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CARMARTHEN BOROUGHS ELECTION.…
CARMARTHEN BOROUGHS ELECTION. I The election of a representative for the United Boroughs of Carmarthen and Llanelly took place on Friday last, in the Town Hall, Carmarthen. There was no opposition to the re-election of Mr. David Morris. and consequently the proceedings were merely formal, and in themselves calcu- lated to excise very little interest but the electors had deter- mined to celebrate the occasion in a flattering manner, and they would have done so had it not been for a request from Mr. Morris to refrain from any demonstration, being himself anxious to avoid infringement of the Corrupt Practices at Elections Act and to be returned above all suspuicion. The tradesmen, however, closed their shops, and observed a strict holiday out of respect to their representative. The election was to take piece at 1l o'clock, and at that hour the hall was densely crowded. When Mr. Morris entered, in company with Capt. Philipps, Mr. Nevill and several other gentlemen, he was loudly cheered. Imme- diately before the nomination, the address, to which we have on previous occasions alluded, was presented to Mr. David Morris by Mr. Lewis Morris, who had been requested to undertake the duty by the committee under who e auspiecs it was prepared. Mr. Lewis Morris, in addressing Mr. David Morris, said- I have been requested on behalf of four hundred voters in the boroueh of Carmarthen, to present you with a congra- tulatory address which has been signed by them, and re- presents the feelings of a very large proportion of men in this town who are qualified to vote at the election. (Ap- plause). The &Ires. sir, bear3 the signatures of those only who fully understand the purport of it, (hear, hear,) and who thoroughly approve of it in all its parts. (Cheers.) On the l'st of Vetera are the names of five hundred and ninety electors, but from this number one hundred nitut be deducted for absentees and double entries, such as those whose names appear both as freemen and burgesses, thus leading only ninety voters who have not signed the ad- dress. (Loud applause) Thus, sir, your election is sure even were it opposed. (Hear, hear). You have now faith- fuilv represented these boroughs upwards of twenty years, bavii g during that period been elected four times, and on one of these occasions in the f-ice of a strong opposition, but through the exertions of your friends you were triumphantly cairieil through that contest. (Loud cheers). I am happy to tell'yon that we all preserve the conviction that you are the fittest man in this country to represent these boroughs in Parliament. (Applause). I may not, perhaps, be allowed to travel out of the limits prescribed me, but being the exponent of four hundred voters, I can assure you that personally no more gratifying task could have been imposed upon me than that which I now endeavour to dis- charge. I am proud to remember, sir, that I aided in your first election. (Applause). Many of us have grown grey in the service still we old fellows are able and willing to work again in the good cause if need be. (Hear, hear). I fear that in these remarks I diverge too much from the purpose for which I appear before you. (Several voices I- Not a bit; go on, go on.") It may be a matter of re- joicing to some electors that the proceedings of to-day pass off quietly as required by the provisions of the Corrupt Practices Act, but, sir, for myself I have too much of the St. Peter's boy in me not to like a suitable demonstration at an election. (Applause). Never mind; it cannot be helped as we must not do it. I must not detain you any longer and shall conclude by an earnest desire that Provi- dence may long preserve you in health and happiness, and in this sentiment, sir, I am joined by all. (Applause). With your permission I will read the address We the undersigned, being your friends and political supporters, deem it our duty to take the earliest possible opportunity of meeting you on your return among u, in order to mark our warm appreciation of your conduct as our ltepresentative in Parliament. (Applause). Your zealous and diligent discharge of the onerous and important duties imposed upon you in that capacity, has always been such as to merit our most entire and cordial approbation. (Loud cheers). We have seen moreover with much satisfaction the con- sistent support which you have accorded to the sound and patriotic policy of Lord Palmerston's administration, (ap- plause), during a time of the greatest difficulty, and we have witnessed with special pleasure your opposition to the attempt which was lately made to overthrow his Govern- ment, an attempt which we consider to have been based on a factious combination far exceeding the legitimate objects of patty politics. (Loud cheers). You have now faithlully represented this Borough in Parliament for twenty years, and no opponent has appeared during that period to dispute your seat, and we have pleasure in assuring you, that should occasion require it, you may rely upon our united and strenuous endeavours to secure your return." (Cheer). Mr. D. Morris, who was received with great enthusiasm and numberless rounds of applause, said, I receive this address with the greatest gratification and satisfaction,—gra- tification inasmuch as it is an unequivocal mark of confidence and regard with satisfaction as it informs me that you ap- prove tff my public conduct (Cheers.) At any time this testimony would be most acceptable to me and a flattering compliment, but coming at the moment when I again solicit the honour of your suffrages it is rendered doubly valuable to me. (Applause.) You have conferred upon me the highest distinction the constituents of any place coul 1 bestow upon their representative, and I feel a honest pride in receiving this honour in the town of my birth from my friends and neighbours amongst whom I have lived a long life on terms of friendship and regard. (Applause.) I shall ever preserve this document as a sacred deposit, and when the period arrives, as it must, when I shall for the last time surrender into your hands the important trust you have confided in me, I hope it shall be found that I have not forfeited your good opinion, nor that I stand in a less un- favourable position thin that I now occupy. (Cheers.) If anything can add to my gratification it is that this addre.ss has been presented to me by my old and deservedly esteemed friend Mr. Lewis Morris, (applause.) and also his kind expressions towards me. (Cheers.) From the bottom of my heart I return you my grateful and sincere thanks, and assure you that I shall preserve a lively recollection of your kindness unto my dying day and the memory of it will only be obliterated by death itself. (Loud and long continued applause.) The writ having been read by Mr. W. T. Thomas, deputy Sheriff, and other formalities observed, Mr. John Thomas, the Sheriff, expressed his readiness to receive the nomination of Candidates. Capt. J. G. Philipps, said that as a warm supporter of Lord Palmerston's Government he had much pleasure in nominating his old and worthy friend Mr. David Morris as a tit and proper person to represent in Parliament the united Boroughs of Carmarthen and Llanelly (Cheers.) He hoped they would repeat tiut applause, with three time three and one cheer more. (Cheers.) Mr. C. W. Nevill, who was received with great applause said he could hardiy venture to recommend lr. Morris to their notice after the enthusiastic reception they had given that indeed it would be excessively presump- tuous for him to do so. (" No, no go on.") He came here as an individual elector of Llanelly to join in the election and to express his firm conviction and belief that the same feeling of respect and regard they had shown Mr. Morris to-day was felt in a great measure by the electors in the joint borough of Lianetiy. (Applause.) Having come here aa all individual elector he could not, of course, speak with any authority of the other voters in Llanelly but from a long connection with his native place he thought he could venture to say positively and with great confidence that they entertained the same feelings towards Mr. Morris is had been expressed by the cheers of this assembly. (Applause.) It was natural to suppose that in Carmarthen, where Ir. Morris was born and had been well known during the whole of a protracted life that feelings con- nected with himself and family existed, with which they at Llanelly could not to the full extent participate in, but towards hiin, as the representative of these boroughs they were unanimous in feelings of respect and esteem. These feelings had been entirely produced by Mr. Morris's political conduct. (Applause.) He would re- peat that they had an equally warm respect at Llauelly as Carmarthen for the conduct and character, personal and political, of Mr. David Morris. (Cheers.) When I,e was first asked to be present on this occasion, he hesi'ated a little, although he felt it an honour to be invited, as he differed from Mr. Morris not in politi- cal principle so much as the degree to which they should be carried but as to the dcsirability of retaining his services, if he consented to give them, he had no hesitation what- ever. (Tremendous cheering.) He thought that perhaps his voice, coming as it did from a person not entirely agreeing with him in politics, might have greater weight in ex- pressing his sense of the worth and qualifications of Mr. Morris not emanating from party spirit or predilectiou in his favour. (Hear.) It appeared to him that the country had had quite enough of political quarrelling, and although there was still a little of the oil election feeling, he was satisfied that the voters of Carmarthen believed it full time to dis- pense with the quarrelling and ill-feelings engendered by violent political contests. lie hoped and believed they would not witness any renewal of those feelings in his time. (Ilear, hear.) His experience had taught him that men nev'-r quarrel over their work, but --in moments of vacancy or when their time and attention were unoccupied. Now in the present day the country was in good working order and tnere was, too, plenty of work to do, with a de- termination to engage in it; and if that were the case they wanted working men for members of Parliament-men who had both the power and the will to work-meti of honesty of purpose who thought of their constituents and not of themselves. (Applause.) They did not want men who went to Parliament for place and profit-who went into the House under false colours to represent themselves and not their constituents and the country-to further their own peisonal and selfish ends. (Applause.) They did not want men to present themselves to the electors merely for the gratification of their own vanity or aiiibitioii-to mak e speeches, appear in print, and hear themselves talked of. (Cheers.) They did not want men to go to Parliament to write M P. after their names, have an excuse for being in London during the season to attend levees and political reunions, but men who understood their duties and were prepared to attend to them. (Applause.) The business of a member of Parliament, if property attended to was not easy, but arduous, difficult, and trying. The work required patient consideration and care. (Hear, hear.) Now Mr. Morris possessed the qualifications he had endeavoured to dtscribe. (Applause.) There were very few in the Htiuse of Commons who gave so much time and attention to Par- liamentary duties as Mr. Morris, and they all knew the courtesy and kindness the requests of his constituents met with either for information or assistance. (Cheers.) Such are the men they should send to Parliament whether Whig or Tory. (Hear, hear..) Indeed those ancient political distinctions appeared to him of secondary importance when they obtained the services of honest men, for where there was honesty, earnestness and capability, the House would come to a proper and safe conclusion as to the measures cal- culated to benefit the country. The inquiry should be not whose measure it is, but whether the measure was the best that could be devised for the good of the country. (Hear, hear.) If members were all as honest asthey were capable there need be no fear that any injurious measure woull be aanctioned. Entertaining these views it gave him great pleasure to second the nomination of Mr. Morris. (Long ontinued applause.) Mr. David Morris, when the cheering had subsided, said he appeared before them as a candidate for the distin- guished honour of representing the united borough* of Carmarthen and Llanelly in the next Parliament. H tving ht'i'ó\. in their service four Parliaments, extending over a period of twenty yèars, it was unnecessary for him to MHiCe a.iy declaration of his political priat-iples (Applause.) Ikese priAci were recorded in every important division in the House of Commons during that long series of years (Hear, hear.) The dissolution came upon them unawares, immediately produced by an adverse vote on Mr. Cobden's motion, implying censure on the Palmerston Administra- tion, for the course they took in the Chinese War. Now, he firmly believed that the Government was as little pre- pared to expect the consequences which followed in China as auy gentleman in this room, and they equally de- plored the transaction. However, once operations were commenced it became another question whether or not it was right to support the acts of subordinate officers in that country and the Government properly decided that they should do so (Applause.) They all knew of the cruelties of the Chinese, the rewards which bad been offered for the heads of British subjects, and if they did not stand by Sir John Bowring and Admiral Seymour, the lives and property of the subjects of this country would be exposed to great peril. Every merchant & other person in the House connected with China, although in some cases opposed to the Palmerston Government in politics, declared that the conduct of Sir John Bowring and Admiral Seymour were justifiable and perfectly right. In addition to this, the British officers were supported by the French and American Consuls, and he was happy to find that an able and skilful diplomatist had been sent by Ministers to China; and, if any man living was more likely than another to restore peace, it was Lord Eigin (Applause.) Since he last had the honour of addressing them England had been engaged in war with one of the mightiest powers in Europe. The Emperor of Russia was anxious to grasp at Turkey, one of the weakest European States. Once in Turkey, the East opened to Russia, and the balance of power being destroyed, our Indian possessions lay exposed to the aggressions of the Czar (Hear, hear.) It was impossible, after a forty years' peace, that our forces could be in so efficient a condition as was desirable, and as a consequence they suffered many privations and diseases but their courage never failed, and bravely did they fight every battle in the Crimea, and nobly sustained the honour of the British name (Applause.) He was proud to say that the "Twenty-third" on this, as on every other occasion, was the bravest of the brave (Hear, hear.) Well, the condition of the army was restored by Lord Palmerston's Government, so that when Sebastopol was taken no force was ever in a finer condition than the English army (Cheers.) Again, it was the Premier who succeeded, with France, in extorting a peace which had given universal satisfaction (Applause.) The alliance with France would, he hoped, put an end to those divisions which had for centuries existed between Great Britain and that mighty power. It would increase the trade and com- merce of both countries, and be of the utmost importance. (Hear, hear.) He could not avoid stating here that Lord Palmerston's appointments in the Church had given great satisfaction, in having selected for elevated places men of eminence and learning opposed to those Tractarian doctrines which bordered on popery. (Applause.) He had uniformly voted against the grant to Maynooth, and opposed the Sun- day Trading Bill, and that for opening the Crystal Palace and the Museum on Sunday, and every other measure tending to the desecration of the Lord's day- (Hear, hear.) He had supported the ballot, the attempts to settle the Church Hate question, motions for Parliamentary reform, and everything in the shape of retrenchment (Applause.) He had voted against the inequalities of the income-tax, and indeed the last vote he gave in the House of Commons was in favour of Y,150 as the minimum charge. (Cheers.) During the last Parliament he was present at four hundred and eighty-two divisions (Applause.) He would now allude to the Act passed in 1854, to prevent corrupt practices at elections, and whatever odium might be cast upon that Act, as an individual he was not respon- sible for it, having voted against every clause. (Tremen- dous cheering.) It was with sorrow and very painful feelings that he denied himself the honour and gratification of the demonstration intended by his kind friends in Car- marthen for him on his arrival amongst them (Cheers.) Having consulted an authority in London, he was of opinion that under the new Act it would be a hazardous proceeding; he felt greatly indebted to his kind friends who had so readily acceded to his request. This was the first election since the passing of the Act, and it would pass off in a very quiet manner, which they might suppose was peculiarly gratifying to him, as he saved the expense of former years. Now he could assure them he would not put one penny into his pocket by it, as he purposed to distribute the same amount that he used to spend at elections among the inhabitants of Carmarthen and Llanelly. (Loud applause.) That perhaps on the whole was as good a way of disposing of it as any other. (Hear.) He could not avoid expressing his sincere thanks to his friend Capt. Philipps, for nominating him, and also how ex- tremely he was indebted to Mr. Nevill for his kindness, at great inconvenience, in coming over from Llanelly to honour him by seconding the nomination and he was sure he expressed the unanimous opinion of the meeting in thanking him for the excellent sentiments he had uttered (Applause.) He could not help acknowledging the cordial reception he had met with from all parties whom he had visited when canvassing the boroughs. He should ever retain a recollection of the kindness of his friends and the forbearance and indulgence of those with whom he had the misfortune to differ in politics (Hear, heiar.) It was satis- factory to find that during a political career of twenty years he had not lost one friend (Hear.) It was impossible for him to repay them for the kindness they had shown towards him however, he hoped to be able faithfully to perform the duties they had entrusted to him. He again sincerely and cordially thanked them (Great applause). The Sheriff put the usual question three times, and there being no other Candidate to propose, declared Mr. Morris duly elected, amid vociferous cheering, which continued without intermission for several minutes. Mr. David Morris said he begged to return them his cordial and most sincere thanks for the handsome and dis- tinguished manner in which they had again elected him to represent the boroughs of Carmarthen and Llanelly in Parliament, and the only way in which he could repay them was by a faithful, diligent. and independent attention to the duties he had undertaken, and by doing everything in his power to contribute to the prosperity of the towns and the country in general. He viewed with great satisfac- tion the unanimity, cordiality, and absence of party spirit on this occasion. With an expression of good will he re- tired amidst the cheers of the assembly. Thanks were accorded to the Sheriff, and cheers were given for several of the leading persons present. At six o'clock upwards of eighty of Mr. Morris's friends and supporters dined together at the Assembly Rooms, which were tastefully fitted up for the occasion. The dinner was provided by Mr. Valentine Rees, of the Ivy Bush Hotel, and the wines by Mr. Morgan, of the Boar's Head Hotel. Mr. Lewis Morris presided, and Mr. E. H. Stacey was vice. When the cloth was removed, a large number of ladies occupied the benches in the orchestra, where they remained for several hours, evidently highly pleased with the pro- ceedings. Jones's Quadrille Band was in attendance, adding greatly to the enjoyment of the evening by numberless cheering and appropriate airs. The arrangements of the stewards were admirable, eliciting universal approval, and, as a political dinner, it was peculiarly free from those scenes which too frequently occur on such an occasion. The usual loyal and patriotic toasts were drunk in succession with enthusiasm. The Chairman then gave the Bishop and Clergy of the diocese, who deserved every compliment which could be paid them. (Cheers.) The Rev. J. Taylor said that he rose with feelings of no ordinary pleasure to acknowledge the toast. It was the happiness of this country that the clergy-and in that appellation he included ministers of every Christian de- nomination—were riot shut up in ascetic monasticism, but allowed to mingle in society and thus to participate in the advantages of social life. (Hear, hear.) It was laid down by the Administrative Reform Association that it was essential to every member of Parliament to possess not only requisite mental abilities, but a high degree of moral excellence. Now, if they tested Mr. Morris by this principle, and they had twenty years experience to try him by, there could be only one answer—" Our member reaches the standard." (Applause.) Mr. Morris's moral character was known to them, and his intellectual powers were con- spicuous on every occasion, even in the address to the electors to-day in the Hall. (Hear, hear.) That speech did him honour. (Hear, hear.) They could speak more freely in the absence of the honourable member, and he would say that Mr. Morris was not merely moral but what was of greater importance religious-taking a lively in. terest in all that concerned his constituents. Look at his charity, why they could not take up a subscription list which did not bear Mr. Morris's name. (Applause.) The Rev. R. B. Jones, who was loudly called upon, said it gave him great pleasure Oil all occasions to visit Car- marthen, and although he had not resided here for more than fitteen years he felt himself young agaiu whenever he breathed the salubrious air of the Towy. (Applause.) Well, if on ordinary occasions he felt thus, how much more to-day was his pleasure enhanced in meeting so large a number of friends to do honour to Mr. Morris. (Applause.) He was highly gratified with the pithy and sententious speech of Mr. Nevill in seconding the nomination of their representative, particularly that part of it in which he referred to the qualifications of a Member of Parliament. (Hear, hear.) The votes of Mr. Morris in the House of Commons were generally approved of, clearly proving that he was influenced by a pure motive to promote the well-being, the comfort, the best interests and the honour of this kingdom. (Cheers.) There was now a great change in the method of conducting elections. For himself he liked the good old way-the demonstration with its soul- inspiring music-its flags waving in the breeze-its pro- cessious and decorations. (Cheers.) Horace had said JJulce est desipevCy but that was not all they must remem- ber it finished with in loco. And of this sentiment he would venture a free translation It is good to be merry and wise, It is good to be honest and true, It is good to support old Cambria's cause; Hurrah for the bonnets of blue. (Applause.) Mr. Morris had never shown better judgment than in his opposition to the Corrupt Practices at Elections Act. It was all very well for Manchester, Birmingham, and other populous towns, but what on earth was the harm of a demonstration at Carmarthen. (Applause.) In respond- ing to the toast he was obliged to express the regret he felt that the clergy were not so popular as they ought to be, but perhaps times would mend-he hoped so, however. (Hear, hear.) It struck him that the Act which prohibited electors to send a parson to Parliament should be repealed for the good of the country, and to keep the House, which was often very turbulent, in proper order. (Laughter.) They knew the old adage There is nothing like leather," however, he would repeal every Act that cut away the privileges of the clergy in respect to politics. (Hear, hear.) The Chairman proposed the health of the Dissenting Ministers of every denomination, and he would give suc- ceeding speakers a gentle reminder not to say all they could in favour of Mr. David Morris, as he had a speech to make in praise of that gentleman indeed, it was the speech of the evening, and it was not fair to take the wind out of his sails. There was no Dissenting Minister present to acknow. ledge the toast. The Chairman then proposed the Ministry of Lord Pal- merston, which deserved the support of the country, and he was glad that support was not withheld, as would be proved by the result ot the elections. (Applause.) The healths of the Lord Lieutenant and of the High Sheriff were proposed, and reeetved with cheers. Tile Chairman said the toast iie was about to propose would meet with a fiattenpg reception ia this towa or in any other public assembly either in the roomwr in the county of Carmarthen, for it was no other than that of Mr. David Mortis, their excellent and highly respected re- presentative (loud applause). Mr. Morris was the oldest and sincerest friend he had in the world. This was not mere complimentary assertion, for the opportunity had frequently occurred of trying and proving that friendship, and now after a continuance of many years he publicly confessed that Mr. Morris was a good and tried friend. What wonder then that he should be ovetjoyed at the ho- nourable and agreeable position he had been placed in to convey to his friend the congratulatory expression of four hundred electors who signed the address which he had that morning presented (applause) He was justly proud of the honour (hear, hear). He did not exaggerate in assuring them it was the happiest day of his life, as he was not only elected to present the address, but to preside over this meeting (cheers). He should ever re- member this day, and his children would be proud of it (hear, hear). Mr. Morris required no eulogy from him, for anything he could say of his public or private life could net add to the strength of feeling entertained for him wherever he was known (applause). Long life and happi- ness to Mr. Morris was the sentiment of the toast (cheers). He exceedingly regretted the provisions of that ridiculous Act of Parliament which debarred them the pleasure of a demonstration. He, too, had strong opinions on that sub- ject as well as his reverend friend Mr. Jones, and the oppo- sition of Mr. Morris to that enactment was a bright gem in his political votes (applause). What should he say further in commendation of their representative ? Had he the eloquence of Demosthenes it would not avail-for it would all amount to this, Mr. Morris is a good and useful man" (loud applause). He was universally esteemed by young and old, rich and poor, Whig and Tory (cheers). Let them fill their glasses and drink Mr. Morris's health in a bumper, and make this spacious building re- sound in unwonted tones to the vociferous cheers of men who respect, esteem, and love to honour their member. (Tremendous applause.) Mr. W. Morris, who was lo idly applauded, said in the absence of Mr. David Morris begged to thank them for the kind and friendly manner in which the Chairman had introduced the toast, and the enthusiasm with which it had been received. He need hardly assure them that Mr. Morris was no voluntary absentee from the meeting. (Cheers.) Nothing but an anxious desire to conform to the spirit, as well as the letter of the Act to which allusion had been made, prevented him from being here. (Hear, hear.) He might remark en passant that he in a great measure concurred in the condemnatory observations which the provisions of that Act had elicited. (Applause.) However, Mr. Morris was anxious to be returned for these boroughs above all suspicion. He could assure them that, although not present in person, he was amongst them in spirit. (Cheers.) The complimentary manner in which Mr. Morris's health had been proposed by the Chairman, and the enthusiasm with which it was received by this large and influential assembly, added another to the very many obligations under which they had placed him. (Ap- plause.) The Chairman proposed the health of the Mayor of Carmarthen (loud cheers), who was entitled to every mark of respect they could bestow. They must replenish their glasses, and drink to him in three times three and one cheer more. (Loud applause.) Mr. J. L. Philipps very briefly acknowledged the toast, which he did not anticipate. The kind manner in which they had received it would not be forgotten by him, as he did not deserve the honour they had so generously bestowed. The Chairman said the next toast he had to introduce to their notice was that of the two gentlemen who had nominated and seconded the election of Mr. David Morris. Capt. Philipps had been known to them from their boyhood, and for many years had held a high position in the town. It was not in his power to say anything in his praise, as he was a good old man, of consistent character, opinions, an,l honesty—a man who, when a boy, fought the battles of his country, having been in the battle of the Nile when only sixteen years of age. (Cheers.) Mr. Nevill was a com- parative stranger amongst them, but there was no man in the hall this morning unimpressed with the truth of the sentiments appropriately expressed by him, particularly in reference to the qualifications of a Member of Parliament, and he trusted the newly-elected Parliament would con- sist of a great number of such men. (Hear, hear.) He never had the pleasure of speaking to Mr. Nevill until Monday, and he entertained a high respect for him for the sentiments he then uttered. On being asked to take part in the election, he considered for some time and then con- sented to do so. (Applause.) He told him that he would be received with enthusiam in Carmarthen, and such had been the case. lie hoped this would tend to prevent any future contest for this borough. Let them drink the toast with cheers. (Applause.) The Vice Chairman, who was only partially heard on ac- count of the distant part of the room where he sat, proposed the health of the Chairman, who bad with himself fought many political battles during the last twenty years, and now they had grown old and grey in the service. (Applause.) In every relationship of life the Chairman was most ex- emplary. (Cheers.) rlhe Chairman expressed his gratitude for the compli- ment, and said that he had for many years been engaged when required in political contests, but he denied that he was old although grey, for he still possessed sufficient energy for further work. (Applause.) They had fought a good fight, and prospered, and now there was peace and concord (cheers). He was glad to see men sink those petty distinctions of Whig and Tory. He then referred to some points in his own career in illustration of the necessity for unanimity of sentiment and the cultivation of pacific principles, and concluded by proposing the htfalth of the ladies who had honoured them with a visit on this occasion. Mr. Geo. Thomas and Mr. Oliver Powell returned thanks for the ladies. Mr. Goode said they had the pleasure of drinking a great many healths, but there was one which should have been taken earlier—the health of the Vice-President, who had grown old in the good cause. (Applause.) The Vice Chairman thanked them for the kind and flatter- ing manner in which his health bad been proposed and re- ceived. He then referred, but was very indistinctly heard, to the political conduct of Mr. David Morris, which had given almost universal satisfaction, and expressed a hope that he would long live to represent these boroughs in Par- liament. Mr. T. C. Morris proposed the health of the strangers present, coupling with the toast the names of Mr. W. R. H. Powell, and Mr. O. Powell. (Applause.) Mr. W. R. H. Powell in responding said, that he cer- tainly did not expect his name would have been mentioned in this meeting, and for their kindness he felt exiteinely grateful. He was passing through the town when he first heard of the dinner, and on inquiry was assured that he should be permitted to attend out of respect and esteem for the hon. member. (Hear.) He had for many seasons worn a coat of scarlet and a blue vest, but in reality he cared nothing about colours, as it was the man whom he respected and not the party name by which he was known. (Applause.) He would never willingly lose an opportunity of paying a tribute of respect to Mr. David Morris or any member of his family. (Loud applause.) Mr. George Thomas proposed the health of the Sheriff, who was absent for politic reasons, but they might couple with the toast the name of Mr. W. T. Thomas, the returning officer. (Cheers.) Mr. Thomas acknowledged the toast, and expressed the gratification he felt in having for the second time returned Mr. Morris. Although the Sheriff was absent on this occasion no one could be a warmer supporter of Mr. Morris than he was, and in the event of a contest he would have performed his duty honestly and above all suspicion. The health of Mr. William Morris was proposed, and responded to. I Several other toasti were given, and the meeting ter- minated at a late hour.
CARMARTHENSHIRE ELECTION.…
CARMARTHENSHIRE ELECTION. I The election for the county of Carmarthen took place on Tuesday last, in the Town Hall, Llandilo. D. A. S. Davies, Esq., and D. Jones, Esq., were re-elected without opposition. There was no excitement in the town and hardly any in- terest felt in the proceedings, which it was understood would be strictly formal. Soon after ten o'clock the two candi- dates, accompanied by a large number of influential gentle- men entered the Hall, and Mr. F. Green, the returning officer, observed the required formalities, and on the question being asked whether any person had a candidate to propose. Sir John Mansel said they were assembled for the purpose of exercising the constitutional privilege they enjoyed in returning by virtue of the writ they had just heard read two knights to represent the county of Carmarthen in Parlia- ment, and it was with great satisfaction and pleasure that he nominated Mr. Saunders Davies for one of their members. (Applause.) Nay more, he felt it an honour to propose one whose consistency of conduct, words and acts were so per- fectly in unison with the principles he enunciated at his first election fifteen years ago. (Hear, hear.) He might say that consistency was a pearl of great price, and for want of it or rather by sacrificing it men in high positions, with some few shining exceptions, had fallen in public estimation and forfeited a reputation valuable when in the ascendant but now tarnished and prostrate. (Hear.) Mr. Davies had on three occasions the extreme gratification of receiving the confidence they had reposed in him, and he was not aware that he had done anything to lessen that confidence. (Applause.) It was not necessary for him, even in the most cursory manner to enter upon the expanse of politics, still he would refer to one or two points as briefly as was possible. (Hear, hear.) They were aware of the circum- stances which had led to the dissolution of Parliament, and he would not detail them. The Chinese question fairly admitted of a variety of opinions both in the House of Commons and in the county, but the difficulties of Members of Parliament in arriving at a just conclusion were by no means so formidable as those who were not so privileged as to have within their reach peculiar sources of information. Again those who felt comparatively little interest in the subject and had but few opportunities of acquiring a correct knowledge of facts, experienced still greater difficulty in arriving at a right and proper conclusion. (Hear.) Mr. Davies, acting upon a well founded discretion voted against Ministers from no factious motives, but from a firm convic- tion that the Government was wrong. (Hear.) He would, however, himself explain the reasons which led to that vote. It was possible that some persons hardly knew there was such a place as China on the face of the globe, so little was the interest which formerly existed on matters connected with China; and were it not for the delusion under which people lived that all the article called tea came from that place they would hardly be aware of the existence of such a kingdom. The Chinese was an arbitrary government and the people selfish and stationary, living under the impression that they were the most enlightened and civilised beings in the world. It was only a short time since they considered all other nations besides themselves as silly barbarians. No doubt they looked upon Englishmen with similar feelings to those with which Englishmen regarded the Red Indians of the far West. (Hear, hear.) The China question had excited some interest, and very likely the discussion of it, and the vote in the Commons would lead to some good practical purpose. Those in authority and protecting British interests in China would in future hesitate to overstep the bounds of power. Government had upheld them, still what had been done would rectify any false s-lep, if such had been taken b1 iir Jebu SowtiPg awl Admiral ftejaumr* Llitar. hw.) Mr. Davies was well known to those who heard him, and was held in the highest esteem and regard by them. (Ap- plause.) He was sure that nothing lie could say would enhance the esteem entertained for him and the good opinion in which he was held. He was born nnd had long lived among them, and it would therefore be impertinent for him to dwell on his many amiable social qualities, particularly as his friend was present. (Applause.) He would not of- cupy their time any longer, as they would doubtless the choice theyhad made in 1813, by returning Mr. Saunders Davies to represent this county in the Commons House or Parliament. (Cheers.) Mr. R. Goring Thomas said he rose with great satisfaction to second the nomination of his honourable friend, Mr. Saunders Davies, who had been so ably introduced to their notice by Sir John Mansel. When Mr. Davies, fifteen years ago. emerged from private life and undertook the arduous duty of representing this county in Parliament, it was in obedience to as numerously signed a requisition as ever was presented to any man under such circumstanses. (Applause.) L'his was done under the full confidence that he was more than adequate to the duties he was called upon to perform, as up to that period in private life, as an active magistrate and at the bar, lie had distinguished himself. What he did he performed efficiently, and never undertook duties beyond his ability to discharge. (Hear.) He not only fulfilled the pledges he gave, but lie had on all occasions done that which they bad expected of him when he became their member. It would be beside the question to refer to Mr. Davies's pri- vate life, all they had to do related to the manner in which he had discharged his public duties, and he had alwars been at hili post on divisions jll the House of Commons, anù on that side which was most consistent with the principles he professed. (Hear.) He was sure they would never have any cause to repent placing him in the position he had so long held. (Hear, hear.) Three times he had had the honour of assisting at his election, and it always give him great pleasure, and that feeling was enhanced to-day as his friend was now a tried and proved man, leaving them no room to doubt his perfect competence, and he would he was sure not disappoint them if they again returned him, as he was prepared as heretofore to do his duty to the best of his ability. (Cheers.) Mr. W. R. Poweil said he had the honour of appearing before them to nominate a member to serve them in the ensuing Parliament. He considered his task a light one, as he felt sure that no studied electioneering address garnished with flowers of praise was required to introduce him to their notice as might have been requisite on the two former oc- casions, for they had now more than five years of Mr. Jones's Parliamentary career before them, and looking upon that, they would lie was satisfied concur with him. then he was entitled to their confidence. (Applause.) Much had al- ready been done, still there were many things yet to be ac- complished, and he was confident that no measure would be introduced to the House which would not receive the anxious attention of Mr. Jones, and his strenuous support if it tend- ed to the honour and dignity of the crown or the happiness of the people. (Applause.) They no longer saw the red and blue flags unfurled, which to his mind was an evidence that party feeling was dying out in the country. (Ilear.) He hoped they would long have two such gentlemen to re- present the county as Mr. Davies and Mr. Jones. He then formally nominated Mr. Jones. Mr. W. Peel in a very few words seconded the nomination which was received with cheers. The Returning Officer declared Mr. Davies and Mr. Jones duly elected, no other person having been put in nomination, and the announcement was received with cheers. Mr. Saunders Davies, who was voiceferously cheered, said in the first place, ha begged to return them his sincere thanks for having elected him for the fourth time to represent in Parliament this important county. He assured them he felt most grateful for the honour and he did not say this as a mere empty compliment, for he had always felt the great responsibility which attaches to the office of member of Parliament for this county. (Hear, hear.) He would now briefly allude to some of the measures introduced to the House of Commons since the year 1852, when the late House was elected. During that short period many important changes had occurred. Then the country was in profound peace, followed by a severe and bloody war. There had also been three ministries including Lord Palmerston's govern- ment, under whose auspices peace was restored. At the commencement of the war there were gross acts "of mis- management, and a motion was made for what was termed the Scbastopol Committee, to inquire into the reported mis- management of our forces, and the consequent suffering of our soldiers in the Crimea. When the division took place on that motion he voted in favour of it with the majority, although it was opposed by many celebrated men in Parlia- ment. (Applause.) Well, this motion made by Mr. Roe- buck, was carried by a large majority, and the rapid improve- ments which were accomplished he unhesitatingly attributed to the inquiry thus instituted (Hear, hear.) ilowever, in spite of all the suffering of our soldiers they bravely sustain- ed untarnished the glory of our country. (Applause.) Not- withstanding the intense suffering in the trenches in front of Sebastopol and the severity of a Crimean winter, our troops were successful at Alma, Balaclava, and Inkermann, and those battles were now emblazoned on our flags with other illustrious names. (Cheers.) Peace was restored aud the honour and glory of our country remained without a stain. (Hear.) He would now refer to more recent wars, or rather the outbreak in Persia and China, which were now he was happy to inform them in a fair way of an amicable settle- ment. Having thus incidentally alluded to the Chinese war it was necessary for him to explain his vote on the Canton business. It had been stated very generally and on high authority that the opposition vote on that division was in- tended to overthrow Lord Palmerston's government by an (unfair combination of parties not united on other questions, and «f widely varing political sentiments. Tho3c who wcr< in the habit of regularly reading the public newspapers were aware that the as&umed fact of any previous combination was not sustained. Mr. Cobden was certainly supported by men of different political opinions, but that was not sufficient proof of factious opposition. He would tell them his own feelings 011 the subject, which should in some measure be a guide to the general feeling entertained, and for himself he could assure them he never gave a vote in the House under greater difficulties. At one time he made up his mind to vote with ministers, and he informed the party he frequently acted with of his intention to do so, but subsequently hearing strong and convincing argument in support of the motion he was satisfied that the misconduct of Sir John Bowring had involved this country in a war, as there existed grave doubt that the Uritish flag had been insulted, and the extent of the vote was merely to ignore the act of Sir John Bowring which he had committed without the authority and consent of the government. These were the motives which induced him to vote for Mr. Cobden's motion, and if Lord Palmerston bad stated in the House that he contemplated sending out a pleni- potentiary not to supersede Sir John, but to investigate the question in dispute, there would have been no division on the motion, & if there had, it would have been rejected by a large majority. (Hear.) He was particularly anxious to clear himself from the imputation of having given a factious vote. (Cheers ) Besides that, and in proof of his assertion, he not long before voted in favour of Sir Cornewall Lewis's budget, although a great many Conservatives, with whom he gene- rally acted, were on the other side. His object in supporting the budget was to get rid of the ninepenny war tax, which had, as he expected, been accomplished. (Cheers.) During the last five years not many measures of importance had obtained the sanction of the Legislature. There was one, however, which he oppo¡;ed, and to which he should refer, He meant the Succession Duty Bill, which was passed under the impression that land as well as personal property should be subject to duty. The reason for his opposition was, that in cases where property was not large, and heir succeeded heir quickly, the duty tended to the confiscation of that property. (Hear, hear.) This he very much regretted, as the returns were not so large as Mr. Gladstone, who intro- duced the measure, had anticipated. If this enactment were not repealed-aud he hardly thought that likely—some of its provisions would soon be modified. He spoke with authority, as he had learnt the necessity fur alterations from men of eminence in London. He should on all occasions support every measure for the alleviation of the burthens on the landed property of the country. (Hear, hear.) He could say very little of the future. There were a number of titles given to political parties in these days, but he must be per- mitted to retain to himself the old title "Conservative." (Hear ) Now, they should understand what he meant by that term. Conservatism was a strong attachment to the Crown, the privileges of the House of Lords, and the exten- sion and protection of the rights ot the people. (Applause.) It was very necessary to uphold the British Constitution which was more perfect than any other in the world. While other nations of Europe had been shattered by revolution, with changes of property and fearful loss of life, England remained safe and secure. (Applause.) He held himself to be an independent man, and as such he went to Parliament. He wanted nothing from any government—he wished for nothing from party. All he desired was the good opinion of those who sent him to Parliament; and therefore any mea- sure likely to be of use to the country—likely to improve the people socially or otherwise — which he should consider beneficial, should have his humble and best attention and support. (Hear, hear.) He did not know that it was necessary for him to touch upon any other subject, but should anything further occur to him he would mention it to them at a subsequent period of the meeting. It was extremely difficult for him to give any pledge upon such a question, for instance, as the Church Rate. He was himself a member of the Churcn of England, educated in its creed and attached to its forms (hear, hear) nevertheless, he respected Dissenters, and know that they had conferred great benefits on the country. Now, without injuring the church, he should be most happy to assist in relieving their conscience. (Applause.) This was not mere clap-trap. Unless the people were content with the rights they enjoyed, the country was not safe, in the presence of increasing in- telligence. (Applause.) He had been prevented attending to his duties of late with the regularity he desired, but his health was now improved, although not sufficiently to have enabled him to pay his respects to his constituents in the short interval which had elapsed since the Dissolution. However, to some he had written, and if not from all, he had from most of them kind and courteous replies, and he returned them his sincere and best thanks. He now begged to thank Sir John Mansel and Mr. Goring Thomas for their kindness in nominating him. Perhaps the constituents would like their members' voice to be heard in the House of Commons, but for himself he must candidly confess he was not equal to the task of debating in the House, and hI8 opinion was that there were too many speakers there already. (Hear, hear.) Still, whenever any question affecting this county, or any of his constituents, was introduced, he should never fail to give utterance to his opinions on it. He thanked them most sincerely for returning him, and again expressed his purpose to attend diligently to the interests of the country. (Applause.) Mr. David Jones, who on rising was loudly applauded, said it was with feelings of no little gratification and pride that he thanked them for doing him the honour of entrusting to his care tho important interests of this county in the House of Commons. This was the third time he had in succession been elected to serve them. He waa fully im- pressed with the responsibility of the high position he occupied by their favour, and he sincerely thanked them for this flattering mark of their confidence. (Hear, hear.) He felt the honour he enjoyed to be the highest to which his ambition aspired, as he represented his native-county in Parliament, and he regretted he had not the ability, if it were desirable, to shed lustre upon it; but he hoped never to be found capable of tarnishing it. (Hear, hear,) In tile earnest discharge of his duties he should use his bestcn- deaYoure to promote the interests of the wuntry at large, while he attended more particularly to those of the Princi- pality of Wales. (Hear.) His gratitude was due to them on this occasion in an extraordinary degree for the forbear- ance they had shown, as during the last sessions lie was prevented bv a severe amiction from attending so closely as he would otherwise have done to his duties in the House; hence his name did not so frequently appear in the division list as he desired. (Hear, hear.) It was unspeakably ^ratifying to him that the prevailing report of his absence fnm the House attributed it to the right cause. (Applause.) He was prevented attending to his duties from a want of power and not of will. (Hear, hear.) Returning health assured him that he should be able to devote his best energies and all his time to the service of his country. (Applause.) He could honestly say that during the whole five years of the last Parliament he had not recorded a single vote for the furtherance of party purposes. (Hear, hear.) ft was not necessary for him to descant on politics on this occasion, having been relieved by the excellent remarks of his honourable friend, with whcm he almost always acted in concert. This lie must say, that ho had appeared in the division list on the side his constituents had a right to expect him. However, as there was one question on which lie and Mr. Davies had arrived at different conclusions, some expla- nations on his part were required. He referred to Mr. Cobdcn's motion on the Chinese war. Now, a great deal had been said to prove that this was a factious motion, supported by a factious opposition. (Hear, hear.) As he was himself a supporter of Ministers on that question, his opinion, per- haps, might be considered impartial, and he believed from his heart that a more conscientious vote had never been given in the House of Commons than that on the War with China. (Applause.) He would tell them what occurred in his own case. The first day of the debate he went down to the House with a strong prejudice against the motion, under the impression that it was one of the numerous offsping of .Mr. Cobden's peace mania. (Hear.) On the second day the arguments which were adduced ia favour of it jvere talented and powerful, and he honestly declared that had the division been taken on Friday night instead of Monday, ho should have voted against Ministers. But, by a curious coincidence, on Monday he received a letter from Sir Frederick Nicholson respecting the war in China, his friend, Sir Frederick, being then afloat in the China waters. This letter was written without any political object, but it had the effect of altering the views he had come to, and the result was that he sup- ported the Government. (Applause.) He would read them an extract or two, that they might themselves judije of the facts which changed his opinions. It was dated Shanghae, 7th January, 18-37. "You will no doubt," writes Sir Frederick, have noticed in the papers the troubles which have taken place at Canton. The insolence of the Canton officials had beceme quite unbearable, and the accidental circumstance of the British flag being insulted brought mat- ters to a crisis. The stoppage of the trade at that place will no doubt cause los3 and inconvenience, but I trust that permanent benefits will arise from the vigorous measures taken by the Admiral. Here all is perfectly quiet. The Chinese authorities are cruel to a degree, aud so are the country people in the neighbourhood. At Canton, on the contrary, a foreigner could not leave the neighbourhood of the factories without the certainty of being insulted, and frequently have Europeans been attacked It was not fair to represent the adverse vote as factious. No one, looking at his honourable friend's honest countenance, would dare charge him with disloyalty. (Laughter, and hear, hear.) These, then, were his reasons for voting with Lord Palmerston. Ile now went to Parliament unpledged — unfettered by any promises but he would tell them that he intended to support Lord Palmerston's Admiuistra- tion in bringing the Chinese war to a safe and an hononrable conclusion. (Loud Applause). He believed the Emperor of China had expressed his disapproval of the conduct of the Viceroy at Canton and the war might now be considered virtually at an end. He should upheld the conservative principles as he had hitherto done. His conservatism was a strong desire to-preserve the constitution of our country. adopting only such amendments as the people urgently required. It would not be supposed that he was attached to the constitution from the same motives as men who could boast of a long line of illustrious ancestors; for they all knew he was the grandson of a man who laid the foundation and raised the superstructure of his own future. (Loud cheers.) And now that worthy man's countrymen had placed upon his descendant the highest honour they could confer. (Hear, hear.) He was deeply grateful to them and he regretted that his talents were not such as to permit his voice to be heard in the House oi Commons, but when occasion required it in reference to local matters particularly, feeble as he was, his voice should be heard. (Hear, hear ) Many important measures would be discussed during tho next Parliament. The Church rate and religious education questions would be early introduced, and it would be very diM cult to dispose of them. In this country the State could teach no other religion than that of the Church of England. Ho.v- ? ever, if any measure were introduced to promote the educa- 1 tion of churchmen and dissenters it should have his ready support. He liked the mingling of classes and creeds, for the more the people mixed with each other the more charit- able would their thoughts be of each other's religion and politics. (Applause.) Now if they believed Protestantism to he the most pure and truthful religion in the world they could not entertain a doubt of its ultimate triumph. He would himself send his children to that school where they would receive the best education. (Applause) If any measure should be brought before Parliament next year, as was possible to settle the church rata question it should have his best attention as he was anxious to relieve Disseuters from the impost.. Dissenters had to his own knowledge been of infinite service in promoting the best interests of tho community. (Applause.) He was himself a member of the Church of England, and while he admired the Church, he respected those who differed from him in his religious creed. Church rates were not as was sometimes asserted a personal tax but a permanent charge upon lands, and it had some- times occurred to him that the conscience of the dissenter would be relieved by adopting the Scotch system of letting property to the tenant free of taxes, the landlord undertaking to pay all charges for rates and taxes. He would not vote for those measures which were not likely to obtain the consent of hee House of Lords, although by doing so he might possibly gain some little applause. He had voted against the admission of Jews into Parliament, believing as he did that his consti- tuents would not like to see a Júw sitting in a Christian Legislature. He was not instigated by an intolerant spirit but they must remember the Jew considered the New Testament false and our blessed Saviour an imposter. He had likewise voted against the Maynooth grant, as he believe that to uphold Maynooth was to uphold Popery. For himself he shonld not like to see the Catholic religion trium- phant, nor those principles adopted by the Iligil Church party. (Hear, hear.) Lord Palmerston's ecclesiastical ap- pointments had given great satisfaction and he deserved tho thanks of the Protestant church for them. (Loud applause ) He should go to the House with no little pleasure on this occasion as he felt himself free aud unfettered—free from any sect or party (cheers.) This put him in a position, so far as his votes were concerned, to represent this important county more efficiently than heretofore. (Hear.) If any- thing could stimulate him further to the faithful discharge of his duties, it would be a remembrance of the kind forbear- ance they had shewn him in his serious illness, threatening at one time the deprivation of his sight—the greatest of of human afflictions. Having expressed his thanks to Mr. Powell, and Mr. Peel, the hon. member concluded amidst the cheering of the Assembly. Thanks having been accorded to the returning officer, the court broke up.
IPROGRESSIVE IMPROVEMENT.
I PROGRESSIVE IMPROVEMENT. So then Progressive Improvement" is to be the policy of the new Parliament. We have this on the highest au- thority. "Progressive Improvement" is the watchword of the Times manifesto and the Tiverton speech. Such is the nearest approach to a definite cry that can he devised on behalf of Lord Palmerston for the sake of those who are already getting a little weary of Palmerston and China War." Well, thero is nuthing like a contented spirit and we ought, perhaps, to be thankful that even this vague approach to a policy is professed on behalf of a Minister who is avowedly a comparative stranger to the great ques- tions of parliamentary and social reform which have so profound an interest for the majority of his fellow-country- men. Palmerston and Progressive Improvement," if it have little meaning, has at all events no mischief in it. It is not so much to our minds as Russell and Reform," but it may pass for want of a better. It has also this merit, that its rate of progression depends considerably on pies- sure from without. In the last Parliament it did not extend to the abolition of Church Rates, it excluded Locke King's motion, and presented a firm-front against Ballot. We shall see how far it will go in the next Parliament. Unless present appearances are more than usually decep- tive, Progressive Improvement" in the new house will mean something more than it did in the old nay, may mean so much more, that no minister will have a chance of retaining power who is not prepared vigorously and earnestly to set his hand to the work of those social, parlia- mentary, ecclesiastical, and administrative reforms, for which all men of sense feel that the nation has already waited far too long. But if the Paimerstonians have some difficulty in getting up any cry but a personal one, how infinitely more perplex- ing is the embarrassment of those who must btill, we sup- pose, be called Derbyites ? They have not only no measures, but no man to go to the country upon. They have not only no banner to follow, but they have no harrier to defend. There is no throne endangered, no Church in jeopardy, no Agriculture to protect, no Popish tendencies in the Ministry to denounce. The old cries are gone— there are no new ones forthcoming. Even the inventive lord of Ilughenden Manor has hitherto been able to invent nothing which can catch a vote or rally a party. In opposing, and vcry properly opposing, turbulent and aggres:,I: ve foreign policy" of the rival leader, and in de- nouncing the habits of extravagant expenditure certain to be engendered even by a brief relapse into a state of war— the Tories of to-day are compelled to borrow the favourite watchwords of the Liberals. Peace and Retrenchment" (to those who recall the times of Percival and Liverpool) are the strange cries for the lavish landocracy of England. But into the adoption of these cries they are now driven either by the fortunate exigencies of party, or the still more fortunate progress of intelligence. There is only one word wanting to complete the famous old tripple motto, so long the shibboleth of their political opponents and, if we are to judge by hustings demonstrations, there is some raason to think that even that deficiency may ere long be supplied. There is Mr. Malins at Wallingford, for instance-a legal pillar of Derbyite conservatism-scuutiiig the notion of finality, and broadly admitting the expediency of extending the muffrage Mr. Hodgson, the Durbyite-rio, we beg his pardon, the l'almeistoiiian—conservative, sees his way to go at least as far in the same direction. We have, of course, a reasonable distrust for all professions made under circumstances like these we press them no further than as evidences that Progressive Improvement" is not a cry in which Palmerston has any peculiar property, but that Tories of all shades, whether fighting under his banner or his opponent's, have already learnt to lisp, in feeble accents the once unmentionable word Reform." "Peace, Re- trenchment, and Reform to the extent of progressive improvement"—this, then, is the Derby programme- Lord Palmerston substitutes himself and China" for the two former cries, and joins his opponent in the last. 01 the two, tnenj there is less difference between the Lioeiais aud the follower oi J,.Q¡\\ rp4iwllwu, Ukt thii should be so is, no doubt, a great discredit to the so-called chief of the Liberal party but is it any political advantage to Lord Derby ? In fact, ia there any one result of the pre- sent elections, as far as they have gone, more palpable than thls, that Lord Derby is no longer in the race? Are thsre any Deroyites any longer to be found in the world of practical politics-in the same sense, we mean, as there are Perlites still, and as there were Derbyites five years ago ? lias Lord Derby as a leader any real personal following ? Is his name a power? Is his political wisdom respected ? Are his political principles trusted ? Is it not clear that the standard of revolt raised by tha Tyrclls and the Ben- tincks in the last Parliament will draw after it a much greater crowd of defaulters in the next ? The rumoured alliance of Air. Gladstone has worked some mischief a[- ready to his new friends, and will work more yet. His opponent has erafiiiv contrived to get a hold on the ultra- Protestant feeling of the country-p irty. Of the two poli- tical chiefs Lord Palmerston is at this moment the secret favourite of the squirearchy. It would by means astonish us if ere the new Parliament is many months old he become their avowed champion. He has almost everything in his favour. All that renders him the natural object of the Liberal distrust renders him equally the natural objsct of Tory confidence. Those reminiscences of his early official days, in the good old times when the fourth George was Regent, and Castlereagh and Sidmouth ruled the State, and wheat was at famine price, and Reform meetings were put down by Peterloo massacres, aUII the fiery ysun Stanley was a stripling at Oxford, preparino- for a dashing career as the first of Whig debaters ;-all these tender memories of the past endear to Tory eyes the man whom the deeply mistrusted Disraeli, making some sacri- flee as usual, of truth to point, has described as the Tory chief of a Radical Cabinetsrnd the heavy handed Sir James, wuh all the candour of-ft former colleague, has just admitte 1 to his hearers at Carlisle to be an old Tory of the deepest dye." There is an obvious ground on which we regret this manifestation of latent Toryism by the pseudo-Liberal leader. It contains follower# on both sides under false pretences. Thus the Tory lawyer, Mr. Bovill, at Guild- 1 I r. Bovill, at Guild- ford, avows himself a Palmerstonian on the strength of the Tiverton address an advanced Libelallike Mr. Gilpin at Northampton professes, on different grounds, of course, the same fjith. There is another ground on which we regret it less. In spite of all the sham liberalism of Pal- merstonian rories in spite of the substitution of such a vague generality as Progressive Improvement" for more definite and intelligible tests of opinioii- we entertain a confident belief that the new Parliament will contain a far greater proportion of sincere and earnest Liberals than the last. If this be so, one of tivo things must speedily follow. Lord Palmerston must adopt and forward Liberal measures, or cease to be the chief of the Liberal party. In either case the gain to the friends of progress would be clear on the first hypothesis, their measures would he carried; on the second hypothesis they would secure not only the ultimate success of the reforms they have most at heart, but the leadership of a political chief more qualified than Lord Palmerston to be the First Minister, in an era of peace and progress, of a country whose first desire is that Progres- sive Improvement' shmid be, not a sham, but a reality— not an election war cry, but a great political fact.I),.Tly News.
I DISGRACEFUL RIOT AT KIDDERMINSTER.
I DISGRACEFUL RIOT AT KIDDERMINSTER. The contest at Kidderminster has been a severe one between the Right Hon. Robert Lowe, the late member, and the Conservative candidate, Mr. William Boycott, a local solicitor. On Saturday list-the polling day—the electors were allowed to exercise their privilege in a com- paratively quiet manner up to 2 o'clock in the afternoon, nothing beyond a little senseless groaning occurring at either of the polling booths. The various carpet mills closed on Saturday at 2 o'clock, and shortly after that hour the liberated workmen hastened towards the south polling booth, situated on Blakeway-green, and by about 3 o'clock there could not have been less than 5,000 or 6,000 men and women of the lower orders assembled upon this large open s; ace This vast congregation of Boycott's supporters soon dispersed the respectable persons who had attended at the booth during the morning, and a scene ensued of the most abominable and barbarous character. Every one who was thought to be in favour of Mr. Lowe was hissed, groaned, and vilely treated. Forty special constables, and one or two regular policemen, under the superintendence of the chief constable, Mr. Menifield, contrived to preserve a space for voters to pass through the crowd to the booth, but whenever an elector gave in his vote for Mr. Lowe the mob assailed him with groans and execrations, spat upon him, kicked and cuffed him, and subjected him to the most dastardly illusage. The cais in,the service of the unpopular candidate were stoned and broken, but those of Mr. Boycott were allowed to pass along unharmed. Mr. Lowe remained in the south booth from 1 o'clock in the day until after the closing of the poll, and Mr. Boycott visited the place occasionally, amid the uproai lous cheers of his admirers. Between three and four o'clock, when the mob ascertained that their man was likely to lose, stones were hurled into the booth at intervals. Mr. James Holmes, Mr. James Pardoe, and Mr. George Hooman, friends of Mr. Lowe, were wounded by the missiles. Oa the close of the poll at 4 o'clock Mr. Joseph Kiteley, the mayor, announced the number of votes recorded. This assurance of Mr. Boycott's defeat seemed greatly to exasperate the mob, and several senseless and malicious individuals were observed inciting the people to attack the right hon gentleman and his friends, who had triumphed. Stones were thrown into the booth. Loud im- imprecations were uttered against Mr. Lowe and Mr. James Pardoe, and numerous Tory adherents prepared themselves with manifest premeditation to attack Mr. Lowe and his supporters. Loud calis were made for Mr. Boycott to "come out, and let us kill the and with a desire to quell the rising fury of the multitude Mr. Boycott and one of his friends, Mr. Best, mounted the hustings and requested the people quietly to disperse. The ruffians did not heed the advice given, and threw a volley of stones into the booth, injuring most of those inside it upon which Mr. Boycott and his friends retired and proceeded towards town, the mob making way for them and cheering them as they passed. Their departure was a signal to the cowards surrounding the booth, and instantly missiles of every de- cription, stones, brickbats, palings, and even penny-pieces, were thrown at Mr. Lowe and his friends, accompanied by oaths of the most fearful character. Mr. Superintendent Merrifield, by the direction of the Mayor, then proceeded to form his policemen and Mr. Lowe, with Mr. James Pardoe and Mr. Holmes and others, walked up the lane, preserved here by the special constables. By this means the right hon. member got in front of the mob, although stoned all the way, and waited with the Mayor for a few moments while the constables formed themselves into an escort. Before, however, Mr. Merrifield's men could arrange themselves in order, showers of missiles literally rained upon Mr. Lowe, his supporters, and the officers. Mr. Lowe was bleeding copiously from a wound in the head, and nearly every person around him was cut on the face and head. Under these circumstances a retreat became necessary, and the right hon. member and his friends retired towards Mr. Shepherd's school, some 300 yards distant, hotly pursued by the infuriated mob, who stoned them with revolting brutality. Luckily the pursued gentlemen gained refuge in Mr. Shepherd's house, which stands back from the, road, and is protected by high iron gates and a seven-feet wall. The mob endeavoured to force an entrance into the place, aud tried to wrench the locks off the gates; the attempts were unsuccessful, but they did considerable damage. Hundreds prowled about the spot for several hours, swearing that they would kill both Mr. Lowe and Mr. Pardoe, and it is pretty certain that they would have carried out their murderous intent had an oppprtunity offered. Mr. Lowe was so seriously injured and weakened from loss of blood that it was found necessary to secure the services of Mr. Strettou, burgeon, forthwith. The mob allowed the medical man to pass through them into tho house, and directed him to inform his patient that they were determined to do for him" before he left Kidder- minster. Mr. Stretton discovered that Mr. Loive had sustaine d a fracture of the right parietal bone of the skull, in addition to a lacerated scalp wound and two severe contusions on the hide of the head. Mr. Pardoe had suffered contusions on the head and body. Mr. Holmes received an incised wound on the scalp, from which blood flowed freely. Before the surgeon had attended to the gentlemen named Police-constable Jukes was carried into the house in a state of insensibility, covered with blood. The poor fellow had been struck nearly all over with stones. One missile had fractured tvo bones of his nose in a. frightful manner, and another had caused a large lacerated wound of the skull. It appears that part of the mob, on being foiled from further inj uiing their higher victims, commenced stoning, beating, and kicking the policemen; they very soon scattered the specials, every one of whom exhibits marks of the fray, and it is almost miraculous that Mr. Merrifield and his nine regular officers (all there are in the town) escaped comparatively unhurt, notwith- standing that they were struck repeatedly on their heads and bodies with stones. Having pelted the police as long as they pleased, and imagining that Mr. Lowe "oad escaped from Mr. Shepherd's by the back way to the Albert Inn, in liewdley-street, kept by Mr. Potter, the mob smashed every window in frout of the building. Mr. Merrifield and what few pi his men were not yet disabled made a bold stand against the crowd while they were committing this outrage, but of course seven or eight persons were powerless against hundreds. The crowd then defiled into the town, amusing themselves by the way with occasionally smashing windows, insulting every well-dressed person they met, and lustily yelling Boycott for ever." Fo r several hours hundreds of the populace paraded the thoroughfares, snouting and screaming. In order to vary tue entertainment, the throng also engaged themselves in pulling down the shutters of establishments kept by unpopular persons, and in bonneting all who dared to remonstrate wi h them. About 12 o'clock symptoms of a row were manifested by the mob collected in High-street, the preparatory tokens of hostilities being the breakage of windows in the Lion Hotel. At this juncture, however, the clatter of arms and horses' hoofs announced the arrival of a troop of 5) Hussars from Birmingham, which had been telegraphed for shortly after 4 o'clock, and the fear of cold steel had quickly a quieting effect upon the rioters. The Mayor and magistracy, who had been sitting en permancnce, made their appearance under the protection of the military, and his worship at once read the Riot Act, orders were given to clear the streets, and the soldiers tiid the police effected this operation in tiie course of two hours. ¡ The Hussars remained on duty until 4 o'clock in the morning, and will stay in the town for one or two days. a3 it is feared another outbreak may occur on Monday. When the reporter left Kidderminster in the eveaing the town was j quiet and peaceable. The police managed to apprehend four of the?LtS?ns er,- f gaged in the riot, and will summon before the magistrates a number of the local mobocracy who are known to have taken an active part in the melee. Mr. Lowe was removed from Kidderminster between 10 and 11 o'clock at night. In addition to the gentlemen we have named, Mr. Green, tax-collector, Dr. Ronald, and Mr. Stockdale, of the Swan 11111, have been wounded. Hun- dreds of the people were cut and bruised about the head ] and face, for wheu tile not was at ita height the nob attacked both frieud and foe.