The Montgomery County Times and Shropshire and Mid-Wales Advertiser

__m- CO H lt £ S P U ■ V //A'A Cft. To CORRESPONDENTS. Communications for this column should be addressed to the Editor, and must be written uJion one side of the paper only. They should in ail eases be accompanied by the name and uddremi of the sender, not necessarily for J't'Oiicaiinn but a guarantee or good faith. SHROPSHIRE LIGHT INFANTRY, IMPERIAL YEOMANRY, AND VOLUNTEERS. To the Editor of the COUNTY TIMES. ki*—There are many who are desirous of helping our soldiers now on active service at the front, by sending them useful articles of clothing. Will you be so kind as to make it known through the medium of your paper that I shall be most happy to receive and forward any articles which may be sent me for that purpose. The things most required are the following :—■ Flannel shirts, I Woollen socks, gize), Woollen caps. (Balaclava helmet pattern), Pipes and tobacco. I Also any contributions of money. Parcels if sent by rail should be prepaid, and addressed tome at Walcot, Plowden Station, via. Craven Arms," and I will undertake to forward them for embarka- tion. Yours faithfully, Walcot, Lydbury North, V Powis. Shropshire, 8th January, 1900.

PROPOSED PURCHASE OF A QUICK FIRING GUN. FOR THE SHROPSHIRE YEOMANRY CONTINGENT. A meeting convened by the Mayor of Oswestry (Mr R H Mason) to considered the advisability of opening a fund for the provision of a quick firing UlJ for the Shropshire contingent of tÜe Imperial Yeomanry, was held at the Guild Oswestry, on Monday. The Mayor presided, and amongst others present were:—Town Clerk (Mr J Parry- Jones), Lord Kenyon, Major the Hon. G Ormsby- Gore, Mr Stanley Leighton, M.P., General Schrei- ber, C.B., Colonel Fisher, Major Lovett, Mr R Ll. Kenyon, Lie: Kynaston, Dr WAylmer Lewis, Mr Horace Lovett, and the Rev T Redfern. The Town Clerk, in the course of an explanatory statement, said that having discussed this matter with other gentlemen he thought Oswestry should 110t stand alune, aud he therefore enterEd into communication with the other boroughs. Shrews- bury was prepared to take part, Lord Forrester as Mayor of Wenlock signified his approval, Ludlow would willingly help, and Bridgnortn was exceed- ingly enthusiastic. He had received a letter from Lord Powis, the Lord-Lieutenant, stating that he was pleased to hear of the action taken by the Mayor of Oswestry. A quick-firing gun, he said, could not fail to be of great value to the Yeomaury in South Africa, and he saw no reasons why sub- scriptions for that purpose should interfere with subscriptions for the more complete equipment of the Yeomaury, for which it was his intention to appeal, on hearing from Colonel Baldock what was actually necessary. He had, however, been given to understand that the Mayor was inviting sub- scriptions throughout the whole county that would certainly iuterfere with any county fund that might be raised for the general equipment of the contingent, which ought to take precedence of any special fund. He did not think subscriptions for the gun, if confiued to Oswestry, would interfere with the general county fund. Mr Parry-Jones, continuing, said it was not the intention uf the Mayor of Oswestry to interfere in any way with the county fund. He had received many letters of regret from persons unaole to be present. Mr Wynne Corrie wrote that he had informed Colonel Baldock of the action of the town regarding the purchase of field glasses and he had now shown him the letter convening Monday's meeting, and he wished him to convey to him for public expression his grea.t appreciation of the fine public spirit thus shown by Oswestry and his sincere aud grateful thanks on behalf of the Shropshire contingent of the Imperial Yeomaniy. On his own behalf he wished to add that he was proud of the action of the borough and district. He would not now promise a sub- scription in aid of the object as Mrs Corrie and he had already subscribed to the Lord Mayor's London Fund and they had each handed a subscription to Colonel Baldock for the Shropshire Yeomanry and Mrs Corrie had offered to give a horse, but if they should find it nesessary and would inform him he would subscribe to this also. He had received other letters from Mr C E Williams, Mr G J Dumville Lees, Mr T Longueville, Mr Fletcher Rogsrs, Major Bull, and others, all expiessing regret for non-attendance and containing offers of heip (applause). Lord Kenyon said that when he was illiormed, that Oswestry oroposed to take this step he was heartily giad that Oswestry was the first to do it. When he heard of the Majors proposal he telegraphed to Col Baldock asking if the War Office approved of she suggestion. Col Baldock went to Suffolk street and found that the War Office approved, the only stipulation being that tne quick firing gun should be of the newest and the latest pattern. Since then they had given the matter their careful consideration, and certain difficulties had cropped up. Major Lovett had asked hius whether the War Office really sanctioned the pro- posal. Although they had sanctioned it, he could not say whether the sanction was cordial or not and unless it was very desirable that there should be a gun attached to the squadron, it might be better to do without Major Lovett had also asked him whether the War Office would horse the gun and pro- vide the ammunition. His answer was that he thought the Government would do both. He had also been asked whether the men would be instructed in the use of the gun. The Shropshire Squadion would, he understood, be linked with the Northumberland Squadron who were recruited mainly from the Elswick Gun Worke and would therefore be well versed in the working of the gun. As the Northumberland men had a Maxim, it was advisable that they should have a Maxim also, and the two guns should compose a battery to be commanded by an experienced officer from Northumberland. As for the cost a colt gun similar to that supplied to the Montgomery- shire squadrons would cost £450, while a Maxim would cost £630. Referring to the subject of equipment, he observed that the Government allow- ance was £65 per man, but as this would not meet all requiremellts, it was thought it would be necessary to taise £3,000 in the county to cover evezy thing, including a transport waggon. He asked them to inaugurate a subscription list for the equipment of the troop, and, if they got the cordiai consent of the Government to it, theprovision of a quick-firing gun (applause). Mr Stanley Leighton, M.P., said he had no doubt there would be a full and liberal response to the appeal which was made to the county. He must confess he was a little confused as to the letter of Lord Powis, because he did not see that the two funds could fail to over-lap. They might over-lap in the form of co-operation rather than in the form of antagonism. The idea of the gun rather identified a neighbourhood or town with the work, as compared with the general equipment, therefore if the circumstances rendered it advisable that there should be a gun, there would be greater interest in Oswestry and greater satisfaction among the subscribers in thinking that there was an actual gun discharging shot upon the enemies of the country. In these days people seemed to have a habit of christening their guns. One was called" Jue Chamberlain," another "Long Tom," and if they were to send a gun he suggested they should name it St Oswald. It would fall in capi- taily with those who were to be linked with the Shropshires, because St Oswald was a king of Northumberland. If one was called King Oswald and the other St Oswald, they would have the alliance of the king and the saint in one battery against the Boers (applause). Mr II Lovett inquired why, if a gun was neces- snry, the Government did not provide one. He should like to know, too, whether the Imperial Yeomanry, on their arrival in South Africa, would go to the front, because if not be did not think a gun would be of much use. To spend something like £400, because other regiments were doing so, seemed in his opinion, to be a waste of money. Lord Kenyon said they had been informed that, the Yeomanry would be sent to the front, but, of course, that would rest with the officer commanding the forces in South Africa. As to the Government supplying the gun, he thought they had done their part, in allowing £65 per man. General Schreiber said that as the|Yeomanry would have their work cut out for them they should keep to their own job. Don't let them think they were going in for Balaclava charges or some such d-d nonsense (loud laughter). Let them go out as well equipped as possible in their own line. He was against this proposal root and branch. Major Lovett did not think the qualified approval of the Government to a proposal of this kind was sufficient and unless it had their cordial approval he should vote against it. Major Ormsby-Gore said he had received notice to attend a meeting of officers in London on Thursday, when he would inquire whether a gun would be required, and as soon as he knew he would telegraph to Oswestry. If they were told they could buy a. gun, it would come out of the Oswestry Fund, aud the gun would be a present from Oswestry. Dr Lewis moved, that this meeting approves of the raising of a fund for the equipment of the Shropshire Yeomaury, including, if deemed neces- sary, the provision of a guu." He agreed with General Schreiber that the Yeomanry should stick to their work, but if a gun were necessary he thought the squadron should certainly have the very best that could be supplied (hear, hear). If they did not haA-e a gun, then the money they subscribed that day could go towards the purchase of additioal equipment (hear, hear). Mr Parry-Jones seconded the proposal. They were there to do what they could for those who were going to the front. He knew from what they had heard that afternoon that money was needed to fit out the Yeomanry and to back up Lord Kenyon and Major Ormsby-Gore in their efforts. Oswestry had never been behind in mat- ters of that kind. They could not go hack on the history of their country without feeling what thev owed to England. He knew what he owtd to England and though he was not a rich man be would do what he could. Ha would put down his wife and himself for £1"00 (loud applause). A vote of thanks was accorded the Mayor for presiding, and a subscription list being "started £240 was promised in the room. Major Oimsby-Gore has seen the War Office authorities since the meeting aud thev are ex- tremely glad to accept the offer of a machine gun.

THE ¡ WELSHPOOL VOLUNTEERS. ANNUAL SUPPER AND PRIZE DISTRIBUTION. COLONEL P:;YCE-JO\LS, M.P., < )N THE F C T U R E OF V! illi SPLENDID SPEECH BY A LIBERAL M.P. ARE WE FIGHTING A CIVILISED FUE? The second annua! supper and prize distribution of the 0 Company, 5rh Y.B. S. W.B., took pbiee in the Bull Hotel on Tuesday evening, Lieut.-Coi E Pryoe-Joties, M.P., in the uuavoidabi- absence of Captain Sir Lennox Napier, Bart, presiding over a large aud enthusiastic assembly of our citizen soldiers. The other officers and the chief non- com missioned officers present were Coi Hatchins, Lieuts A Hutclnns and C P Yearslev, Sergt-Major Gibson (Newtown), Sergr,-Instructor Hodge, Cir- Sergt A H Jones, Serges Baker, Gwynne, and D Rowlands, and L-Sergt Pryee. Mr W Alien (Liberal M.P. for Newcast le-under-Lyme, who is serving with Sir Watkin 1 Williams- Wynn's Imperial Yeomanry lorce) and his two companions-iii-arms (Mr Henry Morris, gentleman rider, and Sergt- Major Tapper) joined the company at a later sta«re. On the conclusion of the excellent repast pro- vided by Miss Jenkins, the toasts of the Queen and the Prince and Princess of Wales were sub- mitted by the Chairman and received with the utmost enthusiasm. THE PRIZES. The distribution ot prizes was then proceeded with, Colour-Sergt A H Jones and Sergt Gwynne paying the succesvfal Volunteers, who^e names were called out by Coi Pryce-Jo-es. Apnended is a list: — COMMANDING OFFICER'S PRIZES. Cyc L-Cpl Clement Jones, 15s 532 Pte Adams, 15s i56 Cyc Ower., 12s 5d 96 Sergt Gwynne, 10s 91 Sergt Baker, 7" 6d 135 Cyc Turner, 6s 100 Clr-Sergt Jones, 5s; 102 Lce-Sergc Pryee, 5s 114 L Corpl Evans, 5s. OFFICERS' PRIZES. Given by Captain Sir Lennox Napier and Lieut. Yearsley. Sectional Firing—1, Sergt Gwynne's section, El 10s; 2 Sergt Owen's section. 18s; 3 Sergt Baker's section, 12s. Manual and Firing Exercise—1 Col-Sergt A H Jones' team, ZE1 Sergt Gwynne's team, 10s. Marching Order—1 and 2 (equal) Cpl Pryce and Pte Teagne, 7t each 3 Sergt Price, 3s; 4 Pte Bluck, 2s; 5 Sergt Baker, Is. Best ntio.s in L-Cpl Cyc C T Jones, 5s; Cyc Owen, bs. Attendance at Adjutant's Parade—1, 2 and 3 (equal) Ptes Duck, Adams and Austin, 58 8d each 4 and 5 (equal) Ptes Sweenev and Smith, Is 6d each. Attendance (Recruits), 1 Pte Black, 5s 2 Pte Austin, 3s 6 Pte Sweenev, 2s. Best shots (Recruits)—1 Pte Edwards (619), 7s 6a 2 Pte Ricketts. 2- 6d. Marching Order (Recruits;, 1 Pre Biuck, 7s 6d. COMPANY PRIZE SHOOTING MEETING. 105 Cyc A Turner, zCl 110 Pte G Davies, 15s; 576 Pte R Howell, 10.3; Lieut Yearsley; Sergt- Instructor Hodge, 10s; 532 Pte J Adams. 7s 6d 156 Cyc Win Owen, 7s 6d; 162 Pte A Watkin, 5s 132 Pte R H Evans, 5s 123 Pte Teague, 5s • Sergt Baker, 5s Sergt Gwynne, 4s; 135 Pte J Morris, 4s 234 Pte T W Thomas, 4s 538 Pte W R Blair, 4s 99 Cyc A W J 4s 147 Pte J Thomson, 3s; 121 Pte S Preece, 3 s yape, Sir L Napier; 395 Cpl Niveu, 3s; 114 L-Cpl Evans, 3s; lOO Colr-Sergt Jones, 3s 158 Pte Paaice, 3s; 102 Cpl C Price, 2s 6d; 233 L-Cpl Thomas, 2s 6d 582 Pte Biuck, 2s 6d; 98 Pee W Humphreys, 2s 61; 539 B.igier W Jones, 2" 6 1 213 P.e James, 2s 6d 97 Pte C Humphreys, 2t, 61; 163 Pte Win Thomas, 2s 61; 619 Pte W E Edwards, 2s 155 Pte Hughes, 2s Se«-gt R Owen, 2s; 165 L-Cpl A 11 Wallet," 2s 473 Pte W A Davies, 2s; 590 Pte S Hughes, 2?; 503, Pte R T Howell, 2s; 618 Pte Ricketts, 2s. j Recruits: 531 Pte B.uck, 7s 61; 620 Pte tveuc, OS 621 Pte Austin. 2i 6;h There was farther a list of prizes in kind given by tradesmen and others. "THE CHAIRMAN." Colonel I-lutchiiis rose with great pleasure to propose the health of a gentleman who, he said, represented not only part of the couuty but the interests and prosperity of the whole of Mont- gomeryshire. We Britishers were not ashamed of being called a "nation of shopkeepers," for when we sent out our soldiers to light for Queen and country we generally found that large numbers of our ARISTOCRACY OF TRADE. as well as those ot our greater aristocracy, weie willing to show the foreigners what stuff we were made of (applause). He believed it was an open secret that one of the two officers who swam across the Moduer River under the fire of the enemy was a Montgomeryshire man—(hear, hear)—and if this was the case they ought all to be verv proud indeed.—The toast was accompanied with tile singing of For he's a jolly good fellow." Colonel Pryce-Jones, in responding, expressed the pleasure it gave him to preside that evening. He regretted exceedingly that their gallant Captsun, Sir Lennox Napier, was away owing to family bereavement. In Captain Napier they had a:: officer not inferior, lie believed, to any officer of equal rank in the auxiliary forces (hear, hear). He had passed with great honours every examination he had been required to undergo; he had, in fact, passed many examinations which for ordinary officers in the Volunteers were unnecessary. Lieut. Pryce Yearsley had also recently passed a very difficult examination at the Chelsea Barracks iu London (applause). He (the chairman) had gone through tne test aud knew what it meant. The Volunteers had to pass exactly the same examina- tions as the officers in the Militia, and not Uil- frequently the former werp more successful than the latter. When he cane to Weishpo.d in his military capacity he came with the greatest pride becanse he kllew he should find officers who set to their men a splendid example, as indeed did the non-comuiissio ied ()ffi(>,er8-("pplaue)-who were, without exception, a great credit to their little battalion. He now came to the men, who at I Welshpool, as elsewhere, had P. lot of difficulties to contend with. They (the officers) had also had great difficulties to overcome and MANY OBSTACLES TO SURMOUNT before they had succeeded in placiug the Battalion in the position it now occupied, a position he thought by no means discreditable (applause). The auxiliary forces throughout the countrv had been suddenly called upon to Volunteer for service in South Africa, a contingency which cortainiv was unexpected, seeing that it could be justly argued by the members of ttie Yeoulziiry and Volunteers I that they were never by their cons- itri- loti intended, to go outside the British Isles to fight FOR QUKEN AND COUNTRY (applanse). But suddenly, for reasons which per- haps it would be unwise for him to expatiate upon the YeOTlHtTlV ard Volunteers bad been called upon to take their share in Forming the first line to defend the honour of Old England. No doubt there would be a very searching inquiry made in Parliament I withiu a few weeks as to why this was so. For iiis own part he did not wish to enlarge any further on the question, but he was bound to say that there was responsibility somewhere, and he hoped that responsibility would be driven home (hear, hear), because the danger the country had been placed in and the sacrifices that had been made by our men in South Africa demanded the fullest explanation. He instanced, amongst other things, the short range gans which certainly did not do credit to ou;' authorities who ought to have provided more UP-TO-DATE ARTILLERY and taken better precautions than they had done. However, they in Montgomeryshire had been a&ked to do what they could towards bringing to a suc- cessful issue the war in South Africa. He thought the response from the Battalion, which had onlv been established some three years, was fairlv cre- ditable. It was certainly a. matter of which the officers and men should feel proud that their rifle range at Penarth upon which had beeu expended more than X370, should have been of such use tc that honourable and ancient corps, the Montgomery- shire Yeomany, who were sending out two squad- rons to South Africa to help the Queen's soldiers (hear, hear). The sacrifices thev, as a Battalion had made (hiring their existence were now, he thought, be have some results, and lie begged to inform them that he had invited the patriotic and generous inhabitants of Montgomery- shir and Merionethshire to assist the corps in turning out the section going to the front properly equipped in every respect (applause). He was going to ask fct funds from the people of those two counties sufficient to enable thorn TO INSURE FOR CIOD the lives of every married man all:1 every single man upon whom relatives at home were dependent There would only be one condition which those who came under that category would be required to observe—that they should undertake to place their life policy iu trust so that in the event of their being kihed, which he hoped would not be the cas- an annuity would be provided for those who were entitled to it (applause). He would be very dis- appointed if the county of Montgomery, and to a leso extent, the county of Merioneth, where the;- had but one company, did not rise to the occasion aud show by their generosity that they recognised t and appreciated ali the efforts the auxiliary forces were making to fill the breach occasioned by this memorable crisis in the history of the country (loud applause). He bad previously referred to the inquiry which would shortly be made as to the un- looked for difficulties our troops hhd to face in South Africa, difficulties which it was almost impossible for th'-m to surmount. Ail these, he thought, might I nave bee:; foreseen before if only the INTELLIGENCE DEPARTMENT of tile War Office had bfopn more awake (haï, Re'urning to the Volunteers, the Colonel expressed the opinion that the allowance made to them by the Government was insufficient. Their Battaiion, fur example, was asked to furnish 19 private-, one sergeau^ and a corporal, and towards equipping aDd clothing them they were only which, as the War Office should kn >1 v, was not Hear;, sufficient. The Yeomanry appeared to have been treated more liberally, a mnci; larger sum having been alloted for individual equipments. He thought this injustice to the Volunteers was the result of TAPE AT THE WAR OFFICE. The Government haa made a rule that, all Volun. teers must have put in at least two years service 'oelore their applications to gu to the front would be considered. This was where the difficulty came m. They had only beer: established three j cars. However, let every man, who had served his two years and could see his way clear to volun- teer without (wing an injustice to his family, go clown to Penarth range 0:1 Thursday afternoon to oo his firing and get in the first class (hear, hear), and then he would b? qualified for service. He wanted to see the 5th V.B. going up and nn until they became equal to the 1II(hT EFFICIENT IN THE COUNTRY. It could be done and he would tell them how. Let the Battalion strive by constant attention to drill and musketry to reach the height of excellence, Let every company seek to be the best in the corps, and lastly let every man try by "unswerving oevotion to duty C) excel in his particular section (lourI applause). In conclusion, he appealed to the young men of Welshpool to fill up the gaps caused by the departure of those who had offered them- selves for active service. Let them strike while the iron was hot and bring the company up to its full strength so that they would be able to say to any one who wished to join When there is a vacancy we will consider yo ir application and let you know," (laughter and applause). OUR OFFICERS." Clr-Sergt A H Jones submitted the toast of Our Officers," Capt Sir Lennox Napier and Lieut Years- ley. In doing so he took the opportunity of ex- pressing the sincere regret of the officers, non-com- missioned officers, and men at THE ABSENCE OF CAPT NAPIER, a regret ali the more acute when they remembered the circumstances which prevented him coming I amongst them. If he were to dwell upon the good qualities of their officers he might say a great deal, but he was sure no words of his could raise them any higher in the estimation of the men of Company (applause). Perhaps the best way in wnicn they could show appreciation of the gDod work done by the officers was to use their very best endeavours to promote aud maintain the efficiency of tb." Company (hear, hear, and applause). Lieutenant Yearsley. in reply, endorsed all that had been said by C'r-Serjrt Jones as to the regret felt at the absence of his brother officer. He was sum they all sympathised with Captain Napier (near, hear). He thanked the non-commissioned officers and rueD. for the way in which they had performer, duties both iu camp and on the range, beemg the potion in which the country was now placed he wculu be giad if the men wouid fry to atteud as many drills as possible. A subject which required a great deal of attention in the present day wa.8 musketry, without a knowledge of which no olunteer coulu consider himself com- petent. A new course of musketry had now been auopteu, aua to ouuia the higher grant a man required to oe A REALLY EFFICIENT SHOT. Lniess they did obtaiu the higher grant the corps must suffer financially, so he hoped that everyone belonging to the Company would turn out weii aud do his best Oil the rt ng-e (hear, hear). This was the iirst time they in Welshpool had ha.d the pleasure and the honour of the company of the oo.uu A in his military capacity. He was sure they an welcomed him very cordially and trusted that in the future he would pay them more frequent visits (loud applause). It was also a source of much gratification for them to reflect upon the fact that since the recruiting season had com- menced they had enrolled A DOZEN RECRUITS, Sv-ine uf whom were amongst them that evening, ihere 'rere still, however, vacancies in tne Com- pany, and to fill these every man should endeavour to persuade some eligible friend to join (applause). He thought it was generally known in the town that they were very particular-whom they accepted for the Company (h.ar, hear). They were not .?eifL>h, and if the many young men who were not in any branch of the auxiliaries preferred to join the leomaiirv let them do so by all means if they could ride (hear, hear). Another matter he would like to refer to very briefly aud that was to thank, on behalf of himself aud Sir Lennox Napier, the employers of Vt'elshpoo! for allowing their servants who were with the Volunteers time to attend drills and to FIRE AT THE RANGE. Neither olunteer nor employer reaped anv pecu- mary benefit whatever from the transactions. He was quite aware that there were emplovers who offered no inducement to their men to serve in a II miiitary capacity, but he hoped these could be prevailed upon to amend their ways (applause). In conclusion, he expressed the indebtedness of the Company to Sergr.-Instructor Hodsre who was aI- ways ready and able to give assistance to everyone who asked him (great cheering). Sergt Hodge's cool qualities were shared by all the other non- commissioued officers, and lie asked the Company to drink toeir healths (applause). This having been done, Coh-Sergt Jones lesponded for himself and his i el low N.C.O.'s, remarking that it had been a very great pleasure inoeed to serve under such officers as they were fortunate enough to possess. THE VISITORS. Colonel Prvce-Jones, in proposing the health oY "Our Visitors," said he was glad to be able to in- form them that they had amongst thm that even- ing several members of the Imperial Mounted Infantry now associated with the ilontgomervs'nire Yeomanrv. When he saw that a Member of the House of Commons had joined the new force, and when he recognised in that member a particular friend of his—he referred to the gentleman on his rigrit, Sergt William Allen, as he might call him — (eteat enthnsia,sm)-his delight knew no bounds. 1 iiini his Parliamentary experience he knew Mr A-ihni to be a very' ready speaker, a splendid debater, and a VKRY HONOURABLE OPPONENT on the otlior side of the House. The Honourable Sergeant Ltlllll he (the speaker) had spent many merry hours together inside the smoke room of the Honse. Although they differed sometimes on im- portant questions, scill it made no difference to their friendship (hear, hear). They would see how the House of Commons reft-c>ed the country as R whole. Here was a Member of Parliament, for the time being on the Opposition side of the House, who had no lack of opportunity and reason for criticising, but who, at a time of great national emergency abstained fiom all criticism, preferring to serve in the ranks and risk hi« life fighting for Queen and country (applause). Mr Allen wa just: i-tie lind of man that was wanted out in South Africa, for he was always able to see his way out of difficulties, and he (the Colonel) was confident that lIe would be a great acquisition to Sir Watkin Wliliams-Wynn's Imperial Yeomanry, in which force were to be found many other gentlemen, who like his honourable friend — (applause) — were representatives of the BLOOD IN ENGLAND. 1 hey in Montgomeryshire were proud of Mr Allen for tie splendid example he had stiown to the country, and they hoped that he, and all who accom- panied him would return with distinguished honours (applause). Just a few words more to say how delighted he was with 11r Pryce Yearsley's speech, and especially with that portion in which the attiurle of employers towards Volunteers was referred to. The consideration shown to members of the company by their masters was undoubtedly great, but ne was sorry to say a similar attitude was not adopted throughout the country generally to the extent it might be. There was no doubt that, as a country, WE HAD BEEN CAVGRT NAPPING m the present war, the outcome of which w,uld very probably be a kind of compulsory volunteer- ing. Personally he hoped that this would come about very boon-that every man who did not belong to the Regulars or the Navv should join the olunteers (applause). All persons who did not fit themselves to help tc defend their country when occasion arose should, in his opinion, suffer the loss of certain privileges or have to pay additional taxes (applause). The toast having been accorded musical honours and drunk amid tremendous enthusiasm, rose to reply. He said: Col Pryce-Jones and gentlemen. I feel that I have been placed in an altogether improper position this evening in being called upon to respond to the Montgomeryshire Imperial Yeomanry, because I see on each side of me trentlemen who are my superiors in rank in that force, and I';think the duty ought to have devolves upon them and not upon tne, but, as our Colonel has called upon nie to speak. I must at your gathering fulfil Lis biddine, and 1 shall do so witu verv great pleasure because 1 know you wul forgive me tor any si,ort-comi:.2S you may j °^serve mT remarks. When I c-fiue into this room a short ago I had no idea it was a gathering oi this kino that was going on, because J J onr Co.one, oniy aslted nie, hi a friendlv sort of way, to look ir, threatening if I di-ii rot TO SEND A PICKET I to arrest me (laughter). I feel, in the first place, that I ought to congiatulate your Colonel and you upon the position that the South Wales Borderers have attained. I understand that your officers are the most highly-qualified of those belonging to any I Volunteer battalion throughout the country (hear, hear), and I further understand that they are j sound patriotic Britons, two of them having volun- j teered for the Imperial Yeomanry (applause). One j. üf em htis told me to-night that he i" willing to throw up his commission and everything and join j as an ordinary trooper. I think that" shows he is a patriot, and pats hia duty to his Queen avid country j before anything else. Nine others have volunteered j for the front, and if they are all cuosen I am sure | they will also be a credit to you. to tl.c-ir regiment and to 1 OLD ENGLAND I (hear, hear). I believe 1 have also to congratulate you upot the possession of a most excellent baud wnich has been brought into a very state of efficiency, ana is now almort second to JI"I\.> in the country. Indeed, when I hear of oIl good tilings that can be said about vou I feel that they are so many that any congratulations front an out- sider are but little, because vou haw so many merits that I am sure YOll can apt r-xd -U- them [ yourselves (laughter and applause). Your Colouei has been good enouga to refer to his friendship w:tr me m the House of Commons. I think that I it is one of the great advantages of our English social life that wueu we are not actually engaged in political controversy we can all meet as friends. and drop our differences and forget, that we are I men of opposite parties in political die (hear, hear). I Your Colonel is a member for this town and the allied boroughs and although I DIFFER FWOM HIM in political opinion, still I believe that cn his side and for a man holding his opinions, which un- fortunately, perhaps for myself, I think to be wrong, you can Lave no one who wou'd serve his Queen and his country and this part of the district j in a more efheient manner (jiUd applause). I ¡ need not descrioe to you, and 1 could never tell yv;a, the regaru in which he is held in the House of Parliament—(hear, hear)— and the way in which men on both, sioes of the House bow to hi? jddgme&t aria noid iiis opinion in high esteem (applause). Now, you nave &sk £ d me to-night to >esf»ond to ¡ the toast oi the Imperial Yeomanry. I t hint the raismg of this force will mark an era in the history or this country. For -ea,? now we have ijeeu at peace or practically at peace, for the wars in which we have beeu engaged have been against un- civilised peopics. We are now fighting a civilised psopte, we are fighting people armed weapons as gooa &S our own, we are fighting with people tlliit are ;)i'áve-peoc¡1e dwt are ¡.. WILLING TO DIE for f.i. Oiistak-en ki.a (If what i right fUl their country and in this hour of England's need when, the vei >. empire is at stake, when the whole future of our natioo deoenas upon us crushing the Boers in South Afrio. and establishing some of rule through the length and breadth ot 'a id over which the English flag flies supteme, I be.i ve that it is the duty of every Englishman, that it is the duty of every Briton, of every patriot, of eYer:, one who loves, as you and I do, our Queen v ho as so long I ruled with glory over this country, to vojunteer, if he is abie, tor the service of his fatherland, to go to tne front and fight ligtinst Lis couw ¡'y'" roes (Joud and prolonged cheers). The Imperial Yeomanry have been raised for this prtrpoSo, and men in every position and in every rank il; life had thrown aside PJS.USOXAL AXD FAMILY TIES anù baye volunteered to go to fight, against t1e enemies of the nation, and 1 believe a scene as the enhsune: t of the Yeomanry which has taken place in all our great towns coaid not been rivalled, could not have been approached, in any other country iu Europe. The present must make some mark upon the future. The two great Anglo Saxon races, the English and the American—(ap- plause)—1 firmly believe are to be the great Qorninant races of the world (hear, hear). I cannot loon at the m-ip of tlJ8 WLJr1d without scving that the destiny of the Anglo Saxon race is written there by the pen of Omnipotence. It is written on the mighty map of India with its a!1cieDt civiiisa- and vast population, and our destiny there is to civilise and to edacate the Hindoo people up to a standard when they will be able fitly to govern themselves. It is written m the map Gf Cape Colony, i", written on tbe map 0f Australia, it is written on lohe map of Canada, it i" written on the ruap of Now Zealand, and in eah case THE DESTIXY OF ENG OAM) is to) rlli", up free, self-governing paoples who will carry on our great traditions of freedom to suc- ceeding generations (hear, hear, and applause). But this great end can only be achieved by sacri- fices at the present moment and I would ask every Englishman if he is prepared for any reasons to risk all the great work that has been built up by his forefathers, I would ask if he is willing to risk tbe work of Cromwell, of Wellington, aud of Pitt, and I believe that when these questions are put to a true Briton ne will throw aside personal interest, family ties and monetary considerations, and vol- unteer, as he ought, to do his best for his coantry (cheers). Gentlemen, I THANK YOU, on behalf of myself and of tnose who have joined t1Jp Montgomeryshire Imperial Y ee>mn m'. for the kind way in which ycu have drunk our healths, and before sitting down I think I ought to say one word in praise of the untiring work and the self. sacrificing devotion and great energy that has been shown by Sir Watkin Williams-Wynn (applause) in raising the regiment. When we go to the front, and I hope it will not be very long (cheers), we shall be actuated to do all that is in our power against the enemy by the knowledge that Sir Watkin is at homelooking to the Montgomeryshire Yeomanry to do their duty. I believe that we shall not be found wanting n0P:f and continued cheering). Sergeant-Major Tupper: If Sergeant Allen is as good a soldier as be is speaker, he will come back with great laurels (hear, hear). Mr Henry Morris also responded. He agreed with Mr Allen's brilliant speech in every point except one—that we were fighting a civilised foe. We were not (cries of" Yes, we are "), J1,J for this reason. The Boers resorted to every possible device to entrap our men with the FLAG OF TEUCE. He had been in the Transvaal before and had known the people to be guilty of many treacherous acts, not only in warfare but at other times. He advised all who were going out not to go near flags of truce or wounded men, and also not La give any quarter. Turning to the Imperial Yeomanry force he said one of the best non-commissioned officers was Sergt-Mfjor Tupper, who was hardworking and willing to do anything to assist those either ah .-c or beiow him (hear, hear). With such officers as they bad, the people of Mont to mervshire wouid have no canse to ever blush for -them.. Poither they would one day pick up a papor and see that amongst the Imperial Yeomanry the Mont- gomeryshire men distinguished themselves (ap- plause). He believed that a good many of the force would some day SHAKE HAXDS IN THE STREETS OF PRETORIA (cheer.). He begged them not to forget the advioe he had given them in regard to the treatment of wounded and flags of truce. "SIR WATKIN." The health of "Sir Watkin \Viilia,s. WYIlI1" was then drunk amidst a scene of uproarious en. thusiasm. THE SMOKING CONCERT. Those responsible for the evening's enjoyment had wisely made arrangements by which the speeches were iiilerspered with pongs, thus giving a pentiful variety. Pte P Baines led off with a stirring rendering of Soldiers ot the Queen, for which he was loudly applauded. My Lodgings was next given bv Pte W Humphreys, in his well- known stvie, and this was followed with "The Fusibers," sung in rollicking manner by L-Cpl Evans. Sergt Gwynne's Ordered to toe Front" was well received, as was also Pte C V hiw* u Play- mates," in both cases the company tHKinpf up tbe refrain most vigorously. Perhaps the best item of the whole evening was Mr Jim Pryce's capital ren- dering of Tne Sheeuey Man." A ballad illustra- tive of Indian loyalty to the Hag was subsequently contributed by feergt-Major 1 upper, and after this the inevitable "Absent-minded Beggar" was brought in with admirable effect, the words being recited by Mr H Randall, who also accompanied tnroughout. the evening. Meanwhile, at the happy suggestion of Sergt-Major Tupper, a collection was made towards the Daily Mail Fund, when the sub- stantial sum of £3 was gathered, one gentleman alone giving a sovereign. After a solo front L-Cpl Thomas, the gathering dispersed.