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THIS DAY'S TELEGRAMS.

THE SOUTH AFRICAN WAR.

POWERS AND CHINA. «

"I %porting.I

A BUILDER AND HIS CONTRACT…

[No title]

DUKE OF WESTMINSTER'S RETURN.

ANOTHER CHOLMONDELEY FIRE.…

HARTHILL.

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MISFORTUNES OF AN M.P.I »

| — AN ANCIENT CHESHIRE COURT.…

WHITCHURCH BOARD OF GUARDIANS.

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SIR J. BRUNNER AND THE WAR.…

AUCTION SALES. -0

REMOVAL OF INFECTIOUS PATIENTS.

THE CREWE ELECTION.

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THE CREWE ELECTION. Sir,—Though I do not think I was born to set the world to rights, or to rival the King of Spain in believing he could have given valuable hints had he been present at the Creation, I should nevertheless like to remove a false impression touching the Crewe Election. Even in newspapers extremely well-informed, and in letters from private persons, I find it held that Mr. Tomkinson, of Willington, won the seat because it had been practically given away by his predecessor. Mr. Tomkinson won because he was an ideal Radical candidate, with long years of unsuccessful effort behind him, long years of up-hill, hard, strenuous work for his party, long years of friendship with Mr. Gladstone. He stepped out of an almost impregnable fortress, backed by intimacy with the electorate, fortified by unmistakable political, business and financial prestige, and recommended by the goodwill and favour of the greatest leader the party has ever had. Mr. Tomkinson could hardly have lost had he tried. His candida- ture, moreover, inspired sympathy and, even an opponent may say, deserved encouragement. Considering, too, his labours and experiences in the past, it is not surprising that voters rallied to him in platoons and battalions. To my thinking, Mr. Robert Ward has not had overmuch justice meted out. I was with him at a few meetings in 1895 and noted his popularity, his engaging way of canvassing, and the trouble he took on platforms. Aided by the almost unparalleled devotion of Unionist adherents, he won in magnificent style; was almost carried off his feet to the poll, and triumphantly placed at the head. I have never understood that he was lperspiringly keen to contest the division, but, having consented to stand, be put the thing through in state. He was a first-rate candidate, and his success did the party good far beyond the area of the division. It is quite true that, chiefly owing to non- political reasons, he did not shine as a member of Parliament, and I took the liberty of saying my say on the subject in The Times" many months ago; but, writing deferentially and respectfully, I cannot agree that Mr. Ward's past de-merits detract in the least from Mr. Tomkinson's present merits. Mr. Ward's weak- ness as a member did not constitute Mr. Tomkinson's strength as a candidate. Their cases, moreover, differed: while in 1895 Mr. Ward set himself to gain a Radical seat, Mr. Tomkinson set himself to regain a seat originally belonging to his party. Both hon. gentlemen were successful, and, while Mr. Ward had the great boom of Unionism at his back, Mr. Tomkinson had practically to be his own boom. Mr. Reiss had no boom of any magnitude and, into the bargain, had to face, perhaps, the very best candidate in all England whom this particular division could have selected. In these very busy and exciting days I think, still with deference and respect, that Mr. Ward might be remembered as a champion candi- date, one the Unionists carried after a stiff fight in the enemy's camp, and that Mr. romkinson may be allowed to feel, neming contradicente, that it is his own good sword which has secured him a well-deserved victory. The three great Unionist victories of 1895 were Crewe, Mid Northamptonshire, and Cardiff. Where are those victories now ? Where will they be in (say) 1905 or 6 F-Very truly yours, R. ST. J. CORBET. Shrewsbury, Oct. 22.

GRAVE CHARGES AGAINST A YOUTH.…

[No title]

HA WARDEN.

. SHOCKLACH.

. MOLD.

. TARPORLEY.

. WREXHAM.

MALPAS.

■ -1 Chester Stock attj £…

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