The Montgomeryshire Express and Radnor Times

A WARNING TO THE BREADWINNERS. WHAT we said last week to farmers applies with even greater force to the wage- earners in these Boroughs. Tariff Reform is to them a question purely oi £ s. d. Protectionists contend that it will put money into their pockets Free Traders warn them that it will take severe toll of their wages by largely increasing the cost of living. Clearly, therefore, our working people must understand that tariffs will do one or other of these things. What, then, is the attitude of the heads of families to- wards this gamble? That is the question which the bread-winner must seriously de- termine before raising the pencil to register liis cross upon the ballot paper. It has been frankly and honestly con- fessed by Mr Bonar Law and other Pro- tectionists that 2s of duty upon the quarter of wheat will not benefit the farmer. This the farmer knows very well. But he hopes that that duty will be increased, as it has. been in other Protectionist countries. In France and Germany the wheat tax started with a smaller sum than is advocated by Color el Pryce-Jones. Read these wheat figures officially vouched for on Monday, December 5th last:- Price per Qtr. Tax. £ s. d. s. d. Germany (Berlin) 2 2 0 11 10 France (Paris) 2 8 6 12 2! Italy (Genoa) 2 7 4 13 1 Gt. Britain (Liverpool) 1 11 0 Nil. The warning which Mr Joseph Chamber- lain gave years ago stands out clear to-day. It is a very curious t: ling," he said, "that Protection has this tendency to en- large its demands. It is like quack medi- cine, the failure of which is always at- tributed to the insufficiency of the dose." Plain is the warning to every householder in every town in Montgomeryshire. These figures apply only to bread. Over and above that extra toll upon his wages, other articles of food, clothing, and almost all domestic necessaries are to be increased in price, should a Protectionist Government get into power. That is the certain price of Protection, whatever its advocates may say to the contrary. The man who votes for the destruction of Free Trade and for the closing of our ports against the cheap maikets of the world, deliberately reduces the value of his wages and penalises his family. That he will wantonly do so is unthinkable.

SICKENING DODGES. SEITING out upon thi3 campaign with the desperate determination to avoid the humiliation of a third successive defeat, the leader of the Tory party has resorted to such dodges as should disgust the veriest Tory in these Boroughs. We all recollect the v. re. ehed attitude of open-mindedness' with which he watched the conflict be- tween the Free Trade and Protectionist forces in his own party, until the latter showed themselves to be the stronger side. Who forgets his repeated refusals to declare a plain yes or no ? His leap from the fence was carefully calculated, and once down among the Protectionists as the party of power, he was soon at the head of a raging, tearing propaganda," 6eeming as though he had been a Tariff Reformer all his life. Who forgets his signals to Lord Lansdowne over the Education Bills, the Licensing Bills, the Plural Voters' Bill, and the Budget? Then when an outraged de- mocracy arose, this cunning arch-autocrat ought to calm the storm with the promise 'of a "reformed" House of Lords as a gift to the nation from the man who "loved to be called a democrat. Who cannot inn gine how he chuckled in secret with Lord Lansdowna as together they conspired to devise a "reformed" chamber, which, while seeming to eliminate the hated here- ditary lord, would in reality make the Tory citadel "stronger." When this dodge had been unmasked, his masterful wits con- ceived of a referendum on Tariff Reform. A dodge to swe.p Lancashire," screamed the Tory 'Observer,' whose honest disgust was rot to be silenced. It was a dodge and i cthing else. Specific tariffs were not to be referred only the principles" of Tariff Reform. Why should the Protec- tionists rave and imagine vain things P The elections came. His successive dodges had failed. How could he stem the flowing democratic tide ? Ah, yes! It was the last desperate card-the final bluff, the great gambler's fateful finesse. Would some Tory candidate write and ask him to make the referendum perfectly clear ? Of course he would. And the clear explana- tion of it is that "the principle to be followed would be one man one vote"—a principle which the Tory leader has de- nounced for a lifetime. But a democracy nad long since found him out. He was foiled completely. Then the wolf shed his sheep's skin find started to show his teeth. Conscious of coming dtfeat and disaster, he snarls defiance of the democratic mob, and bids them under- stand that the self-effacing Lords will not recognise a majority made up of Irish Nationalists. Irish Unionists, of course, have a representative value. Well, we can trust Mr Asquith and his Ministry to deal effectively with that insolent challenge. Put, meanwhile, how does this true pic- ture of a dethroned and baffled Tory statesnian impress the men in these Bor- oughs ? Will they waste their votes upon the supporter of the most notorious political dodger of our times ?

MACHYNLLETH SESSIONS. The Machynlleth magistrates sat until late in the afternoon on Wednesday. On the Bench were Messrs T. W. Bonsall (pre- siding), T. R. Morgan, Richard Rees, Ed. Hughes, Dr A. O. Davies, Dr Edwards, Dr Williams, Colonel Norton, and Major Walton. TRANSFER OF LICENSE. Mr Meredith Roberts, Machynlleth, ap- plied for the transfer of the license of the Red Lion Inn, Connah's Quay, to Mr Rd. Pugh from Mrs Mary Pugh, his mother, who died on 4th September. The transfer was granted. D.C.C. Williams said he would strongly object to the renewal of the license at the Brewster Sessions. COSTLY IGNORANCE. Joseph Breeze, Bronmeirion, Aberangell, was charged with killing game without a license. Defendant admitted that he had no game license. P.C. D. Evans stated that when on duty in the parish of Llanbrynmair he saw the defendant in the distance with a gun in his hand. He went up to within one hun- dred yards of him, but did not speak to him Later on he met the defendant on the road leading to Aberangell. He asked him where he shot the hare that he was carrying, and defendant told him he had shot it on Tynllechwed land, and that he had had permission to shoot there. De- fendant further said that he had a gun license, and he thought that a game license was not required to shoot a hare. Defendant said he had a guii license, and had a written permission, and he thought that was sufficient to shoot hares. A fine of 10s and 8s costs was imposed.. NOT A PROFITABLE JOB. Thomas Owen Hughes, Pan iv, Llanbryn- rtiair, was charged with trespassing in pur- suit of conies on November 12th. Mr E. Gillart, who appeared for the prosecution, said that a slight mistake had been made in the summons. On the sum- mons it was stated that the alleged offence took place on Friday, November 11th, whereas it was alleged to have taken place on November 12th. As the defendant had no objection, the Bench decided to amend the date. John Morris, under-keeper to Mr Dom- ing, stated that on Saturday, November 12th, he was feeding pheasants in Cwm- fynyn dingle. He went all round the cover, and saw three men in a field about three hundred yards away, on Pwllmelin farm. Defendant was one of the men. When he got up to them, one of them, named Jar- man, said to him, There is not much profit in this job," and he replied, It seems to me there is a lot of profit, some- body is at it very often." A rabbit net was spread over a warren. A ferret came out, and defendant picked it up and took charge of it. Witness asked them if they a written authority to catch rabbits. De- fendant said he had not and that he was with Jarman. He told them to clear ofl the land, and they went to Jarman's farm He afterwards saw the tenant of Pwllmelin Mr Robert Parry, who said he had not giver either of them authority. Defendant denied picking up the ferret He lent Jarman the nets and the ferrets He was charged with killing game. The did not kill anything. When the keepei came up the rabbits would not come out. Dr Davies: Unfortunate, wasn't it ? Mr E. Gillart: You are not charged witl killing game. Fined 2s and costs 8s.

Toryism Means Government by the Peers.

LARCENY OF A CHECK REIN. Thomas Evans, Byrdir, Uwchygarreg, ap peared to answer a charge of stealing li check rein, value 3s 6d, belonging to Mi John William Parry, of Rhiwlwyfen. Mr Montague Woosnam Newtcwn, ap- peared for the defence. John William Parry said he was at Mach. ynlleth fair on the 15th of June last with a horse and cart. He put the horse in the Blue Bell stable. The gearing was taken off the horse by Humphrey Davies. The bridle had a platted check chain attached. He was in town until about six in the even- ing, and as he was starting home he found that the check rein was missing. He did not then inform the police. The rein produced by P.S. Davies was his property, And the one he had lost that day. He valued it at 3s 6d. When he put his horse in the stable there were two or three other horses there, but when he went away there was only one there. He saw the defendant in the town that day. By P.S. Davies: He told P.C. Jones about his loss later on. He had the rein in his possession for three or four years. He bought it from Mr Edwards, the saddler. He identified it by the spring hook being defective. By the Bench: The horse left in the stable was the one from Bryntidwr. By P.S. Davies: He had only seen three other reins like the one he lost in all his life. Since he had lost the one, he had had a similar one made. By Mr Woosnam; He never asked the defendant if he had taken the rein home by mistake. He had known the defendant for some years, and had seen him many times since he lost the rein. If he lost the new rein that he had since bought he could not identify it. He did not think that the defendant had stolen it. He did not see the rein after June 15th until he saw it in the hands of the police. BOUGHT IT SECOND-HAND. Samuel Ingram said he was a farm ser- vant in the employ of the defendant. Soon after he went to Byrdir, defendant brought a rein into the stable. He said that he had bought it second-hand, and asked witness to guess what it was worth, and he said that he thought it was worth about 2s. Defendant said he had given 2s 6d for it. He put it into the stable on the traces. He used it on several occasions. On No- vember 30th he went to Machynlleth. He put the horse at the Blue Bell stable, and Humphrey Davies asked him where he got i the check rein from. Later on he put the horse in the cart to go home, but before he had gone a mile he was overtaken by P.C. Jones. The rein was then on the lead- ing horse. P.C. Jones asked whether he might take possession of the rein, which he did. By P.S. Davies: He identified the rein produced as the one handed to him by his master, and the one he gave to P.C. Jones. When he told his master about the police taking the rein away, he said he did not lmow why they had taken it away. When witness told him that he had told P.C. Jones about his buying it second-hand, he told him he had made a mistake. His mas- ter also told him to tell the magistrates he had made a mistake, or he (his master) would be in gaol. He saw Mr Woosnam in the Wynnstay Hotel on the night pre- vious to the court. By Mr Woosnam: He received a sub- poena to attend court an Saturday, Decem- ber 3rd. There was no platted rein there? when he went to Byrdir. His master v handed him one with a defective hook,' which was the rein produced. His master didn't tell him where he got it from. He used it regular. When he told his master tha- the police had taken the rein, he was very much surpised, and he went straight to the police. COLONEL NORTON'S "MISFOriTUNE." At this juncture Dr Davies put a number of questions to the witness in Welsh. Colonel Norton said he did not under- stand one of them, and he thought they ought to be iranslated into English. Dr Davies: I am sorry, Colonel Norton. It is unfortunate that you do not under- stand Welsh in a Welsh court. Colonel Norton: That is my misfortune. In answer to P.S. Davies, Ingram said he had made no mistake about the reins. Humphrey Davies, the licensee of the Blue Bell, said that on the 15th June Mr Parry told him that he had lost a rein. Defen- dant's and Mr Parry's horses were in the stable. It was about dinner time. He reported the matter to the police. A week ago there were two horses in the stable belonging to the defendant in charge of a farm servant, Ingram. Ingram took one horse and cart away. He noticed the check rein of the leading horse, and asked Ingram where he got it from. P.C. Jones made a statement with regard to the reins, and whilst Ingram was away they both went into the stable and examined the reins. The rein produced by P.S. Davies was the one that was in the stable that day. By Mr Woosnam He noticed the rein, because it was the first one he had seen plaited, and he made a note on his book to that effect. He did not send for the policeman, nor did he speak to the police first. ) WHAT THE BOY TOLD HIM WAS A MISTAKE. P.C. Ellis Jones said he received a report about the rein being missing. He received information on the 30th November, and went along the road and overtook Ingram with a cart and two horses. On the leading horse was a check rein answering the description of the missing rein. He took possession of the rein. He served the summons on the 3rd December. Defendant said he had nothing to say what the boy told him was a mistake. By Mr Woosnam When he went into the stable of the Blue Bell he knew that Samuel Ingram would come back, but the reason he did not wait was because he wanted to see P.C. Davies. When he re- turned Samuel Ingram had left. It was not because he did not want to bring Mr Davies into the matter. P.S. Davies gave evidence that on Novem- ber 30th, about 7 p.m, he visited Byrdir farm. On a field a little distance from the house he met Mr Evans, who said, I was just coming down to see you about my • rein," and said he would like to know what rights he had to take his rein from his horse on the road. Witness told him that he was responsible for what had hen done. He told him that the rein answered the de- f scription of the one missing from the Blue Bell sometime in June, belonging to Mr > Parry, and defendant replied, It is my 1 rein it was here before I came seven years ago. It belonged to my brother, who is in South Wales. He gave it to me when he came home to bury his sister about two r years ago, together with some other things." r "CONTRARY TO THE PRINCIPLES OF JUSTICE." i Mr Woosnam said he did not think that P.S. Davies should have gone up to the defendant and got all that out of him, and then take out a summons against him. It » was contrary to all the principles of justice. P.S. Davies: I did not suspect him then. I was not going to charge him. On the 1st of December 'defendant came to the Police Station and said, "I don't think that the boy can swear to the rein, but I would know it in a minute. I put a stitch in my rein some time ago." When he produced the rein defendant said, "No, this is not i mine." He then told him that it had been identified by Mr Parry as his property, and that it was found on his horse on November 30th by P.C. Jones. L By Mr Woosnam: Defendant also said that someone might have taken his own and put the one produced in its place, and that his own was not so good as the one produced. Witness told him he was very much mis- taken if he thought he was going to believe t that. > Mr Woosnam then addressed the Bench, and defendant pleaded not guilty. f THE DEFENDANT'S STORY. The Court was then adjourned for an l hour, after which defendant went into the box and stated that he remembered Samuel [ Ingram coming into his service. He told him that there was a rein hanging up in the stable which had been lately mended by the saddler, and that he had bought it second hand on the street. He did not tell him how much he gave for it. He produced the rein he referred to (a plain one) and showed the repair. He had three check reins when Samuel fngram came into his service, one oi which was a plaited one. The spring hook had gone wrong. He kept the plaited one in a box in the house. Seven years ago, when he took over the farm from his father, the plaited check rein was left there, belonging to his brother, Edward Evans, who handed it over to him when he came to bury his sister in March, 1909 Pryce Humphreys, a former work- man, took it out of the box first. There was a crack in it, and he put a stitch in it. On June 15th he went to Machynlleth with two horses and a cart, accompanied by Samuel Ingram. He did not have a check rein going back. He saw Mr Parry that day, and he had seen him many times since, but he had not said anything to him about it. Sam Ingram looked after the horses and put the gears on them. On November 30th he went with Sarn Ingram to Talybont- ddrain. Afterwards Ingram put the one horse up at the Blue Bell and went with the other horse and cart to the mill. Wit- ness led the front horse that day. When Ingram came home that evening he told him what had happened, and HE WAS VERY SAVAGE. He told Ingram that he had made a mistake. He went out and saw P.S. Davies, and went back to the house and saw Ingram. The next day he went to the Police Station and saw P.S. Davies, who produced a check rein to him. He had told P.S. Davies there was a cut in his rein before he saw the rein produced. He looked at it, and told him it was not his. He could not find a plaited check rein at his house since the policeman took the one off him. He could not explain how the check rein produced came to be on his horse, and up to the time it was taken away by the police he was under the impression that the check rein produced was his, and had cc.me to town with it several times, thinking it was his own. He did not tell his boy on the previous night to say that he had made a mistake or he would be in gaol. By P.S. Davies: His brother lived in South Wales somewhere. He did not know where. He did not tell Ingram that he bought the plaited check rein for 2s 6d, neither did he tell him to tell the magis- trates that lie had made a mistake. He could not suggest any reason why Ingram I should go into the box and commit deliber- ate perjury. Mury Hughes said she was a sister to the I defendant, and wife of Henry Hughes, Lluestyrhos. She resided with her father until the defendant took over Byrdir seven years ago. She did not know where Edward Evans, her other brother, was. She knew that when he left he left some straps behind him, which included one plaited check rein. They were there when she came to live there. IN TROUBLE ABOUT THE LEADING REIN. By P. S. Davies: She first beard about the case on the previous Saturday night from defendant, who said, We are in trouble about the leading rein which was left at Byrdir by my brother, who is in South Wales." Richard Pryce Humphreys, Llechwedd- mawr. said he was in service with the defendant as waggoner until two and a half years ago. Mr Evans had three check reins, one of which was plaited and two plain. He used the plain one because it was longer, and the plaited one was kept in a chest in the house. He did not go to the chest until he went for a rein similar to the one pro- duced. Whilst he was in service at Mr Evans' he went with two horses to help Humphrey Jones, Tyddynplas. He had a plaited check rein on the leading horse. There was a crack in it, which was not in the one produced. By P.S. Davies: He had never seen a plaited check rein before he saw the one at Byrdir. He had seen one since. Humphrey Jones, Tyddynplas, said he remembered the last witness coming to help him with two horses. He noticed that the leading one had a plaited check rein. Mr Woosnam said it was for the Bench to decide whether the defendant had a plaited check rein in his possession before Mr Parry lost his. The Bench then retired, and on returning the Chairman said the case- would be dis- missed, and complimented P.S. Davies on the capable manner he had conducted his case.

Liberalism Means Taxes on Land Value.

GREAT LIBERAL TRIUMPH IN RADNORSHIRE. SIR FRANCIS EDWARDS RETURNS TO PARLIAMENT. On Wednesday the Liberals of Radnor- shire amply atoned, as we conjectured last week they would, for the blunder commit- ted in January, by returning their old and esteemed member. The result of the poll was declared on TVmrsdav as follows-— Sir Francis Edwards (L) 2,224 Mr C. D. V. Venables (C.) 2,182 Liberal majority. 42 It will be noted that while air Francis increased his poll by 16 votes, the Tory candidate fell short of his previous record by 40. The number of abstentions is re- markably large. No fewer than 1,565 failed tc vote in an electorate of 5,971. Never did a political victory give greater satisfaction in Radnorshire than the winning back of the seat for Liberalism. Three motor cars quickly carried the news throughout the county, and they were everywhere received with unbounded en- thusiasm. Sir Francis Edwards and Lady Edwards and their party first visited Knighton, where they reside. Being market day, large numbers of country people were in the town, and it was a huge crowd that Sir Francis addressed. The new member said it was a democratic victory, and he was delighted that the fair name of Radnorshire had been won back for the Liberal party. 4e acknowledged the splendid service of a large host of voluntary workers, and paid a high tribute to his agent, Mr Withington. Further speeches followed from Mr With- ington, Mr Jeffrey Jones, Mr Gill Davies, and Mr J. O. Bufton. After being drawn round the town, Sir Francis proceeded to Rhayader. A great meeting was held at Bethany Hall, under the presidency of Mr S. C. Evans-Williams, a former member, and a number of speeches were made by leading Liberals. A torch- light procession and the drawing of Sir Francis through the town followed. Un- bounded enthusiasm prevailed. Similar proceedings followed at Llan- drindod Wells, the Albert Hall being packed with over a thousand people. There were many speeches and tremendous cheer- ing. Subsequently there was a torchlight procession. Mr Withington, the agent, had a great reception at the places visited. Another reception aw-aited Sir Francis on his return nome. Mr Venables-Llewelyn also motored through the county, and had hearty recep- tions at Knighton, Rhayader, Penybont Llandrindod, and Newbridge.

The Boroughs Nomination. Between the hours of twelve and two on Friday, Alderman N. W. Fairies-Humph- reys, Mayor of Montgomery, received the nominations of candidates for the repre- sentation of the Montgomery Boroughs. Mr Arthur Humphreys-Owen was attended by his agent, Mr Martin Woosnam, and Co]. Pryce-Jones by Mr Sydney H. Jarvis. Several nomination papers were handed in on behalf of both candidates, and the formal ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks to the Mayor, on the proposition of Col. Pryce-Jones, seconded by Mr Humphreys- Owen.

G. R. 7TH (MERIONETH & MONTGOMERY) BATTALION ROYAL WELSH FUSILIERS. REGIMENTAL ORDERS By LIEUT.-COL. R. LONGUEVILLE (Commanding). I Headquarters, Newtown, Dec. 10th, 1910. ENLISTMENTS.—The undermentioned men hav- ing enlisted into the Territorial Force on the dates stated are taken on the strength of the Battalion, posted to companies and allotted Regimental numbers as stated against their nanjes:-A Com- pany, No. 640 T. H. Jones, 24/11/10; D Company, No. 641 D. R. Williams, 30/11/10. H. J. PHILLIPS (Capt. and Adjutant) 7th Battalion Royal Welsh Fusiliers. rSM^HlFF 9 To any person who can supply the correct names of these M tv/o well-known English Towns, and iulfils conditions below ■ we offer our £ 2 10s. Lady's SOLID GOLD WATCH.' | English Government stampe-J, luJty jewelled as a rREE fl CilFT. (Silver Watches are presented to GemsJ 0 Send your attempt on a sheet ot paper, together with fl stamped addressed envelope for reply, to 1'iiLLo'Wb & CO g Wholesale Watch Merchants, llinniiu-'ham. The Winner is P rcqi:lr«l purchase a Chain from us to wear with watch. firs m—uivvi in mm. "Fan—1TB1M—■—IMl—I"

SEEN AND HEARD. Nothing oxtenaato, nor set down aupht in maliee. SU. X'BPEAI<,JI. ONCE MORE TO THE COLONEL. HIS PLEAS FOR ELECTION. M DEAR SIR,— I have read very carefully your platform speeches, in which you advance various reasons why the electors of these Boroughs should vote for Toryism and its conception of a reformed House of Lords. But I am not to make these deliverances the sub- ject of criticism in this letter. Speaking impromptu, and in the excitement of con- flict, a man is apt sometimes to commit errors of judgment or of assertion. Of such I discern a few in your Welshpool speech, but they will find no mention here. With scrupulous fairness, I am going to deal with your claims as they are deliber- ately set forth in your pointed election addrfess. That document, I presume, was drawn up in calm and unhurried moments, and therefore represents the true position by which you are prepared to stand or fall. It is signed by you as an authentic ex- pression of your views upon questions of principle and policy, and the elector is in- vited to judge of your political faith and intentions upon what is contained in that script, which now lies before me. You lead off by saying that if the Veto question had been fairly brought before Parliament, with a real desire upon the part of the Government to find a solution for the difficulty, one would have been found." What is your justification for that contention ? You say every indication has been given" of it. But you do not name one. Why, if this solution was likely, did Mr Balfour himself confess that a gen- eral election must in any case have occurred in a few weeks ? Just please tell us why. Do you actually imagine we are simple enough to believe that despite the favour- able opinions of Lord Lansdowne and Mr Balfour at the Conference, the Government wantonly forced an election, and thus risked the realization of what they could have secured by pacific means ? Now, a statement like that from a platform to a mixed audience might be excused to some extent, but since it forms part of your studied election address, you must accept full responsibility. I leave the wortli of your No. 1 asser- tion to the sensible judgment of the elec- torate, and come to No. 2, which consists of three passages. You deelare without the slightest qualifi- cation that the veto proposals of the Government would, in effect, mean Single Chamber" government, and log-rolled" measures passed in all probability in opposition to the wishes of a majority of the electors." Well, let us suppose for a moment that you are right in both contentions. In practice, in reality, is a Single Chamber Government absolutely unknown in this country ? Is it possible that when you penned, dictated, or approved that state- ment, you could have forgotten the fact that while the House of Commons was Tory the House of Lords has always been practically deserted ? Do you honestly conceive of a double chamber system which, according to unimpeachable fact, has never once rejected or amended a Tory Bill during the last 100 years ? I asked you last week to say whether this fact, unparalleled in the history of any other self-governing country, was due to absolute perfection of the wisdom and sagacity with which all Tory measures have been devised during the last century ? The necessity occurs from its repetition. But you say in effect, I want to abolish this glaring one-sidedness by means of a strong, reformed Second Chamber." I will come to grips with you on that point pre- sently. Meanwhile, what of the "log-rolling" bogey ? Again, I ask you, did the House of Lords justify its existence as a. real revising Chamber or as a check upon ill-considered legislation when it passed without a single word of objection the Tory Education Bill, in spite of the numberless petitions pre- sented against it, and regarless of the great shout of protest that went up throughout the length and breadth of the land ? Do you think that was an action conceived of honest revision ? There I leave your point No. 2. Now for your strong, reformed Second Chamber," which you believe, "being com- posed, as it would be, of a very large elected and democratic element, would meet all legitimate parliamentary needs, and would give entire satisfaction and confidence to the people at large." The number of your woulds is rather amusing. I notice there is no should" among them. Even the most sanguine of prophets safeguard them- selves by an occasional "should." What on earth do you mean by saying that such a Chamber as is outlined by your party leader would give entire satisfaction and confidence ?" Are you really oblivious to any other party than your own ? While I write I hear the cheers over successive Liberal victories, every one of which pro- vides an effective commentary on your ex- traordinary statement. You speak of a very large elected and democratic element which is to be introduced into the Re- formed House." What authority have you for that representation to the people of these Boroughs ? Neither Lord Lansdowne nor Mr Balfour has promised that such "would" be. Refer once more to the Lansdowne scheme of reform," and conscientiously declare your opinion whether it does not provide for a smaller House of Peers, but yet one over- whelmingly Tory, ready to continue the mangling of all Liberal legislation with which it does not agree. Do you imagine that this sham reform is going to deceive the electors of the Montgomery Boroughs ? Do you think they forget the Balfourian boast that the Tory party shall control, whether in power or opposition, the des- i tinies of this Great Empire ? Or as your party whip (Sir A. Acland Hood) still more plainly put It--H Whether we have a majo- rity or a minority, the fact remains that we will govern the House of Commons and the policy of the country ? Hence it is, my dear sir, the people clearly understand the mock character of your Reformed Second Chamber," pos- sessed of all its old vices. This is the yoke you would impose upon them in the name of Reform." As a Progressive in local self-government, you astonish and surprise me. Away with your bauble of "Reform It is a spurious thing, a mockery, and a sham, and an insult to intelligent citizens. More work and wages and no increase in the cost of living" under Tariff Reform is your fourth point. Will you dare pledge the promise that all this shall be resultant of a Tariff Reform government? I note that you have carefully dropped an important adjective which used to figure prominently. What has become of the "higher" wages? Can it have disappeared because I chal- lenged you to promise higher wages to your own workers as the certain reward of Tariff Reform ? Or is the cause of its deletion the unanswerable fact that in al- most every Protectionist country in the world wages are lower and the prices of food higher than in this Free Trade country of ours ? You toy with Mr Balfour's pledge that, Protection will not mean dearer food.

Mr. LLOYD-GEORGE'S VISIT TO NEWTOWN. -=." Special Edition of the If Express." Fresh from his triumph in the Carnarvon Boroughs, the Chancellor of the Exchequer will visit Newtown to-day (Monday), and deliver a speech in the Victoria Hall. The limited acom- modation of the building has necessitated admis- sion by ticket only. The speakers will include Mr George R. Thorne, M.P., the victor of East Wolverhampton; Sir Francis Edwards, who has restored Radnorshire to Liberalism; Sir Alfred Thomas, Mr David Davies, M.P., and Mr Arthur Humphreys-Owen. The chair will be taken by Mr Hugh Lewis. A Special Edition of the Express," containing a verbatim report of the Chancellor's speech, will be issued to-morrow (Tuesday) about mid-day, and will be on sale throughout the Boroughs.

TREGYNON. Just received a splendid lot of Gent's Box Calf Boots, with Stout Winter Soles, Broad and Narrow Toes; all one price, 10a. 6d.; try them.—R. RICK- ARDS, 30, Bridge-street, Newtown.

LLANDYSSIL. ENTERTAINMENT.—On December 2nd, the Caer- sws Christy Minstrels gave a capital entertain- ment in Llandyssil schoolroom. Alchough the weather was bad. and the roads partly under water, the room was packed Part I consisted of a nigger entertainment, free from vulgarity and well carried out. All were good, and indi- vidual praise would he unfair. Perhaps we may single out the duet by Misses Mllwood and Trow, and the chorus of Silver Threads among the trold." The sketch "April Fools," by Messrs. Russel, Savage, and Len Jones was very funny and well actpd. The troupe kindly gave their ser- vices in aid of the fund for placing a new heating apparatus in th", Parish Church. A cinderella. dance made a nice finish to the entertainment.

Miss FLORENCE FORD, (formerly of Newtown), has just ben elected Matron of the Totnes Cottage Hospital. Mies Ford had for some time previously been engaged in private nursing in Totnes, with the result that she was unanimously elected to the post referred to by the committee, which consists of about 50 members. MUSICAL SUCCESBES.-At the recent examina- tion held at Shrewsbury under the auspices of the Incorporated Society of Musicians, the follow ing candidated were successful in pianoforte playing, and theory of music, Grade II. Mies Meda Whittington, Wynnstay Hotel, Llanfyllin. Grade I. Miss Alice Price, 22, Crescent Street, Newtown, Miss Muriel Evans, High Street, Llanfyllin. Preparatory Grade, Miss Sarah Joseph, Mochdre. All are pupils of Miss Clark; Newtown. I

SPECIAL ELECTION FEATURES. The interesting election features to be found on the inside pages of to-day's Express include- Election Crackers for Conscionable Voters, Page 7. "Luke Sharpe" on Home Rule and the Tory Meeting at Newtown, Page 6. Mr Humphreys-Owen at Welshpool, Page 6. Col. Pryce-Jones at Welshpool, Page 7. General Election Results, Page 7.

FORWARD, BOROUGH LIBERALS! THE splendid Progressive victory in Rad- norshire increases, if possible, the enthu- siasm with which the Liberals of these Boroughs are fighting for the triumph of their lifetime. Elsewhere casualties there have been, but when was ever a great cause won without them ? Against the reverses in Liverpool and in other places so susceptible to those things which are the handmaids of Toryism and Protection, we witness the unshakable Free Trade steadfastness of commercial Manchester, whose business men are reputably the shrewdest in the world. The glorious vic- tories in the North of England, the sledge- hammer-like strokes which Scotland has given for the cause of democracy, and the splendid adherence of London to Liberal- ism, have shattered the hopes of the Tory press, and routed the leagues of landlordism and Protection and all their hired decoys, who are now not only on the run, but fleeing back to their unhonoured obscurity with no other consolation than the brass of their services. Thrice successively Liberalism has with- stood the most determined and the most unscrupulous assaults within living mem- ory. The political pendulum will not swing from the cause of social progress. The insolent aggressions of an arrogant aris iocracy have crumpled up in the grip of a people who value their inherited independ- ence. But although a Progressive majority is secure, it is important that it should be strcng. Every available vote must be got to give a driving force to the Liberal machine. In these Boroughs every Liberal must work as if the whole of the momentous issues at stake depended upon himself. Against all the sinister influences that are being brought into the field, Liberals must show an unbroken front. Sensible men will not allow themselves to be duped by visionary bogeys about Home Rule, or lured from the path of duty by the cajoleries of high-placed personages, who only pre- tend to know the humble citizens at elec- Tion times. Adopting the appeal of the Conservative candidate to men "of all classes and creeds," we say that every elector, be he Tory or Liberal, if he values his political citizenship, believes that pro- gressive government should be freed from the curse of hereditary manglers, and is faithful to his conscience, must subscribe his cross opposite the name of Arthur Humphreys-Owen. There are only two candidates in the field-a House of Com- mons candidate and a House of Lords can- didate. For one or other the men of these Boroughs are invited to vote, apd only a sycophant could hesitate over the choice. Never was there a time in our constitu- tional history when Progressives had a juster cause. It is a cause that concerns the country's future weal. Victory with honour looms ahead, though there is much hard fighting to be done. The Commander in Chief says the citadel of an oppressive peerage must be taken. The men of the Montgomery Bor- oughs will help to take it. Then Forward for the Cause that needs as- sistance, 'Gainst the Wrongs that need resist- ance, For the Future in the Distance, And the Good that we may do!

IS THE BALLOT SECRET ? THIS is a question diligently canvassed by workers for Protection and Toryism. The insinuation is intended as an intimi- dation to such workers as may not enjoy the full freedom of showing their party colours. No elector, whatever his circum- stances, need have the slightest fear of voting as he pleases, so long as he keeps his own mouth closed. If the ballot were not secret, why did the Tories fight so ferociously to thwart its passage into law ? Simply because they realised that never again could they know how a man voted. Their weapon of intimidation was to be torn from them. The Ballot Act has been in operation for more than thirty years, during which time tliera is not a case on record of a duly qualified elector's vote having been dis- covered. The only way in which an elec- tioneering official can know how. a man votes is when that man can neither read nor write, and has to ask the official to mark his paper for him. Even in that event the official is bound to secrecy under a severe penalty. It has been asserted that a particular vote may be traced by means of a recount, 0r a scrutiny. No such thing. In con- nection with a recount, the face- of the ballot papers only can be taken into con- sideration, and the only purpose of the re- count is to judge of doubtful voters- whether the cross has been so placed as to show for whom the vote was intended. That is the utmost extent to which a "recount" can go. A scrutiny can only be obtained by means 01 a petition and before the High Court, and its exclusive object is to inquire whether a particular person had the right to vote. That does not concern duly qualified electors. The scrutiny is limited to that class of vote, and before the scrutiny can take place, the facts must be lodged with the other political party We have written enough to convince every intelligent voter of the absolute secrecy of the ballot. He can laugh at all insinuations to the contrary, and ask his would-be intimidators to mention a single instance where a man's vcte was known, other than through himself.

The County Election. MR. DAVID DAVIES UNOPPOSED. A spectacle of Tory hopelessness was witnessed at Montgomery on Monday, when Mr David Davies was declared elected mem- of the County without opposition. The only Tories conspicuously present were Lord Herbert Vane-Tempest, in his capacity of High Sheriff, and Mr Edmund Gillart solicitor, Machynlleth, as Under Sheriff.' Accompanied by his election agant (Mr LIew. Phillips, solicitor), and Mr Richard Jones, I endinas, Mr Davies delivered his nomi- nation papers, all of which were represen- tatively signed, and the Returning Officer having waited the prescribed period-from eleven to one o'clock-without having re- ceived other nominations or objections, declared Mr Davies duly elected. On the motion of the County Member a vote of thanks was accorded to the Return- ing Officer, and with this the proceedings closed. Mr Davies thereafter departed to work for the return of his friend, Mr Humphreys- Owen. since when he has diligently can- vassed the constituency.

What the people of this constituency want is your own pledge and your own respon- sibility for it. Will you risk that serious responsibility—and the consequences ? Tell us straight. Free Trade you say is no guarantee for cheap food." Will you deny that it is guarantee for the cheapest food in ,the world ? Please point me to a country where food is cheaper or better than in ours. You have committed yourself to a tax on wheat. Do you desire us to understand that this is a new process of cheapening the loaf ? Of course I hear you reply, but with the revenue from taxed wheat we will reduce the duty on tea and sugar." Per- haps Eh ? It has always been simpler to levy tax-es than to remit them. But why is this remission only possible by means of Tariff Reform ? Why was the Liberal Free Trade Government able to lop off Bi millions from the duty which your party imposed on tea and sugar ? Why was it able, also, to reduce the National Debt by £ 50,000,060 and find the money for Old Age Pensions without recourse to food taxes ? Why ? Because it required the rich to pay a little more towards a proportionate share of their financial obligations to the State. Toryism would have granted Old Age Pensions at the cost of dearer living. If it gets back to power, Mr Lloyd George's land tax and the super tax on fat incomes will be com- pensated for by Tariffs, not merely on wheat, but upon manufactures such as the ordinary housewife regards as necessities of the household. But Toryism is not to have the chance to indulge that game of selfish retaliation. Your rhetorical conception of a strong, closely knit Empire" by means of pre- ferential treatment of the Colonies" does not indicate much trust in Colonial loyalty. In the opinion of others who differ from you, it would be a bad day for our Colonies and for ourselves when we made trade treaties against the commercial world. Have you studied Professor Marshall, and other distinguished political economists on that point ? You and I are but amateurs in economic thinking. Should we not wisely defer to learned and impartial judgment ? I see you include insurance against un- employment and invalidity in the Tory programme. Where was that idea borrowed from ? Strikes me I have heard of it from quite a different source. On the question of Home Rule you ape the cry about American dollars." I have just been reading that during the past month four appeals were made for these same dollars by clergy of the Established Church in England for the restoration of their Churches, and another on behalf of a poor hard-working curate" of what was de- scribed at Welshpool the other day as the richest Church in Christendom." Why should our excellent clergy beg for these abominable dollars? Fie! Fie! I have dealt at some length with Irish Home Rule in a review of your meeting at Newtown. (Readers will find it on page 6). Entirely opposed to Disestablishment and Disendowment Slightly incorrect that, isn't it ? You are professedly not opposed to Disestablishment without Disendow- ment. You perhaps don't mind my sub- editing your address to that extent. That memorable Machynlleth speech, you see, will persist in asserting itself—just as J.D.'s Welshpool deliverance did last January in the form of Tory leaflets You conclude your election address with an appeal to the moderate men of all par- ties and creeds." Well, the moderate man is essentially an individual who loves fair play. And what is fair play ? Is it not typified in political equality in a democratic country ? For 'that equality, however, you do not stand. Consequently, your claim upon" moderate" people is vainly made. Now, my dear Colonel, be assured it has afforded me no personal pleasure to combat you in this campaign. Personally speak- ing, you can never attain to higher honours than I wish you. But, politically, I cannot conscientiously sheath my pen while you are out for the cause of Protection (which begins with a taxed loaf) and the maintenance of an arrogant and oppressive House of Lords, 'gainst, which a long-patient and now outraged country has resolutely risen. Yours Faithfully, LUKE SHARPE.