even now it was not too late for Chester to do its duty in that respect. (Applause.) Dr. ROBERTS, in seconding, said Mr. Holmes had been kind, courteous, approachable, affable, and most hospitable, and had tried to meet the wishes of everybody who seught his advice and help. Since he (Dr. Roberts) had been con- nected with the Council he had never known an instance where the man and the office had gone so harmoniously together. The resolution having been carried by accla- mation, The EX-MAYOR, in acknowledgment, after congratulating Dr. Stolterfoth on his election, said he was exceedingly obliged to Alderman Churton and Dr. Roberts for the far too kind and flattering manner in which they had spoken of him, and to the Council for the cordiality with which those words had been received. His year of office had been a very pleasant one both to Miss Holmes and himself. (Hear, hear.) It had been their aim, as far as they were able, to promote good works and the welfare of their fellow citizens, and if they had in any degree been successful in that respect, they were more than gratified. (Applause.) The year had been somewhat eventful in the annals of the city, for it had been marked by the laying of the foundation stone of the new infectious diseases hospital, which he was glad to say was now nearly completed; by the reception of the delegates to the High Court of Foresters in July last; and also by the restoration of the Town Hall and the re-opening of the Council Chamber. He was glad that his successor would occupy a building which had been greatly improved and beautified, and which was much more comfortable than it was when he assumed office at that time last year. On the occasion of his election, he mentioned the subject of public baths, and he rejoiced with all the members of the Council that plans for their erection had now been approved, so that he might predict with some degree of certainty that the new Mayor would have the pleasure and satisfaction of seeing not only their new hospital, but public baths opened for the benefit of the citizens during his tenure of office. (Applause.) He wished to thank the members of the Council and the citizens generally for their kindness and courtesy during the past twelvemonths, and also to acknowledge the efficient help rendered by the Corporation officials, and particularly the Town Clerk, the Clerk of Committees (Mr. Peers) and the City Surveyor. (Applause.) They made his task a comparatively easy one, and he ventured to hope that the year of office of his successor might be as pleasant and terminate as pleasantly as his own had done. Mr. Churton had referred to the fund which Miss Holmes had opened for the relief of the distressed residents in the West Indies. Her appeal was addressed to the ladies of Chester, and he felt sure it would meet with a far greater response than the appeal to the men of Chester had done. (Laughter and applause.) He was very much disappointed himself at the result of the effort that was made in that respect, because these colonists belonged to the same country as ourselves, and it was our duty to render them some little assistance when we knew they were not only in such trouble and sorrow, but in necessity and want. (Applause.) THE NEW SHERIFF. Mr. JOHN JONES (St. Oswald's) having swelled the chorus of congratulation to the Mayor, pro- posed that Mr. John Lightfoot be elected Sheriff, remarking that he had only to mention the name of that gentleman, who represented one of the most distinguished wards in the Tcity. to commend it to the favourable consideration of the Council. Mr. Lightfoot had sat in the Council for Boughton Ward during the whole of his public service. He had on several occa- sions had a canter over the old course; had fought some rather plucky fights in Boughton, and had always been-to use a sporting phrase—a good winner. He was also informed that Mr. Lightfoot received his early secular training in the ward he now represented in the Council. (Hear, hear.) In his early days Mr. Lightfoot attended St. Paul's National Schools, under the tuition of the former master, Mr. Johnson. He (the speaker) was sure Alderman Churton would be confirmed in his appreciation of the Radicals coming into power in the Council when he told him that Mr. Lightfoot was a Sunday School scholar in a class presided over by Alderman Churton himself. (Laughter and applause.) It must be gratifying, he was sure, to Alderman Churton that a gentleman who received moral and religious teaching at his hands was fitted to discharge the duties of the important office of Sheriff. (Applause.) Mr. W. VERNON seconded, and the proposition was carried by acclamation. Mr. LIGHTFOOT, having been invested with the insignia of office and made the customary declaration, returned thanks for the honour conferred upon him. He remarked that he was proud to have had the honour of receiving the insignia of office from his friend and late colleague, Mr. Huke. (Applause.) The cir- cumstances were rather peculiar, as Mr. Huke was no longer a member of the Council. He was sure they were all proud to see Mr. Huke among them on that occasion, and that he was expressing the feelings of that assembly when he said they should be glad to welcome him there again. (Applause.) There was a saying to the effect that the unexpected often occurred, and certainly it applied to him for he little thought a few days ago that he should be occupying the honoured position of Sheriff of Chester. Although it was unexpected, his thanks were none the less due to his brother councillors for the honour they had done him. Just nineteen years ago that day he first entered the Council, and he well remembered the then Sheriff, the late Mr. Robertson, making a rather long speech on the antiquity of the office of Sheriff. He little thought then that he should occupy the office himself. He highly appreciated the addition of his name to the long roll of sheriffs who had occupied the office from the year 12-57. (Hear, hear.) THANKS TO THE RETIRING SHERIFF. Alderman T. SMITH having congratulated the Mayor upon his election, said it was his privilege twelve months ago to propose Mr. Huke's election to the ancient office of Sheriff, and he thought Mr. Huke had discharged the duties to the entire satisfaction of the children of the Ragged School and also to the entire satis- faction of the whole of the citizens. (AvDlause.) 10 He therefore with the utmost satisfaction asked them to accord Mr. Huke a cordial vote of thanks. (Applause.) Dr. ARCHER, in seconding, said it was a matter of regret to him, as it was to a great many councillors round that table, that their friend Mr. Huke was no longer a member of the Council. (Applause.) During the time Mr. Huke had been a member of the Council he had discharged his duties with untiring energy. He hoped many months would not elapse before they saw him back to ornament the Council and enhance the value of its deliberations by his services. (Applause.) The vote having been warmly carried, Mr. HUKE, who was cordially received, con- gratulated the newly-elected Mayor and Sheriff. He stood there in rather a peculiar position- he was Sheriff a few minutes ago, but he was not a councillor. He did not think, however, there was anything that would prevent him from having another try to enter tha Council. (Applause.) It was with great pleasure that he had done his best to maintain the honour and dignity of the office of Sheriff. Although his friends in Boughton returned a verdict of no confidence in bim-(a Voice: 'No')—he felt sure from the many letters of congratulation he received, and also from the kindness and sympathy expressed by all parties, that it was not endorsed by the majority of his fellow- citizens. (Applause.) THE NEW ALDERMEN. TWO UNIONISTS EJECTED. A SCENE. Voting papers were next" distributed for the election of five aldermen. The retiring alder- men were:—Sir T. G. Frost and Messrs. L. Gilbert, George Dickson, J. P. Cartwright, and H. R. Bowers. The Town Clerk announced that the voting was as follows :— For Sir T. G. Frost: The Mayor, Messrs. B. C. Roberts, C. Brown, W. H. Churton, Wm. Brown, S. Moss, M.P., J. Jones (St. Oswald's), Isaac Jones, Edgar Dutton, J. P. Davies, J. M. Frost, S. Coppack, J. W. Carter, J. Jones (Boughton), J. G. Holmes, Wm. Williams, J. G. Frost, J. J. Cunnah, E. S. Giles, H. Dodd, T. Browne, Egerton Gilbert, T. Smith, R. Cecil Davies, J. F. Lowe, J. Lightfoot, John Smith, R. Lamb, W. Denson, W. Vernon, R. Jackson, H. T. Brown, and Drs. Roberts, Hamilton, and Archer.—Total 35. For Mr. L. Gilbert: The same 35. For Mr. George Dutton The Mayor, Messrs. C. Brown, W. Brown, Moss, J.Jones (St. Oswald's), Isaac Jones, Coppack, Carter, J. Jones (Boughton), Wm. Williams, J. G. Frost, H. Dodd, T. Browne, Lightfoot, J. Smith, Lamb, Denson, Vernon, and Jackson, and Dr. Roberts.— Total 20. For Mr. William Williams The Mayor, Messrs. C. Brown, W. Brown, Moss, J. Jones (St. Oswald's), I. Jones, Coppack, J. Jones (Boughton), Wm. Williams, J. G. Frost, Dodd, T. Browne, Lightfoot, T. Smith, Lamb, Denson, Vernon, Jackson, and Dr. Roberts.—Total 19. For Mr. George Dickson: Messrs. B. C. Roberts. Churton, E. Dutton, J. P. Davies, J. M. Frost, Carter, Holmes, Cunnah, Giles, Egerton Gilbert, T. Smith, R. Cecil Davies, Lowe, Denson, H. T. Brown, Drs. Hamilton and Archer.—Total 17. For Mr. J. P. Cartwright: Messrs. B. C. Roberts, Churton, E. Dutton, J. P. Davies, J. M. Frost, Carter, Holmes, Cunnah, Giles, Egerton Gilbert, T. Smith, R. Cecil Davies, Lowe, H. T. Brown, and Drs. Hamilton and Archer.—Total 16. For Mr. H. B. Bowers: Messrs. B. C. Roberts, W. H. Churton, E. Dutton, J. P. Davies, J. M. Frost, Holmes, Cunnah, Giles, Egerton Gilbert, T. Smith, R. Cecil Davies, Lowe, H. T. Brown, and Drs. Hamilton and Archer.— Total 15. The MAYOR accordingly declared Sir T. G. Frost, and Messrs. Gilbert, G. Dutton, Williams, and Dickson, elected. Aldermen GILBERT and DICKSON having returned thanks, Alderman WILLIAM WILLIAMS said: I am very pleased to be able to thank you for what you have done to-day. (Applause from the gallery.) It is an honour I did not seek for. (Laughter.) It is an honour I did not seek for, I tell you plainly, and if I bad been left to myself I should have quietly stayed at home and enjoyed myself. But my friends thought it was only right and proper I should come and give the citizens an opportunity of repairing the wrong done to me—(applause from the gallery) — and more than that (here Mr. Williams dramatically threw his spectacle case on the table)—of striking at the tyranny that is seeking to oppress the citizens of Chester- the three-handed dictatorship. (Renewed applause.) Who likes tyranny ? I don't, if some of my friends do. I told them the day would come when they would regret it. (A voice: Oh, oh.') Don't you (turning to Aldermen T. Smith and Dickson) say Oh oh to me. (Laughter.) I thank you heartily for what you have done for me to-day, and 1 tell you that no deed of mine shall ever cause the name of alderman to be spoken of with disgrace. (Applause.) THE MARSH MEMORIAL. THE ROMAN CATHOLIC OBJECTIONS. The TOWN CLERK read a letter from Miss Nessie Brown to the Mayor, asking his worship to accept on behalf of the city the monument to the memory of George Marsh, the martyr, which she had erected by the permission of the Town Council accorded her at their meeting in April, on their property in Boughton. If agree- able to the Mayor, she wished to inscribe his name as Mayor on the panel fronting the road to emphasise the connection of the monu- ment with the municipality. The MAYOR said he thought it was very kind indeed of Miss Nessie Brown to erect the memorial. He thought it rather foolish to raise the religious question. There had been famous people in all religions, and if they were always looking into what religion they belonged to they would never have any monu- ments at all. There were monuments to martyrs in Oxford, and he thought they owed their best thanks to Miss Brown for trying to beautify the city, and at the same time keep alive its history. Dr. ARCHER said as one of the representatives of Boughton Ward he could not allow that occasion to pass without expressing his regret that the monument should have been erected. He considered, whether rightly or wrongly, that its erection had offended the feelings of a great many citizens. He did not want to hurt the feelings of those who had presented the monument to the city, believing that it had been presented through kind motives, but he thought it was a great mistake. Knowing that the erection of the monument had offended a great many of his constituents, he felt bound to say a few words on the question. The SHERIFF regretted that the monument which had been given in the most generous spirit could not be accepted altogether by the constituents he had the honour to represent in the same spirit that it was given. It had raised up a very strong feeling of religious bigotry, and he felt sure that if the monument had been put upon the old burial ground, where it was supposed the ashes of Marsh were de- posited, it would not have caused any ill-feeling whatever. It was now put in a most prominent place where young people passed and re-passed day after day to their work in the gardens, and there was no doubt that a very strong feeling existed in Boughton against the monument. He did not know whether it was too late-he sincerely hoped it was not-for the location of the monument to be changed. He was sure it would not be the wish of the donor that she should be the means of perpetuating religious bigotry and animosity among her Catholic neighbours. If anything could be done to change the site of the monument he was sure many of their Catholic friends would be very grateful. Mr. S. COPPACJE did not know whether Dr. Archer had moved a direct negative. If he had not, he would move that the Corporation do not receive the monument. He had done his utmost to try to bring pressure upon Miss Brown not to erect the monument, which he thought would cause endless trouble to the Corporation. Alderman GILBERT said at present there was no resolution before the Council. Mr. JOHN M. FROST thought the Mayor had made a proposition. Alderman GILBERT said that was not so. The CLERK to COMMITTEES (Mr. Peers): Only the letter was read. Mr. EDGAR DUTTON said in the letter the Council were asked to accept the memorial. Mr. PEERS It has already been accepted. The TOWN CLERK explained that at a meeting of the Council on April 20th, it was reported that a letter had been received by the Improve- ment Committee from Mr. Wm. Brown, on behalf of Miss Nessie Brown, asking for per- mission to erect the memorial, and it was moved by the Mayor, seconded by Alderman J. Smith, and resolved that the recommendation of the Improvement Committee in favour of granting the request be adopted, and that the best thanks of the Council be tendered to Miss Nessie Brown for her very liberal proposal. Mr. T. BROWNE moved that the consideration of the letter be deferred to the next meeting of the Council. In the meantime they would have a very strong petition from the Catholics of Chester, which would shew them the feeling on the subject. He felt certain the Council did not wish to clash with the religious feelings uf any community (hear, hear), and he thought that no religious denomination would ever have cause to regret any petition they might present to the Council. In reply to Mr. J. G. Frost the TOWN CLERK said the recommendation of the Improvement Committee was that a site on Gallow's Hill for the memorial be granted. Mr. J. G. FROST took it that that gave Miss Nessie Brown authority to erect the memorial. The TOWN CLERK: The confirmation of this resolution of the Improvement Commitee gave the authority. The matter then dropped, no decision being arrived at. THE COMMITTEES. Mr. T. BROWNE moved that the committees be elected en bloc as suggefited by the General Purposes Committee.—Mr. R. Lamb said he had been put on too many committees, and he should like to retire from the Technical Instruction and Free Library Committees, and also he should like his name withdrawn from the list of representatives of the Council on the Dee Conservancy Board.—Mr. Cunnah expressed surprise at Mr. Lamb's wish to retire from the Dee Conservancy Board, as at the General Purposes Committee he expressed a desire to be put on that body. —Mr. Lamb complained that he was already on six or seven committees, and could not possibly attend all the meetings.—Mr. Coppack sug- gested that Mr. Frank Brown's name should be substituted for that of Mr. Lamb on the Dee Conservancy Board.—Mr. John Jones (St. Oswald's) said at the General Purposes Com- mittee it was distinctly moved, seconded, and carried that the representatives on the Dee Conservancy Board should be members of the Council, with the exception of Mr. Cullimore.- Alderman Churton asked what was the use of having a meeting of the General Purposes Com- mittee if they did not adopt its recommenda- tions. He pointed out, moreover, that the appointment of representatives on the Dee Conservancy Board bad nothing to do with the election of committees. After further discus- sion the committees were elected en bloc. REPRESENTATIVES ON PUBLIC BODIES. SHOULD OUTSIDERS BE APPPOINTED ? On the proposition of Alderman CHARLES BROWN, seconded by Mr. HOLMES, Aldermen H. T. Brown and John Smith were nominated directors of the Chester Race Company. The General Purposes Committee recommended the appointment of the following six gentlemen on the Dee Conservancy Board:— Messrs. W. Brown, J. G. Frost, R. Lamb, Wm. Williams, J. P. Davies, and J. Cullimore.—Mr. Coppack proposed that as Mr. Lamb wished to retire Mr. Frank Brown, who bad formerly represented the Council, be elected.—Alderman Churton seconded.—Mr. R. Cecil Davies pro- tested on the ground that on Monday they passed a resolution that only one outsider should be appointed. The Council ought to be represented by members of the Council. He had no doubt that Mr. Ffank Brown would be a useful representa- tive, but he had an opportunity of contesting a ward in the city, and becoming a member of the Council. He proposed that they appoint the six originally suggested.—The proposition was not seconded, and Mr. Frank Brown's name was substituted for that of Mr. Lamb. The Mayor, Alderman C. Brown, and Messrs. Wm. Brown. J. P. Davies, J. G. Holmes, and E. S. Giles were appointed representatives on the Dee Fishery Board; Sir Thomas Frost and Mr. W. Denson on the Corn Exchange Committee; Aldermen C. Brown and Gilbert and Mr. B. C. Roberts on the Assessment Com- mittee of Chester Union; while Aldermen Churton and C. Brown and Mr. J. Jones (Boughton) were appointed governors of Dr. Oldfield's Charity, and the Technical Instruc- tion Committee were appointed representatives on the Governing Body and Finance Committee of the Chester School of Science and Art. THE DEPUTY MAYOR. It was reported that the Mayor had appointed Alderman Charles Brown his deputy.