The Aberystwyth Times Cardiganshire Chronicle and Merionethshire News

POLITICAL GOSSIP IN MERIONETHSHIRE. (From a Correspondent.) The Conservative meeting at Corwen was a cau- tion in more ways than one, for it revealed Tory tricks most unblushingly. The Hon. Charles wished all his tenants to vote for Col. Tottenham" (according to the colonel), and was not going to leave the county until the election was over. Such a wish is a degradation—if not a menace the colonel's repetition of it is an insult and an impertinence. The Honourable Charles has just as much right to wish' his tenants to eat pork, if it disagreed with their stomachs, or to drink brandy if they are pledged teetotalers, as to wish' them to vote for a candidate whose political convictions are an offence to their principles. And the Hon. Charles is not going to confine his interest to mere wishes. He will not move from the county until the election is over." The mother of Tony Lumpkin, in bewailing the shortcomings of her hopeful son, said: Did I not prescribe for you every day, and weep while the receipt was operating?" The Hon. Charles, like Mrs Hardcastle, is going to watch the effect of his prescriptions, but it remains to be seen whether his tenants will make Tony Lumpkins of themselves. According to Colonel Tottenham they will, for he boasts of a majority of sixty-two promises in Corwen. In the light of the Hon. Charles's wishing and waiting it is not hard to dis- cover how this majority is attained, and if the prescrip- tions are swallowed there will be weeping on Saturday Mr Whalley is a Widdle' the Right Hon. Lord Dun- dreary himself would find it hard to unravel. Punch calls him Whalley the Wise if all that has been said about him this week is true, some will rather call him Whalley the Whiffler. Until he unravels the mystery it will be unfair to form an opinion, but here are extracts from a couple of speeches delivered during the past week- BII Col. Tottenham at Corwen. I mentioned at the meeting we had this day week that Mr Whalley, with whom I had had some differences on railway matters, had come up to me on the previous Tuesday, and regretted much that he had no vote for the county, but assured me that as a magistrate of this county, he would be most happy to give me every assist- ance- that he would attend meetings or do anything I wished to assist me. Mr Whalley sent me a letter yes- terday to say that "I am called to Peterborough on Friday, and therefore cannot attend at Corwen or Bala; but have no hesitation in repeating what I stated in conversation with you at Llangollen, viz., that if a conservative is to be returned for Merionethshire, no one could, in my opinion, render greater service to the county at the present juncture than yourself." He also states that Mr Holland's address is not satisfactory to him as evi- dencing his claim to represent a Welsh county as a liberal. Mr Whalley dislikes Mr Glad- stone, and considers him a dangerous man. By Mr Jones, Vron, chair- man of Liberal Meeting, at Bala. In opening the procedings, the CHAIRMAN intimated that he had no intention of occupy- ing the time of the meeting in any preliminary remarks he felt that none were needed, as his opinions and sentiments had already been heard by the electors of Bala upon many occasions. A letter had been addressed to him by Mr Whalley, whose name, as they were aware, had been very freely used by the tories, and especially in the neighbour- hood of Bala, in which Mr Whalley distinctly stated that the conservatives had no authority for the use of his name, and that it had been done entirely without his authority or cognizance. Mr Whalley had sent special mes- sages from Ruabon to explain that he was a liberal at heart, and that, as such, he would not support or lend his interest to the candidature of Colonel Tottenham; he would support Mr Holland. Now no one doubts the word of Colonel Tottenham, for he is a gentleman. On the other hand, no one doubts that of Mr Jones, for he is a gentleman too The question is, What did Mr Whalley write to these two gentlemen ? The public naturally ask that both letters should appear in the papers. This will only be just to Mr Whalley, for there must be a misapprehension somewhere. Amongst the incidents of the election has been men- tioned a donation of 2800 from a gallant officer towards the Conservative opposition, which has reminded the public of the old adage concerning the class that is soon parted from its money. It is gratifying to know that no such sum has been so foolishly offered. Perhaps the same may be said of the C500 said to be subscribed by Lord Penrhyn, and the ditto from Sir Watkin, although the latter has a stake-that is, property-in the county, and the rumour is that his money is given conditionally that his party goes to the poll. Colonel Tottenham, in a rather qualified jinanner, pooh-poohs monetary assistance altogether. The nomination came off on Wednesday, when your correspondent took his place in the crowd below the hus- tings, in a good place to catch the drops of eloquence from above. The High Sheriff, in his toga, looked like a Tribune, and said what he had to say in a manly straightforward manner, cheered by all. Mr Jones, of Vron, in nominating Mr Holland, charged vigorously on the tories and dared them to say that they had not confessed to admitting the struggle was a hopeless one. They answered by a laugh -a laugh, as Mr Jones remarked, that would be repeated on the other side of their mouths on Saturday. Mr Casson was very brief as a seconder. Then Mr Oakley stepped to the front to propose Colonel Tottenham, and gave as his first recommendation of the tory candidate his services in carrying a line of railway from Denbighshire. The people became impatient. They were dull enough not to see what selling land for a railway had to do with voting on imperial questions in Parliament. But Mr Oakley had nothing better to offer them and gave place to Captain Thomas, of Talsarnau. The people jeered and the captain lost his temper, his head of course following. Then came a scene. A manuscript was brought hastily out of the captain's pocket by the captain's hand, and the captain's tongue rolled forth the following magniloquent sentence; "I believe Colonel Tottenham is well qualified, and will faith- fully represent the principles of true and enlightened conserva- tism in the maintenance of our old constitution, which secures to every British subject full and equal liberty." This coming from a Tory was too much, and the crowd fairly yelled. This blessed Old Constitution's notions of 'free and equaf liberty' until recently included com- pulsory church rates on Dissenters it once included a denial of simple justice to all religions not within the pale of the Church it even denied to the people a vote and would have denied all these just dues still but for the pressure of the Liberal party. Captain Thomas was re- commended to hand his speech to the reporters, to save time, but he persisted in reading and said nothing Mr Holland then gave an outline of his principles, similar in the main with the speeches of his already re- ported but Colonel Tottenham gave his Corwen speech almost to the letter. Your correspondent knows this be- cause he had the Oswestry Advertiser of that morning in hie hand and followed the colonel in his arguments (?). The colonel again aired the little jokewe all rememberin our juvenile days of a "man born in a stab'enot being a horse," and argued from this that although born in Dublin he was not an Irishman. But why should he not be an Irish- man ? The foolish Tories before they knew the colonel was coming forward, tried to fix the charge on Mr Holland and Colonel Tottenham very properly pointed out how Parliament had been enriched by Irish blood—though, by the way, he did not mention the newest importation, Mr Donovan Rossa, I During the speech of Col. Tottenham, and especially after he drew the illustration from Harlech Castle, which he had previously drawn from Chirk, the audience cried out for 'principles,' and suggested that as the day was cold they would rather hear what the colonel believed politically, than what he was socially. This brought him out on the ballot, which was, of course, un-English although "it would benefit the conservatives." The gallant colonel did not add-" at Corwen!" A little was said on taxes, in which the fact was ignored that although the liberals have to pay for the tory conduct of the Abys- sian war, Mr Lowe has generally reduced payments, and has every prospect of a budget that will be a grateful one to the nation. Education was good, but the Corwen illus- tration of education being a knife that would cut children unless tempered by theology, was again uttered; and no satisfactory answer was given to the query, What theology r We might have a wide mixture in a school under the protection of the 'dear old Church of England.' "The show of hands is all for the Dutchman—' No Irish need apply'for Merionethshire," said a Welshman when all was over. And so it was there was as large a majority for Mr Holland on Wednesday as there will be on Satur- day—when the news will be flashed all over England that toryism has had its final quietus in Merioneth. Dolgelley, Friday.

St. Mark's Church, Wrexham, has been re-opened after undergoing repair. MODERN CUSTOMS.— Presentations and testimonials are largely on the increase; this modern custom appears to extend to almost every household, for no auspicious event is allowed to pass without its being marked by some pleasing souvenir; Birthdays, Christenings, Marriages, the seasons of the year, such as Christmas, New Years &c., invariably receive special commemoration. The at- tention of one of the great London Manufacturers, Mr J. W. BENSON, of 25, Old Bond-street, and of the City Steam Factory, Ludgate-hill, has been directed to this subject. With the view of giving more artistic effect to this custom of society, he has published a most interesting Illustrated Historical Pamphlet upon Watches and Clocks also one upon artistic Gold Jewellery, Silver and Electro- plate all are profusely illustrated with choice designs, and are sent post-free for 2d. each, thus bringing within the reach of those who live even thousands of mile s away from London, one of the largest and most artistic collec- tions which can be seen in any part of the world; and, it necessary, designs are prepared to illustrate any special ) ca £ ?.

EAST AND WEST. In the bare midst of Anglesey they show Two springs which close by one another play, And, Thirteen hundred years agone," they say, "Two saints met often where those waters flow. One came from Penmon, westward, and a glow Whiten'd his face from the sun's fronting ray. "Eastward the other, from the dying day And he with unsunn'd face did always go." Seiriol the Bright, Kybi the Dark, men said. The Seer from the East was then in light. The Seer from the West was then in shade. Ah now 'tis changed. In conquering sunshine bright The man of the bold West now comes array'd He of the mystic East is touch'd with night. MATTHEW ARNOLD.

The Rev. Mr Best, of Leeds, lecturing last week on behalf of the Birmingham Educational League, gave some samples of the value of religious training under the present denominational system. We do not know that they are worth much as arguments, but they are amusing. Here is one- Danel was put into the lions den and the lions eat him up and then his father told him to go and mind his sheep and he went to mind them on the field and while he was tending the sheep a lion and a bear came out to kill the sheep and the sheep ran away and he turned back and saw the lion and the bear and ran of a running and catch them both and then he came back to the sheep and prayed to God to forgive his sins. The following brief biography of the prophet Elisha also presents some curious and not generally known facts- Elisher was barn in cainen and was brught from cainen to egypt and he became a king of egypt and he went with his soulgers to conkor another country and they came home beten and he had a great powerful country and elisher went to speak to daniel when he was in the lions den and elisher said to him daniel how canest thou hear and he said the king put me hear and elisher was a good man and he had a good many soulgers. Our readers will remember Mr Dickens's somewhat ambiguous confession of political faith at Birmingham. We have now an explanation from Mr Dickens, who, in distributing prizes at Birmingham last week, took occasion to say- When I was here last time I made, in reference to some re- marks of your respected member, Mr Dixon, a short confession of my political faith—(applause)—or, perhaps I should better say, want of faith. (Laughter.) It imported that I have very little confidence in the people who govern us—please to observe people there with a small p "—(laughter)—but that I have very great confidence in the people whom they govern—please to observe there, "people' with a large "P." (Renewed laughter.) This was shortly elliptically stated, and was, with no evil intention, I am absolutely sure, in some quarters inversely explained. Perhaps, as the inventor of a certain extravagant fiction, but one I do see rather frequently quoted as if there were grains of trnth at the the bottom of it-a fiction called "The Circumlocution Office "—(laughter) — and, perhaps, also, as the writer of an idle book or two, whose public opinions are not obscurely stated—perhaps in these capacities I do not sufficiently bear in mind Hamlet's caution, to speak by the card lest equivo- cation should undo me. (Laughter and applause.) Anyhow, I complain of nobody but simply in order that there may be no more mistake as to what I did mean, and as to what I do mean, I will restate my meaning. And I will do so in the words of a great thinker, a great writer, and a great scholar-whose life unfor- tunately for mankind was cut short—in his History of Civil- isation in England." They may talk as they will about the reforms which Government has introduced, and the improve- ments to be expected from legislation, but whoever will take a wider and more commanding view of human affairs will soon discover that such hopes are chimerical. They will learn that law-givers are nearly always the obstructors of society instead of its helpers, and that in the extremely few cases in which their measures have turned out well, their success has been owing to the fact that, contrary to their usual custom, they have im- plicitly obeyed the spirit of their time, and have been, as they always should be, the mere servants of the people, to whose wish they are bound to give ajpublic and legal sanction." (Loud applause.) Amongst the effects of a Prussian sailor, Frederick Boltz, who poisoned himself at Liverpool the other day by taking morphia, was found a very singular document in the German language, giving an account of some miracles which Boltz professed to have witnessed in his youth, and describing how on one occasion the devil visited him when at sea, and induced him to sell himself body and soul. It appeared to have been a cash transac- tion, for Boltz, when Satan and his myrmidons withdrew, found himself surrounded by heaps of gold and silver. One portion of the document consisted of an earnest exhortation, based upon the writer's own experience, to all men and women to resist temptation. The Cologne Gazette relates a horrid story as enacted at Schrimm, in the Government of Posen, A country girl, living not far from that place, had received her inherit- ance of 300 thalers from the authorities there. On her return home she spent the night in a village having no acquaintance there, she took refuge at the house of the village justice, to whom, in virtue of his position, she gave her whole confidence, and informed him of the object of her journey. He was ready to take her in, and ad- vised her to go to bed with his wife. When all lay in a deep sleep, the covetous host got up, went into a garden and dug a hole there. He then took a sharp knife, went up to the bed where the two were asleep, and with a steady hand cut the throat of the person lying furthest from the wall, took up his victim and buried her in the garden. When he came back he found the bed empty. He had murdered his own wife instead of the stranger. The wife lay close to the wall during the evening, but had after- wards moved to the outer side of the bed. The girl had got out of bed after the murder, and hastened away with her money. A German paper gives an account of a strange incident which occurred lately on the occasion of a marriage before the civil authorities m Algeria. The official required the consent of the mother, and asked if she were present. A loud bass voice answered, "Yes." The mayor looked up and saw a tall soldier before him. "That is well," he said; "let the mother come here-her consent and signa- ture are necessary." To the astonishment of all present, the soldier approached the mayor with long strides, saluted in military fashion, and said-" You ask for the mother of the bride, she stands before yon." "Very well, sir," replied the mayor, then stand back, I can take no proxy I must see the mother-the mother I tell you And I repeat," rejoined the soldier, "that she stands before you. My name is Maria L- I have been thirty- six years in the service; I have been through several campaigns, and obtained the rank of serjeant; here are my papers, the permission to wear uniform, and my nom- ination as serjeant-major." The mayor carefully examined the documents and found them perfectly correct, and completed the marriage of the bridal pair, the mother blessing them so fervently with her deep bass voice that all present were more startled than touched. Prince Napoleon, it seems, has resolved to give his son a Spartan citizen's education. The boy, who is just seven years old, has been sent as a day-boarder to a small school in Paris. His father gave strict orders that his son should be called simply "Victor," and, as a recompense for good conduct, "Napoleon Victor." His day's work is from eight in the morning to six in the evening, with two hours' recreation. His mother, the Princess Clotilde, who is extremely popular in Paris, accompanied her son to school on the first morning, and entrusted, with many recommendations, an extra pair of shoes to the matron, in case of her boy's coming in from the playground with wet feet. The young prince's luncheon was to have consisted of dry bread; but, on the master's representation that all the other boys were allowed marmalade, the stern father relaxed so far as to allow his son to enjoy the same indulgence. The following curious specimen of Russian Jenkinsism is published by the Tamboff Gazette under the head of "Court News": Yesterday his Imperial Majesty deigned to wake at 7 a.m., and after a frugal breakfast, was graciously pleased to go for a bear-hunt. On entering the wood with his suite, a bear, moved apparently by a happy instinct to recreate the mind of the father of our holy Russia, immediately came to the spot where his Majesty had posted himself. Paralysed at the sight of the ruler of millions of beings who idolize him, the bear stood still, and it was observed that instead of the fierce aspect by which this savage animal is usually character- ized, his countenance bore an expression of blissful anticipation, as if he were looking forward, like a loyal subject, to the happiness of being put to death by his gracious sovereign. On returning from the chase, his Majesty caught cold; but the usual remedies having been applied to him, he deigned to feel better. He then went to bed, and next morning he was graciously pleased to be quite well. The Pall Mall Gazette learns from a French paper that the Council has attracted to Rome not only prelates, but ladies from all countries. These last are the most persevering when they can approach the Pope. At a public audience, in came an American lady. She got an armful of ros aries blessed. "Is that all?" said the chief of Catho- licity patiently. Your photograph, Holy Father, I beg!" "Here it is. What more do you want?" irour name at the foot of the carte. Pius IX. hesitated. He did not like it, but the spirit of sacrifice came to his aid-he re- signed himself; he signed the card. "Have you another favour to ask ?" Holy Father, give the pen with which you wrote your autograph." This time the excellent old man lost all patience. "Here, madam, take the pen- holder, and—take the inkstand also." The American lady wrapped all up in an old newspaper, opened her travelling bag, put in the spoil, and departed with a low curtsey. The annual report of the Ordinary of Newgate is an interesting and instructive document. The Ordinary tells us, amongst other things, of the influence exerted by sen- 's sational literature. A contemporary summarizes his remarks as follows- It has often been remarked that there seems to be a sudden fashion in crime that great crimes, operating upon diseased imaginations, tend to reproduce themselves. This was curiously the case at Aldershot in August last. A soldier shot his corporal, and several military murders and attempts to murder followed in rapid and startling succession. One of these murders took place at Devonport and the perpetrator, a private soldier, named Taylor—was brought to Newgate for trial while the first Aldershot murderer was there. Taylor was under arrest for break- ing barracks, when one of those newspapers which sensationally illustrate crime was brought into the guard-room, with a vivid picture of the Aldershot crime. Taylor could not read but he looked at the picture, and his imagination became fascinated and possessed with the crime. On the very next day, during punishment drill, his corporal offended him, and he shot him dead. That picture," said he, put it into my head." The Ordinary also gives us fresh examples of the terrible evils of drunkenness— From December, 1868, to November, 1869, inclusive, twelve persons were tried at the Central Criminal Court for murder. Of these twelve seven had been drinking or were under the in- fluence of drink at the time when the crime was committed, and two of their victims were drunk. Of the other five murders only one clearly had nothing to do with drink, one was doubtful, one took place in a public-house where murderer and victim had been drinking, and two were murders of drunken men by per- sons who themselves were sober. During the same twelve months forty-three persons were committed to Newgate on charges of feloniously wounding or attempting to murder, and it was clearly proved that in twenty-one of those cases drunk- enness directly promoted the offence. Twenty-one persons were » committed for trial for manslaughter, and in eleven of those cases also the immediate cause of the offence was drunkenness. In cases of robbery with violence Mr Jones says that the almost invariable defence of the prisoner was that the prosecutor was drunk, and could not give evidence of what had taken place; and Mr Jones adds, this was generally true."

A short time ago an explosion took place at one of the Nantyglo collieries in consequence of an accumulation of gas. Mr Crawshay Bailey, the proprietor, has been sum- moned at the Tredegar Petty Sessions for having per- mitted the ventilation of the shaft to be neglected. The offence was admitted, and the magistrates inflicted a pen- alty of £ 2 10s.

Pleuro and the foot and mouth disease have been grad- ually decreasing in Cheshire. A dividend of ten per cent, per annum for the year ending December 31st, is announced by the North and South Wales Bank. The subscription portrait of Mr Walker is to be pre- sented to Mrs Walker, by Sir Watkin, at Wrexham Town-hall on the 25th inst. A policeman was taking a prisoner into custody at Beaumaris the other day, when the latter tripped the officer up, and he fell, fracturing his leg in two places. There was a case of scalding to death at Acton, near Nantwich, last week. A Mrs Shone left her child of ten months in a rocking chair before the fire, and the child pulled a teapot over itself and died from the results. Sir Watkin's hounds met at Rossett on Monday week, and proceeded to the Eaton covers-the first time they had been disturbed by the sound of the horn for twenty- three years. Several foxes were started, but none of them could be got into the open. At the last Holywell County Court an application was made'for the committal of a debtor to gaol a second time. The judge held that under the new Act he had no power to send a person to prison twice for the same debt, but said an execution might be issued against his goods. In a letter on the Political Evictions Fund Sir Thomas Lloyd says he feels certain, from the published lists of the adjudicators, that the evidence on both sides will be thoroughly sifted, and justice done to both parties, and that without this he would on no account contribute. The dead body of a hawker named Cornelius Lynch was found in the river at Pwllheli on the 3rd inst. The last time he was seen alive he is said to have been a little in liquor, but not at all incapable." The verdict was Found Drowned." Edward Mansell, of the Brown Clee Hills, near Ditton Priors (now an inmate of the Bridgnorth Union Work- house), attained his 100th year on the 7th instant. The old man is hale and hearty, and not only avails himself of a morning's walk unassisted, but is a constant attendant at the religious services held in St. Leonard's Church. According to a recent Rifle Volunteer return, No. 6 District, including Anglesea, Carnarvon, Cheshire, Den- bigh, Derby, Flint, Isle of Man, Merioneth, Montgomery, Salop, and Stafford, contains 10,211 extra-eiffcients, 12,735 efficients, and 1,345 non-efficients. The other night a young man at Holywell seems to have become oblivious to material things. After drinking his ale in his inn he started home, but took the turning towards the sea, instead of towards Holywell, and did not discover his mistake till he was up to his throat in the salt water! At that stage he began to cry out lustily, and some boatmen rescued him from his unpleasant position. A writer in a contemporary makes a suggestion which Mr Mainwaring will hardly accede to-that he and M6r Meirion should meet and effect a compromise on the Welsh church question. Mr Mainwaring is niot likely to make any advances towards a gentleman who writes such arrant nonsense as M6r Meirion, whoever that distinguished indi- vidual may be. We really have no notion as to his Eng- lish home or whereabouts. A question of considerable interest to ratepayers came before the last meeting of the Holywell Board of Guardians, Mr E. P. Jones asked whether the increased salaries granted to assistant overseers on the abolition of compounding would be continued now that compounding was restored. After some conversation, it was stated that the increased salary particularly referred to, that at St. Asaph, would only be continued up to March 25th next, unless the vestry recommended and the Poor-law Board sanctioned its continuance. Chester Working Men's Club was opened on New Year's Day. Mr Meadows Frost, who has undertaken the responsibility until the club becomes self-supporting, made an address at the opening, when he said- I shall offer a cheerful fire, plenty of light, newspapers, and social enjoyment." This is one of the highest sort of temperance society. One of the best features about the new institu- tion is, that rooms will be let to Friendly Societies on low terms, and thus allow an opportunity of removing from public houses. The Art Journal of the present month notices in very laudatory terms a monument (the work of Mr J. Edwards, a Welshman) recently erected in Bryncoed-Ion church, near Dolgelley, in memory of the Rev. Evan Charles Owen, ftrat incumbent. The critic says-" The term I spiritual,' so frequently applied to the compositions of many of the old painters is equally suitable to the majority of his (Mr Edwards's) productions. They breathe an atmosphere such as we believe to be inhaled by the world of spirits and speak in a language not of the earth, earthy. I A letter has been received from the Poor-law Board with reference to the payment of guadians in the Conway Union. The Board are not prepared to state that if the assistant-overseer merely hands over to the guardians a portion of the salary which is assigned to him, and which he receives under the warrant of appointment, such pro- ceeding is actually illegal so far as the guardians are con- cerned," but they look upon the practice highly objection- able and improper, and are considering in what way the evil should be dealt with. This is how a verdict was taken at the Anglesea Quarter Sessions last week- Clerk-Gentlemen of the jury, have you agreed upon your verdict ? Foreman-Yes. Clerk—How say you, are the prisoners at the bar guilty or not guilty? Foreman-We find them guilty, sir, but it is very dark too. (Roars of laughter.) Cletk—Are you agreed ? Do you find them guilty or not guilty 1 Another Juryman—Not guilty. This verdict was taken and the prisoners were dis- charged! The Illustrated News states that the will of the Right Hon. Lady Harriet Clive, Baroness Windsor, a peeress in her own right, daughter of Other Hickman, fifth Earl of Plymouth (title extinct) and eleventh Baron Windsor, was proved in London on the 29th ult. by her second son, Colonel the Hon. George Herbert Windsor Clive (Cold- stream Guards), and the Hon. Robert Charles Herbert, of Orleton, Salop, the joint acting executors; and to each her ladyship leaves a legacy of 2100. The personalty was sworn under £ 140,000. The will is dated July 12, 1860, and her ladyship died November 9 last, at St. Leonards- on-Sea, aged 72. Her ladyship married, in 1819, the Hon. Robert Henry Clive, a younger son of Edward, first Earl of Powis, who died in 1854, leaving issue three sons and three daughters. Her ladyship bequeaths to her son, the Hon. George Herbert, the estate of Stone House, Salop, and all property that she might be entitled to from the estates of the first Baron Clive and that of her brother, JOther Archer, sixth Earl of Plymouth, and her shares in the Penarth Harbour Dock Company, together with a legacy of 22,000. The residue of her personal estate her ladyship leaves between her daughters, Mary Windsor Clive and Victoria Alexandrina Clive (for whom her Majesty was sponsor). An amusing tale appears in large type in our conserva- tive contemporary, the North Wales Chronicle. Sir John Tottenham, Bart., an ancestor of Col. Tottenham, the conservative candidate for Merionethshire, and a member of the Irish Parliament, rode about seventy miles when suffering from gout, to vote on a very important question. He arrived just in time to give the casting vote in the interest of the country. At the time all the members were obliged to wear full dress under a penalty of 2.500. He had no time to change his riding dress, and paid the penalty." Why this interesting anecdote is accorded the honour of leaded type in a conspicuous posi- tion it is very hard to discover; Is it possible that some of the glory of riding seventy miles during an attack of gout and paying a fine of 9500 for not wearing proper clothes may be reflected upon the gallant baronet's de- scendant ? Or is the story introduced to convey some good advice to the Colonel ? If so, we are afraid it is useless, for the Colonel is hardly likely to inherit the legislative honqjirs of his ancestor. Besides, the interest of the country" is an elastic phrase. We can tell of a liberal M.P. now living who made a journey up to London from these parts last session, whilst suffering so much that he had to lie on a couch all the way, and who was supposed to be so ill that his opponents telegraphed to the whipper-in of their party to say that he was dying. To the astonishment of the whipper-in, the hon. gentleman entered the House soon after the arrival of the telegram, and the official walked across the floor and showed Mr-the news which had just arrived respecting him Will that tale, we won- der, be quoted a century to come in favour of Mr -s descendants? At the annual dinner of the clerks and assistants of Mold last week the High Sheriff, Mr J. Scott-Bankes, presided, and in the course of the evening referred to many public questions. With some of Mr Scott-Bankes's opinions it is impossible to agree, but it would be well if all liberals were as liberal as he in many points. He is against secular and compulsory education, and he talked as if no attempt had been in the Political Evictions move- ment to guard against the mistake of accusing all land- lords of coercion, whereas he ought to have known that the greatest care has been taken, except by some reckless writers and speakers, not to accuse the whole class because a few have offended. Mr Scott-Bankes's notion, that a land- lord has a perfect right to ask what a man's political opinions are before he accepts him for his tenant, is also of ques- tionable .propriety. But, on the other hand, Mr Scott- Bankes is, judging from his speech, a man of so much real liberality, that if all landords were like him we should hear nothing of coercion. He hopes for a long life, "to do something towards dissipating that feeling which prevented somebody belonging to the church meeting somebody belonging to the chapel. What is religion," he asks, but Christian forbearance, Christian toleration, and above all, Christian charity." And then he is a churchman who recognizes dissent as a religious necessity." In Wales there were unfortunately religious differences, and reli- gious differences there would be so long as the world lasted. He looked upon dissent as a religious necessity. He wished there were none; but if there were none he believed there would not be so much religion in Wales. Dissenters had done good work, and he looked upon them as fellow workers. The great thing was not to compromise their principles, but to abandon their prejudices." Mr Scott-Bankes calls himself a liberal-conservative.

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E,SL"»h IndePendent'' announces the decease of Mr JMisebius ismith, a gentleman who, for the last forty years has ."J'f,1! prominent place amongst the Congregational body ifis&i ssa srl Ssfss- as^SoSbnil<Uns- °f, tbe Rev. C. Vovsey, vicar of Healaugh asainst Seciafw set doln f C £ anc?llor ofJork in matters of doctri^Js specially set down for hearing on the 2nd of February before th« judicial committee of the privy council ° betore tbe rJ.he Bishop of Exeter held his first ordination at the Exeter SK; hi" text l°rdtip prea*hed the se^Km, TOOK tor nis text the 5th chapter, 2nd Corinthians, 20th verse — then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did cKo bod Tff W° Pray r,U in Christ's stead, bf ve rect ciied to God. There were a large number of candidate; ordained. IT Arabic scholar (traveling- Fellow of and a friMirt i°i m'?ri<%eX|has arrived in^ Trabl^where hi uiiLov^ ,Vfr^.tSPK ]SOme moaths among the Arabs of the unknown district bordering upon Sinai. The obiect of Mr aimer is to learn and to record the legends believed to be still existing there as to the passage of the Israelites and their d°iffiSdfCkhfor tjfhp0rhf?Od Ti-Mr Palmer has undertaken this" diacuit task for the Palestine Exploration Society.— Becord. i Ji!f of Rochdale> Dr Molesworth, has been fined 2s 6d. whieh has for fU The case arose out of the dissension Chld s rhnr^ ^v, amonS the frequenters of St. v^naa s Lnurch with respect to the procession of cler<rmen and pronouncing of °Xthe service.and after the II I t THE benediction. The complainant it WJLS alleged, was leaving the church by the centrePS Ind w^ turning into the west aisle, when he came into contact'with some and n S Molesworth laid hold of his right arm and pushed him across the aisle, causing him to fall against a pew. Notice of motion has been given in the Edinburgh United Presbytery, by Dr Johnston, calling attention to certain pub- lished statements by the Rev George Gilfillan, of Dundee in which he had asserted that the Confession of Faith and Shorter Catechism contained many blunders in Scriptural interpretation, m natural and mental philosophy, and in theological doctrine. ? difficulty of reconciling these statements with Mr GiltiUan s honesty in giving his adherence to the Confession of Faith, the motion proposed that the presbytery should com- municate with the presbytery of Dundee, and request them to take action in the matter. The motion is to be brought forward for consideration at the next meeting of presbytery. At the festival of the Epiphany there was a full choral service at the Chapel Royal, St. James's Palace, when a curious practice of mediaeval origin was duly observed, After the reading of the sentence at the offertory, Let your light so shine before men," &c., while the organ played, two members of her Majesty's household, wearing the royal livery, descended from the royal pew and advanced to the altar rails preceded by an usher, where they presented to one of the two officiating clergymen a red bag, edged with gold lace or braid, which was received in an offertory basin, and then reverently placed on the altar. This bag br purse was understood to contain a Queen's offering of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, in commemoration of the gifts of the Magi to the Infant Saviour. The Bishop of Exeter arrived in Plymouth on Saturday after- noon, and in the eveningdistributed the prizes -to the students of the Science School. The Mechanics' Institute was filled with a large and enthusiastic audience, who rose on the entrance of Dr Temple, and vociferously cheered him. In his address his lordship enforced the practical utility of scientific knowledge, and argued that there was perfect harmony between science and revelation. Teachers, he said, should pervade scientific teaching with religious tone. Several influential gentlemen welcomed the bishop to the diocese, Professor Charlton speaking on behalf of Nonconformists. On Sunday morning the bishop preached in the parish church, where an enormous congregation assembled two hours before the time for commencing Divine serv ice. In the evening Dr Temple preached to an equally crowded audience in the church of one of his strongest opponents. A remarkable letter by a Broad Church clergyman appeared in Saturday's "Daily News," on "the Week of Universal Pravei." Whilst criticizing it freely, he speaks with great respect of the movement, and especially of some of the speakers, including the Rev R. Roberts (Wesleyan), the Rev John Matheson (Presby- terian), and the Rev H. Allon (Independent). He says—l cannot but remark that the atmosphere in which I have been living the week past has added vastly to my knowledge of, and respect for, the element immediately outside the Established Church and though there is much I cannot, from my position, quite realize in the work of the Evangelical Alliance, still these few days' study has convinced me that they are doing practically for Christian union what the two bodies at either extreme of them as yet seem to be doing only verbally. I allude to the Association for Promoting the Unity of Christendom on one side, and the Free Christian Union on the other. May this week's experience stir both societies to emulate the zeal of the Evangelicals."

YSTUMTUEN. LECTURE.—On Saturday night, the 1st inst., a very in- teresting and popular lecture was delivered with great eloquence on The Trickling of the Penny; the great Wealth it Collected, and the Exploits of Diligence," by the Rev. Robert Jones, the minister of the place, to a large and attentive congregation. The lecturer spoke with great energy for about two hours and a half. Mr Richard Jones, of Salem, from the Llanidloes circuit, presided, and the choir of the place gave their services on the occasion. The whole proceedings passed off very satisfactorily, and the produce of the lecture will be ap- plied to pay off the debt of the chapel.

LLANILAR. PETTY SESSIONS, 7TH INST.-Before G. W. Parry' James Davies, and James Loxdale, Esqs. The overseers of the parish of Ystradmeurig had their highway rate allowed. Mr Hickox, the supervisor, had summoned one Eleanor Powell for keeping a dog without a licence, and called David Hughes and Thomas Edwards to prove the case. —Their worships fined the -defendant 25s,, including costs. John Williams was summoned by the Earl of Lisburne for trespassing on his lordship's land in pursuit of game. Thomas Hopkins, gamekeeper, proved the offence; the defendant was fined £2, and costs; in default of payment to be committed to Cardigan gaol for three weeks, with hard labour. Richard Jenkins was summoned by the Earl of Lisburne for the same offence. -J. Chandler gave evidence, and the case was adjourned to next month. William James was charged by P. C. Rowlands with being drunk and riotous at Pontrhydfendigaid.—Fined 10s., and costs. John Jones summoned Sophia Williams for leaving his service.—P.C. John Jones proved service of summons on defendant; after some discussion among their worships, it was ordered to annul the contract, the defendant to pay the costs, and the complainant to pay the wages due to the defendant up to the day she left. Morgan Evans, of Chancery, applied for a transfer of the licence of his house at Chancery to John Herbert, a brother-in-law of his, Evans having accepted the office f county court bailiff. The transfer was granted, and this terminated the proceedings.

ABERDOVEY. FOREIGN ARRIVAL.—The Swedish schooner "Sevilla" arrived here on Sunday from Gottenburg (Sweden), with a cargo of timber. The master (Limbon) reports having encountered very severe weather, and also that he had one of his crew washed overboard and lost. The PIGEON-HEARTED BRIGADE.—The members of this antique corps—a relic of the past-have been under arms and practice for several days, and have proved to demon- stration their (in)efficiency and readiness to maintain their locus standi when no more formidable enemies than pigeons are to be peppered at. -Communicated. WILFUL DAMAGE.—On Saturday, the 8th inst., two persons named Edward Jones and Evan Roberts, were brought before John Pughe, Esq., and charged with having damaged a certain bridge near Bryncrug, on the morning of the 25th ult. It appears that on Christmas morning the defendants, in company with several others, were going from Bryncrug to Llanegryn, and that when on the bridge in question they, for mere amusement, dis- placed some of the parapet stones and threw them into the stream. Defendants admitted the offence, and each was ordered to pay Is. fine, 1!1 10s. lOd. damage, and the costs. The case had been brought to court through the exertions of P.S. Roberts and P.C. Metcalfe, they having been requested by the county surveyor to do their best to bring the offenders to justice, as so much damage was done to county property time after time. His Worship re- warded the witness David Andrew out of his own pocket for the very straightforward way in which he had given his evidence.

LLANDRILLO. COURSING MEETING.—By the kind permission of H. Robertson, Esq., Crogen, this annual meeting came off on Tuesday, the 4th inst. The attendance was not so large as on previous occasions, owing no doubt to the heavy showers that fell during the morning. The beating commenced close to the village, and continued as far as Hendwr-bridge, from which they proceeded at a rapid pace for the favourite spot, "V oel-tyucha," and as usual plenty of hares were soon put up, some of them proving very strong, Several exceedingly long runs were witnessed. Snowball, a fine dog belonging to Mr P. Jones, Plascerig, Caerwys, ran against a wire fence, had his leg broken, and had to be killed on the spot. The number bagged was eleven fine hares. The following gentlemen sat at a capital dinner provided by Mr and Mrs Hughes, Drovers' Arms :—Mr R. White, Rhydyglaves, Mr Jones, Feathers, Corwen, Mr Anwyl, Plascocn, Bala, Mr Pugh, Bank, Dolgelley, Mr Jesse, Llanbedr Hall, Mr Jarrett, jun., Plasynfardre, Mr J. H. Jones, Coedmolfa, Mr J. White, Rhydyglaves, Mr White, Stamp, Mr Davies, Ruthin, Mr Jones, The Gaol, Ruthin, Mr R. O. Evans, Hendwr, Mr Jones, Caerwys, Messrs R. and T. Roberts, Ruthin, Mr Jones, Cilan, Mr Jones, Branasucha, Mr Williams, Syrior, Mr H. Davies, Branasucha, Mr L. Roberts, Branasiasa, Mr D. Evans, Moelisgoedwig, Mr Parry, Tanygraig, Mr J. Roberts, Cross Keys, and Mr Jones, Dudley Arms. The chair was ably filled by Mr White, Rhydyglaves, with Mr Anwyl in the vice-chair. The health of Mr Robertson, Crogen, was proposed by the chairman, and drunk with musical honours. Several other toasts received similar honours, and a merry evening was spent.

The very extensive distillery now being erected at Bel- fast, with all recent improvements for the manufacture of Irish whisky, by Messrs DUNVILLE & Co., who have gained a world-wide celebrity for thei fine old Irish whisky, is to be called The Royal Irish Di3ti lery THE LICENSING SYSTEM.—We have it on good authority that a Bill, intended to alter the terms on which public- house licenses are to be granted in future, is now in pre paration by the Government. We hope, in our next issue, to place the whole of the clauses of this Bill before the trade.-The Licensed Victuallers' Guardian. BREAKFAST. -Epps'is COCOA.—GRATEFUL AND COMFORT- ING. -The very agreeable character of this preparation has rendered it a general favourite. The Civil Service Gazette remarks:—"The singular success which MrEpps attained by his homoeopathic preparation of cocoa has never been surpassed by any experimentalist. By a thorough know- ledge of the natural laws which govern the operations of digestion and nutrition, and by a careful ipplication of the fine properties of well-selected cocoa, Mr Epps has provided our breakfast tables with a delicately flavoured beverage which may save us many heavy doctors' bills." Made simply with boiling water Vi milk. Sold by the Trade only in lb., i lb,, and lib. tin-lined packets, labelled—JAMES Epps & Co., Homoeopathic Chemists, London..

tion)—though he has never sold an aore of ^°5aiP'^p1ftv°nfne be has given ttoee sites for chapels there. (Voices. Filtv ni years' leas<ts," and Irishman.") I hear some one say man." Well, he is prond of his native country— (appianse) but 1 assure vbu he has become a Welshman in heart. ( No, no, and atJfclause ") He lives bere the greater part of the year, and a veiv small part of his time has been spent in Ireland, and I consider that by his position and the many other qualifications he mst^eT Colonel Tottenham is a fit and proper person to ftpSnScounty in Parliament-^No, no," and applause)- rpad the following :—Brothei electors and gentlemen ^Ip^at nleasuteS I consider myself honoured in being Selected to second the nomination of Colonel Tottenhom as a fit and, vroper person -to }"epresent the great interests of the county of Merioneth in Parliament. 11 Put him off," and nis country, u have principlegreat confusion.) I beUeve^is well qualified, and will faithfully represent the Delieve ne is y enlightened conservatism in the mamten- principles constitution—(renewed interruption)—which se- cures°to ^er^Br?ttsh suh^ect full and. equal liberty, and gives to every man'the opportunity of speaking his mind. (Several ToicI" ™(Hve your speech to the reporters," and mterruption ) 1° ongratulate the men of Merionethshire m having a candidate leongrau a rpl)resent their varied interests, especially the" SS which i tMnk of all the great, interests of the cared for. Being himself a large landed pro- country is Ireland, the relations of landlord and IZn fn all Ihol mutnal bcarings, will, be familiar to him. ("H^ar hear," and more interruption.) He is also well known as » ™?H<>al hard-working man of business, doing thoroughly all ™<Wnke9 to do (Great confusion, Mr Wiliam Caseon S^tinehfe'friends to give the speaker a fair hearing.) Some degree of order having been restore Capt. Thomas proceeded It k due to Col. Tottenham to add that he consented to contest the county at, the earnest solicitations of many influential elect- ors— Sir "Watkin," laughter, and Money makes the mare to »o*)—at a time when, to sav the least, the prospects of success 2,°' _f*t pncouraeing, and I think under the circumstan- ces he is entitled not only to the cordial support but.likewise to the gratitude of the party he represents. (A Voiee: No doubt;" laughter, and ironical applause from the liberals ) In conclusion, Captain Thomas hoped and trusted they would all work with a determination to return Col. Tottenham at the head of the poll on Saturday. (Applause, and disapprobation ) Mr HOLLAND, who was received with immense cheering, said- Gentlemen and brother electors, my friends having proposed and seconded that I should appear here as a fit and proper per- son to represent this county and your interests in Parliament, I do so with great pleasure, looking forwardtothe honour of being returned by you as your representative. (" Certainly.") Recol- lect, my friends, that this cause is your3; it is well that you all, therefore, should unite in recording your votes through me, in favour of the cause which you are all met to espouse. It is well known that a majority of the constituents of this county are libenls. ('- No, no," from the conservatives, and "Yes, yes," from the liberals.) You have already fought three good battles in defence of the principles that you all adhere to; in two you were unsuccessful, but the third you won by returning oar late member, Mr David Williams. If he had only enjoyed better and longer health he would not only have been useful in the House of Commons, and a member that all would have admired, but one whose heart was in the cause, and he would have been of great service in the House as well as to this county in particular. He had your interest at heart, and he was only anxious to do his duty in Parliament; but illness prevented him. Unfortunately, Boon after he was returned by you, he was taken so seriously ill that he was only able to appear once, that being to give a vote upon the great question carried last session. And though after- wards unanle to attend, your interests were still dear to him. (Hear. hear.) His loss to us is in every way a serious one, not only in the House oi Commons, but to this county in par- ticular. We all mourn his loss, and feel sympathy with his family. (Applause.) I am very proud to have been selected as thecaiididatft to succeed him, and I hope, through your support, that I shall have the honour of representing you and this county. ("You shall, sir.") I believe my political principles are well known to you, not only by the address I sent forth, but also from the life I have led amongst you for many years. I am, I believe, pretty well known to all of you, at all events to the greater number of you, and I leave you to say whether I have so conducted myself in the county as to deserve the epithets that have been thrown at me (No, no.) I have always taken an in- terest in the welfare of the county, and if returned as your representative I will not only promise to do my utmost in the House, but will also attend to your interests out of it. There are many great questions that will be brought forward during the present session, some of which I have alluded to in my address. I have no doubt that not only you but many of our opponents will admit that Mr Gladstone is a man of such high talent and such great ability that he is the best man to govern the affairs of this nation. (" Three cheers for Mr Gladstone.") And if I have the honour of going to the House, I go there pledged to the support of Mr Gladstone. The Irish land question is one that will he brought forward, and it will deserve most serious attention. I have no doubt it will be dealt with in such a way as to promote the welfare of that country, and that it will tend to the pacification of that country almost more than any other measure which could be proposed. The question of the ballot--(" hear, hear," and applause)-will, sooner or later, be carried. Every year it has been brought forward by Mr Berkeley, and each year has counted more supporters, till now, do doubt, when a'!aÏn brought forward this session, or next year, it is almost sure to be carried. Parties of all distinctions-conser vatives as well as liberals-now begin to see the necessity for it, to enable all of you who have votes to exercise the privilege with freedom. That right has been interbred with. Many of you have not been able to exercise it, and the only way to do so, free from coercion, is tho ballot. (Cheers ) As soon as the ballot becomes the law of the land you may depend upon it this countv will always be represented by liberals. ("Hear, hear." and" No., no from the conservatives.) I made a tour of this #>r>nn+Tr nnlv withiri the last few days, and the enthusiasm Bhown-not to me personally, but to- the cause of liberalism- quite satisfied me that the predominant feeling of this county is in favour of liberalism; and such will always be the case, notwithstanding the oppression that has been exercised. Many have come to me and said they would be very glad to vote for me, but they were afraid to do so. (Groans.) It shows the necessity of some measure like the ballot being adopted, but there would hp no necessitv for the ballot if all acted like soma one or two R^tlem "n are doing. (" Three cheers for Mr R. J. Lloyd Price.) I have received letters from several gentlemen, saying that their tenants are perfectly at liberty to vote as they think proper, and that they will not interfere with the election, I have re- ceived these even from some conservatives. (Hear, hear.) Education is another subject that will be brought before Par- liament. The more people become educated in this country the more independent they will become, and the more they understand how to exercise the right of the franchise, the better citizens will thev become. The people themselves are anxious to promote education. They are doing all they can in getting np schools, only they want further encouragement, so that every child in the country may be educated. If such a measure is brought before Parliament it shall have my most decided support. The trifliag expense that Government might probably be put to in the promotion of education would be soon repaid by the lessening of crime and the expen.es attendant upon the prosecution of crime. (Applause.) I can only assure you that if I should have the honour of being sent to Parliament as your representative I shall be ready at all times to listen to any sug- gestions you may make, and I will, to the utmost of my ability promote any measure tending to the welfare of the country at large, and particularly of this county. The poor-rates, as you are aware, have become very heavy of late, and are rather on the increase than otherwise. That is another rea-on why education would be beneficial to the people, for the better education a man receives the more does he endeavour to im- prove bis situation in life, and by doing so is the less likely to become a pauper. Many men in the receipt of high wages would understand how to economize their wages. The subject of tem- perance is another which will be taken up, and the measures that will be taken will tend, no doubt, greatly to improve the people of the country. After a few other observations, Mr Holland conoluded amidst loud 'applause. Colonel TOTTENHAM next addressed the meeting. HI1 said- Gentlemen and brother electors, you have heard from Mr Oakley that I have been requested to come forward on this occasion, and I assure you I do so with the greatest reluctance. I have plenty to do at home—(cries of Yes, and you had better go," followed by laughter)—but if you do me the honour to return me to Pailiament, I think I shall have time to spare to look after the interests of this county. I come forward because I know there is a great reaction among the liberal party—(cries of Oh, oh ")—not only in this country, but throughout the greater part of England. (" No, no," from the liberals.) The large towns in Lancashire and elsewhere have completely changed their opinions on matters of politics. (Loud expressions of dissent.) They find that the measures b-ought in with high-sounding names have turned out to be anything but liberal. (Interruption and cries of Tipperary.") I have been to'd that I am supported by long purses. I wish you could prove it to me, gentlemen. (Laughter and "Hear, hear.") A paragraph which I happened to see in a newspaper not long ago contained statement'! which I only wish were true, but they are not. Yon ask for evidence of a change of opinion on the part of the people, and there is one question on which I can show that a change has tulten place. If you compare Mr Holland's address and mine there are only one or two points on which we differ. (Groiins and laughter, continued for some time.) I won't keep you long, gentlemen, and I shall be very glad if you will just listen to me patiently for a few minutes. Now, gentlemen, I have been objected to on the ground that I am an Irishman. Well, I am prourl of it. (Laugh- ter and cheers.) I am proud of having been born in the same country that so many distinguished men have come from. The Duke of Wellington, the greatest general of modern tiaies, came from Ireland, and was at the head of that army on the continent which went on from victory to victory, and never stopped until it entered the gates of Paris; and that army was composed principally of Irishmen. But, gentlemen, though I am proud of the country in which I was born, you are rather de- ceived as to the facts. I was born in Ireland, but I have been educated in England, anl I have spent two-thirds of my time in 'England and Wales. (Hear, hear.) I have devoted mv time of late years, since I left the army, to living eight or nine months in the year in the other end of the county. If I had been ex- pected to become a candidate for this county I should hive come more amongst you here, and then I should no doubt receive a little warmer reception than I do to-diy. (La'ighter, and Hear, hear.") I can only tell you, gentlemen, that in my own neigh- bourhood, and for a considerable distance round, where I am well known, I shall have a la,'ge majority. (Cheers and counter demonstrations.) Well, gentlemen, as to my being an Irishman, if a man is born fn a stable that does not make him a horse. (Great laughter, and a voice: It may make him a donkey, though !") Lord Palmerston was greatly connected with Ireland; he was a liberal, and you d;d not think any worse of him Lord Russell has large property in Ireland, and so have manv others of the leading men on the liberal side. (Cries of "Principles."), You are also misled as to my political opinions. I have been called a conservative of the true Orange type. ("Yes. you are.") No, gentlemen, that is a thorough mistake. I am a liberal-conservative. (Groans, and "Oh, ob.") My notion of a true liberal-conservative is this: I would wish to preserve that con- stitution under which the people of this country enjoy more civil and religious liberty than any other country under the sua. Supposing the owner of Chirk Castle finding that, after with- standing the battle and the breese for ceiaturies, it required some modern improvements and repairs to fit it for habitation, you would take him to be a fool if he were to pull the old castle entirely down in order to repair it. (Cries of "Keep to the question and to poitics;" nnothervoice: At the expense of the kingdom.") That is the principle I go upon as a liberal-conser- vative. As to my being an Orangeman, I have lived several years in the midst of Orangemen and I never joined them. I am not aI, extreme politician, and I am proud to say that my friends on the other side 1ft any speeches they have made have been kind enough to speak in the highest terms of me. (" More than you deserve," and laughter.) Another word as to the ques- tion of nationality. If my friend, Mr Holland, whom I have had the pleasure of knowing for a great many years, will allow me, in my own defence, I may state that a branch of his own ancestors settled at Conway, from Lancashire, and some also settled in Dyffryn; so that it is likely there is no more Welsh blood in his veins than in those of an Irishman. Now, gentle- men, my ancestors possessed large property in South Wales, and my family have been in this county for nearly forty years. (Hear, hear.) I have as much property in Wales as I have in Ireland. (" Speak Welsh, then.") I wish I could. (A voice: "Will you vote for the ballot ?") I will come to that in a minute. As to the Irish land question, I think I ought to be as well ac- quainted with it, and to be quite as able to give an opinion on the subject, as a gentleman who is not connected with the country. (Hear, hear.) I will put it to you in this way. Sup- posing a friend of your own was very ill, you would not send for a physician who knew nothing about his habits and antecedents; you would call in the family doctor who knew how his complaint and his coastitiifion—("Question, principles," and prolonged in- terruption.) As t" education, I perfectly agree with Mr Holland, that it is most desirable that the education of the people should be encouraged by grants from the Government. I think it is money welf laid out. The only point in which we might differ is, that I would wish to have religion zpixed up with the cemmon education. (A voice: Whose religion your own ?") Let every man be educated in his own faith; but lei him have some re- ligion. It is like putting a sharp instrument into tile hands of a child without cautioning him as to the improper use of it, if you educate a man and give him no religion. On the qnet,Jlon. of the poor-rates I agree with most of what Mr Holland has s;d but I do think that the present state of the law with reference to the rating of mines is not fair. It has its origin in an Act of Parliament passed 300 years ago, and I, as a liberal-conservative, do not wish to refer to the time of Queen E izabeth for laws of that kind. I do not think it is right to throw the burden of sup- porting infir,n miners upon the agricultural population. laIn an advocate of economy, but not at the expense of sacrificing the efficiency of our national defences. (A voice: The ballot.") I do not think the ballot is called for in this country, though I be- lieve if it was the law the conservative party would gain largely by it. (Interruption; a voice: "Then why not try it ?") I know many instances where persons would gladly have voted for me, but they were afraid to do so. (Cries of Name one.") They have tried the ballot in America; they don't like it, and would gladly fall back upon our manly system. I am not going to make you any promises, because candidates forget to fulfil them but I will only refer to my humble endeavour for the benefit of Wales in introducing railways into this county-one result of which is that you are enabled to purchase coals at 2s. 6d. or 8s. a ton. After a jocular allusion to Mr Lowe's new system of col- lecting taxes, which, he said, saved him S5 a year, Colonel Tottenham remarked that this was a proof that the liberal government had reduced the taxes of the rich and forgotten to reduce the taxes of the poor. (Hear, hear.) The HIGH SHERIFF then called for a show of hand?. Amidst much cheering, the show of hands was declared in favour of Mr Holland, only some half-dozen hands in the crowd being raised for Colonel Tottenham. Mr OAKLEY demanded a poll in behalf of Col. Tottenham. The HIGH SHERIFF announced that the poll would take place on Saturday, commencing at eight in the morning and closing at five. On the motion of Mr HOLLAND, seconded by Col. TOTTENHAM, a vote of thanks" as accorded to the High Sheriff, who, in ac- knowledging the compliment, begged of the electors, as they valued their privileges, to conduct themselves throughout the election as became the men of Merionethshire. Subsequently, t Ie hustings was used as a platform where Mr Jones-Parry, M.P., Mr Morgan Lloyd, the Rev. E. Morgan, and Gohebydd addressed the supporters of the liberal candidate in Welsh.