Wrexham Guardian

BANQUET TO THS HON. G. T. KEN YON. I MK WATKIN WILLIAMS ON THE SLAVE TRADE CIRCULAR. A banquet T-ms given to the Hon. G. T. Kenyon, on Friday evening, the 4th instant, at the Wynnstay Arms Hotel, Wrexham, in celebra- tion of his marriage with Miss Leche, of Carden. There were about 150 gentlemen present and had more tickets been at the disposal of the committee, the company would, no doubt, have been larger. Amongst those present were Messrs T. Bury (solicitor), T. Williauis (wine mer- chant), n. V. Kyrke, J. Kenrick, J. Allington Hughes, F. Page. Dr. Barton, G. Thomas, H. Poyer, A. Phillips, J. Samuel, G. Catherall, W. H. nes, T. Heywood, J. Bury, J. S. Knight, L. Smith, W. Garratt-Jones, John Williams (wine merchant), C. K. Benson, Howell Davies, A. Iron, T. R. Heywood, R. Roberts (Town- hill), H. E. Aspinall. J. LI. Williams, Evan Morris, C. O. Williams, C. B. Beaumont, AV. Kennedy, Alderman Beirne. R. Woosnam, W. Harrison, Dr Palin, J. Kyffin, T. Dawson, J. D. Pugh, E. M. Jones. Y. Strachan, Edwin Humphreys, H. Harrison (Plascoch), T. R. Parry, J. Milligan, J. Strachan, J. Pierce, W. Jones (Island Green), D. D. Pierce, J. Davenport, — Aspinall, Joseph Owen, C. H. Lloyd, D. Davies, Dr Evans, D. Roberts, Edwin Jones, R. Evans, A. Stant, H. Worrall, G. Bavan, E. Morgan, E. Thomas, Alderman Owen, R. Lloyd (ex-mayor), E. Plant, R. Caadwick, J. PattisoD, F. C. Richards. U. A. Stephenson, J. Fisher, A. E. Mason, R. C. Yaughan, T. H. Bancroft, Johnson, R. Dyke, H. Price, R. Davies, J. Davies (Sontley), W. Davies, S. Vercoe, W. Snape, J. Clarke, (Sontley), W. Davies, S. Vercoe, W. Snape, J. Clarke, J. Wilson, N. S. Scotcher, R. Bunn, Edwin Owen, M. O'Bcirne, E. Edwards. C. F. Fryer, E Lovatt, T. Jackson, A. T. Jones, 1:. J Williams, J. F. Edisbury, J. Forrister, E. Mullings, W. Samuels, R. James, Owen Price, F. Ii'utchiiiSOU, T. Jackson, C. Davies, &c. Several gentlemen who had purchased tickets were, through various causes. prevented from beiug present. Amoiigst them were Messrs J. Lewis, W. Overton, John James, I. Shone, W. Fraser, J. Manlej, E. Williams (Elwy House), H. W. Meredith, T. Clayton, C. Gla?cod:ne, H. Hughes, T. Rowland, R. C. Roberts, E. Touch, the Revs D. Edwards, E. Lloyd, and G. Bewsher. The Mayor of Wrexham (T. Eyton-Jones, Etq.) pre- sided, and his worship had on his right the Hon. G. T. Kenyon, Mr E. Swetenham, Dr Williams, Mr T. B. Acton, and Mr N. R Griffith on his left were Mr Watkin WIlliams, M.P., the Hon. tbe Hev. W. Trevor Kenyon, Mr Peter Walker, the Rev. J. Dixon, and the Rev. G. Jones. The vice-presidents were Messrs Peter Walker, John Lewis, J. C. Owen. J. Beirne, W. Overtcn, J. Burv, and J. James. Dr Evans acted as secretary, and the success of the arrangements was largely due to the energy and attention he had given to the project. Mr Murless placed a capital spread on the table, the following being the BILL OF FARE. SouPs.-A 'la Julienne, a 'la Reine. ITisn.—Boiled Salmon and Lobster Sauce; Boiled Turbot and Oyster Sauce. RELEVEs.-Roa.st Turkey and Sausages Boast Goosc; Boiled Los of Mutton; Boiled Fowls; Roast Beef; and Boast Lamb. SEccND CoURSE.-Roast Pheasants; Boast Wild Ducks; Boast Hare; Escalloped Oysters. ENTREMETS.—Jelly Sir "Watkin's Pudding' Plum Pudding; Stewed Pears./ DESSERT. The cloth having been cleared, Dr. Evans, the hon. sec., read letters apologising for inability to attend the banquet from the Vicar of Wrexham, Mr Simon Yorke, Dr. Roberts, Ruabon; Mr Cecil Raikes, LP., Rev. G. H. McGill, Bangor; Mr T. LI. Fits-Hugh, Mr G. 0. Morgan, M.P., Mr Hurleslon Leche, Carden Hali; Mr Overton.and Mr J, Lewis. The last named gentleman wished his letter to be read, as he was very desirous of being present, but was unfortunately prevented -owing to the death of a near relative. The Mayor rose to propose the toast of the Queen," and in doing so remarked that during her Majesty's long and eventful reign the arts and sciences had gre.itly flourished, commerce had prospered to an hitherto unprecedented degree, and the name of the Queen of England was now beloved-and respected in every quarter of the globe (cheerfi). The toast was received the customary de- monstrations of loyalty, and accompanied by the singing of a verse or two of the National Anthem. The health of the Prince and Princess of Wales and the rest of the Royal Family" was next given, and the Chairman, referring to the tour of his Royal Highness in India, said the frankness of his disposition, the openness of his heart, and his obliging ehamder,had already thoroughly endeared him to all classes of his Eastern subjects (cheers). He need not say that, as a sportsman, the Prince is held in great respect by those who are fond of sport; and his more recent exploits in India in pig- sticking (laughter) and tiger shooting were known to most of them, and none could have failed to admire the British pluck which had enabled Prince of Wales not only to face in the open an infuriated elephant, but with rare skill to bring him down (applause). It had been suggested that. as Mayor of the town he should join with other Corporations in giving his Eoynl Highness a welcome on his return from India, and he need not say that if the oppoitunity were afforded he should be delighted to do it; but if he came to their Eisteddvod (applause), he should call upoa them one and all to join him in giving him that i hearty Welsh reception which he was sure the Prince in Wales would command (applause). He trusted that his excellent consort would return in safety to this country, and be seen in London in a few days, and that the Royal children would rise up to be beloved as their parents had been by the British nation (applause). Song by Mr Heywood, "God bless the Prince of Walts." Dr. Williams prorosjd the next toast, "The Bishop and Clergy of the Diocese. and Ministers of all Deroiniutuions." 01 the Bishop, lie thought he might sav that they were particularly fortunate in having so good a man, and the evidence they in Wrexham could have of his goodness was in the excellent selection he hud made for this parish (applause). That one act was sufficient to show the good judgment he displayed in sending among them a person admirably suited to fulfil the high and impcrtant duties of Vicar of Wrex- ham (applause). He was struck the other day on reading the very immense runount of money spent in this diocese as well as in other dtoce-es of England within the last forty yoars, Within our own diocese a sum of £4:00,000 had been spent in church improvement, church enlarge- meet, and church restoration, in that short time, bespeaking an amount of vitality which must be gratify- iug To :,11 levers of true religion. He thought they might indulge, too, in a little self-gratulation at the fact that seme isf><J.OOO had been spent in this pnrish since the year H;4U (applause). Looking around them, they saw "that the Nonconformists had also been most liberal ia promoting the welfare of their Hocks, and as an evidence of places of worship were rising aionnd them in all directi( ns. It was pha-irg to Lud so warm interest taken in religion, the 1lIO,t important matter associa. ed with our existence here (applause). Song, 'Man, know thyself, Mr "R. Sm'ih. The Rev -L D xor, in "responding to the toii-l, first. apologised for the ubsencc of the vicar, owing to iudis- position, and viid 'be Church of England was not, as some supposeil, <>n her ta«t le<ts. All would ngree that there is a spiri; abroad among the clergy that, will con-, duce to her future w,-K;iv ti»,d he could not believe that a religious system which confers the greatest spiritual ben<'fibi on The greatest number was doomed to be trodden under foe*" of the Get:tiles, j and rdbie.sh" tioni.su (a"plnuDr Williams had referred to the; foresight the bbb'-p :i*>c' -hov-nin appointing the Rev David Uowoil to i'nii p.ish and he thought Mr Glad- smne had t-ho« ii. asg eatf* foresight in piomotmg the 13'.?: op of St. Asaph to his present see (applause), i Wi'h ropecf to tbe elrigy, he believed they were doing their dun in a 'olerablv satisfactory wav. Thirty vears ago there was indifference where now there was vitality; there w;.s lackpdasicnloens where now there was ability, energy, sud a willingness to do Go'i's work. Th" Hon. and Rev i revor Kenvon nl-o responded to the toast. He said it wa- a g-rca. comfort and ••upport to rhrm in their work, which was perhaps difficult, perp'exmg. and Ubo-ions beyond what, those he was addressing might a real comfort, and 5 SUpport to them "n Hit:. occasions as these to feel rbnt. their wink tens apprer■ -i d. the other most suited the clergy was the cloth «.f *be rhnner- table. There might i be something? in that; be* !■ him idd that tb'-ro v«ere | otner a.-pycls-in which the rlcrgv should he viewed, and perhaps it was bv the cradle of the new-born infant and the bedside of the msn tba: their work was most valuable and most apuivciaied (applause). Mr B emiion Actou proposed the succee ding toast, The Army, Navy. a> d Reserve Forces." He renuirked that an:org the variow- su' jects u) on which Eugl^bmen were wont to congratulate themselves there was In • ub- ject for more legitimate pride than tho prowes- of the Army and Navy bec::u<e they knew and felt that /whenever brave men had to do anything or endure it tor 1 L<¡ r,:tJ r, their country the English soldier would do it. It mattered not whether he was called upon to face the severity of a Crimean winter, to fight a barbarous foe in a pestilential climate, or to strike down rebellion on the sultry plains of India or in the tangled recesses of a Malay jungle, there the British soldier found equal to his work, and had ever proved himself invincible (applause). To speak of the prowess of the navy was to gild refined gold; for where was the sea in which the British flag had not floated, and the British sailor's courage was not known and honoured ? (applause). They heard in their days of the vast strides which naval rcieuce has made, of the size of the ships, of the thickness of the armour plating, and of the immense calibre of tho guns; but Englishmen felt that L11 this was of little value without hearts of oal; to man ihem (applause). They all felt that their best defence lay in the unconquerable spirit and valour of their sailors, and it also seemed to him there was a subject for great congratulation in the conduct of thoso brave boys 1:1 the Goliath, as it showed that even in our children we have got the stuff of which our sailors are made (applause.) Neither would he wish, who, in a humble way, took some delight in watching the progress of scientific achievements, to omit referring to the important services which the navy has ever ren- dered to the cause of science, particularly at this moment when the Challenger is returning from one of the most remarkable voyages on record, laden with the depths of the ocean and large secrets, which, if properly inter- preted, will advance the cause of sc/ence to a degree little heard of. Neither would he to: get those brave men, who, for the advancement of he cause of science and their country's honour, were now spending an Arctic winter within those terrible circum-pclar seas, and were probably destined to carry the flag of England farther towards the North Pole than any nation yet had borne it. With the toast he should also couple the Reserve Forces, who wdl deserved a meed of thanks when they considered the time, trouble, and money ex- pended in rendering themselves efficient, so that if the hour and need shall they Inrt) he able to afford an efficient second line of defence (applause.) The speaker coupled with the toast the names of Captain Bury and Lieutenant Dever.'ux Pugh, of the D.R.V. Song, "Maid of Llangollen," Alderman Beirne. Captain Bury, in responding, remarked that Wrexham had always sent a fair quota to swell the ranks of the army, and he believed none of them were more proud than when the recruit came home a year or two after- wards the straight smart soldier that every Wrexham lad returned. They were not able to do so much for the navy; for unfortunately the stream which ran through the town (laughter) was not conducive to naval training; but he was happy to see that there was a movement on foot in the right direction for establish- mg a training ship on the Dee for lads belonging to this district. As regirded the reserve forces he had very little to say but it was fortunate to find so deep an interest is being taken by the strength and manhood of England in the reserve forces. God grant that they may long be a reserve, and that the time may be iar distant when thry will be called upon to come forward and aid our army ai.d navy which have done such grand things of old (applause). Lieut. Devereux Pi f,h also replied to the toast' and said they one and ad joined the volunteer force for only one parpose, and that nas to aid the regular army and qualify themselves lor duty if ever they should be called upon to discharge ihe duty they owed to Queen and country. The Mayor then rose to propose the toast of the evening. "The Bon. Geo. T. Kenvon." He Faid: Gentlemen, .1 feel that I labour under a great difficulty in rendering to you what I conceive a proper and sufficient account of him whom we are pleased this evening to call our guest (cheers). I feel that he has so kindiy a nature and so warm a disposition that it would tax the ability of any man, however blessed as an orator, thoroughly to describe them. lIe comes from an old family who possess in this immediate neighbourhood, and have possessed for some years, a large property, who, whenever they have made their appearance among us, either to look after that property or to dispense their hospitalities and do whatever they wbhed for the good of those around them, have iuran- I ably shown that they possess to a. great degree the qualities of amiability and extreme kindness (cheers). I feel exceedingly proud in my own person to have been educated at a school where we used to boast, and still boast, that the great Bann Ken- yon was educated there—(cheers)—and I boast, and hal1 always boast, that a great, lawyer, the member for the Denbighshire boroughs, was a school-fellow of my own at the same place cheer" ). You cannot Le surprised, with the excellent example our friend has had iu those qualities possessed by his ancestors, that, be to so large a degree should possess them. We know that he has made the reputation of an author in defence oi the name of his great ancestor, and we know in Wrex- ham that he possesses considerable oiatorical powers. I would say that if he ever makes his appearance in St. Stephens he will make his mark there, not only bv the possession of oratorical power, but on account of his excellent business qualities (checisÎ. We feel sure that we have only at any time to ask the Gredingtcu k-nuntiy how Mr Kenvon, as the representative of the fatrily, has behaved to them, ar.d we have one answcr-I. He is the best of landlords, Hnd wc want betwern him and our- selves no Landlord and Tenant Act." We know in Hanmer and Peuley, if you ask any perso n there of the Kenyon fatnilv, they will ttil you they are noted fur their n oral and religions principles, which have made them forouio.-1 not only in the education1 of the young, but in the promotion of all schemes calcu- lated to benefit their neighbours (cheeis). We have lately read in the Wiexham papers how the tenantry have presented to Mr and Mrs Kenyon those gifts which they have beeu pleased to collect as a simple token from theatisficd tenauirv of how they eun appreciate a good landlord, and love one who docs his utmost to improve j. their condition. I may say that the Shrop>hire Yeomanry have subscribed to present to their captain, Mr Kenvon, some luemoiial ind-cathig how much he is beloved and respected by the officers and men of his regiment (cheers). And we feel su;e that qualities such as these can have but one result, the, reward of the gratitude of all classes, and a love perhaps which cacnet be surpassed in the history or annals of any family, whatever their position or their abilities, even in this landlord-loving country of England. We have heard so much of the good and generous qualities of his wife that we are delighted to find that his good nature has received a proper and fitting help-meet (cheers). And I am sure I may venture to say, in the name of all classes in Wrexham, L: bral or Conserva- tive, that all who have come in contact with Mr Kenyon can give him the right hand of fellowship, and can testify of him with the utmost respect-, because he has shown himself in all matters a thorough English gentle- man (cheers). But I think the highest testimony I can bring forward is this, that though the last contest was severe and sharp, his opponent (Mr Watkin Williams) has come down from Loudon to pay his personal respect to Mr Kenyon, and say that after the fair and honour- able fight, they are in respect to each other the warmest and best of friends (cheers). Gentlemen, I can upon you to drink this toast with the honour it deserves, and let us give three times three" for Mr and Mrs Kenyon, and may they live long iu the hearts' affeerions una j. and gratitude of all their loving friends (loud j' cheers). The toast having been enthusiastically received, and drunk with all the honours, Mr Roberts, Chester-street, sang "The Fme old English Gentleman," after which, The Hon. Geo. T. Kanyon rose to respond, and re- ceived a perfect ovation, the cheering lasting some minutes. Silence having been restored, he said .• Mr Chairman and gentlemen, after I think I may now say the course of a. somewhat long acquaintance I have to thank you for your kindness to me for I do not know that I ever rose with my feelings* more stronuly aroused than 1 do upon the present occasion when you have drunk not only to my health but to the health of those who are ever dear to me (cheers). You will, lam sure, forgive me if in the few words I have to say to you I cannot fully or adequately convey to you the deep sense of gratitude 1 have for the kind reception you have given me to-night, for indeed it is upon those occasions when our deepest feelings are arou-eJ that we find the greatest difficulty in expressing them. It is upon those occasions when others are concerned equally with ourselves that we feel how difficult it is to say what in our inmost hearts we feel to Lc true, deep, and grateful. I would only say this, that 1 thank you from the bottom of mr healt for tho many kindnesses you have always shown me, and I thank you now more especially for the kind way in which you have spi ken of her whom I hope at no very distant period to have to introduce to many of you (cheeis). You have been good enough at different times to express some confidence in me, and I hope you will now take it upon trust from me that the woman whom I have chosen for my wife is one whom 1 am sure you will all- honour, like, and respect (cheers). Well, gentlemen, after a somewhat long nbs-nc? you will be perhaps j anxious ta know how uiatiimony has agreed with me (laughter).. I sit ext. to a gemleman (Mr WdelJiam) who is w ell skilled in these matters', and I believe he will" bear me out in saying that the criterion I am abou: to put before you is in one point of a valuable kind. I wish to sa.y that during tae three months I have had the happiness to be a married mati I have up three pounds iu weight (laughter). I am sorry to say that this happy effect has be<?n attended with another effect which is not equally happy, and that is that the unfortunate woman I call my wife has gone down three pounds (renewed laughter), upon which import int data I will leave it to Dr Wiliiams to pronounce to you whether, as far as the matter has gone, matrimony has agreed with me or not (laughter). It was one of the questions which Art"mus Ward put to candidates for the Civil Service Examination, "Are you married, and if you are, how do you like it as far as you have got (laughter) Wdl, gentlemen, I can say for myself I am 'married, and I do like it as far as I got (cheers and laughter). Matrimony has not always, you know, been recommended as a pauacea for all sorts of complaints. One of the Latin or Greek sages, Hiked when men ought to marry, answered, Young men, not yet; old men, not at all" (laughter). Another ancient, 1 think a Komtrn councillor, gave out I.. r. that if a kind providence had permitted ua to dispense I with women altogether we should hava got rid of a very troublesome article (daughter). I must say from my experience I don't agree with either of those two gentlemen. I think 1 may say, without offence to my I friend on my left (Mr Watkin Williams) there must have been some fearful radicals in thoso days (cheers and laughter). Well, gentlemen, I have no doubt many of you have been looking to our previous connection with these boroughs, and many of you in this town have pos- sibly been on terrible tenter-hooks fearing my wife may have changed my politics, and perhaps some here belonging to the other side may look for a speedy eon- version to be effected by the same woman (laughter). Now to put at rest that question, and orce for all to satisfy the desires of those w ho are anxious that I should change my political opinions, as well as to allay the fears of those who have feared that result would take place, I would just tell you that the young lady I have chosen for my wife comes from a very strong Conserva- tive family—(cheers)—and she is anxious to conserve everything in the wcrld, and especially me (cheers and laughter). I am afraid I have talked a great. deal of nonsense to you. Just allow mo to be a little more sensible; forlshould just like to say how deeply I feel the kindness of my friend here (Mr Watkiu Williams) in com- ing down to welcome me on this occasion (loud cheers), it is a very gratifying to know, that, notwithstanding the hard fight that took place two years ago, and the number of times we talked against each other (laughter), so little bitterness is left behind that ho is able to come down and welcome me at one of the hap- piest moments of my life (cheers). Gentlemen. I think this is one of the things of which we may be very proud in this country, that that bigotry and intoleranc which characterised our fathers and which still characterises many countries in Europe, is said to have no very exten- sive foundation in this country. I don't mean to say but what we all cherish as our fathers did, our political feelings and independence but we don't thmk, because of our differences in politics and our quarrels, that we should ccase to be as bood friends as ever in private life (hear, hear) On the other side of the water these things still exist, and I fear if my friend who still sits in the chair, and whom I may call Marshal McMahon (laughter), instead of sitting between me and my hon. friend there, was sitting between an Im- perialist deputy and a Red Republican like myself (a laugh), I feel that with all his energy, biandness, and excellent powers of management, he would I be unable to prevent us from coming to blows (cheers and laughter). I don't know that I have any- thing to add to these few imperfect words with which I have endeavoured to thank you for your great kindness on this occasion. I feel thut perhaps I ewe it more to the traditions cf my name and family than to any thing I have done fcr you (" no, no ") I can only say that from whatever the cause, it is none the less valuable to me. and that as kng as I reside in any part of the world, and as long as I am spared to come among you. it will always give me the greatest pleasure to do anything I can for my Wrexham friends (cheers). I hope before long to have the opportunity uf introducing my wife, as 1 said before, to many of yon, and 1 hope she will receive from you, and I am sure she will, as much kind- ness as you have always given to me on ail occasion. (cheers). I beg to thank you from the bottom of my neart tor your kindness to me on this occasion, and for all your courtesy and kindness to me at all times. [Mr Kenyon then resumed his seat amid loud cheers] Mr Swetenham said it was with the greatest pleasure that be responded to the Mayor's direction to propose to them "The health of the County and Borough Mem- bers "(applause). It was a very easy thing to speak upon a very popular subject, and he should not occupy very much of their time. He would first of all allude to the senior member for the county, Sir Watkin Williams Wynn (cheers). Sir Watkin is not only a name but he thought he might also say is an institution (hear hear), and long might Sir Watkin live to be a member for tnis county, and to be resident in it as well (cheers). He was fortunate in having the last intelligence of Sir Watkin theday prior to coming here; for he had the plea- sure of travelling with Mr Wynne, who told him a letter had just been ieceived fiom Watkin at Athens, stating that he was in better health than he had been for a very long time. The genial cliniatc there he was in hopes I wcuid completely set. him up, and if he possibly could nothing should prevent him from being back in time for Bangor Races (cheers). He also stated what he 01r bweienhi-.m) was U: e thev would be pleased to hear, that his second little girl, who has been so dangerously ill, Le hopes is now entirely out of danger—(applause) and Mr Wynne also gavo him anothei piece of nitelli- gence that might be interesting to some who had not heaid it, uameiy, that Lhu house in St. James's-souare owned by Sir "Watkin has tried to emulate tne proceed- ings at Wynnstay some time ago in setting tire to itself, but had not been equ oily successful. The servants had been airing the things, and by some means or other the place took fire, but tb." house 11..<1 fortunately been saved with very little damage except to some furniture. He was sure all would rejoice with Sir Watkin in his being spared the great misfor'une of losing his town house as wel; as the mansion at Wynn- | stay (applause). The next member he might mention was their friend, Mr Osborne Morgan' He thought he might say that both in the county aud b iroughs they were peculiarly fortunate; because in Sir Watkin they had a man of ancient family and institutions"; while on the other hand they had a gentleman of particular eminence in his profession, and in either respect he said it was a great honour that the country j. should be represented by persons of intelligence and position such as their friends Sir Watkin Wilinuns Wynn and Mr Osborne Morgan. He had great pleasure in proposing this tcast because the latter beiongtd ;o the pofession to which he had the honour to belong himself. He found also another gentleman, who tried at the last election but did not succeed, through no fault of his, in getting into Parliament, was a member of the same profession, and he thought that profession must be respected in the county of Denbigh. As for Mr V\ atkm Williams, in his presence the less said about him the better; but he was glad to see there was some prospect of the lion lying down with the iainb (hear, hear). They very "frequently ia his profession had squabbles either in court or at the table but it was all nonsense, and they went home and dined together on the very best of terms. Now if ever they should hear of any more of these iittle episodes they would not believe there was any animosity between the parties, but that they meielv agreed to disagree for the time being, and sliak" bands and be all the better friends afterwards (applause). He trusted it would always be so not only in Wales and Wrexham but throughout the whole of England. He t'uleù alt* that a neighbouring county would fulLw he example the Denbighshire boroughs have set it, and that in Shropshire all electoral animosities may at once go by and that after this great fight they should hear no more of any squables in Shiop-Jii.e, but that all ihere would be just as good frieuds as we all were here. He proposed health and long life to the menbers for the borougij and county (cheer1-). Song by Mr Heywood, The Men of Harlech. Mr V, at km Williams, who on ri,r.g to re- spond, met wiih a most, cordial reception, said; Mayor and gentlemen, let me thauk you warmly and earnestly for the kind wav in which you have received my name upon this peculiar occa- siorw-When I received the invitation from my oid school- fellow, the Mayor, to come here and take part, in this interesting ceremony, the instinct in my heart ^'Lddened at the opportunity wheh was then affoided me to come here, as one of your public men and representative to take my part with you in doing honour and in showing respect to my honourable and respected opponent. Mr Kenvon —(cheers)—and I hope he will allow me the privilege also to add to that the w o;d friend—(renewed cheers)— because although the honour of the acquaintance I have with him is due entirely to the mhfertuue of having to encounter in him a most formidable opponent—(b-ughter)—still I can say h truth that the whole intercourse I have had with him has had only the effect of inspiring in me a deepresnect and regard both for his private virtues anel his public conduct (cheers). And if it were not for the delicate relation in which we stand to one another, I could express a wish before you that he night be taking that part in the great councils of the nation for which his social position and education, and above all, his natural talents, so well fit him (cheers). I may say, without being guilty of any breach of confidence, what I believe is perfectly true, that if I had been unfortunate and he had been fortunate at the last election, you would have the groat, dis- tinctionof finding in him a man who hud beeu chosen to take part in tbe goveinaient of the country (cheer^f^ It is perfectly true, as he hag -aid, that it is a ruai'er of deep congratulation to tiws country that, taking as a large number of us do, a deep and earnest interest iu politics, we do not carry our political feelings sc fur us to allow them :0 xreu e personal hatred or animosity (cheers). We can diffei, even upon almost vital subjects, in this tountry, and yet we can resperf each other, and can respect the motives of our opponents, .(tJ,1 believe they are sincere and upright, hone. We have too many instance-, hose of us who have lived as long as I have, and have had perience, of finding i¡!i..g iu which v< u were cer'a.n you were right, those in which you were cle..ily vrtng. That is the txpeiience of life in this country, .nd happy indeed would it be if in France, Spain, and other countries they would take the same sensible.: rational, and, I may say, amiable view of conduct of public men that we t:¡k.. in this cuuntry (applau-e). Poor France is struggling fur a constitution; hut JiuJe does it u. at fur what is the fonn the con- stitutio it the materials of which it is made w:ll not bear the strain put. upon them. The moment I got this invitation, I may say in pttesing the first time 1 heard of this banquet, my iustincr-&s to come to it" but I felt a deiicacy in the matter. I did not know whether mv presence here might not he regarded as an impertinence, an intrusion—("No, no")—but my friend and old schoolfellow—perheps his heart yearned towards me a little for that—UnghJ—sent me an inflation, which I cordially accep'ed, to come hero (cheers). But I was saying I did it to a very large extent from a sense, of the immense importance it is that, public Me:) should not only taik ubouc things oa which it "is easy to 0' i:' Ll" preach, but shoald by example show that good honest feeling may exist between one and the other, although I opponents and (cheers). It is that above all other things which comp.iieu me at great inconvenience—I won't dwell upon —to come here ar.d give a proof that there is that gooo Reeling, and I do hopo that others will have the feeling which I do believe exists to a large extent in these boroughs, and that it will permeate, and increase, encourage, and cement it for the future (cheers). There was one thing he war anxious to say a word about, and it was one tinit would not reflect upon the present Government—he referred to the Slave Circular. If the'e was one thing upoa ;> iiich the mind and cons cience of England was made up more than another it was that of detestation of the diabolical institution of siavery (ap- plause). For years and generations it had been the grand boast ot England that it would not recognise, tolerate, or listen to slavery; and when th's unfortunate Slave Circular was iisued in the vacation it caused a great deal of excitement. But ho must say, to. he wished to be perfectly frank and candid, that he thought the present Government had been rather ill-used about 11"t circular (applause). One word would tell them exactly what he believed was the precise position of aff.iirs. In former times, when Ivogland was determined to set her face against the institution of slavery, they showed their earnestness by sacrificing thousands 0f,in:s and million; of morey in stopping the traffij, but could not conquer long. It was a trade which they condemned and wrote against; but unfortunately they had not power enough to enter on a crusade against slavery. Let them not forget, in the feeling excited against this circular, that in years gone by when America had slavery as a domestic institution, they were tied for they could not declare war against every coun- try in which slavery existed. What was the consequence? Unless they broke off their relations with every country that had slavery for one of its institutions, they were obliged to recognise and bear with it, because they could not extinguish it (bear). What had bappeued was this. In this Slave Circular that w..s issued in the long vacation—let the truth be boldly told—the Government sinned against what has been called the eleventh com- mandment, which is. "Thou shalt not be found out" (laughter). A distinguished friend of his said, "You may break all the ten commandments wi'h impunity, but you must not break the eleventh." They had been obliged for years, in consequence of their commercial intercourse with other nations, to temporise with this infernal traffic, and in particular at Zanzibar. At I Zanzibar not only was there the slave trade, but this difficulty had arisen. There were persons in domestic I slavery, and their ma" we had never attempted ta interfere with, simply because we were uot prepared to declare war with all the world. These servants, who had not been trafficked with as slaves, quarrelled with their masters. A man carrying a load of hay from one island to another quarrelled with his master, escapes to a British man-of-war and says, "For God's sake take me on board; I am a fugitive slave." He was nothing of I the kind, and the unfortunate hay-dealer, his master, was utterly ruined by this circumstance. Thus, under the pretence of carrying out our treaty with regard to slavery, the innocent trader was utterly ruinec, because his insubordinate servant claimed the protection of the British flag. That was the honest truth of the thing. iNow observe this, these circuits, as they are called, which are directions to our fleet, have been issued in this sense for any number of years but he did mean to say this, that an error was committed, he did not wish to hold the Ministers of the Crown responsible, in issuing as a general circular to the whole of the navy what might have been accomplished by sending a private letter to the commander on the s:ation telling him to take care what he was abuut, and not under the cover of treaties harbour these insub- ordinate servants and carry them away from their masters. But the practical question remained, and he ventured to say the time was coming—withont saying one Government was responsible or the other, wred nothing about Governments at all—the time WaS coming when they must face this question, when England must declare tnui she will h:.ve nothing whatever to d* with encouraging or countenancing or giving any pretence to this institution (applause). He meant to say that this circular should be withdrawn, and if they could not maintain their treaty with the Sultan of Zanzibar with- out slavery, he said withdraw from it (applause). Mind, he did not in the least blame the Government, for one Government had suceeded auotner, aud both sides were to blame. He cesiie-i to say -0, and it nobody els:; said so, he should venture as 1)¡"ir repre- sentative in Parliament to do it (applause). Mr Williams also leferred to the Merchant Shipping Bill, and one still more iinyortaut respecting maiine insurance, which lay at the very root of the whole question. The latter measure would require all the loyalty of good men in Parliament to support; because a good many members would oppose the Government upon it, as it would a/feet their interests; but he was proud to be able to say that for his own part he believed the bill to be a good one, and for that reason he should give his most cordial support co the present Government (enters). It was a, dangerous thing to prophecy, but he believed the coming bill of the session was that Marine Insurance Bill; because it was said. and he believed with truth, that there are people who insure their ships and lading far above their value, which makes them so utterly regardless of human life that they obtain rotten old ships, fiil them up with goods, and send them to sea to arrive at what is their ultimate destination, the bottom of the ocean. Now the way to prevent that was to prevent men from effecting such insurances, and it was honourable to both sides that this sentiment should prevail. Iu conclusion, Mr Watkiu Williams said he houesily wished to see the time, not very far distant, when Mr Kenyon would sit opposite to him in the House of Commons holding the distinguished position which he was sure he might fairly expect after he had arrived there (applause). Mr Alderman Owen next gave The County and Borough Magistrates," coupled with the names of Mr Watkin Wiliiams and Dr Williams. Mr Watkin Williams, in responding, said hat the insti- tution of unpaid magistrates had been upon its trial, but they were doing their duty in a manner so entirely satisfactory as to render it unnecessary to supersede them 'by paid magistrates (applause). During the last twenty years one single decision from the Denbighshire magis- trates had been appealed against, and in that case the dlcijon was upheld. And speaking as a lawyer, he would say that at Westminster 'here was the greatest respect for the decision of justices. He shoald deeply deplore the time when professional men should supersede unptud magistrates. Dr Williams also replied The Hon. G. T. Kenyon then rose and aid a toast had been committed to him which would require very few words from him to elicit their hearty and cordial support, the health of their President and Vice-Presi- dents" (applause). For himself he did not know of anyone who could more acceptably have filled the chair fcr htm than his friend Dr E; to i-Jones. He had always found him a kind, consistent, and cordial friend (applause), and he knew by those whom he was addressing he was equally valued and esteemed. He might take this opportunity of stating that he did not Wrexham could have made a better selection for this important i year than in the person of their present mayor (applause). As a Welshman, and a scholar, he was peculiarly fitted to occupy the civic chair at the time the eisteddvod took place, and if royalty should visit the town he doubted if they couid find a man more fitted to dispense civic hos- •pitaiiiK-s than their friend Dr Eytou-Jones (cheers). The Mayor, in acknowledging the compliment, said it had been to him a labour ot love to do what he could to show their respect to Mr Kcuyon, and their delight upon the occasion of his happy marriage. If anything had repaid them for the work undertaken, it had been to see how thoroughly all parties had entered into it, and i above all to see that the two great opponents at the last election had met at the festive board on this auspicious occ'sioa (applause). He trusted this circumstance orght auger for the future the great probability that in Wrex- ham, however hard they might fight their political bat- ties, in social hfe they would be thoroughly true fuends (^applause). Mr Tnoinas Bury, in the regretted absence of Squire Leche. next rose to propose "The Mayor and Corpora- lion of Wrexham" The mayor had even now in the ti'st few montnof office created a favourable impression among the burgesses of the town for not only had lie good abilities ill connection with his professiou. but his eloquence specially fitted him to take the head of the fable on occasions like these. He had, however, a far mo.e difficult task to perform when he sat ..t the head < j>f that august chamber, the corporation, which was in "tne tpi'ing tide of its existence, on the happy side of t wenty years, and which sometimes reminded him of the old song— l'lie Sjpriiig she is a ycauiff maid Who does uot know her mim1." j (loud laughter). He was afiaid it sometimes happened ttiat the Corporation of Wrexham did not know its own tuind— (laughter)—but he saw many members of the corporation Therv wnom he knew were good fellows, and he should be sorry to say auy'hiug there to their dis- paragement. He wished them long hie as members of that Dody, until the tOB was divided into wards (laugh- ter). He coupled with the toast the name of Alderman Beirne. Alderman Beirne, in responding, said the Corporation t tried to do their best for the improvement of the town, but they could not keep down the rates. The Hon. G. T. Kenyon afterwards gave "The Twwn. aun Trade oi Wrexham." 111 this really very important and increasing town of Wrexham, a town which i assuming the largest proportions of any in Korth Wales, it was a great thing to be able to con- gratulate themselves on its prosperity, and on its keep- ing pace with the growth of population and he very great 'pleasure in proposing this roast. It had been said that the tradesmen had not been supported as well as might have been expecied from the local j gentry (applause). He had heard that complaint made, and he must sav, if it were so, that he th ught the local gentry were very much to blame (applause). Speaking from his own experience, in tbe little he bad | to do with Wrexllam-and he regretted he could not deal so largely here as he would wish to do—he ha.d always been well served, and had always found his orders punctually attended to (applause), He thought, there- J fore, the local gentry iu the immediate neighbourhood ought to the best of their ability to patronise the town and trade. It was all very wall to talk about co cO-Jpera- tive stores;" but they knew very well why it is that tradesmen cannot afford to do the same thing at the price co-oporative stores can. It is because gentlemen don't pay their bills regularly enough (applause). He was bound to say tuat it the ready-money principle upon which co-operativo stores are carried on could oe adopted in this town, or in any other town in England and Wales, tradesmen would he able to suppiv goods as cheap! as any co-operative stores could do (applause), lie gave with great pleasuie TrH Town and Trade of Wrexh.iin." Mr E. M. Jones r*sp~nded to th" had in a humorous speech, m which he alluded to Mr Keriyon's happy union, expressing a wish that in the words of the p:et II' Rogers Lis biide might A ua.rdiaJl ane1 o'er hi, life pr"3id?, Double his pleasures and his cares divide. Mr Y. Strachan next proposed "Tie Agricultural and Mining Interests," and in doing so observed that mining and ng-culture wer" 'be great main-pri:i^< of prosperity to Englishmen. We could uot certainly get on here without agricultural farming and without the large mini.-g district we had round aY-mt. Wrexham. He h-d been close on 50 years connected with Wrexham, and had seen many alterations and improvements in tbe town in that time; but without the prosperity which they had derived from the mining enterprise carried on in their immediate neighbourhood they could bardlv huve improved the town as much as they had done. As re- garded farmingj they had tarmsrs round about that would bear a favourable comparison with any in the neighbour- ing districts. He could "peak from personal experience of their hospitality and kindness, but he was sorry that he could not compliment them on good seasons, and year especially had been a very bad farming season. He coupled with the toast the names of Mr N. R. Griffith, of Vron, and Mr T. Parry, of Borras Hall, who severally responded. The Mayor then proposed to the company that they should drink to "Our next merry meeting," and the pro- ceedings were then brought to a satisfactory conclusion. For want of time the following toasts had to be aban- donee The Committee," to have been proposed by Mr Peter Walker, and responded to by Dr Evans The I Visitois" and" The Ladies," by Mr Evan Morris, and responded to by Mr Aliington Hughes; The by Alderman Beirne," responded to hy Mr Garratt-Jones. I Mr J. F. Edisbury ably presided at the pianoforte.