The North Wales Express

MR. JONES-PARRY, M.P., AND HIS CONSTITUENTS. MEETING AT CARNARVON. This week will be fully engaged by Mr Jones-Parry, :M:.P., in addressing his constituents, and the campaign was opened at the Guild Hall, Carnarvon, on Monday Veiling, there being a large attendance. Mr Hugh Pugh occupied the chair, and was supported on the Platform by Alderman Lewis Lewis (Mayor), Dr Kirk, •&evs Evan Roberts and Abel J. Parry, Messrs W. A. ^arbishire, R. Pughe Jones, R. D. Williams, Hughes (solicitor), John Davies (Gwyneddon), W. J. Williams, ^ohn Evans, John Jones (chemist), T. Bugbird, J. Griffith fwatchmaker! &c. The Chairman, in addressing the meeting, said he *as sorry to state that the Rev Evan Jones was unable attend through illness. The Rev John Evans, 'P lglwysbach, and Colonel Beaumont, late member for South Durham, were also unable to be present. Mr ■^ugh then went on to say that the position which the Liberal party of the country now occupied must a subject of great gratification to all true Liberals, ^juring the Parliamentary session of 1884 it was the franchise Bill that chiefly occupied the attention of the country, and that, as they were aware, had re- vived the Royal assent, thereby adding two millions to the number of county voters (hear, hear). The current year would, it was expected, see the Redistri- bution Bill become the law of the land, which will °ause important alterations in the existing parliamen- tary divisions of the country. During the year 1886 the general election would probably take place, for which event it was incumbent on the part of all Libe- ic rals to be well prepared. In taking a review of the Past session, they found the gradual conversion of Conservative friends to the provisions of the Franchise Bill a little peculiar. At first they opposed the Bill on its merits. Then they declared that the £ °untry did not want it; they objected to Ireland being included in the Bill; and lastly declared them- Selves strongly in its favour, but shortly afterwards e^pressed their approval of the action of the House of Lords in throwing out the Bill. The question then as to which were to govern the country—the fr°Usfe of Lords or the People. They all remembered e Ssolemn warning of their great leader, Mr Glad- stone—(loud applause)—" Beware of a quarrel," to jThich in effect Lord Salisbury replied, Beware of ,e House of Lords." Mr Gladstone added again, •frust the People," and to which his lordship re- PHed, "Trust the House of Lords," which carried thCh a wave of indignation throughout the country t^at the people declared, in a most emphatic manner, lgir position to the dictation of the House of Lords, which soon resulted in the gracious surrender of Lords. With regard to the additions to the ?°iuty voters, they expected that their support would ?e given to the Liberals, and that they would be in tavour of the following important questions Inter- calate education for Wales (applause). He was sure *lleir were all in favour of that. Then, again, the Collilty Government Bill, which meant the manage- !?ent of the local charters aud granting of licences l!lear, hear). Local Option Bill, Sunday Closing for fagUnd, Disestablishment—(loud applause)—Reform the House of Lords (hear, hear). Coming now to ™atters of local interest, he might say, in regard to ?Urt»erous communications lie had received from £ let«Is, and he thought it advisable to avail himself ? .that opportunity of intimating, in the event of his beuig selected as a candidate and returned as a re- PFesentative of South .;arnarvonshire, it would give him much pleasure to support measures bearing upon e questions and reforms referred to (applause). He i&d now great pleasure iu calling upou their friend and able member, Mr Jones-Parry (loud applause). Jones-Parry, who was most cordially received, a'ter expressing how highly he appreciated the kind- shown to iiitn by the electors of Carnarvonshire ln whatever public capacity he appeared before them, Whether on a political platform like the present, or llPon atl occasion when political differences were thrown aside in a common desire to promote any ob- ject which had in view the benefit of the community ut iarge. said that, at the outset, he felt that some ex- planation was due from him why the annual account of his stewardship had been so long deferred, and ^vll.V he had been unable to meet his constituents a "ittie earlier. It had been his intention and desire that the series of meetings arranged for the present Week should have been held in October last. The course of public events had willed otherwise, owing to th3 action of the Lords over the Franchise Bill, aud thus, in common with other members of Parlia- ment, a holiday, well earned after a laborious and irksome session, had to be sacrificed, and Liberal members had, not at all reluctantly, to remain at their posts in the House of Commons, and in the division lobby to register their votes in support of Mr Glad- stone, in favour of that Franchise Bill which they Were pledged to support, and in opposition to that absurd and unconstitutional theory set up by Lord Salisbury and his followers, that they, and not the elected representatives of the people, were to legis- late for the. people, not as the constituencies wished, h'lt as the Peers thought fit (loud cheers). That theory had exploded they were not likely to hear of it again 1n a hurry, and now, thanks to the indefatigable energy( iiidomnitable perseverance, and strenuous labours of Mr Gladstone, no fewer than two millions of men who have now no votes will at the close of this year be added to the constituencies of the United •^higtlom, and have some voice in the selection of the Embers who will have seats in the new Parliament. The Franchise Bill, after a great deal of opposition, hud, despite the action of the House of Lords, been Placed on the statute book (cheers). The Carnarvon boroughs would possibly not be greatly affected by it, ftor would the numerical strength of the electors be Materially increased but as regarded the county there NV(>uldbe a great accession to the number of voters who are now upon the register, and this accession, he ^joicedto say, would be an addition to the strength Liberalism in Carnarvonshire — (cheers)—for it )Vr'uld be mads up in a great measure of quarrymen tiviiio- iu those strongholds of Liberalism, Nantlle, ^auberis, and Bethesda—of men who had the cou- rage of their convictions, and would be true to them a!, the ballot box (cheers). One matter which occu- lted some discussion during the passage of the i ran" phi.se Bill was whether the privilege of voting should extended to females. During the last session, when r Woodail's resolution came under discussion, he 4"d many other members of the House, following the ^mple of Mr Gladstone, did not vote on the ques- tS, for although generally favourable to it, lie felt !lat a detail of this character might further compli- ovo eate the Franchise Bill, and provoke further obstruc- fcl°n by the Upper House. That, this question would h'U-g fo be settled, and at an early date, uone could ¡loUht (hear, hear). Women were daily evincing I gl'eater interest, and were being brought prominently to the front, in connection with subjects, of not only a social, but also a political character. Many of them have seats at Boards of Guardians, and were valuable Members of School Boards and in Carnarvonshire Parties of all sides liked to acknowledge with thanks fbe services which were being rendered to the cause of education ami the social amelioration of the masses by such. ladies as Mrs Yerney, to whom Mr Mundella made »ueh complimentary reference at the opening of the University College of North Wales, of which she is a governor'; their townswoinan, Mrs Hugh Pugh- (hear, hear)-the danghter of that worthy pioneer of •education in the Principality, the late Sir Hugh Owen --(hear, hear)—.Mrs Darbishire—(hear, hear)—and a host of others who could be enumerated. Before passinor on to general politics, he would like to say a Word or two upon another matter of local interest. lIe referred to the Redistribution of Seats Bill, and how it would affect Carnarvonshire. He did not think that the county electors could find much fault, if any, with its provisions, tor their representation would be doubled, and upon them must shortly de- volve the duty of choosing a colleague for Mr Ratli- We. As they were aware, the Boundary Commis- Stoner held a court last week. It was very harmo- nious go far as the proposed division of the county Was concerned. A slight modification in the scheme su'ggested by the commissioners was proposed by the Conservatives, aud, as it was not worth while wasting time over it, Mr Arthur Darbishire, the president of the Liberal Association, gave his assent, and both sides seemed satisfied. The only other difficulty was as to the naming of the two divisions and about this there was considerable difference of opinion. Arvon and Eitlonvdd—names dear to Carnarvonshire Welsh- 'ik men—were proposed. Criccieth was also submitted ",o I- .thft consideration of the commissioner to give a «''lame to the southern division. The Mayor of Car- irvon (Alderman Lewis) offered many well consi- dered arguments in favour of the borough of wlich he 1vas the chief magistrate; and Bangor, too, put in a claim, which was very forcibly advanced by Mr Pritchard, its town clerk. Major Tulloch had cer- tainly abundance of choice. The proposal of Mr Darbishire, which was so ably backed up by Mr John Roberts, that for Welshmen names so familiar as Ai von and Eifiouydd should be selected, met with a good deal of favour; and, as a Welshman proud of his nationality, he was very glad that such names as Arvon *wd Eifionydd had been proposed as the titles of the two divisions (hear, hear). But, after all, the preponderance .of public feeling was favourable to the respective divisions being know1 as 1 North aud South," and, acting ypon such feeling, he intended, when the Redistribution BiJl came into committee, to repose that the divisions be polled North" aud South." These, he believed, would give the greatest satisfaction to the country at large (hear, hear). From such division of the county the question naturally arose, Who were to be the two county representa- tives ? It had been suggested that he should give up the boroughs and stand for the southern division. But why should he accede to such a suggestion ? In the first place, he would ask his constituents in the bo- roughs were they disposed that he should coolly throw them overboard ? (" No, no "). If they were dissatisfied or discontented with him as their repre- sentative, not the slightest whisper of discontent or dissatisfaction had ever reached his ears. He had been most regular in his attendance at the House a reference to the division list would show that—(hear, hear)—and also that he had never been in the wrong lobby, but had always voted straight (cheers). If asked to question or to interview any Minister or de- partment on any matter of public interest, he had always promptly done so (hear, hear). His consti- tuents in the Carnarvon boroughs, since they did him the honour of electing him as their representative i the House of Commons, had ever treated him with the greatest forbearance, courtesy, and consideration. Why, then, should he throw aside his old friends and supporters ? (hear, hear). And, again, what had been decided about Mr Rathbone ? Surely he, an old, valued, and tried representative—(hear, lioar)-de- served to be taken into their consideration and confi- deuce before any final arrangement was come to. For himself, he saw no reason why he should relinquish the boroughs and go in for the southern division of the county. There were, he found, already three gen- tlemen seeking the suffrages of the electors for the newly-created division. What a contrast this pre- sented to what was the condition of Liberalism in Carnarvonshire some seventean years ago (hear, hear). They would remember that until 1868 the chances of the county returning a Liberal member—even did a. Liberal candidate venture into the Aeld-were ridi- culed. Well, at that election he did battle in the Liberal interest against the Hon. Douglas-Pennant, and for the first time for a great number of years Car- narvonshire was represented by a Liberal (cheers). At the general election, six years later, the tables were turned, and the Liberals once more found themselves in a minority. But in 18SD the tide turned—(cheers—- and Mr Watkin Williams assorted the supremacy of Liberal feeling in Carnarvonshire by a victory which placed him at the head of the poll, 1097 votes in ad- vance of Mr Douglas-Pennant—(cheers)—and at a bye- election some eighteen months later Mr Rathbone well maintained that majority (cheers). The last two elec- tions for the county had found unanimity and accord in the ranks of the Liberals, and this was due, doubt- less, to the ftlct that there was but one Liberal candidaa in the field. Whatever division Mr Rathbone might Ie- lect, he knew not but this he did know, that Mr Rath- bone would be true and loyal to his party (cheari). As- suming that Mr Rathbone elected to stand for the northern—and for whichever division ho stood he was safe of re-elcctiou, so greitly had he won for himself the esteem, respect, and regard of all sections of the people— Conservatives and Liberals alike. Then came ths choice of a candidate for the other division. There were already three who were anxious to have the honour of represent- ing that division. There was Mr Morgan Lloyd, the present member for Anglesey boroughs; Mr R. Pughe Jones, who was a native of the district; and Mr Hugh Pugh, who had done them the honour of occupying the chair that evening. They were all three of them good men they were Welshmen—(hear, hear) tried and true, and well-known Liberals, and each of them deserved a seat in Parliament, and he only wished that each of the three might attain that laudable ambition (hear, hear). But, unfortunately, the Liberals could not have three members for the southern or any other division of the county. One had to suffice. And which of the three candidates were they to select ? For his own part, he might at once state that he would take no active part in the selection of a candidate nor until certain conditions had been complied with was he disposed to support the candidature of any one who might offer himself (hear. hear). He assumed that no steps would betaken towards the selection of any candidate—whether for the northern or the southern division, or by whatever term* the dis- tricts would be designated, until there had been sum- moned aud held a meeting of delegates of the respective divisions, who should have been elected upon the new franchise (hear, hear). What he meant was that as some hundreds of new voters would be added to the register after the registration courts in September or October, that such new voters should, through the various district asso- ciations, have the opportunity of electing their delegates to a central conference, and that such delegates, who should be thoroughly representative, should select who the candidates shall be. And those candidates, he need scarcely add, should have whatever little help he could give them in their endeavours to strengthen the hands of a Liberal Government (cheers). He would strongly urge upon Carnarvonshire Liberals the necessity of unity (hear, hear). There must be no wavering or holding back (hear, hear). For months past the Conservatives had been working hard in perfecting an organisation which should again bring Carnarvonshire under Tory domination and misrule. Disunion and discord in the Liberal tanks would alone bring about such a misadventure, for with unity and loyalty to party, Liberal supremacy throughout Carnar- vonshire—aye, throughout Wales — was safe, and the Principality would long continue the great stronghold of Liberal principles (cheers). For some years past-at all events since the last general election-th" great question which had agitated Wales and Welshmen had been rather social than political. Wales had striven to be placed edu- cationally on an equality with Scotland and Ireland and she had succeeded fairly well (hear, hear). Her aspira- tions for the establishment of a university in the north had been satisfied—(cheers)—and after a very praise- worthy struggle as to which county should have the choice of site, one of the Carnarvonshire boroughii- tha.t of Bangor-was selected, and there was now founded in the county a university which, with a brilliant staff, had attracted in its first session, a fair number of students who promised to do credit to the Principality (hoar, hear). Still there was a missing link which had to be supplied—a stepping-stone from the elementary schools to the university—the perfecting of the grammar schools, and the provision of higher grade schools (hear. hear). Lord Aberdare, speaking at the inauguration of the University College for North Wales, referred to the Bill which is to be introduced by Mr Mundella as eile likely to meet with general favour (hear, hear). What its provisions were he was unable to say. He was glad, however, to find that the good fortune of Bangor in se- curing the college had stimulated Carnarvon into exert- ing itself towards being selected as one of the townt in which a higher grade school is to be established. He cordially wished the good people of Carnarvon every success; and he also embraced that opportunity of congratulating his friend, the .Mayor, upon the ap- proaching opening of that institution, which owed its foundation to his liberality and perseverance -(hear, hear)—an institution also of an educational character which could not fail to be appreciated by and be of ad- vantage to the young men of Carnarvon (hear, hear). During the past two sessions of Parliament few measures had been passed of direct interest to Wales. Owing to the persistent obstruction practised by a certain section of the House, Mr Mundella had not yet found an op- portunity of introducing his long-prepared measure deal- ing with the question of higher and intermediate educa- tion, which Welshmen were awaiting so eagerly and yet so patiently—(hear, hear)-and that important motion of Mr Dillivyn, dealing with the question of the Church in Wales, had, through the like cause, btjen shelved for a time. He cordially agreed with Lord Richard Grosvenor that one of the earliest duties incumbent on the new Parliament would be the reform of its rules, so as to put a stop to the facilities which now existed, and were so freely availed of, to obstruct useful and necessary legisla- tion, and to stem that torrent of talk which was poured forth upon the House at almost every sitting (applause). It could not be laid to the doors of the Welsh members that they had in the slightest degree unduly occupied the time or attention of the House, or in any way connived at the system of obstruction which had sprung up (hear, hear). In some quarters the Welsh members had been blamed for inactivity, for not assarting themselves more strongly, and for not pursuing an aggressive and obstruc- tive policy (hear, hear). It had been suggested that they should follow the example of their friends on the other side of the Channel, and, banding themselves together, as they had done, as a national party, adopt very much the saint tactics as they had become notorious for. Now. he for one would never lend himself in its entirety to the policy which was being pursued by Mr Parnell and his followers. He would be no party to wilful ob- strnetioll-(hear, hear)—to abuse of parliamentary privilege—(hear, hear)—to personal, slanderous, and discreditable attacks upon Mr Gladstone and the members of a Liberal, or even a Conservative, Administration! (hear, hear). It lowered the whole standard of political life, and it was not the best or wisest course to follow if one sought to obtain the object they had in view. It was rather the best way to delay and defeat it. Without offensively as- serting their nationality in the House of Commons and before the country, he would tell them that the Welsh members were quite as anxious, earnest, and diligent in the discharge of their duties, as conscious of their responsibility, and as awake to the interests of the Principality as the Parnellites were to those of Ireland (cheers). They had succeeded in obtaining a Sunday Closing Bill for Wales; an educational grant of 1*10,000 annually for the three colleges now in work in North, South, and Mid Wales—(cheers)— and they were doing their best to place the parent institution—that at Aberystwyth—on an equality with the sister colleges of Bangor and Cardiff in the matter of pecuniary aid from the Government; they should probably, now that the Franchise Bill no longer occupied the time of the House, have an early opportunity of learning what Mr Mundella intended to do to improve the system of intermediate education whilst that motion of Mr Dillwyn's cannot be much longer delayed, and when it came before the ilouse they need have no fears, doubts, or misgivings as to the way in which he, in common with the great, majority of the Welsh members, would give their votes (cheers). But there were other matters of national interest which must occupy the early atten- tion of Parliament—such as the Connty Financial Boards Bill, which would give the ratepayers greater control over the expenditure of the county rates; the adjustment of local taxation; the amend- ment and simplification of the laws relating to the sale and transfer of land, local option, and other im- portant measures. Hence it was necessary that the hint thrown out by Lord Richard Grosvenor should be expeditiously acted upon, and that one of the earliest duties of Parliament shall be the reform of its rules, for until this was done there was but little chance of legislative progress and activity (hear, hear). Let him add just a few words as to the foreign policy of the Government. They were un- happily involved in an Egyptian difficulty. They had accepted the protectorate of Egypt, and England was bound to see that Egypt did not relapse again into a condition of anarchy and disorder. Before many days had passed they might hope to hear of the dispersal of the Mahdi's forces, of the relief of Khartoum, and of the start homewards of Lord Wolseley and General Gordon. For the sake of the preservation of peace, and in the interests of humanity, a rule of order and of law must be en- forced in Egypt, and for that state of things the responsibility rests with England (hear, hear). Too much, he considered, had been made of the annexa- tion of Angra. Pequena by Germany, and of the anti- pathy with which Bismark was said to regard England (hear, hear). To read of the reproaches which had been uttered against the English Govern- ment for their so-called supineness in this matter, it might be thought that we had quietly allowed Ger- many to possess herself of a territory larger, valuable, and important. But what did Angra Pequena turn out to be ? Why, about as valuable as that desert of sand over which the camel corps of the English troops is advancing to the relief of Gordon. t pro- duces," they were told, neither food nor water; the very soil is of a changeable and uncertain dis- position where there was a mountain one day there will be very likely a plain next, a stone heap the day after." That, at all events, is the description given of this lovely spot by a German officer. Still there is a principle involved, and no doubt when Lord Derby is called upon in the House of Lords to an explanation, a satisfactory one will be forthcoming (hear, hear). Having now touched upon all the questions which had been lately, or were now, en- grossing public attention and interest, lie had to thank them for the kindly reception they had given him, and for the patience with :which they had listened to him. He would conclude with the ex- pression of hope, in which he indulged earlier in the evening, that when the next general election comes, and it was not far distant, it would find the Liberals of Carnarvonshire, and of the Carnarvon Boroughs, united, vigilant, determined, and active, in support of three Liberal candidates, for with unity in the Liberal ranks to Tory has any chance either in the county or the boroughs (loud cheers). Mr J. Davies (Gwyneddon), proposed vote of confidence in Mr Jones-Parry, which was seconded by the Rev. Evan Roberts. The Rev. E. Herber Evans, in a most eloquent speech, supported the resolution. Referring to inde- pendent candidates, he said he could only consider a man who would split the Liberal party as an enemy, and could only treat him as such. Dwelling upon the question of the Disestablishment of the Church in Wales, he stated that every day he became more and more convinced of the desirability of passing Mr Dillwyn's motion. The connection that now existed between the Church and the State divided our nation into two parties, which were alienated one from the other. He knew of instances where Nonconformists were refused employment because of their creed; and he could mention a case in which land had been refused the Nonconformists for the purpose of chapel- building. A Voice: Good G—d. (The man after- wards making his way for the door, disgusted with the fact). Mr Evans: I would not think much of a speech that would not be too hot for some one (great cheers and laughter). Mr Evans then dwelt at some length upon general politics, and sat down amidst deafening applause. The motion was carried unanimously. Dr. Kirk, in moving a resolution in support of the Government, said that the confidence of the country had not yet been shaken in the Liberal Administra- tion, notwithstanding all the diatribes which had been uttered against it of late by their Cockney friends and others. They were told that when the House of Commons met the Government might expect an ignominous defeat (laughter). It was said that foreign affairs were in a desperate way, that colonial affairs were still worse, and that, of course, it was all the fault of the Government. Such a statement took two theories for graated-oiie, that the policy of the Government was utterly bad the other that many Liberals had hitherto supported the present Ministry dishonestly simply through fear of the Oppo- sition—that they have voted against their own inclina- tions. Such a state of things must have arisen from one or other of two causes-either these Liberals who said they would desert the Govern- ment on the re-assembling of Parliament must have been convinced that the Government had the support of the country, and that action against the Government would be punished by the country or else a dread of trusting foreign affairs to Lord Salisbury (hoar, hear). Mr Goschen had expressed himself to that effect, and that he would prefer the present Government, although not approving of all that it did, than give a. blank cheque to the Conservative leader (hear, hear). Was it reasonable to expect that these two causes were likely to act differently in the coming session than they had hitherto done ? Surely we might expect as much con- fidence from the new constituencies as from the old (hear, hear). The I.H.I so familiar and dear to the lips of Sir Stafford Nortlicote, viz., "Indecision, hesitation, and irresolution," which he so blandly applied to the Government policy, seemed to afferd quite a fund of subjects for Cockney leading articles. Liberals were not so foolish as to maintain that the Government policy in Egypt and the colonies had been supremely wis« and blameless. Such a perfect policy cannot be expected in mundane affairs, but it might be safely and truthfully affirmed that its fault had not been indecision or vacillation, but rather a t o per- sistent adherence to a purpose again and again made known to the public, but which, by the evolution of circumstances, was quite beyond the foresight of It he most prescient (hear, hear). When Mr Gladstone and his colleagues assumed office in 1880 they unmistakably declared their disapproval of the meddling and aggran- dising policy of the Beaconsfield administration. They said that this country had had already quite enough of foreign responsibilities, and that it was impolitic and unwise to increase that burden (hear, hea>-). They would agree with him that it was well kaown that the Gladstone Ministry meant what they said, free of cant and bravado (cheers). When they were compelled to interfere forcibly in Egypt they did so with very a-reat reluctance, but at the same time resolved to respect the rights and interests of other Powers—in short, to maintain, if possible, the European concert (hear, hear). It was but fair to state that the Egyp- tian complication was due to the sayings and doings of the late Government as much as any effect followed cause in this world. The present Administration re- cognise a good government in Egypt as being most vital; but, unfortunately, the other Powers were not prepared to act loyally and cordially with England in making Egyptian self-government a possibility. France had stood like a dog in the manger; and Prince Bismark, for reasons best known to himself, seemed to favour the policy of France. Let the country remember that it was not Lord Granville but Lord Salisbury who was chiefly instrumental in making the management of Kgyptian finance a matter of European concern, and entangled England in that fatal partnership with France which fettered our hands at a time when prompt action might have pre- vented the lamentable consequences which culminated in Arabi's insurrection (hear, hear). But in spite of unprecedented foreign complications and home pre- judice, the Liberal party could boast of adding to the long list of reforms. A Franchise Bill and a Redistri- bution Bill were by common assent already agreed to. Its home policy had been marked by that healthy conservatism which conserves the good and devises ways and means of getting rid of, with as little friction as possible, the bad. Never in the history of Liberalism had the party been more coherent and united than at the present moment; and never was the party led with more skill and tact (cheers). The German Chancellor was not likely to pick a quarrel with England for the sake of France but he might get France to alienate herself from Great Britain through her conduct in the Egyptian question. So long as the policy of the Gladstone Government was to keep its pledges like honest English gentlemen, to maintain, if possible, the European concert with honour and dignity, and above all to see that Egypt hILa a good aud settled government, they might be safely entrusted with the destinies of this country (cheers). Hitherto they had done their be-.t for their Queen and country, and the people of England were, he believed, not at allginclined to chaugu a, Giadstonian Ministry for one led by Lord Salisbury, and much less for one piloted by any one of the slap-dash Fourth Party (laughter and cheers). This motion was seconded by Mr W. J. Williams, and carri ed unanimously. The proceedings terminated with a vote of thanks to the chairman, proposed by Mr Jones-Parry, M.P., and seconded by Mr T. Bugbird. MEETING AT BANGOR. On Tuesday evening Mr Jones-Parry addressed his constituents at the Penrhyn Hall. There was a ciowded attendance, Mr John Roberts, Brynadda, presiding. There were also on the platform Dr Kirk, Messrs R. Pughe-Jones, Morgan Richards, Thomas Lewis, J.P., Gartherwen R. D. Williams, Joha Richards (Isalaw), J. E. Roberts, &c. The Chairman said it was not very long since they had the pleasure of meeting before to welcome amongst them their county member—Mr Rathbone (loud ap- plause). They had that evening the pleasure again of doinj the same to their respected member for the boroughs—Mr Love Jones-Parry (applause). Since their last meeting a very momentous event in the political world had taken place. They were then under some degree of apprehension—there was a pros- pect before them of a severe struggle; but, happily, all that passed away in a very much quieter manner than anybody ever anticipated, and it was in that quiet, that calm manner, that that great measure—the Franchise Bill—eventually passed (hear, hear). On previous occasions, when great constitutional measures were passed, they were accompanied with a great deal of excitement and agitation. The first Reform Bill was passed in the middle of a tumult which almost developed into a revolution. The second Reform Bill was passed in 1867, in a very great political agitation. Notwithstanding that the last measure was passed with very great quiet, it was by no melons of less importance than the previous ones. On that account, he thought, it was in its demenfions greater than any one of the previous measures of reform, and he thought that the quiet and peaceable manner in which it bad been passed made it really more striking. It was a more striking testimony to the force of democ- racy, in his mind, than anything that had occurred. The easy passage of the Bill was not in the slightest degree, in his belief, owing to the fact that the Congervatives -(cheers and counter-cheers)—were more pleased with it than they were with the previous reforms. The only difference in this case was that the Conservatives were completely cowed" (hear, hear, and applause). The contemplation of the force of the power of the people had so overwhelmed them that they had no hoart to fight. At anyrate, no spirit to fight. There were, at first, some few ardent spirits that intimated that they were going to p 1. fight. They found that distinguished statesman, Lord Randolph Churchill—(hisses and cheers)-in a speech, in Edinburgh, expressing himself in unmistakeable terms as hostile to the measure. That was at the outset, but lat- terly he affected a transformation with Macabe-like celerity—(laughter)—and appeared as an ardent eham- pion of reform. The same feeling existed, to some extent, throughout the country. They showed that, although they were williug to wound, they were afraid to strike, and the end was, as far as the Franchise was concerned, that the Conservatives, with one exception-Mr James Lowther—pronounced the utmost indignation at the exten- sion of the franchise to the counties. The result, how- ever, was, that they had a complete Redistribution Bill presented to the British Parliament (loud applause). As he had said before, the maguitude of the change was so great that it was difficult for them to appreciate it at the present moment. It was of immense importance to the country at large, and of considerable local importance to them in the county of Carnarvon, as it gav." them an additional member (applause). Of course, the benefit derived therefrom would depend upon the use they would make of the change. If they made proper use of the privileges —the increased privileges accorded them-it would be of great benefit to them and would increase their importance in the political world. But, on the other hand, if they neglected their duties the change might, instead of being a blessing, do great mischief. What he meant was this If through their antipathy or disunion they did not .secure two seats for the Liberal party in the county of Carnarvon (applause). Then, if such untoward result as that would happen an additional member, instead of being a benefit, would be a great mis- fortune and would really mean a disfranchise, because the vote of one member would neutralize the vote and voice of the other member. Although he drew atten- tion to this he did not apprehend that danger in the slightest degree, but they ought to guard against it. The danger was disunion amongst the leaders of the Liberal party, for the rank and file was of over- whelming Liberal strength in the county, and if there was no division lie did not see it was possible for them to run any risk of losing either seat (applause). But that depended entirely upon their being united, even had they remained as one constituency, although the Liberals numbered three to two Conservatives. If they had two Liberal candidates of pretty equal strength, it would be obvious at once that the Con- servatives would have a majority sufficient to send up a member. That was the only danger he saw they ran in the matter, but thanks to the foresight and energy of the organising power of Mr Chamberlain- (loud and continued applause)—and which he not only possessed himself, but had shown the power of infusing it throughout the country at large. Thanks to that organisation which did good work in the election of 1880, he hoped they should escape all these dangers. They knew the disastrous result of the election of 1874 which was caused by Liberal divi- sions, but nevertheless it stirred the Liberal party, and Liberal organisations and associations were instituted throughout the kingdom and a strong testimony to the work of those associations was the abuse and the attacks they had suffered at the hands of the Con- servative party. They knew that when the Liberals became united their chances diminished, and their endeavour to condemr. an organisation which tended to that result, was perfectly natural (laughter). He trusted there would be, and believed there would be the utmost loyalty shown towards the Liberal Association—(hear, hear)—and that whatever candidate endeavoured to throw himself upon any constituency against the selected candidate of the association would be rejected without mercy, and not only that. but would be marked and ostracized by every Liberal constituency throughout the kingdom- (loud applause)—because he could conceive of no greater act of disloyalty than for any individual to force personal ambition so as to destroy the chance of a Liberal victory (hear, hear). He knew there had been a great many attacks made upon Liberal Associa- tions and caucuses, but if anybody could produce a. better mode of avoiding divisions, he was sure it would be liberally adopted. But these methods were now adopted, because they were the best suggested as yet, to avoid Liberal division. He noticed in the papers that there had been another plan, which, if adopted, would be a good one, although he had not looked into it thoroughly. He referred to the system of second ballottin;. For instance, supposing a constitnency had 3000 Liberals and 2000 Conservatives, and supposing one Liberal secured 1600 votes, and the other 1400, and the Conservative received 2000, the Conservative would not be elected, because he would not have received one-half of the votes recorded. Therefore, the Conservative candidate would have to be put up against the highest Liberal, and then there would be a fair fight between the two. He found that that system was by no means a new one, but was adopted in France, Germany, Australia, Italy, Portugal, Belgium, and tlu Netherlands. In conclusion, Mr Roberts said there was no other mode or method by which Liberal union could be secured except by means of Liberal Associa- tions or by means of delegates selected by the public at large, and in equal proportions, and the candidates of the party to be selected by those delegates, who were elected by the electors themselves (applause). He then expressed his own feelings of welcome to Mr Jones- Parry for coming amongst them that night. Mr Jones-Parry, who was cordially received, ad- dressed the meeting at some leng:h, touching chiefly upon the Franchise Bill, remarking that he had changed his opinion of 17 years ago as to the extension of the franchise to women. Following the example of his revered chief—Mr Gladstone—(cheers)—whe feared that the proposed inclusion would overweight the bill, and so give another excuse to the House of Lords to reject the bill, he did not vote on Mr Woodal.'s motion for the enfranchisement of weinen, but when it next came forward he did give it his hearty support and vote (applause). As regarded the question of educa- tion, he congratulated the people of Bangor—who had an excellent Normal College, a bjran-new corporation, which was doing excellent work, and an ancient and historic cathedral-upol1 having been selected as the locale of the University College for North Wales (hear, hear). Having the honour of representing Car- narvon as well as Bangor, it would have been extremely bad taste for him had he advocated the claims of one town against the other, and so he preferred remaining neutral (hear, hear). Fortunately the question was referred to three impartial gentlemen, to whose decision no objection could be taken. They selected Bangor, and he hoped the college would be not only an orna- ment to the Principality, but become w institution of importance throughout the United Kingdom, and be epen to all "dwellers in Mesopotamia and elsewhere who were desirous of obtaining a high-class education in Welsh Wales" (applause). As regarded the ques- tion of intermediate education, Mr Mun;iella— (applause;—whose name he was glad to and -,) cordially received, had expressed his wish t > hi:n :hu the measure he had prepared so long ago should be introduced with the ieast possible dday-(hear. II. a r) -and all Welshmen would hope that his desn-e wuuld be fulfilled in the coming session—(hear, hear)—and that the system of education in Wales would he st 1' further perfected (hear, hear). He also hopj 1 to se-s a measure dealing with county financial boards introduced during the next session, and that under such measure the ratepayers would have the power of dealing with public-house licences (hear, hexr). It had been asked why the Welsh members should not band th weirds together as a national party like their friends across the channel, aud, following the tactics of the Parnellites, force the Government to pass measures which were demanded by the Welsh people. He, for one, would never lend himself to such tactics, or place himself under the leadership of one man. He was responsible only to his constituents, and if he had ever erred it might have been on the ground of want of ability, and not from any neglect or inattention to his parliamentary duties (hear, hear). If they were tired of him—and he had received no intimation to that effect—there were many good men who were ready to take his place, and he could only take off his hat to them, and with regret say "Good-bye'' (hear, hear). When the Liberal Association met for the selection of a candidate—and he hoped there would be a dozen to choose from-he trusted that there would be unity, and no division or sp itting up into cliques (hear, hear). All differences, all personal feelings, must be sunk for the common good of the party-(hear, hear)-aud the candidates must bow to the decision of the so-called caucus," and so secure the seats to that party to whom they claimed to owe allegiance (hear, hear). Unless they did this, they could have no claim upon the confidence or support of the party (hear, hear). At the last elec- tion for the boroughs, his name, and those of two other candidates whom he need not mention, were brought before the Liberal Association or "caucus." Well, he was chosen. And did those other two gentle- men go home in the sulks and say, We won't support Jones-Parry ?" No they went away and worked loyally and heartily for the candidate who was selected by the association-(hear, hear)—aud if a candidate was chosen by the Liberal Association over his head he would act as loyally as those gentlemen had done— (cheers)-Ilnd he hoped that every other candidate would do the same (cheers). He renewed the prophecy that, with union in the Liberal ranks, no Conservative would ever be returned for the county or the boroughs y 11 of Carnarvon and that, at all events, none of those present would ever live to see it (loud cheers). Mr Morgan Richards, who met with a most enthu- siastic reception, being cheered again and again, next addressed the meeting in Welsh, and proposed, "That this meeting of the electors of the borough of Bangor desires to express confidence in Mr Love Jones Parry, as the representative of the Carnarvonshire boroughs, and pledges iUeli to support him if he is the selected candidate for tlu boroughs at the next election." If it had not been for the absence of the esteemed gentle- iiian-tha Rev. John Evans (Eglwysbach)—he (the speaker) would not have had the opportunity and pleasure of proposing that resolution, which he should endeavour to do, under the present circumstances, to the best of his ability. The resolution was an im- portant one, and worthy of their consideration, because if it were rejected it would, necessarily, be very dis- heartening to Mr Jones-Parry to offer himself for re- election, but on the other hand, if they passed the resolution unanimously—and he had not the slightest doubt but that they would-it would be an encourage- ment to him to come forward at the next election, which was now nigh. Arcd he could not see why they could not meet that resolution in an earnest, frank, sincere, and unselfish spirit, and discuss it on its own merits, independent of personal feelings or jealousy towards one another (hear, hear). He often felt amused in listening to the eloquence and pleadings of advocates in courts of law, how one endeavoured to make a good case of a bad case, and another applied the black brush in order to enlarge the contrast, and probably there was not a more honourable profes- sion in the whole kingdom than the legal profession; but to those present that night there was not the slightest inducement to "paint" or colour. They were not there as hirelings (hear, hear). They were not there to speak well of one and ill of the other (hear, heir). They were there simply to express their feelings in a clear, emphatic, and unfeigned manner towards Mr Jones-Parry, and to pass judgment upon his actions during the period he had served as their representative in Parliament (applause). Why should they say anything to the contrary. They had taken some part in political contests since the time of Richard Davies (Richard Dafydd) against Bulkeley Hughes in 1859 up to the election of Mr Rathbone against Mr Nanney (applause). Whatever they should do, whatever they would lwave undone, they, as Non- conformists could say they never received a hare nor a pheasant—(laughter and applause)—that they never received any acknowledgement for what they had done or what they tried to do from any candidate whatever (applause). On that ground, therefore, they were freefrom any consideration and could speak their minds openly without breaking any promises or for- feiting any presents which they did not expect to get (hear, hear). In order to properly weigh and measure the deeds of public men, It was absolutely necessary to take into consideration the times and circumstances under which such actions had been achieved, because they were aware that deeds accomplished under extreme difficulties were worthier of distinctions than those executed under easy circumstances. If that were so, it would be well for them then to look back at the political state of North Wales when Mr Jones- Parry first appeared on the scene (applause). There were many there who remembered the circumstances, but in order that others might see and judge for them- selves, it was necessary that they should refer to those times. What was the political condition of North Wales at that period ? Anglesey, Flintshire, Denbigh- shire, and Merionethshire were completely at the will of their nobles, and Carnarvonshire was in a more wretched state than any (applause). She was more contemptible, because the Tory party was more prevalent in the county. A spirit of tyranny—to keep down the working man and to oppress the farmer- permeated the whole county. Carnarvonshire might be said to be politically dead, and not only that but she was buried (laughter). Again, she was not only dead and interred, but there were many soldiers watching over her grave (loud laughter). Soldiers ? Yes. Who were they ? Justices of the Peace for Carnarvonshire—(loud applause)—those men who were raised to the magisterial bench by the lord- lieutenant—the chief Tory of the county. Those were some of the soldiers who carried out the objects of Conservatism in the county. If a poor workman shot a pheasant or killed a hare lie must be fined heavily or sent to prison for the offence. (A voice: Or turned out of his house.") There was again the tish. On whose land or water did the salmon live (laughter)? What moral right had any man to tell a workman in Carnarvonshire that lie could not go to the river and kill salmon (hear, hear, and applause) ? Who were the soldiers (laughter) ? Stewards of the landowners, who evicted many a poor Welshman for recording his vote according to the dictates of his conscience. These were the men who carried out the Conservative cause (cries of shame," hisses, and slight interruption). He was sure the interruption I was caused by some toad-eater or other (laughter). Who were the soldiers? Carnarvoushirelparsons- (loud laughter)—who had been for years and years a kind of flunkies and tell-tales (laughter). Such was a brief description of the state of things in ('arnarvon- shire when Mr Jones-Parry came out (applause). The atmospheric properties of the House of Com- mons having became too oppressive for the then representative of the county, of course lie was raised to the exhilarating air of the Upper House amongst the peers who had lived on the working class for ages. Under the circumstances it was necessary to have another representative for Carnarvonshire. How did they doit? They went to the hustings at Car- narvon. He remembered the time very well. A few gentlemen from that part of the county and a few from Portmadoc, Lleyn and Aberdaron—(laughter)— went to Carnarvon to feast and drink champagne. They had heard of the process of the creating of people and it was a most easy and simple mode (laughter). However, there was not the slightest doubt that the old Conservatives had any religious sympathy with the people, as nine out of every ten of the population were Nonconformists. Yet, there were men who took notes of the manner in which they were treated. The Amserall, for which he had the most tender feelings, was started and edited by the late Hiraethog, and Lloyd printed it in the Isle of Man, because it could not exist in Liverpool. But old William Rees, who was exceedingly keen, a 1d possessed of a strong mind, divulged the state of politics in Wales, and aimed effective shots at the aristocracy for weeks and weeks. In time, the Welsh Herald made its appearance, and did its duty most creditably. That was how things i). They had a number of Christian people with plenty in their heads," but very little in their pockets (lnuhfc.r). Those people were not I satisfied with the p jlitical state of their county, so they put their heads together to see if there was no one that would make battle for them. They turned to the north, and then to the west. (Here there was a slight interruption at the end of the hall, when cries of "Turn him out" were raised). Mr Richards If tke teaching be. too bitter, let him depart (laushter, and a voice.* Lt;o him go aud look after Lord Penrhyn's iish)." Mr Richards proceeded to say that they went i.o Madryn, where they met a healthy-looking young man, and before whom they laid their case. They a sked him if it were not possible for him zo come for- ward and fight againai Conservative oppression. Th# answer at once was, "Behold me" (loud applause). The result was that the report went like lightning throughout the country. The Conservatives looked upon that lad as Goliath looked upon David (loud applause). They did not believe he would come out to fight them, but he did, and they knew the result It was the most interesting political event he (Mr llichards) ever witnessed, to see the sword of knight in the possession of the victorious Jones-Parry (loud applause). Mr Jones-Parry voted constantly in the House, and surely they owed a great debt of gratitude to him for coming out as he did in 1868. He (the speaker) feared that if Mr Parry had not come out at the time he did, that Carnarvonshire would be to this day in the tenacious claws of Toryism (applause). lJr. ii_iri £ seconded the resolution in an able speech, and the motion was carried amidst immense cheering. Mr Jones-Parry, speaking in the vernacular, replied Ladies and Gentlemen,—I thank you very much for you r kindness and expression of confidence towards me. I am very proud of the honour of representing you in Parlia- ment, and hope I shall continue to serve you for many years to come-(hear, hear)-at all events until you have got tired of me (laughter). I shall endeavour to fulfil whatever I promise, and try and not commit any wroug (applause). ° Mr J. Evan Roberts next proposed That this meet- ing begs to put on record its cordial approval of the policy of her Majesty s Government, and to express its warmest thanks to Mr Gladstone and his colleagues for the passing of the Franchise Act and the introduction of the Redistribution Bill, and earnestly hopes that an effort will be made to pass the Intermediate Education Bill for Wales at the next session of Parliament.' Mr Roberts very forcibly contrasted the manner in which Wales had been treated by Conservatism with the present time, and said that the policy of the old Government was levelling down," but that of the present Government was levelling up, levelling up (laughter and applause). \V ales had suffered through the want of proper collegiate education, but they were now living under the Government of Mr Gladstone, whose heart be'it tenderlv towards Welshmen (applause). For proof, let them look at the three colleges established in Wales. There was also every probability of the Welsh Intermediate Education Bill being passed next session (hear, hear). Alderman Thomas Lewis, iu seconding the resolu- tion, sa.id he had attended that evening at some in- convenience, but his respect and esteem for the present Government were such that he wished to express him- self emphatically in its favour (hear, hear). They felt that in Mr Gladstone's Ministry every man was in his right place. Mr Gladstone-(loud applause) — had interested himself in the affairs of poor little Wales. It was rumoured that there was an intrigue carried oil on the Continent to overthrow Mr Gladstone's Govern- ment, but they, as countrymen, would stand behind the Grand Old Man, and then no stratagems could succeed in overthrowing the present Government (applause). They felt proud, as Nonconformists, in the Government of Mr Gladstone, for they had Noncon- formists in the Ministry, and they had proved them- selves as able as any others. This was an element which they all should feel proud of. Amongst many brilliant and bright men he might mention Mr Chamberlain -(loud applause) —Mr Mundella—(applause) — Mr Fowler (applause). The resolution was then put to the meeting and passed with only one dissentient. Mr Jones-Parry proposed a vote of thanks to the chairman. In seconding the motion, which was ultimately carried, Mr Davied Owen hoped that they would bel determined to abide by the decision of the Libera Executive in the selection of candidates, and he also hoped, before long, to see their respected chairman one of the representatives for Carnarvonshire (applause). Mr Roberts having returned thanks, the proceedings terminated.