The Welshman

BRECON ELECTION. I On Tuesday last, Col Lloyd Watkins, who was un- opposed, was re-elected Member of Parliament for the borough of Brecknock. Dr Prestwood Lucas, in nominating the gallant and esteemed Colonel, spoke as follows :-In obedience to the writ of our gracious and beloved Queen, which we have heard read, we are now to proceed to the exercise of one of the most precious and important privileges of a free people, viz., to choose one of ourselves to represent us, our wishes, and our interests in the Commons House of Parliament. It has never been my habit to take a prominent pirt in our public meetings, and if I am now departing from my usual, and to be more congenial, line of conduct, it is only because I have been asked to do so by some of my fellow townsmen in so kind and flatter- ing a manner, that it might have implied a want of proper feeling and duo respect to those who came to me had I refused to comply with their reqaest. It might also have been fairly urged against me that a man who, when duly called upon to do so, refuses to take his share in the public business of the place in which he lives, is neglecting a very clear duty, and forfeits his claim to be regarded as a good citizen. If for a moment I felt inclined to avoid this duty it was most assuredly not because I was ashamed of my political creed, or afraid to avow it I have held and cherished Liberal principles among my deepest and most settled convictions, and from the earliest- period at which my mind became capable of taking an intelligent interest in politics, properly so called. In all that I have ever read of ancient or modern history, I have found that nations have risen to the highest pitch of grandeur and power whose political institutions have been such as to give scope to the fullest and freest growth and development of all national convictions, of all national aspirations, and to the freest expression of every national want. And on the other hand, where all this has been crushed and trodden down by the sheer force of arbitrary power- when it has been attempted to establish systems of un- changeably social and political conditions-then the nation has become degenerate in spirit, cramped in in- tellect, impoverished in all the elements of material prosperity-in all that can constitute a great and h.ppy people; for a good and wise political system-one truly adapted to the wants and conditions of a people-can never be, like crystallised matter, unchangeable in form and incapable of improvement. It must have within it a principle of life, of growth, and of progress, to cxpind and flourish through future generations. Nor is the idea of such a system a mere dream of the imagination, for, making due allowance for the necessary imperfection of all human contrivances, the ideal has been realised—it actually existed in the spirit of the laws and institutions of our own country and is, as I steadfastly believe, most expressively set forth in what, for want of a more definite form of speech, we call Liberal principles. I trust that what we are to do this morning may be ac- cepted as a declaration of our earnest attachment to those principles and of our resolution to maintain them. When we look back over only the brief period of the ex- istence of our late Parliament,' how much prosperity- resulting from the working of those principles—havo we not to acknowledge. So much, indeed, that it might be- come a deadly snare to us, leading to an over-weening and impious presumption, if we failed to recognise and give glory to that Great Being who alone is the primary source of all our national happiness and power. We cannot but rejoice and be thankful for the wonderful prosperity of the nation under the Government of the gifted statesman by whom its affairs are administered. It would be only repeating what has already been pre- sented to the country in so many different forms if I were to detail the beneficial results of the measures which have marked the career of our Liberal Government-how we have been kept at peace under circumstances most penlous.and difficult,-how the fetters which encumbered trade, and so far obstructed the free course of the na- tional prosperity,—have been struck off one after the another, and what a marvellous development of our com- merce has been the happy consequence,—how our taxa- tion has been lessened by millions, whilst the yet un- impaired elasticity of the national resources has sufficed to keep the revenue up to its required level. In truth, it seems to me that if the wisdom and excellence of our administration may fairly be tested by the success of its measures, the present one may boldly challenge comparison with any that has gone before it, and justly claims the cordial and grate- ful approval of the nation. It is with such convictions, fellow burgesses, that I now stand here to claim the support of your suffrages when I propose Colonel Lloyd Vaughan Watkins as our representative in the new Par- liament. He has served us long and faithfully, with only one brief interval I believe, since 1832, when our respected friend on the right of the Mayor-Mr Jones- was one of the earliest, the most stanch, and ardent of his supporters. Our Member's free and independent L a..rn„ 90 tho .j-tv of would have wished them to be -in favour of Liberal measures and of Liberal administrations. I use th'. words free and independent votes advisedly, for we have always sent him to Parliament not as our delegate, shackled with pledges, but with all freedom and judg- ment as our representative. Such I conceive to be the true relation which, according to the spirit of the British constitution, ought to exist between a Member of Par- liament and his constituents. Colonel Watkins' con- stant and exemplary attention to his Parliamentary duties has been attested by the appearance of his name in the lists of all the important divisions of the House of Commons. Whoever was absent our member was always at his post. With the unwavering consistency of his political career we have every reason to be satisfied, and we shall only stamp it anew with our approbation when we re-elect him to be Member in Parliament for this ancient borough. (Dr. Lucas was repeatedly cheered throughout the delivery of his speech). Mr Jones, chemist, in seconding the nomination, said Mr Mayor and Brother Burgesses,-I feel much obliged to Mr Alderman Williams, chairman of Colonel Watkins's committee, for the letters he sent to me at Aberystwith, stating that it had been unanimously re- solved upon that I should be appointed to second the nomination, and be present to accept at the hands of my brother tradetmen a mark of their confidence and ap- proval of my consistent and straightforward conduct for so many years. This request I have acceded to with most grateful feelings, the compliment and honour con- ferred upon me being unexpected. At past contested elections we have seen the electors assembled in two opposite and hostile divisions, but we have now to rejoice at the unity that prevails amongst us. On look- ing around this meeting I have a vivid recollection of the election of 1832, and can picture to myself the host of countenancies which are now no more. Although that genrration has now nearly disappeared, another has risen up in its stead, and provided the mantle of those brave, independent, and noble men should descend upon their sons, the borough will always be secure from Con- servative innovation. I much regret, with Dr Lucas, that the Colonel is too unwell to be present. I arn. now one of the oldest of his friends, having voted for him in the year 1832 and in my decisions since, at the elections in the borough or county, I have acted in accordance with the dictates of my judgment and conscience. Yro- vided that the same course were adopted by every elector there would be no doubtful voters, no neuter, and no necessity whatever for the ballot. I rejoice to ;find so much zeal and unanmity among Col. Watkins'friends, they have taken upon themselves the entire care, burden, and expense of his return. Mr Alderman Williams, the excellent chairman of the com- mittee, deserves all praise, and he has been for many years now the recognised head of the Liberal party in this town-he had acted as their guide, counsellor and adviser. Previous to my seconding the nomination of Col Watkins, I beg to state that his personal good will to the inhabitants of Brecon, his endeavour to promote the political, agricultural, and general interests of our town, together with his prompt and kind personal atten- tion to the wishes of his constituents, have endeared him to all classes-the political parties and the religionists of every domination. I may also add that Colonel Wat- kins is now an experienced and veteran politician, he having to the great benefit of the town of Brecon, been the representative of this borough for upwards of 30 years. In years gone by he had spent thousands of pounds in the town, and had he still a fountain of wealth he would diffuse it in profusion amongst us (applause). He has always given his ready support to the many im- portant measures which, since the eventful period of the passing of the Reform Bill of '32, have conduced to the wealth, greatness, freedom, and prosperity of this happy country, His attention to the duties he under- took has been unwearied and his attendance in the House of Commons praiseworthy. Indeed, there are few names so rarely absent from the division list of the House as that of the gallant Colonel. Should he in the course of many years hence, arising from advanced age with its attendant infirmities, relinquish his political career-give up his stewardship—I trust he will do so with most joyous feelings—feelings arising from a con- sciousness that during his political life he has acted with fidelity-fidelity to the interests of his constituents and the nation at large. He will then earn the deserved plau- dits of all whom he so faithfully served. With heartfelt pleasure, I now second the nomination of Colonel Lloyd V aughan. Watkins as most worthy to be our future representative in the Commons House of Parliament (ap- plause). In the absence of any other nomination, Col. Watkins was declared duly elected amid the enthusiastic plaudits of the large number of burgesses who had congregated at 1 the Town-hall, where the nomination took place. Mr Lowthe appropriately thanked the burgesses fer ¡ their choice on behalf of Col Watkins, who he said, was unable to attend the meeting in consequence of being too unwell. THE GHEAT hx Oil THE UNITED STATES.—The Hon. W. Pepper, one of the circuit judges of Tennessee, was formerly a blacksmith; and, "for the fun of it," he lately made with his own hands ail iron fire shovel, which ho presented to the Governor, the Hon. Andrew Johnson. In return Governor Johnson, who was for- merly a tailor, cut and made with his own hands a coat, and presented it to the judge. The correspondence which passed is published in the Tennessee papers.

HAVERFORDWEST ELECTION, I In our report of the nomination at Haverfordwest, the third column was put second, by which Mr Scourfield's speech became mixed up with Mr Marychurch's speech. We regret this mistake, and hope that no very great inconvenience arose from it. The confusion mut have been at once apparent to those who read the report with ordinary care. DECLARATION OF THE POLL. The declaration of tho result of the Poll took place on Thursday, at nine o'clock. Both candidates were met by their friends, and marched in procession to the Hall, that of Mr Scourfield being preceded by a brass band. The JIatl was filled in every part, the two galleries being as ou t\ie previous occasion, occupied by ladies. The Sheriff said I will now declare to you the state of the poll: the figures stand in the following order :— Scourfield. Edwardes. Haverfordwest. 257 181 Fishguard. 32 22 Narberth 37 17 326 223 leaving a majority of 103 votes in favour of Mr Scour- field. (Loud applause.) I therefore declare John Henry Scourfield, Esquire, duly returned a Member to serve in the next Parliament for the Boroughs of Ha- verfordwest, Fishguard, and Narberth. (Renewed ap- plause.) Mr Whicher Davies said Gentlemen, while we are waiting for a light to seal up the document which is to last for ever, let us give Mr Scourfield three hearty cheers. (The call was responded to with great enthu- siasm.) Cheers were also given for Mr Lort Phillips, and the opposition also gave a round of cheers for Mr. Edwardes. Mr Scourfield (whose rising was the signal for a perfect outburst of applause) then said: Brother freemen and burgesses of the Town of Haverfordwest, and Gentlemen electors of the contributory Boroughs of Fishguard and Narberth,—I find it a comparatively easy task to address you in the midat of conflicting arguments and opinions, but really when an occasion like this occurs, I have only to say that which for four successive times I have said to you-to return you thanks for the confidence which you have reposed in me —and I feel a difficulty in varying the expression of my gratitude. It is a great satisfaction to me to find that on this occasion I have been returned by so large a ma- jority, and under circumstances different from what has ever occurred to me before. On the first occasion when I had the honour to be returned by you, I had a large majority in this town, but the contributory Boroughs of Fishguard and Narberth I was in a minority. On the second occasion the borough of Narborth afforded me its support more freely, and I was in a majority on that occasion in that Borough, but still in a minority in the Borough of Fishguard. But on the present occasion I have the happiness to find that I have obtained a majority of supporters in all the three Boroughs. (Loud applause ) It is of course satisfactory to me to compare the circumstances under which I obtained my first large majority with the present. I knew that on that occasion I was an untried man so far as a member of Parliament was concerned, and we know that ima- gination lends great attractions to any candidate who for the first time presents himself to your notice. (Loud laughter.) Since that time I have lived unceasingly amongst you—I have lived in the full glare of public observation—J have had to discharge many difficult duties—I have discharged several duties which must necessarily involve differences of opinion, and bring me into collision with many persons whose opinions are entitled to be received with respect; but still at the same time it is a great satisfaction to me to find that allowing for the imperfections of human nature, I can assume my friends have judged that on the whole I have endeavoured to act fairly and justly. (Loud applause.) I don't wish to say anything calculated to provoke acrimony or invective on the present occasion. With regard to my hon and gallant opponent nothing can be more fair or more courteous than the way in which he has conducted this contest. The only observa- tion I could make is in reference to his entrance into this contest. I cannot help thinking that he must have been misled. (Hear, hear.) I assure you that when the list of my supporters was presented to me, and when I saw the great number of recorded promises, it would have been a positive insult to the inhabitants of this town and the contributory Boroughs, if I had entertain- ed the slightest doubt whatever of my being returned by a large majority. (Applause.) Now I am quite aware that persons living at a distance must judge of the greater number of transactions in which they are to engage-not by their own observation, for that is not possible, but by the representations of those in whom they place reliance. (Hear, hear.) I can't help think- ing that mv hon and gallant opponent must have been misled by those representations, and that he has beeu unfortunate in his guides, philosophers, and friends. (Loud applause ) There was an observation made in the course of a speech the other day to which I must demur a little. We were told that these contested elections, when they are properly conducted, become agreeable meetings-agreeable reunions. (Great laugh- ter.) Now, I for one am only too happy to meet my friends and supporters, but perhaps I may be admitted to say that I would rather meet them anywhere than at the time of a contested election. (Loud laughter.) This is not the way in which persons are brought in the most harmonious manner—(laughter,, and I Hear, hear')—1 can't help stating that I feel fully satisfied that it is attended with great inconveniences. Most of us have experienced these inconveniences, many of my friends have come a great distance, and the town has been disturbed in its avocations. (Loud applause.) I do not for a moment dispute the right of anyone to come forward to contest the representation of these towns,—I don't say it is an absolute right-but I think it is only fair and just to the town that the persons who promote these contests should satisfy themselves before they do so that they have what I may call a reasonable pros- pect of success (Prolonged applause.) 1 can't help thinking that a most singular view of human nature is taken by Mr Phillips he seems in certain things to re- semble those united happy families which are sometimes exhibited in the streets of London. (Great Laughter:) But I am afraid that however well each side may agree amongst themselves, they will not agree when united, and one is put in mind of the anecdote of the kind lady who was so charmed with the aspect of good will amongst them, and so affected with the happiness they seemed to enjoy in each other's eyes, that she was in- duced to purchase them, but when the influence of the narcotic which had lulled them into quietness, had passed away, they were all discovered fighting and quarrelling amongst themselves. (Roars of laughter.) And allowing every weight to the eloquence of Mr Phillips, and persons like him, I really am afraid that after the influence of that eloquence is withdrawn, it may happen that the passions of mtn become excited by those animosities which temporarily arise at contested elections, and the results which follow are not entirely in con- sonance with the feelings of the man who professes to be emphatically the Friend of Peace. (Great applause.) I don't wish to indulge in any feeling of exultation or of triumph on the present occasion. It is satisfactory to me to find that I have had a very large majority. This is, indeed, very gratifying to me because Time has, I grieve to say, thinned the ranks of those who originally supported me: many kind friends have been removed from this life, and therefore I must consider that those vacancies have been supplied by fresh supporters and friends. 1 really don't wish to detain you on the pre- sent occasion more than to say that this mark of con- fidence and good will you have reposed in me, will be ever cherished by me. I will endeavour to deserve it. I make no promise. You have exacted no promise from me, but the confidence which leads people to exact no promise does not make me negligent to serve them: I do not think the less of the obligation be- cause it is not fettered by promises. For the very great kindness you have shown me, I can only once more return you my sincere thanks. It has been, as I said before, a subject of great grief and concern to me that I am always destined to appear before you in the midst of these scenes of strife. It is really no fault of mine. I can only refer to printed documents. You may see in the document which still remains in this town the list of persons who first invited me to come forward to repre- sent this place. Their names are in print, and you may judge yourselves whether I was not justified in doing what I did, not only justified in the first instance but by subsequent results; and I do say that the persons who take upon themselves the responsibility of dis- turbing the peace of the town, should consider and weigh well the representations that are made to them an d endeavour to ascertain whether they are truly reliable. (Loud cried of Hear, hear.') Again I thank you for your kindness, and allow me to make one observation, and one only: you have shown me great kindness, you can add materially to that obligation by exerting yourselves to promote peace and good will in the town, and by banishing from your minds all animosities, and in your respective avocations to- morrow act as if this contested election had never taken place. (Loud applause.) Once more, gentlemen, I return you my graceful thanks for the honour you have done me in returning me as your representative to Parliament. (Great applause.) Captain E d wardes (who was also loudly cheered) saId: -Mr High kjieriff, Brother Freemen, and Electors of the Boroughs of Haverfordwest, Narberth, and Fish- guard -It is never an easy matter for a defeated candi- date to say anything after an election is over: but I think I may fairly request your attention for a few minutes while I say a few words about this contest. My late honourable opponent-and I think I may also say my personal friend- for ho was kind enough to use those words regarding myself on the day of nomination, —has stated that the large majority by which he has been returned proves how utterly useless it was for me to enter into this contest, and that he considers that I must have been misled by those who introduced me into this matter. All I can say is this :-1 don't consider that my friends mislead me. There is no doubt of this —and I don't wish to disguise your minds from the fact —that we have been beaten by a larger majority than we were led to expect it would be from the promises that were made to me. I don't speak with any harshness or rumour against any body of men, but had the number of electors who had promised me come on, and not stood aloot and remained neuter, that majority, I assure you, might have been most materially lessened. I should be the last man to wish to promise strife in any place I always wish to see men go hand in hand in good will and fellowship towards one another. (Applause). There is no doubt that contestod elections however well conducted they may be, are the occasion of many things which we might regret. lean say this from the little experience I have had in elections. My first experience in an election was when the contest for the County took place a few years ago: and I can only compare the feeling that then existed with the present. I think this has been much more quiet: there was then a great noise and a great deal of shouting, but I don't think there has been any expression of ill-feeling in this Hall on the present occasion. (Hear, hear.) Let this be their motto Unity is strength.' Let the whole Liberal party in this town be united, and I think my hon opponent will agree with me that there will not be 103 against us. I don't complain that I have been defeated we have had a fair stand-up fight-(Hear, hear.) We think none the worse of our opponents for beating us and I don't think they will think the worse of us if we take our licking well. (Hear, hear. ) You have beaten us, and I don't complain of it in the least of course I should be much bettor pleased if I had won. (Laughter). And now allow me to give a few words of advice to those who sit on that side of the Hall. [Alluding to Mr Scourfield's supporters ]. You have defeated us hy a large majority on this occasion you have defeated the Liberal party on,former occasions: but don't despise us. There is no way more likely to ensure your own defeat than to de- spise an enemy. (Hear, hear). You have beaten us so often that perhaps some day you may teach us how to beat you. (Laughter). I will not detain you any longer, except to express my warm thanks to those gentlemen who afforded me their support on the present occasion. (Loud applause). Mr Scourfield: Gentlemen,—I am going to propose that which I believe will be agreed to by all present. and with which my honourable and gallant opponent-I wish to add—(and if I omitted it to-day it was merely an accident.) -my personal friend; for I can repeat that nothing has occurred which can alter my personal feeling towards]) him,—will cordially agree, however we may differ on other points. I wish to propose a vote of thanks to the High Sheriff of the town for his courteous and impartial conduct on the occasion. (Applause). The Hon. W. Edwardes I have the greatest pleasure in seconding the motion of your honourable member. (Loud Applause.) The vote was unanimously agreed to, three hearty cheers being given for the High Sheriff. The Sherifl: Gentlemen, -I am very much obliged to you for your unanimous vote of thanks to me. I can only say, that I have done my best to do my duty in a fair and impartial manner to both parties (Hear, hear.)—and I am sure that the election has been con- ducted in a way that is a credit to the town. Applause.) Mr Scourfield and his friends then retired, leaving Mr Ed wardes and his supporters in the Hall. Mr John Lloyd, on being called upon, addressed the meeting in a speech, which created considerable amuse- ment among hit. heavers. Mr Lloyd touched humour- ously and pleasantly on election topics, and his speech, being entirely free from anything of an offensive charac- ter, would, we are sure, have afforded gratification to his opponents had they been present. After leaving the Hall, Mr Scourfield, accompanied by his friends, rode through the town, being everywhere received with great demonstrations of satisfaction. Flags and banners, bearing complimentary inscriptions, were displayed in the principal streets, and in Hill street, a large wreath of evergreens had been constructed which extended across the street, being connected with the windows of a house on each side. On their arrival at Mr Scourfield's residence in Goat-street, the proces- sion formed up in front of the house, and the hon. member addressed them in a very feeling speech, thank- ing them most sincerely for the honour they had done him, and for the great enthusiasm they had displayed in their support of him, and which he jocularly remarked, in allusion to the rain which fell at the time, was un- diminished either in fair or fowl weather. Loud cheers were given for Mrs.Scourfield, Mr and Mrs LortPhillips, Mr A Lort Phillips, and many other attached friends of the hon. member, after which a most laughable incident occurred Some Ol,e among Mr Scourfield's supporters, suggested that that was a fitting opportunity to celebrate Mr Whicher Davies's victory in the late contest for a seat in the Town Council, and proposed that he should be 'chaired' from Goat Street to his residence at Castle Square. The proposal was unanimously agreed to, and a chair was obtained. Mr Davies stoutly resisted all attempts to do thim his honour, but strong arms pre- vailed, and he was forcibly seated in the chair, which was hoisted on the shoulders of his friends. The pro- cession reformed, and proceded by the Band playing S00 ttio lXoi v uuiuco j ~-»ooo ui jjfciHiQd lyir Davies to his house, where he addressed them in a humerous speech. The 'chairing' of the newly elected member of the Town Council caused great amusement, and the procession passed along Market street and High street to the Castle Square, amid immense cheering from the spectators. The proceedings were conducted with great good- humour on both sides, and no disturbance of any serious importance occurred throughout the contest. _r,r-

PEMBROKE ELECTION. I The preliminary proceedings in connection with this election have appeared at considerable length in the WELSHMAN during the last month. Last week we gave a brief account of the nomination on Wednesday, and the result of the poll on Thursday, but were compelled to hold over our detailed report of the interesting pro- ceedings in consequence of an unusual pressure of election and other local news. In fulfilment of our promise made last week, we now give a full report of the excellent speeches delivered on Wednesday week. Long before eleven o'clock, the hour fixed for the nomination, the Town Hall was filled in every available part. The bench was occupied by the Mayor, with Sir Hugh Owen and his supporters on the left, and the supporters of Mr Hardwick on his right. Mr Hardwick was not present, family bereavement preventing him. The audience was a most excited one, and was almost unanimously in Sir Hugh's favour, reminding one of the ever-memorable election at Bridgnorth. The Mayor having read the proclamation, said—Bro- ther burgesses,— We are met together this morning on very important business, a business that affects every independent voter in this borough. (Great uproar in the body of the hall.) If you will give me your patient hearing we will get through our work in a very creditable sort of way. (Cheers.) I am well known to you all, and I have known the voters in this borough for many years, and I will venture to say with regard to your conduct generally on these occasions, that it has been a credit to the country at large. (Renewed up roar.) I must appeal to you for that support which I have received in this borough for a year and a half or more and if you support me in a friendly way to-day, we shall go on very well. You have always paid me attention, and what you have done on former occasions I will venture to hope you will do on this. (Cheers). I said we have met together for an important object; that object is to select a fit and proper person to repre- sent your interests in the coming Parliament. Let me say a word or two on that subject. Some of us no doubt differ in opinion on this matter. Let us for a moment suppose that A and B are two candidates and seek our suffrages. You will vote for A., and if I ask you why, you will say, Because A is the best man, in my opinion, and because I have a free and independent right to vote for A." And do you think the friends of B have any right to find fault with you ? Some of you may vote for B, merely because you think him the best man; but have the friends of A a right to find fault with you for that ? (Cheers.) I hope, gentlemen, you will act upon that Eame principle. While some of you think one candidate the best, give the same right of feeling and expression to others that you claim for yourselves. (Cheers.) I was glad to hear from a gentleman that yesterday, although not in Haverfordwest myself-and there are sometimes noisy people there at elections-I was glad to hear that everything passed off quietly and orderly. And that gentleman gave me an outline of the candidates' addresses, and I believe that the orderly manner in which the proceedings passed is to be attri- buted to the mild spirit, the gentlemanly conduct, and the courteous behaviour of the candidates towards each other. (Hear, hear.) I think if the candidates here —and they will excuse me for making the rmark, for they are older and wiser than I am-if they will not find fault with one another, if they will take that view of the matter and not indulge in personalities, the voters in all probability will be quiet too, and will not indulge in such a spirit. But if the candidates indulge in per- sonalities and find fault with each other, the voters in the hall will take up the name feeling. While one can- didate has a perfect right to solicit your suffrages, the other has an equal right. (Cheers.) If I was not the returning officer this year, and chose to offer myself as a candidate, I hold I should have as great a right to say what I think as any one. That principle I hold-the principle of right as an Englishman, an educated man, capable of judging between right and wrong. (Cheers). I hope that you will act upon the principle of right to- day and I hope you will give to the proposers and seconders of the candidates, and to the candidates them- selves, the same patient hearing you have given to me. If you do this the affairs of this borough will pass off in an orderly manner, and creditable to ourselves. I will read to you the law on the subject, and if I wish to carry out the spirit of the law, and you wish to retain your liberty, and go from this hall unshackled by a policeman, you must act in accordance with the follow- ing clause in the Act of Parliament. (He then read the clause that enables the returning officer to call in the assistance of the police to remove any person disturbing the proceedings, and empowers the police to take such person to the nearest justice.) I now ask any voter pre- sent if you wish to propose any candidate. Dr. Bryant said—Gentlemen, it has unfortunately fallen to my lot to propose Sir Hugh Owen as a fit and proper person to represent this borough in Parliament (Cheers). I say unfortunately for me, because I ee- quite unequal to do full justice to the subject. Nevsr theless, gentlemen, I place myself before you at the reo quest of some of my friends, and I claim your excuse for any fault on my part. If my eloquence equalled Oll zeal, I should have very little difficulty in appearing before you. Four years ago Sir Hugh Owen came for' ward to represent the Liberal opinion of this borough. At that time we had a spirited contest, a contest honour* ably conducted, a hard-fought contest and a gloried majority. (Cheers). Sir Hugh Owen made you pro, mises and pledges, and, I believe, that he has fulfill every pledge which he then made. (Renewed cheering). 1 have therefore great pleasure to propose him to y011 again, not only as the advocate of great Liberal prjacl, ples, not only as a supporter of the Liberal opinion of the country, but as a supporter of that great, noble, alid venerable statesman, Lord Palmerston, who has just closed a Parliament of unusual duration and success- (Great uproar, and a Voice My name is George Pric0) and I deny the statement of Dr Bryant.) The Mayor—Now Price, listen to me. I have known you for a great many years, and I know that you are capable of conducting yourself as well as any one In this Hall. Price-I am, your worship. (Laughter). The Mayor—Well, do so now, George. I Price-I can, your worship, but I have a right to contradict Dr. Bryant. The Mayor— W e know you have been to London George- A Voice-Yes, and he is come back to pay his debts (Roars of laughter, and great uproar, which delayed the proceedings for some time. l Dr Bryant, after silence had been restored, continued I —Sir Hugh Owen is here as the representative of Liberal politics in this borough. I say, Sir Hugh Owen comes forward as a Liberal representative of this borough, and as such he represents a very large majority of you electors. I spoke of Lord Palmerston, that venerable statesman who has just closed a Parlia- ment of unusual duration. He has conducted us with credit and success through many trials, and he haS undergone greater difficulties than have fallen to the lot of most statesmen. (A voice, Don't say a word about that, Doctor," and uproar.) You all read the papers of the day carefully, perhaps much more than I do, but I will call to yeur mind some of the few diffi- culties which have fallen upon Lord Palmerston's admi- nistration. In the early part of his government it had to contend with the great Italian cause, mixed up as it was with the affairs of France, Russia, and Austria. This was a matter of extreme delicacy and difficulty: but he J conducted us through this without coming into collision with any one of those states. (A voice What about Popery ?" and uproar.) Gentlemen, there was another great difficulty, another great danger—(Great uproar, and cries of Turn him out; turn Price out." The Mayor—Will you listen to me, Price ? Did you hear the Act of Parliament read, and do you know that I have sufficient firmness to carry out the Act of Parliament ? I should be sorry to have to order you, an old friend and supporter in municipal matters, into the custody of the police, but I shall feel it my duty to do so unless you allow the speakers to proceed without interruption. Dr Bryent continued—The next blow was a stunning blow, a terrible blow, enough to annihilate any nation but ours; I mean the great cotton famine of the North. But we have pa-sae d through it, and rise into prosperity again, like the Phoenix from the Hames. (Loud applause.) During the last four years of danger and difficulty-I mean during the American war-he has had to study the jealous feelings of that very excitable nation, and has had to uphold the dignity of England. I say, Lord Palmerston has car- ried us through these difficulties and dangers he has steered the bark safely between the Chary bdes of the cotton famine and the Scylla of the American War, into the haven of prosperity, contentment, and peace. (Loud applause, and uproar, Price again trying to get a hearing. ) The Mayor—Price'you shall have an opportunity of speaking by and bye and we will pay the same atten- tion to you as youpay to the other speakers. Dr Bryant continued—Gentlemen, Lord Palmerston /J has, by the aid of that honourable, that unequalled financier, Mr Gladstone, reduced the taxatiom of the country by an enormous amount. He has reduced those imports that pressed heavily upon the poorer classes, by a reduction of the income tax from 9d to 4d—a reduc- tion of some £ 6,000,000. He has brought comfort to the firesides of every cottager and citizen by reducing the duty on tea, sugar, and other necessaries to the amount of £ 11,000,000; and in addition to that he has reduced the National Debt by £ 18,000,000. (Cheers.) These very wonderful effects have been wrought and these taxes reduced by a Liberal Government, and that is the Go' vernment we the Liberal electors of Pembroke intend to send Sir Hugh Owen to support. (Cheers.) These things are done and have been done during years of enormous expenditure—years of expenditure never known in this country except during times of war. Our expenditure for some years has been so large as ;670,000,000- How is it so large ? Why that expendi- ture P Many of you who are daily looking on at the con- version of the great and glorious bulwarks of this country from wood into iron are in a position to judge of the cause of this enormous expenditure. No Govern- ment, whether Conservative or Liberal, will allow our navy to become less efficient in comparison with that of other nations. We must maintain the preeminence on the ocean which has ever been our pride and boast, and must take care that that flag which has braved a thousand years the battle and the breeze shall be resnected every- where. (Loud cheers.) I say, no government will venture to reduce the expenditure so as to lead to the inefficiency of the navy. (Cheers.) There is another source of great expenditure-our ordnance-the conver- sion of those old 24 and 32 pounders, by which we have fought such glorious battles, but which are mere popguns py the side of the 300-pounders of Sir William Armstrong. As arts and science advance we must arm our ships and mount our forts with such guns as will successfully repel any enemy who might venture to attack them. (Cheers.) Those are some of the causes of the very great expenditure of the last few years and notwsthstanding the condition of our navy we have closed the last quarter's account with a balance of £ 800,000. (Cheers.) These are the glorious effects and doings of a Liberal Government. (Renewed cheering.) I shall detain yoa but a very little longer. During the pre- sent week I have had, I am sorry to say, very few opportunities of hearing the speeches of the various persons on both sides who have addressed the electors; but I did listen with much pleasure to the very able and eloquent speech of Mr Adams, and to the very able speech of the hon. gentleman when he introduced to the Pembroke electors. I say I had much pleasure in listening to those speeches, and wish to make a few comments upon them. There was a great noise, and some parts of those speeches I might have but im- perfectly heard; and if I make any misstatement or any error, I hope 1 shall be corrected. Mr Adams, after eulogising the high moral qualities, the high intelli- gence and the fitness of the hon. gentleman whom he., was introducing, said that that gentleman (Mr Hard- v wick) has an immense deal of money; more money than I have, and more than most of you." (A voice We don't care about his money.) Now I would, in my ignorance, ask you why this money renders that gentleman so peculiarity fit to represent: us. I have no doubt Mr Hardwick has a great deal of money. I have no doubt but that he has earned it very hard and with difficulty, using great care and diligence and I have no doubt that he would use equal care and judgment in laying it out. (Cheers.) If the honourable Candidate sees an opportunity in this borough or in this harbour to invest it to his own advantage and in a form that would be remunerative, he would undoubtedly do so; but he is a man of much judgment and shrewdness, and if he does not see that opportunity, he will carry his money elsewhere. (Hear, hear.) I will not for one moment allow myself to believe, nor will any bona fide elector believe, that my hon. friend Mr Adams nor the candidate whom he introduced, sanction for one moment the spending of that money in the bribery of electors. (Great uproar.) Then let me ask, in what way will it benefit the borough ? (Cheers, and uproar.) I do not see the honourable candidate here, but I understood him to say that the present Government are opposed to our Dock- yard, and wish to close it. You read the papers as well as I do, and I don't know what to think of that state- ment, but my version is somewhat different to that of the honourable gentleman. As I understood, a com- mittee was appointed by the House of Commons to report upon the dock-yards, and Lord Clarence Paget was chairman of that committee. When the committee reported to the House, certain interested members, such as Mr Layard, wished to know why Pembroke Dock-yard was not included in the list of yards recommended to be shut up and abandoned. (Great uproar.) They wanted to know why Pembroke Dock-yard was not included in that list. (Cheers, and confusion.) Lord Clarence Paget, a great authority upon dock-yards, said there was a hard fight in committee on that subject, and that the committee were equally divided, but that he, and he alone, by his casting vote, refused to include Pembroke Dock-yard in the list of those recommended to be closed. That's my version of it. (Mr Hughes: That's quite right.) Where is the Government, where is the House of Commons, that, while the linx eye of Brother Jona- than watches every aclion, and while the government of that country is in a disturbed state-where, I ask, is the Government or the House of Commons that will recommend the closing of this yard. (Cheers.) I say our yard and harbour are unrivalled for the superior accommodation it would give during the exigencies of an American war, which God forbid we should ever be plunged into. (Great uproar a voice its Hardwick's beer;" and laughter.) Gentlemen, I have only to say one or two words more. You will, I know, be glad to register your votes for the champion of the Liberal cause in Pembroke. Rally round him. Be early at the poll, and show, by a great and crushing majority, that the for the present Toryism, or Conservatism, the name by which they now call it, has no locus standi in the borough of Pembroke. (Cheers.) I now propose Col. Sir Hugh Owen as a fit and proper person to represent us in the House of Commons. (Loud and continued cheering.)