Papurau Newydd Cymru
Chwiliwch 15 miliwn o erthyglau papurau newydd Cymru
9 erthygl ar y dudalen hon
BRECKNOCK COUNTY ELECTION.
BRECKNOCK COUNTY ELECTION. Early on Monday morning, the 17th instant, although no opposition could be anticipated to the return of the late excellent Representative, Col. Wood, some hundreds of the friends of that gentleman, from the different parts of the county, arrived at Brecknock, anxious to testify their regard for him. Soon after ten o'clock, the gallant Colonel, with a highly respectable and numerous party, walked in procession from the Priory House to the Shire-Hall, preceded by a band of music. The Court was immediately opened, and after the preliminaries had been gone through, Henry Allen, Esq. of the Lodge, rose, and after some prefatory observations, said—" Brother Freeholders and Electors of the County of Brecon, to most of you I have repeatedly given my reasons for recommending to your choice the worthy Gentleman I am now about to propose to joil, as in every way a fit and pro- per person to whom so sacred a trust may with safety to our best interests be confided. Although six and twenty years have flitted over the heads of many of us since I first recommended to the notice of the freeholders of this county my friend and relative, I then grounded my reasons in justification of that recommenda- tion upon the excellency of his private character, of which I had then an earlier and better knowledge than the freeholders of that period I, therefore, then enlarged upon it; it is now unnecessary for me so to do, because that character has been now for more than the fourth of a century before you, and I defy the breath of calumny to sully it. Yet, my good friends and brother electors, though I do not now wholly build upon his private worth, I do as I have repeatedly done before, hnd would eves do, lav that as the best foundation on which to raise the superstructure.( Cheers). His public character is now before you, and though I will never lose an opportunity of declaring my heartfelt conviction, that on the stage of life public actions are best prompted by private virtues, I will confine myself to tho-e requisites which form his public character.-( Hear, hear ).-Dispositions and abilities to serve us—indefatigable industry in that service-unwearied attention to the duties of that service-constant attendance upon the House, to which we have so repeatedly sent him,—absent only when every feeling mind, every heart in the formation of which there is the smallest drop of the milk of human kindness, would applaud his absence.-( Great cheering).—Another most essential attribute forms part of the worthy Candidate's qualification. Honourable independence, of which I say without fear of con- tradiction, even from his enemies (if any enemies he has), that no man has manifested more ample proof. The father of a nume- rous family, refusing emolument when tempting him, declining honors when courting him—preferring the honor of representing independently his larger family, the electors of the county of Brecon.-( Cheers. )--Again, another attribute,—experience in the business of the Commons House of Parliament-twenty-six years' experience—practical experience, not sitting and voting silently, not attending merely when the intervals between the chace, the turf, and the table allowed him time for, brother freeholders, there are Senators, and would-be Senators, of that description, but they are ill suited to these awful times, to this momentous crisis—" Non tali auxilio, nec defensoribus istis tempus eget."— (Cheers).—No, we want men who have know- ledge of the value of our unrivalled, envied, hitherto blessed, Constitution; resolution to exert their abilities in its defence; integrity and impartiality to support an Administration, when in their judgment its measures are for the country's welfare reso- lution to oppose it when its plans are adverse to that welfare. These, my brother electors, are the attributes I hold to be essen- tial in the formation of a fit Representative of Britons in Parlia- ment, but based upon spotless private worth, without which talent is mischief, abilities are dangerous tools.( Cheers).- After some further observations in praise of the gallant Colonel's Parliamentary conduct, Mr. Allen proceeded-" He will, I am confident, to use his own language, advocate in Parliament ample toleration for all denominations of Christians, will do his utmost to maintain the Church, uphold the Throne, and preserve the true liberties of the people. Confident that he will so exert himself, and that God has gifted him with the requisites for such exertions, I propose to you, as a fit and proper person to represent the elec- tors of this county in the ensuing Parliament, the Gentleman who has for more than six and twenty years been honoured with that trust,—Thomas Wood, Esq."—(Immense cheering). John Wilkins, Esq. of Cui, seconded the nomination, and de- clared his firm conviction that Col. Wood was a most fit and pro- per person to represent the county of Brecon in Parliament. No other Candidate being proposed, the High Sheriff (Major Gwynne Holford) declared Col. Wood duly elected. This an- nouncement was received with general approbation. Col. Wood then rose and addressed the Meeting as follows:- Gentlemen, Freeholders, and Electors of the County of Brecon, I stand ap in this Hall again to return you my heartfelt thanks for having re-elected me your Representative—for having for the ninth time, at this critical period, confided to m v hands the im- portant and all-paramount duty of representing you in Parlia- ment. Circumstances, over which I could exercise no discretion, have prevented my paying you those attentions and compliments which are usually paid by a Candidate to Electors on the eve of a dissolution of Parliament. Duties of an afllicting nature devolved on me to perform, and from which I could not withdraw myself. You have dispensed with my attendance until a very late period, and from the bottom of my heart I thank you.-( Hear, hear).— Gentlemen, elected in the kind manner in which I have been, and extending, as some gentlemen have done to me, the greatest courtesy, I shall be anxious to render any explanations in my power of the view I take of many of the important questions that must early come under the consideration of Parliament. I shall render to you those statements in the character of explanations, not of pledges-( Hear ).- The county of Brecon send me to Par- liament, not as their delegate but as their Representative, and never will, under any circumstances, require of me pledges dis- graceful for me to give, and improper for them, as free Electors, to receive.-( Cheet-s).-I shall, therefore,explain to you the views I take at present of all the great questions that must come under our consideration, reserving to myself the right of deciding on each question according to the circumstances of the case, when "'ynoraent for decision arrives. 'CorL important questions. I am ready to express my views on each of them frankly and without reserve. The first question is, whether I will vote for the discontinuance of the monopoly of the East India Company's China Tea Trade? A Committee of the House of Commons sat during the whole of last Session, taking evidence on the subject-reported on the China Trade, and took evidence on the whole subject of the Charter, but gave no opinion on the subject of its renewal. As far as I can understand that report, I do not see an objection to opening the trade with China; but from the evidence already adduced with reference to the Charter, I am of opinion that the conduct of the affairs of the great Continent of India ought to be left in the hands of the Company. This is the present view that I take of this delicate and important question but when Parliament assembles, and the subject is brought under consideration, should I enter- tain different impressions, I am quite sure that every honest man would wish me to act on such conviction. (Hear, hear.) The second question is, whether I am prepared to vote for the speedy abolition of the Slave Trade, consistent with the safety of the Colonies? That question is dictated by the best feelings of our nature; and many excellent persons are most anxious for im- mediate abolition. This is a question that must be treated with the greastest caution, or it may entail on the unfortunate persons who we desire to relieve from slavery and bondage the greatest possible calamities.—(Hear).—Every man who feels as a man would wish, not only to emancipate the black inhabitants of our own colonies but in every pari of the world.— (Cheers.)—We, therefore, should not limit our views merely to emancipation, but by declaring all trallic in slaves piracy, effectually prevent the transport of the black population of Africa from the shores of that country to the colonies of any other nation —(jH'M!)—With re- spect to immediate emancipation I should be prepared to vote that the black population of our own colonies should no longer be liable to be seized tor debt and exposed for sale like cattle in our markets, but should be affixed to the soil and converted into serfs, such as we were many generations back,—what the Rus- sians are at present, and from which, in the march of events, all nations will be emancipated in proportion as the Christian reli- gion and civilization advances.—(Cheers). The third question is, whether I will vote for the repeal of the malt tax and substitute a property tax? By a propertv tax we must understand a tax upon income; and if such a tax should be generally approved of by the county, I have no objection to sup- port it. Such a tax must in its nature be inquisitorial, and will expose the affairs of every man, particularly those in trade, and J.ery doubt whether such a tax would be generally accept- able. With respect t.o the malt tax I should be most happy to see it taken oft, if the finances of the country would bear it; but I nave no hesitation in saying, that that tax does appear to me too high, and if half of it could be taken off, and some other substi- tuted, I shall be glad to support such an arrangement. Two other questions have been submitted to me, but on which the gentleman has courteously not pressed me to explain my views. I do not however hesitate at once to give my undisguised opinion on both. <, The first is*- whether I am prepared to vote that the Bishops shall not continue to sit in the House of Lords. I have no hesi- tation in saying that I never will vote for their exclusion. That question deeply afrects all ranks and classes of society, as well the higher as the lower. Every man who hears me will be of opinion, that the higher ranks of society stand just as much in need of religious advice and instruction as the lower, and I never can be party to any measure that shall at all tend to place at a greater distance from theirsociety those venerable personages who have commanded the respect of all ag"S.—(Cheers.) But who are the persons thatare generally elevated to the Bench of Bishops Why, in every three cases out of four, the Bishops are taken from the humbler walks of life, and I will not consent to cut off from them that channel by which pious and excellent persons are at once elevated to the highest and most respected stations in the lalld.-( Cheers. )-. I will be no party to such an injurious altera- tion, nor will I consent to make so formidable a change in the British Constitution.-( Clteers.) ° The last question is—whether I will vote for triennial Parlia- ments. We have of late had annual Parliaments, and durino- the 26 years I have had the honour of representing this county in Parliament, the average duration of each has been under 4 years. If we have by law triennial Parliaments, my opinion is, that the first sessions would be occupied in investigating petitions affectino- the returns—the second might be employed in the business of the Country- the third in trying so to shape each representative's course, totally regardless of his country's best interests, as to enable him to find his way back to the House of Commons. (Laughter.)—The period of dissolution had, therefore, much better be left in uncertainty, and I have no doubt before three years have elapsed I shall once more have to render to you all an account of my conduct, and which I sincerely hope will be satisfactory to you.-( Ilear.) There are other important subjects alluded to in my address on which I shall be happy to explain myself. First, with respect to tithes. I have been long of opinion that the payment of tithes ought to be placed on a more satisfactory footing, boih^ to the Clergyman and his parishioners. In my opinion the time is arrived when a composition must be effected on permanent valuations, converted into corn rents, payable by the owners instead of the occupiers. This arrangement would remove the top frequent collisioa that takgs place between the Pastor and his flock, by which tha cause of religion is most materially injured.—(Hear, hear.) Now, with respect 10 the renewal of the Bank Charter This is a most important question, and if a false step be taken in it, it may involve in ruin the best interests of the country. In my opinion the renewal of the Bank of England's Charter is intimate! v connected with the prosperity of the commerce, manufactures, and finances of the country. My present impression ia,, that the Bank of England's Charter ought to be renewed, limiting its range to within 50 or 60 miles of the metropolis, and without that circle the system of banking carried 011 in Scotland might with safety be adopted.-(Hear.)-If the system of Scotch banking be good for the counties north of the Tweed, why may it not descend to the Humber, or be permitted to be carried on still further southward. Poor Laws for Ireland. Need I advocate in this charitable country, the necessity of a legislative provision being made for the poor and the destitute of our sister kingdom. Shall we, whilst the impotent and destitute in England and Wales are maintained by charges on our lands, permit our highways and villages to be disgraceful by the wretched stragglers who come from Ireland in a state of destitution and want, whilst the lands of Ireland are free from those charges which for years have been borne by the landed proprietors of Great Britain ?— (Cheers.) Factories' Regulation Bill. Wheneversuch a Bill is introduced, I shall conscientiously give it my support,- (Hear.) One more subject remains, on which I must say a few words. I am sure, however, I need not in this county advocate a stricter observance of the Sabbath day. It is not by the passing of laws that that desirable object can be attained. Let the higher ranks set the example, and they will be readily followed by our poorer bi-etli ren.- (Hear, hear.) I fear I may trespass too long upon your time. I can only assure you that I will go into the consideration of these and all other great questions, regardless of party or private views. Private considerations have never influenced my decision, and never shall influence them on any subject. On this I am sure you are convinced, or you would not, as over and over again you have, re-elect me your Representative.-( Hear, hear.)-But the time is now arrived when all party feeling must be laid aside, or at least placed in abeyance. It now becomes the bounden duty of every man, whether he be Whig or whether lie be Tory, to unite and resist the movement of a third party, which, I am sorry to say, appears to be growing up in the State, and which party I will not nickname, for I do not know exactly what a nickname implies, but I will designate this third party by an appellation which no man can mistake, namely, Revolutiopary .-( Hear, hear.) The Hon. Member, after some comparisons on several parties in the State, which our space will not allow as to give, concluded an admirable speech, amidst the most enthusiastic cheers from all parts of the Hall, which was crowded to excess. The usual ceremony of charing followed amidst the unanimous huzzas of the populace, and in the evening, exclusive of those who were entertained at almost every Inn in the town, a large party, consisting of 151) freeholders and electors, amongst whom were many of the most respectable Gentlemen and Yeomen of the county, joined the Colonel at the Castle Hotel, where they sat down to a sumptuous Dinner provided by Mr. Edwards.
--BRECON ELECTION.
BRECON ELECTION. The first free Election for the Borough of Brecon that has taken place for 100 years, commenced on 10th inst. A large and most respectable body of the friends of IVlr. Watkins met him that morning on his road from Pennoyre, and after taking the horses from his carriage, drew him into town, preceded by music and appropriate banners. At ten o'clock the business of the day commenced in the Town-Hall, and after the usual preliminaries had been gone through, Major Price addressed the electors. He was sure that the electors would assist in returning a member who would vote for the beneficial measures which asubstantial reform would produce. For this purpose, it was necessary that the representative of their choice should be at once a man of independent mind, and a man whom fortune placed above the power of corruption. He would not invade the sanctuary of domestic privacy by stating in what manner Mr. Morgan had discharged the duties of private life as a landlord, as an active and liberal benefactor to his humble neighbours, he said (and the testimony of his neighbours and tenants would bear him out in the assertion) that Mr. Morgan's conduct was such as might be justly held up as a pattern for imitation.— (Hear, hear.)—If there be any here who entertain views for the subversion of that political constitution which has been, and still is, the admiration of the world,-(hear, heat-, )-I tell that man that it is not from him that Mr. Morgan can hope for support. Gentlemen, Mr. Morgan solicits your suffrages not only upon independent grounds but he conscientiously trusts that no man will, on his account, refrain from fulfilling any promise that he has made. He has greater respect for the feelings of all even the humblest individual among the electors, than to desire this and, highly as he values the honour of representing the borough of Brecon, he yet cannot submit to be bound by pledges which should restrain him from acting according to his honest conviction upon the questions brought before him. But, gentle- men, lie; has one pledge, which is before you, and it is a character, inherited from a long line of ancestors, which he has himself maintained with honour, and is determined to transmit unsullied to his decendants.-(Flear, hear.)-Gentlemcn I beg to nominate Charles Morgan Robinson Morgan, Esq as a fit and proper person to represent the borough of Brecon in the ensuing Parliament. Hugh Bold, Esq. had great pleasure in seconding this nomina- tion: Mr. Morgan had always voted independently, honestly pursuing what he considered the good of his country, and never truckling to any ministry for ministerial favours. As one who had in its progress admired the provisions of the Reform Act, he (Mr. B.) wished to see the Bill have its fair chance of successful operation and he therefore regretted that a candidate should have pledged himself to various measures of a most com- prehensive nature, as vote by ballot, shortening the duration of Parliaments, and other extensive measures, to which the honour- „U1„ — nas pieugea IIHHSCM,—t\o, no, ny irrr. Watkins, hisses.)— Mr. Morgan was placed too high by fortune to be under any influence. If raised to the honour of representing the electors of Brecon in Parliament, he would at the expiration of his trust, return to his constituents an account of his steward- ship. He concluded by most cordially seconding the nomination of Mr. Morgan. John Lloyd, Esq. then rose and said, the Gentlemen who preceded him had the advantage of greater experience, and more especially i. borough elections, for they belonged 16 that select and privileged body by whom the elections for this borough had hitherto been exclusively conducted. Although he could not compete with them in that respect, he trusted he at least equalled them in a regard for the independence of that borough, and that they would give him the credit of believing he would not have come forward that day to propose any Candidate, whom he did not think calculated to secure that independence, and promote the freedom and happiness of their common country. One of those gen- tlemen (and he must say they had both performed their task in a most gentlemanlike way) had congratulated them on tlieifacquisition of the elective franchise; he (Mr. Lloyd) could not but join in those congra- tulations, and with the greater sincerity, as lie had done all in his power to assist them in obtaining it, The proposal just made to them assured a most forgiving ^disposition on their part, or extraordinary power in those who made it, for Mr. Morgan's family had monopolized that bo- rough for years, and he himself, by his votes in Parliament, had done all he could to prevent their obtaining the franchise. In a contest for Brecon a century back, between a Mr. Jeffreys and one of the Tredegar Family, 150 voters were polled; that contest left the borough in their hands, and the number of electors had gradually dwindled down to 15. thus making Brecon a close borough for their beneflt. Their late Mem- ber, not content with opposing the Reform Biil, lial gone beyond some of its most zealous opponents, and with Sir C. Wetherell and Nlr. Croker had wasted a whole night in dividing, whether they should adjourn or not, thus endeavouring to retard for one day that Bill they could not defeat. He most willingly concurred in the high praises bestowed on their late Representative by his proposer and seconder, but they had dwelt exclusively on his private character. Were he called on that day to elect a brother or friend for the performance of any private I duties, he would support no one more readily than their late Represen- tative; but this was a political question, and it was for them to answer whether his political sentiments accorded with Iheirs.-( iVo, no.)— He felt sorry to be obliged to add that their late Representative had been guilty of great inattention to his duties; he did not blame him for his love of rural amusements and occupations,—this in itself was praise- worthy; but when a man asked his countrymen for the highest honour they could confer, he should devote his time and abilities, and apply the best energies of his nature to the duties entailed oil it. He had now to perform the more pleasing task of proposing John Lloyd Vaughan Watkins, Esq., as their future Representative. Little more than twelve months had elapsed since he seconded his nomination as a candidate for the county; he was, however, more fortunate on that occasion than on the present; he was then preceded by a gentleman, whose character in that borough gave great weight to his recommendation; but, though now deprived of his assistance, as he had just seconded Mr. Morgan, he was justified in referiing to the eulogium he then paid Mr. Watkius they would remember how he praised him as an excellent landlord, an active and impartial Magistrate, and above all as a friend to Reform. He (Mr. Lloyd) was not aware that any change had taken place in Mr. Watkins since that time; he was still the same resident country gen- tleman, the same active Magistrate, and the same zealous friend to Re. form, and his present opponents having then admitted his qualification to represent the county, the conclusion was plain and undeniable that he was now equally qualified to represent the borough; but he had on that occasion acquired still higher claims to their support, for to whom weie those gentlemen, who looked so comfortable and so much at home in their new capacity of electors, indebted for their right of voting the poorest lot. householders had now the same right as the richest; and to whom were they indebted for it? to their patriotic Kina and his honest and able Ministers, and to that glorious majority of the House of Com- mons who cat fied Lord Ebrington'smotiou. Air.Watkins, it is true, failed his attempt to assist them by his vote in the House; but he had come forward at his request and that of others, as a Candidate on the Reform interest, when no other could be found, with the certainty of a great pe- cumary sacrifice and little chance of success1 Were they on the first op- portunity that offered of showing their gratitude to reject his claim and return Air. Morgan. When Mr. Watkins applied for his vote, he de- clared his concurrence in the principles of the present Administration, and he now expected he would sUte publicly that as long as they held the same principles he would support them. He scrupled not to say the present Administration was equal to any that ever preceded it; but they could ca.ry no improvement without a Reformed Parliament. It de. penned 011 the electors whether the Reform Bill would become a dead letter; by returning the same Member they would allow their prede- cessors had made a proper choice, and in that case the Reform Bill was not wanted. 1 heir late Member had acted conscientiously and on prin- ciples he had constantly supported those Ministers who opposed relio ious toleiation in the case of the Catholics and Dissenters; who voted iarge pensions to the younger sons of Lords Bathurst and Dundas: there could be no doubt, if re-elected, he would give his support to the same men. Mr. Bold had objected to Mr. Watkins's address, because it con- tained declarations; because he expressed his intention of lessening the expenditure, doing away with useless places and unmerited pensions, and aiding in abolishing the slave trade. Did they not wish for Ih¡,tIe things? Did they not wish for shortening the duration of Parliament that they may more frequently express their opinion of their Represent tative? The statement of the worthy Seconder amounts Io this, that no Candidate should make a declaration; that yon slioold send a man to Parliament without proving whit his sentiments are. One thing he had omitted Mr. Morgan's proposer had alluded to his excellent cha- racter among his neighbours: he did not deny he bore the highest cha- racter but where were his neighbours < they must go forty miles to find them. Mr. Watkins does not go to strangers for a seat; he conies amongst his neighbour!, his tenants, his labourers, his friends- he has declared himself the friend of freedom, anxious to extend to ma'n what- ever his creed, country, or complexion, the same blessings we enjoy ourselves. I heir late Member came to then) as the supporter of an Ad- ministration that had refused all Reform; he came with the blushing honours of three Parliaments thick upon him. He would conclude by appealing to the duty they owed their ancestors themselves and their children. How many of their predecessors in that town had lived under the consciousness of being deprived of thek jiut rights, and gone down to the grave without once being allowed to exercise that franchise which the .Constitution gave them. Will you how forget their wrongs'} Will you »ay, by your vot?a they have not beeu unjustly treated f They owed it to fliemsalves to (qo,!t that Candidate whose political sentiments agreed with their own; and, above all, they owed it to their children, not to allow the borough of Brecon to return to its former state, but to hand down the elective franchise as free and unimpaired as they had them- selves received it. If they would not act thus, while the sense of recent injury was strong, bow could they hereafter hope to maintain their in- dependence; they knew what wealth had done, and what it might do before another election. On all these considerations he felt it his duty to propose John Lloyd Vanghan Watkins, Esq. a fit and proper per- son to represent the borough of Brecon in Pai liament. Dr. Lucas seconded the nomination in a ueat and appropriate speech, which our limits will not permit us to give. C. M. R. Morgan, Esq. then rose and spoke nearly as follows Gen- tlemen, Electors of the Borough of Brecon, I rise with diffidence to ad- dress you after what has been said of me by the Gentlemen who have in so kind a manner proposed and seconded me. It is customary, I be- lieve, after a dissolution of Parliament, for the Representative publicly to meet his Constituents and make known to them what has been his Par- liamentary conduct. Gentlemen and Electors, I admit that on the dis- cussion of that important measure the Reform Bill, the votes which in some instances I felt it my duty to give were at variance with some of the details of that measure. To graining the ten pootid franchise, how- ever, to householders of Brecon, and of other places similarly situated, I had no objection, for in such places the ten pound householders formed a respectable class in society. But I did object Io that qualification being fixed for the inhabitants of Birmingham and other large manufacturing towns, in which the persons occupying ten pound hous«% were generally dependent in their circumstances, or precluded by education and by a circumscribed degree of information from judging with accuracy whom it would be advisable to return. Gentlemen, I have been charged wilh inconsistency in asking the support of those from whom I am said to have attempted to withhold the right of voting. Now I can challenge my opponents in any single instance to show, that I have not uniformly in my canvass asked those only to support me, who felt that they could do so with consistency and propriety. But I do say there is a strong charge on this score on those who, having found that a large number of the electors had determined upon giving me their support, have endea- voured to induce them to refrain from the exercise of their franchise al. together. Is this the conduct of those who profess liberal principles? Gentlemen, I am accused of intolerance in opposing the repeal of the Test and Corporation Acts: does Mr. Lloyd, who brings this charge against me, know that I was not then in Parliament, and that the same answer applies to his charge against me oil the Catholic QuestioJl7 As to the abolition of Slavery, I have as great an abhorrence of that inhu. man traffic, and am as zealous to attain the desirable object of extin- guishing it as any man and measures tending to produce the real ame- lioration of the condition of slaves will receive my most cordial support. With respect, however, to giving pledges, to vote for instant abolition of slavery, I must declare this to be a course to which I cannot consent; for I consider it more proper to wait till a specific measure is brought for- ward, to hear the terms of that measure, and the arguments for and against it, and then to decide at the same time I declare that no one is in his heart more truly anxious to remedy this evil than I am. It is quite impossible, from any acts of mine in private life, to draw the con- elusion that I am disposed to support oppression either in this country or in any other. I have been also charged with voting for useless pensions. I defy any man to produce one instance of the fact. Another subject which has been referred to, is church property. I have no relative who holds several livings, and am anxious for either a commutation of tithes, or such improvement in the collection of them, as would prevent any un- happy collision between the clergy and the parishioners. I have never been connected with insulting either party my property and station in life are such, as may justly be considered to place me beyond the reach of Ministerial influence and if I am returned to Parliament, I shall vote unbiassed according to the best judgment I can form of the interest of my country. It has been said that my property has been so applied as to control the franchise of the borough of Brecon. The disposal of that pro- perty will be found upon enquiry, to have been much more to the ad- vantage of the town than otherwise. I have now answered I believe all objections that have been made, I hope to the satisfaction of those who are open to conviction. I beg to return my thanks to those gentlemen who have favoured me with a patient hearing; and if I shall have the high honour of being again returned to Parliament, I shall be happy to give my best attention to the private interests of the inhabitants of Brecon and to the interests of the country-—(Loud cheering.) Mr. Watkins then rose and said,—" Independent Electors of Breck- nock,—loo sensibly aware of the arduous undertaking in which I am about to embark, still soliciting your patience for a short time, I will endeavour to combat with such difficulties, and in a plain and undis- guised manner explain my object, in thus offering myself as your Can- didate; enlangledin such a labyrinth it would to a mere stranger appear presumptions, and perhaps fruitless, my thus launching into so unequal a contest, were I not to explain my grounds for attack. This battle, gentlemen, is one of the most vital importance to our country. It pos- sesses two of the strongest possible reasons for our prompt and warmest support, the cause of Freedom and that of Justice." To such, there- fore, am I indebted for the manly, the indefatigable exertions, made in my behalf. Made by whom 7 Let many who now look me in the face, and who were once foremost in their shouts for Reform," reflect on the bold example with shame to themselves ;—yes, Electors, these exer- tions (with the exception of some few gentlemen, whose lives throughout had ever been adorned by consistency I)-have been used by the inde- pendent trades-people of Brecknock by men who had too long groaned under the iron grasp of Slavery,—who had too long been subservient to the mandates of their superiors in rank and fortune,—but evidently far inferior in those liberal principles which ought to form the breastplate of every man that aspires to the name of a Briton. The chosen, the select "fourteen," who till now had been alone instrumental in returning your member to Parliament, are at last bereft of that unjust power. We are solely indebted to our patriotic King and his indefatigable Ali- nisters for this unexpected privilege. Your elective franchise is now extended from 14 lo 242 voters. Yes, Gentlemen Voters strange and foreign as the name may ring upon your years, such believe me is the case.—Let me then ask certain individuals (and I need not mention their names as the question may be of too homely a nature to make per- sonal allusions necessary) why now advocate a system that never has, never can, work well.—To me it appears as the dawn of a new era, as if the golden wings of liberty were at last expanded over us as if the long smothered spark of our constitutional rights was about to burst into a flame.—But my friends, bear in mind that notwithstanding such a victory is within your grasp, if you lose but the present opportunity, you are gone for ever, you must again retrace your steps to the well beaten path of slsvery.— But, Electors of Brecknock, I will banish all apprehensions I am aware lhat I am addressing enlightened men, persons, who can and will consult their common interests, men, who are resolved upon returning a member to Parliament, who, 11 though unfettered by a single pledge," has made up his mind (in the result of his return) to sacri- fice his private interests to your welfare. Afy political principles (continued Mr. Watkins) are already sufficiently known ;-but this much I will Again repeat to-you,—that 'tis the bounden duty of every member of a Reformed Parliament, to support retrenchment on all occasions if compatible with the interests of the state, to devote his earnest attention to the ameliorating the heart-rending condition of the slave, to a just and salutary commutation of tithes, to triennial Parliaments, and lastly to the East India and Bank Charters. Such was his of the duty of a man elected to represent a free and independent Borough.—Mr. Morgan has expressed himself friendly to the tot. franchise in this town. Let me ask hilll, why not have extended it before by an increase of the number of burgesses. I also wish to explain my sentiments respecting the Church. I declare there does not exist a more devoted friend to it than lrivaelf, and for that reason I wish to abolish pluralities of livings and so to arrange matters inai cvtij ^K r-*y.■> kh,,ti,j! reside on his own. that he, by being pioperly provided for, may be enabled to secure the good wishes and friendship of his flock, by contributing to their wants.- Independent Electors of Brecknock, what I am about to tell you is a tact too generally known to admit of doubt. Bribery, corruption, inti- midation, and promises that never can, never will be performed, have been urged to secure your votes. Let those to whom such sad insinua- tions may pertain, shrink at such pitiful measures. These are the conse- quences of those early sown abuses, that instead of been checked, have been too effectually nurtured in this Borough. Surely, then, it behoves us, to strive every nerve, to eradicate so base, so detestable a system. We are at last, about to liberate our country from anarchy and con-, sequent ruin. We are about to establish a House of Commons on a firm and permanent basis, founded oil the affections of an unfettered people. When I call to mind, the many able and eloquent addresses made in this very hall by some honourable gentlemen, whom I now regard with astouishment and pity, I can scarcely restrain my indignant feel- ings. It may yet be fresh in your recollection, how nobly these very same then advocates for the cause of freedom, joined in the common cry. Yes, Gentlemen, I can yet hear the eloquence of that highly respectable gentleman, your Recorder, who told you, he was not to be scared by the words Revolution and Reform, which were but mIre bugbears io terrify the petple." Of that same enthusiastic gentleman, who so pro- phetically assured you, that if the Aristocracy turned their backs on the people,—the people would naturally turn their backs on them.—Yes, I can even paint in the most brilliant colours the energetic speech in 1831, of a near and talented neighbour of mine, who however it appears has acquired the enviable (probably difficult) lesson of rendering his politics mbservient to" the times." That honorable advocate reminded yon,—"you would not only be negligent but most ungrateful, if you did not support Ihe present Go. vernment," together with many other truths. Let me now ask him why did lie then deprecate a system, which, in his own words, 14 made cor- ruption stalk through the land without shame and without disguise f Why point out the possibility of some man among you coming forward as your Representative? In short, why buoy you up with expectations, when it now appears too evident he had not exactly made lip his own mind as to the expediency of such a measure 7 Gentlemen, I mean no- thing invidious, but merely wish to refresh the memories of these highly independent Gentlemen. We are happily arrived at a new epoch, and nothing now remains, but that you be cautious in your selection of a Member. Should any difficult question present itself, it is certainly in- cumbent on him to consult the opinions of his constituents, and should he not be able to act conscientiously according to their wishes, it is his duty to resign his seat. Such, Gentlemen, is the line of conduct I pur. pose adopting. There is one more question that I must not forget an- swering, and indeed, considering the many liberal insinuations lavished upon me, I think myself called upon for a reply. It is the Corn Laws. When we consider the heavy taxation we labour under, it is utterly impossible the British farmer can compete with his Continental neigh hours; therefore I am decidedly favourable to a protecting duty. Elec- tors of Brecknock, I thank you for your patient hearing, and will now conclude with one observation. Remember you are struggling for your liberty-be firm- be united—and let me, as your friend, impTess earn- estly on your minds the necessity of forbearance and tranquillity-our cause is Reform-not tumult. Air. J. Jones replied to Mr. Watkins, but from the noise which pre- vailed, his speech was very irapei fectly heard. With respect to tithes he observed, they were as truly private prouerty as any other sort of posses- sion whatever. The Rev. J.Ashfonl afterwards addressed the electors, but our limits will not allow of the smallest extract. The polling; commenced on Tuesday morning, an,1 closed on Wednes- day, when the result was, as our readers already know, 111 favour of Mr. Watkins. The Chairius was numerously and most respectably attended. Afr. AVatkins and other gentlemen afterwards ad,\ressed the electors from a window in the house of Dr. Lucas. Numerous parties dined at the Swau and other Inns in the town, and the day ended with great festivity.
jPEMBROKESHIRE ELECTION.
j PEMBROKESHIRE ELECTION. Monday the 17th instant, being appointed for electing a Knight of the Shire for this County, the Sheriff opened his Court at Ha- vet fordwest,. at eleven o'clock precisely, and having gone through the usual preliminaries, .Sir William Philipps Lauyharnc PMllpps, Bai t., proposed SIR JOHN OWEN, Bart., as a tit person to serve in Parliament as a Representative for the County of Pembroke—(Loud cheers.J John Henry Philipps, Esq., of Williamston, on rising, observed, it gave him much pleasure in being honoured in seconding the nomination of the worthy Baronet. It was not necessary, on the present occ<lgion, for him to enter into any elaborate introduction on the merits of the HOII. Baronet. He was well known to all, an.1 had been known to him (Mr. P.) for a series of years, even from his earliest recollection, and lie knew no one who could possibly feel more sincerely grateful for the very many honors conferred on him, than the worthy Baronet—((heers.J— It the electors were now to celebrate that which was generally called an Rae, he (Mr. P.) must doubly congratulate them, when they might now wilii much propriety do so, when the lIon. Baronet had attained his Parlia mentary majority of 21 years, which period had elapsed since the first time he had had the felicity of becoming their honored RepreFeiiiative-- (Cheers.)—He (Mr. P.) therefore felt the proudest satisfaction in pro- posing the Honourable Baronet once more to be the Member for the County of Pembroke—(Cheers.) The Sheriff then desired to know whether any other Candidate was to be proposed, and no one appearing, he declared Sir JGFTN OWEN, Bart, duly elected-( Tremendous cheers, which lastedfur some minutes.) Sir John Owen then rose: under feelings of great emotioll,aud spoke as follows:—"Gentlemen,—I can truly assure you, there never was a period in the whole course of my life when I arose to address you, under feeling so oppressive, as at the present moment, and under the exertion of rendering effectual those duties imposed on nte in returning you my warmest thanks, in choosing me your Representative for the County of Pembroke. When within the last two years of my political career, the trumpet was sounded by my opponents against me, and opposition for mean party purposes was afforded, there was then to my feelings some- thing more easy to discharge than I have power at present to do- (Cheers.) -Having during my canvass of you, met with nothing but kindness and unanimous protestations of support, and seeing around me no one but sincere and tried frien.ls and supporters, I find how exceed- ingly inadequate my powers are to return you my thapks for the many great and lasting obligations for which you have made me your debtor. I cannot help on this occasion contrasting the present moment with those difficulties 1 met during the last two years, but with your kind and valued support, I got through them better than I could for muomeut have after thoja occasions of exteime hostility, and t» meet now with this cordial reception, is more than sufficient to Ùye:whd.. the feelings of an-ordinary mind—(Cheers.)—I cannot at the pieseiit time, while I look at the existing political sphere throughout the empire, but confess how deeply I am honoured by your suffrage. It is impossi- ble for me not to coutrast my present state with that of my friends of old and experienced acquaintance, and while I see them fall as it were around me, rejected by those in whom now is pureed the privilege of choosing them, I cannot help thinking that I am above all others most fortunate. My interest in this my favoured county has greatly increased, and should my political opponents have deemed it proper to have op- posed me, I should have had the proud and enviable satisfaction of being returned your Representative by a majority of at least three tin,es the number by which I was first chosen your Member for this eoullty-- (Great cheedng.)-Seeing this, it is impossible for me to express ade- quately one tenth of the gratitude 1 feel for your kind and valued ser- vices. It is now the first time of yonr exercising the right of sending your first Representative to a Reformed Parliament, and when the great measure of Reform was first introduced, I confess it struck me wilh many others quite differently to what it has happily been in its results. My opponents then took occasion of my doubts to represent me as an enemy to Reform. But, Gentlemen, I most solemnly assure yon, I never was an opponent to Reform—I never valued rotten boroughs-bnt considered them as a stain to our Constitution. And now as the Bill has passed, whatever my doubts may have been on its introduction, 1 declare that there are none through this empire-none who so sanguinely supported it, who wish that it may produce every benetit to the country, more that the humble individual who now addresses you.—(Cheers.)—So long as I remain your Representative, I shall always by my votes give effect to the acknowledged principles of the Bill, and such as the friends of mo- narchy could possibly wish.—I shall do all in my humble power to np- hold those principles, not now, however, for the first time pnt in action, but which has existed since the House of Brunsw ick was put on the throne —(Cheers.)—I trnstthat the tears of the opponents to the measure, will not be for a moment realized ;—but while I so trust, I still hope that those who are opponents to what is termed Constitutional Refonn,-wiJI not by visionarymeasllres, push the matter so as to enrlangcr the Constitution. As a constitutional Reformer, it shall be ever my ardent desire to give effect to it,—and as a friend of the poor and of all classes, I do fervently pray to the Great Father of the Universe, that this measure will lead to the most beneficial results for the great welfare of the country—(Loud cheers.)—And now, Gentlemen, I must recur to the very many subjects whicb will be brought before Parliament in the ensuing Sessions. There is one which must affect every one,—but more so to every religious per- son-andl need not tell you I allude to the emancipation of the slave po- pulation. On this or any other head, I know you will not ask me for pledges,-to shackle my deliberative functions and render me no more than a mere cipher—(Cries of" ]1[0, iYO," )-There is none, I assure you Who wishes the point to be so early settled, as I do—and 1 shall never be happy while I am the Representative of Pembrokeshire until I see tLe utter and early expulsi n of it.—I consider it a disgrace to the country- a stain to htlUHnity-a sh tine to Christianity-ami a blot to the name of Britons;—but I earnestly hope to see it soon blotted out and only known in historical detail—(Great cheering.)—With regard to the great question of the currency—I will give it my best consideration—and the vote I shall give on the mailer shall be the best I can possibly form on hearing and well digesting the evidence that may be brought forward re- specting it.—On the East India monopoly, it is impossible for me to form any opinion, until all the evidence which has been gone into shall be well known,—and the vote I may be called 011 to give, must therefore depend upon the nature of the evidence given.—As to the state of Ireland, I know not how to meet it.—I wall in hopes that when I gave my vote on Catholic Emancipation, that every thilllt would have been satisfacto- rily settled-but it has unfortunately for that ill-fated country turned out to the contrary;—I trust however that the wisdom of Parliament will effect the best it can, although I think it almost an impossibility that any measure can be introduced, that will have the effect of quieting all par- ties' views.—With respect to the Corn Laws, as a Representative of an agricultural district I must use all exertions to protect its interests-but while I do this I must take care to protect all classes-those of the manu- facturingdistriets after all that has been said or done, are I think much mistaken, I take the interests of all classes of this extensive empire to be interwoven with each other, and that to destroy the interest of one will have the prejudicial effect of destroying all-they all are members and branches of the same tree-and the tree must be affected by thp. health or disease of its branches.—If we allow the arguments of the ma- nufacturers that by destroying the Corn Laws, they would get bread cheap, they must then injure the best of customers, the agriculturists., That would heap ruin where it should not fall-atid then what would be the use of cheap bread, without sixpence to purchase it.—During the war, every one had plenty of money to meet the exorbitant prices of every article of consumption—I am, however, no advocate for war—all I want to see is peace and plenty through the land, and it little matters to me whether bread be cheap or dear-so that all have the means in their pockets to purchase it and happy should I be when I should see every peasant of my country have a fowl and meat to garnish his hnmble board. I have now a arduous, indeed I may call it, a sacred duty to perform in the next Sessions of Parliament, aud I shall do all in my power to meet your wishes and desires.—I have entered my twenty-first year of my Representative character of my native countrY-CUries of" He hope you will be another twenty-one years")—Ithank my friends for their kind wishes—but the age at which I have arrived-Cthat enemy that creeps on us all) forbids me to hope that ;-and perhaps not many years may elapse when I shall have to tread that path to which we are all doomed, and you will have to choose a younger and no doubt a more able Representative than I am. But so long as I shall have the honour of being your Repre- sentative I shall discharge the duties imposed on me with every correct- ness of judgment I am capable of, and when you, not being prompted to it for mere party purposes, shall announce to me you require my ser- vices no longer, I will cheerfully resign them,-if the voice of the country should inform me that I was going against the best wishes of it,-and if this were expressed to me calmly and judiciously, although even during the sitting of Parliament, I will at once retire to private life—a life which I declare most solemnly is now more congenial to my feelings—and re- store you the trust which you have so kindly reposed in me—(Great store you the trust which you have so kindly reposed in nie-(Great cneering.) The worthy Baronet, instead of the usual chairing, rode through the principal streets accompanied by a large assemblage of horsemen-and afterwards sat down to dinner with his friends to the number of 74 at the Castle Inn.—The evening passed with the utmost cheerfulness and was greatly enlivened by some excellent and characteristic songs.
--MONMOUTH, NEWPORT, AND USK.
MONMOUTH, NEWPORT, AND USK. The Election for these Boroughs terminated on Friday last, in the return of Mr. Hall, a zealous Reformer, in opposition to the Marquis of Worcester. The former was proposed by Philip Jones, Esq. and seconded by —— Alfrey, Esq., the latter by Joseph Price, Esq. and seconded by James Powles, Esq. At the close of the poll the following were the numbers:— Hall. IForcester. Monmouth. 94 182 Newport. 289 8G Usk 10 90 Majority for Hall S5
CARMARTHENSHIRE ELECTION.
CARMARTHENSHIRE ELECTION. The Election for this County was opened on Monday last, at„ Llandilo. The accustomed preliminaries haviB^ been gone through, Col. Gwynne, in a short speech, proposed Sir James Hamlyn Williams as a fit and proper person to represent the county in the next Parliament, which was seconded by IV. O. Brigstocke, Esq. of Blaenpant. E. P. Uojd, Esq. Glansevin, next proposed the Hon. George Rice Trevor, and was seconded by J.Lloyd, Esq. of Bronwydd. lynt. Chambers, Esq. of Llanellv, then came forward amidst loud acclamations, and in a well-timed speech, proposed Edward Hamlyn Adams, Esq. to the suffrages of the electors, which nomination was secauded by TV. II. Yel- verton, Esq. M. P. for the Borough of Carmarthen. The re- spective Candidates, having addressed the meeting, a show of hands was required, which was pronounced to be in favour of Mr. Adams aud Sir James. The meeting then adjourned until. the poll, which commenced yesterday, and at the close of the day the numbers stood as under:- Trevor 1558 Adams 1525 Williams 1272
To the EDITOR of The CAMBRIAN.
To the EDITOR of The CAMBRIAN. SIR,-At the Cardiff Election last week, as appears by the report in your columns, the Rev. Mr. Knight (Robert I presume) charged Lord James Stuart's friends with handing about an extract of a letter which his Lordship is said to have sent to a man of Neath," implying that Lord James would sit if returned." Having- been thus dragged into the speech of the Reverend Gentleman, I must beg permission" in justice to Lord James, to declare, that nothing could be more neutral than his Lordship's correspondence on the subject, so far as I know anything about it, and injustice to his friends let it be recorded, that thev never either asked or expected his Lordship's direct sanction to their proceed- ings, which were necessarily, from the very peculiar circumstance of the case, wholly independent of his volition. Deeply as Lord James Stuart has felt his own painful situation, and the affectionate demonstrations of public sympathy, his self controul has been equalled only by his inflexible integrity. The friends of liberty at Cardiff will know how to plead their own cause: they have nobly proved their ability though in an I1l1Sncccss- ful conflict, as regards its immediate object—Its ultimate object is secured. I need not espouse their cause farther than to say, that knowing full well by what influence his Lordship had been compelled to part from his at- tached constituents, they could not but feel assured., lhat lie must warmlv appreciate an attachment which manifested itself so strongly, in oppofi- tion to Lordly patronage, aud in defiance of authorized threats. Their grand object was and is the emancipation of the East Glamorgan Bo- roughs from NOMINATION SLAVERY; and they'resolved to take all chances for Lord James's acceptance or rejection of the seat, in the event of success. This is the simple history of their motives, and of Lord James Stuart's part in the affair. Whether his Lordship would or would not have taken his seat for Cardiff, if returned, must be matter of mere sur- mise; and in this question, as well as all others, it is perfectly fair that one opinion should be held by a Man of Tythegstone, and another by A MAN OP NEATH.
Family Notices
MAKB.IEO. Oll the 13tb ult. the Rev. Wm. Lloyd, third son of the late Col. Lloyd, of Abertrinant, Cardiganshire, to Beaties, the second daughter of Thomas Howell, of Glaspant, Carmarthenshire. On the 11 tli inst. at Llandewy Church, by the Rev. John Lewis, Mr. Thomas James, of Pennant, Cardiganshire, to Margaret Jones, of the same place, after 20 years' courtship. At St. James's, Bristol, J. F. Hulbert, Esq., of Redbrook, near Mon- mouth (late surgeon at Melksham), to Mrs. Johns, of Bellevue place, Plymouth, relict of the late F. Johus, Esq. of Woodbine cottage, Illogau, Cornwall. mED. On the 10th inst. at Torquay, in the 38th year of her age, Mary Ann, the beloved wife of the Rev. Thomas Grouow, of Court Herbert, in this county. Last week, at the Cocket, near Swansea, in his 104th year, Mr. John Habbakkuk, farmer. Suddenly, near Bridgend, in this county, the Rev. Wm. Williams, lute of Stormy, aged 86. On Wednesday last, ag-ed 45, Mrs. Roberts, wife of Mr. Robt. Roberts, draper, of Carmarthen, and eldest daughter of Mr. D. Charles, rope: maker, of that town, Ou the 13th inst. at Carmarthen, at an advanced age, Miss Martha Shewen,niece of the late Sir Edw. Mansel, of Slradey, near Llanelly. On the 10th inst. Mrs. Burnhill, wife of Mr. John Buruhiil, Governor, of the county gaol, Carmarthen. Ou the 7tliinstant, at the Vicarage House, Southwell, Henrietta AURIOL, wife of the Rev. Morgan Watkins] On the 13th inst., much regretted by her family and friends, Mrs. Turner, wife of Mr. Edward Turner, bookseller Glo'ster Terrace, Haver- fordwest.
SHIP TJJ5-WS.
SHIP TJJ5-WS. MILFORD.— Arrived, the Sir Walter Scott, Richards, from Newport tor Lisbon Regent, Henry, from Newport for > Plymouth; John, Smith, from Newport; and Artuose.Wade. troin unblin for Fowey; Golden Grove, Vittery; Mary Simt-in, Jones; and Union, Edwards, from Neath Pomona, Jones Mayflower, I)avie« and Lord Nelson, O'Niel, from Newport for Youghall; Anne, Rogers; from Bristol; John, Sturin,froin Lidney Levant Packet, Perceval, from Smyrna; Mary, Willy; and Industry,"Sutton, from Cardiff; Harmony, Bedford; and Assiduous, Bedford, from Neath for Cork; Rover, Neale, from Newport for Donnegal; Ontario, Jones, from Lidney for Dublin; Speculator, Packer, from Neath for Exeter; Ellen, Nlarshall, floill Car,. diff; Reserve, Hall, fioin Newport; and Providence, Sail*, from Swau- sea for W atei ford j Rosa, from Bideford for St. M ichael's; Three Friends, Le Rougetel, from Jersey Princess Royal, Jenkins, from Dun- more; and William, Cormack, from Cardiff for Milford; Fame, Rose, fiom Swansea for Falmouth; Robert, McCarthy, from Cardiff; Betsey aud Nancy, Council; Hazard, Leonard and Victo'y, Mabirs, from New- port for Xinsale; Sarah and Eliza,Waslacot, from Liverpool for Ostepd Native, Matthews, from Newport for Castletown; Eleanor, Williinjts, from Newport for Liverpool and Bob Logic, Chapman, from Liverpool tor Newfoundland, with a general cargo, put back here, after beittfc oat it days, in a d;;uia £ ed stute, aud must discharge her c^rgo.
! ' GENERAL ELECTION.
M4.. wished to sef himself right with the Electors. His desire relative to the Slave question was, let myfuture slave be born, but let the hapless innocent, though black, be born free -let him be protected, and not in the event of immediate eman- cipation of the slaves, without the adoption of precautionary measures, stand alone, when no one will have any interest in him, neither his parent nor the planter. The slave trade is repugnant to every foelingof humanity, but he felt convinced that the question was likely to be duly considered in a deliberative assembly of the House of .Commons, where 650 chosen men would decide upon the question, after the most careful and mature investigation, and not under the warm and excited feelings of philanthrophy. The Rev. W. B. Knight, then rose and spoke as follows: Gentlemen,-It is with feelings of great concern and with a diffidence most sincere, that I venture to present myself before you on this public. occasion. I am well aware of a general opinion that prevails, that, for a member of the Clerical profes- sion to take any active part in questions of a purely political na- ture, is a violation of propriety and good taste, and inconsistent with that decorum and unobtrusive character which should dis- finr "ish our sacred order. The Clergy, however, have a voice on the^a solemnities in common with other men, and it is obvious that m¡nV circumstances may arise in which they not only may declare their sentiments without blame, but on which it would be culpable in them to be silent.—In my attendance at this place to witness the unanimous return of two Representatives, whose talent, character, and stake in the country point them out as eminently qualified for so high and responsible a station, I had not designed to offer any public declaration of my opinions but really, after the observations which have been made with so little reserve by the individual who has so recently addressed you at such length—observations so vitally afFecting the best interests of the nation, and invol ving matters religious as well as political—I trust that I shall stand excused in your judgments if I protest .against the doctrines which lie has maintained, and if I presume to offer some few remarks for your indulgent consideration. It is not in my particular character, as a Member and Minister of the Church of England that I would alone claim to address you, but as a Member also and Minister of the Church of Christ. That it is the dutyof every Christian community 10 have a national establishment for the purpose of publicly teaching and upholding some form of the Christian faith is a proposition so apparently requisite in itself, and one that has been ever held so sacred by the wise and good, that I cannot but consider it would be a waste of your time to enter on any elaborate proof of the argument. As the public provision for religious instruction is the glory and privilege of this Kingdom, so for any Government to abandon or neglect such provision, would justly be considered as a criterion of public indifference to things sacred, and be a national s'ain and dishonor. That all men should agree in their religious sentiments, however greatly to be desired, it would be vain to expect; in a country, free like our own, where no restraint is imposed on pro- fession or worship, it might be anticipated that a variety of per- suasions amongst Christians would at all times prevail. Some selection, therefore; was required for national adoption, and the selection made in this country, and made long ago with every demonstration of public approbation and affection, not only in this country, but throughout the whole Protestant world, has been in favour of that episcopal government and form of doctrine and dicipline known by the name of the Church of England. I feel assured, that I can say with perfect truth that, however, other bodies of Christians among us may in some points hold opinions not wholly consonant to the opinions of the Church, yet that she is generally held in honor and high regard by all Christians, for the known moderation of her principles and tenets, and for the general soundness and scriptural purity of her articles and formularies. The downfal of the Church of England would be mourned by many a pious and enlightened Dissenter, as the signal for the downfal of religion generally in this kingdom, and ofreligious liberty.-Gentlemen, so firmly am I persuaded of the utility and even necessity of a national establishment for the maintenance and propagation of the Christian faith, that I have no hesitation in declaring that if it should please the Divine Provi- dence to visit us with so sad a calamity as the overthrow of our Church, I, for one. should consider it a duty to contribute to the support of some other national system, in my humble judgment re even less perfect, rather than that such public provision in general and parochial institutions should be wholly done away.-Gentle- men, I have now to apologize for having detained you thus long- but I could not consistently with my own sense of duty refrain from offering these few remarks, in reply to the fearful propositions which Mr. Price has proclaimed, and I now heartily thank you for the great kiudness with which you have heard me. No other Candidate having been proposed, JUf. Talbot advanced to the front of the hustings, and addressed the Electors to the following effect:—" It is now my duty to ad- dress a few observations, and as it is necessary on the present occasion, I shall endeavour to the best of my ability to explain my views on those questions which are likely to come under dis- cussion in the ensuing Parliament. On the last occasion when I had the honour to address you from these hustings, I stated my conviction of the expediency of a large measure of reform in the system of popular representation, and my anticipations of the good results which must ensue when the Reform Bill became the law of the land. Your opinions so far coincided with mine that you unanimously returned me to represent you. Those convic- tions have been confirmed, and those anticipations realised. The first reformed constituency which I now address have reason to congratulate themselves on the final end of that system which was bottomed in corruption, and from which all our difficulties have arisen. I know there are many, however, who, entertaining groundless hopes of sudden prosperity, have indulged in unrea- sonable expectations from the Reform oBi II-there are many who have dreamed golden dreams of riches and happiness, as the im- mediate result of the Act of Parliament, and who have been pro- portionably disappointed. To all such I would advise patience and to wait awhile, for the Reform Bill is but the handle which Is to put io motion the machinery of the Legislature. Give it but time to work, and let but the people do titeir-daty-by returning in- dependent men, and those to work the machine who superintended the construction, and they may depend on its wprkimr well • but « otWwiee. let tbcm not coinnlain if -ftunaferytheirTO^0^ frustrated, iiie supemruciure nas been constructed, and the fault, if it do not succeed, must be imputed to the people themselves.-( Great cheering).-I will now mention a few of the subjects to which the attention of gentlemen has been drawn by the speakers who preceded me. In the consideration of Church Reform, I can only say, that I decidedly am of opinion some establishment is necessary in a Christian country;—I con- ceive an equitable Commutation of Tithes loudly called for; but I will never consent to a system of robbery and spoliation which would deprive the Church of its rights, without giving an equiva- lent, for the purpose of enjoying a temporary and contemptible P°PFlarity.('Cheers).—I am an enemy to the Slave Trade, and ft friend to its abolition that however is saying nothing. I wish that abolition to be at the first moment that shall appear con- sistent with the interests of humanity; but immediate abolition, which would destroy the property of the owners recognised as it is legally, if not morally, is founded in injustice, unless compen- sation be awarded to the West India proprietors. The next sub- ject of interest to which I shall advert, is the Corn Laws. I am an advocate for-a revision of those laws, because I am thoroughly convinced that such revision will tend to prove that the situation of the farmer cannot be worse, and that an enquiry will prove the necessity of lightening the many burdens already placed on his shoulders. As those burdens exist I am well convinced that the protecting duty on the importation of foreign corn is absolutely necessary.-( CMers ).- Gentlemen, I am anxious to state, with. out equivocation, what my sentiments are on every interesting I subject, and therefore say of the Vote by Ballot, that, individually speaking, I look upon it as the fairest mode of ascertaining the real voice of the people-( Great cheering); but before we make any further changes, let us wait until we see whether the existing law will not answer the expectations of its friends, in securing freedom of election to the voters (Cheers.).Where no undue influence or private favour is exerted, there is afforded an argu- ment against its present adoption. Under the circumstances of the recent passing of the Reform Bill, I am of opinion we should first try its efficacy to correct the corruptions arising from im- proper influences before we resort to any further changes.— {Cheers).— Gentlemen, I give no pledges, though I conceive cases may arise where the constituency is justified in demanding them—yet I do not take the present occasion as one of those cases. The last Election was an occasion when pledges were properly demanded, because the details of the Reform Bill being well understood and known, every constituency was justified in demanding a pledge, and every canditate must have formed a de- liberate.opinion on the subject. Pledges are very well where you can get nothing better; but there can be no better pledge than past conduct and present character; and these are better calculated to inspire confidence than the most stringent pledges which can be devised and imposed. (Loud cheering), Mr. Dlllwyn:—" Gentlemen and Brother Electors,-In follow- ing my friend, Mr. Talbot, it is not necessary to trouble you at any length with my political views, and it is perhaps sufficient to say, that on most points they entirely accord with his.— (Cheers) -1 am aware that there are many Gentlemen whose claims to fill this distinguished situation are greater than mine; and it is an honour to which I had never thought of aspiring till it was pressed on me, not only by a general invitation from my neigh- bours, but by offers of support from other influential quarters It is ohiefly to my habits of attending to public business that I am indebted for the flattering selection, and on this habit I must rest my claims. On the subject of Church Reform my opinions entirely agree with those which Mr. Talbot has so ably expressed, and I am an advocate for such an equitable commutation of tithes as I think may be made equally beneficial to the church and the people —{Cheers).—Turning to another important ques- tion, it is my opinion, that a repeal or any material alteration in the Corn Laws would be the ruin of the country, and our agri- ■'cultural and commercial interests are so inseparably blended that neither can ever flourish while the other starves.—To the Ballot I confess a strong dislike, and respecting it I need only at present say that I object to any further change in the elective franchise, till a fair trial has been given to the great alteration and improvement which it has recently undergone.—With regard to Colonial Slavery there is no man more anxions for its annihila- tion than I am, whenever it. can be effected with advantage to the Slaves, but I am apprehen-ive that some further preparation is necessary, and that any immediate or abrupt abolition would lead to much anarchy and prove equally injurious to our Colonies and to the negroes themselves.—Gentlemen, I am confident it is not vour wish to send me to Parliament, nor wou'd I enter a deliberative assembly as a mere delegate, and any partial pledges I have inva- riable refused to give.—This general pledge I will, however give yon, that I have no private interests to serve or patronage to seek—lhat every vote of mine shall be given independently and conscientiously as I may think most conducive to the general 'welfare, and that it shall be my chief ambition to merit your ap- proval.— (Loud Cheering). The High Sheriff then declared C.'R. M. TALBOT and L. W. DILLWYN, Esqts. to be duly elected; when the Honourable Members severally returned thanks. The Procession was then formed for the ceremony of chairing, which was conducted most regularly and satisfactorily and the friends of the respective Members afterwards partook of an ex- cellent dinner at the Town-hall, provided by Mr. Proctor, of the Wyudham "Arms in the coarse of the evening, several gentlemen addressed the meeting, but our limits prevent further detail this jyeek. The proceedings gl^sll be given in oqr next.