Papurau Newydd Cymru
Chwiliwch 15 miliwn o erthyglau papurau newydd Cymru
5 erthygl ar y dudalen hon
LONDON LETTER. —o
LONDON LETTER. —o (MMMf OUR LoNDON CORRESPONDENT.) SnCIAIXT WIRED. LONDON, Sunday Night. AIIIBMAT10N FOR VOLUNTEERS. The party in favour of the abolition of religions teats have secured another victory, which seems to have missed attention, for the reason that the announcement has been hidden away in tbe army orders with the mass of uninteresting details which are constantly being issued. In the future, volunteers on enlistment will, if they state that they have conscientious objection to take the oath, be allowed to affirm instead. So far this applies only to auxihary forces, but there can be no reason for not extending the liberty to the regular forces. In fact, to be logical, this should be done at once. BIB QEOBOE RESIGNATION. The action of Sir George Chetwynd in sending In his resignation to the Jockey Club has relieved that august and autocratic body from a somewhat awkward predicament. One well-known writer on sporting matters observes to-day that it is public opinion, and not the award of the arbitra- tors, that has compelled Sir George Chetwynd to resign his membership of the Jockey Club, and bal also compelled the club to accept it. At yesterday's meeting an awkward question was raised as to what action was to be taken with other people whose names were mentioned in con- nection with the Chetwynd-Durham case. No definite reply was given, and it is the general opinion tbat the reforming zeal of the turf authorities will be short-lived. They have not been so pleased with the result of their first attempt that they will again care to stir up a hornet's nest about their aristocratic ears. ABSOLUTISM AT HATFIELD. If the Shah wants an object lesson on the con- sequences of the English land system, he cannot do better than study the circumstances of the village outside the park gates of Hat- field, where he has gone on a visit to the Premier. It is a matter of ancient history how difficulties were thrown in the way of tbe construction of the Great Northern Railway, which runs through a portion of the estate. More recently the in- tolerance witb which the local Wesley ana were treated has made the name of Hatfield known in anything bnt a favourable connection. But a look at the village itself, mean and moribund as it is, shows at a glance the evils of the absolute owner- ship of the soil, which checks enterprise and prevents communities from continuing their natural growth. With such railway facilities as it possesses, and within such easy distance of Lon- don, Hatfield ought to be a thriving suburban town, like many other places within twenty or thirty miles of town, where the ownership of the soil has been divided, or where the landlord has taken a more enlightened view of his responsi- bilities, and bad a better realisation of what was to bis own advantage. THE DELIGHTS OF THE SHAH. In the book recording bis impressions of his previous visit, the Shah expressed bis wonderment at the acrobatic performances which he witnessed. Ins probable, therefore, a set design that trapeze performances and other daring feats enter largely into the programmes provided for his amusement. This is not the most intellectual kind of pleasure, but as be cannot understand our music or drama, it is perhaps the best that can be provided at a abort notice to keep his Majesty in good humour. Judging from his appearance, his "duskiness" enjoyed himself immensely at the Crystal Palace last night. The shareholders in that unfortunate concern would like a Royal visit every day in the week. Nearly 50,000 half-crowns were taken for admission yesterday. The way in which the police are con- stantly blocking the traffic along the route his Majesty takes in his drives abroad is becoming an intolerable nuisance to the business part of the public. The Prince of Wales also will not be sorry to be relieved this week of the duty of dancing attendance. Whether it were owing to the grants to tbe Prince's children which have been applied for or to some other reason, it was noticeable that the presence of the Princess Louise and the Earl of Fife did not excite that demonstration which might have been expected. THE DOVEB VACANCY. Unless Sir Hercules Robinson can be persuaded to come forward, it is not probable, I am told, that there will be a contest at Dover. The local Liberals are anxious for a fight, but in other quarters it is thought that under present condi- tions the Liberal candidate would fight at a Berious disadvantage. The time is so short, and the local organisations so imperfect, that it is considered better to defer the struggle to the general election. Mr Leveson Gower, the nephew of Earl Granville, would make a capital candidate in many respects, but he is too indisposed at present to be brought out. THEATRICAL MATINEES. No less than nine or ten theatrical matinees, at most of which new pieces will be tried, are down for this month. For this week the most interesting engagement will be the matinee benefit to Mrs Stephens at the Shaftesbury on Tuesday. Mrs Stephens is one of the most popular old women both en the stage and in the colloquial sense. That we have her as Mrs Willougbby in The Ticket-of-Leave Man will fix the traditions of the part for many years to come. To-morrow a new comedietta, entitled The Beggar, by F. W. Broughton, will be produced at the Strand, Mr Broughton, who came up from Yorkshire some years ago, has written several good things—so good, indeed, that more than ordinary interest attaches to the new piece. Another play of Ibsen's, Pillars of Society, will be produced at the Opera Comique on the occasion of little Miss Vera Beringer's benefit on the 16th instant. HONOURING SIB KOBELL MACKENZIE. It was almost impossible, at tbe dinner in aid of the Hospital for Diseases of the Throat, which was held at the Hotel Metropole last night, to avoid some reference to the controversy which raged so furiously around the case of tbe Jate Emperor Frederick; but the remarks on the sub- ject were studiously general, and Sir Morell, in reply, carefully refrained from going over the lines of the old professional dispute. Next to the music, the feature of the evening was the presentation to Sir Morell Mackenzie, on behalf of the singers and actors of London, of a valuable testimonial in recognition of the famous physician's kindness to all members of the pro- fession, who are naturally susceptible to diseases of the throat, and to whom loss of voice means loss of bread. Sir Morell# through his son, is directly connected with the stage, and has long been known in the dramatic world as a "very present help in the time of trouble. Speaking of the singing, to which a dozen distinguished artistes contributed, is it not possible to devise programme something less lugubrious than the ordinary run of such entertainments ? Speeches about disease and songs about death were not calculated to make a cheerful evening, but the dinner made amends, and tbe company apparently enjoyed themselves. AN JKPOKTANT APPOINTMENT. The London County Council on Tuesday will proceed to tbe appointment of one of its most important officers, namely, that of consulting Bngineer. The choice will be made from m tbe following:—MrF. E. Duckham, civil engineer, Mill wall Docks; Mr J. Gordon, borough surveyor, Leicester; and Mr A, R. Bunnie, borough engineer, Bradford. How the final selection will go is at present very difficult to prophesy, but as the late engineer to the now defunct Metropolitan Board of Works, Sir Joseph Bazalgette, was chosen because be was a London engineer of general knowledge and intimate experience of metropolitan requirements, it is suggested tbat the county council are very likely to select the London man in preference to his two provincial antagonists. THE BOYAL NUPTIALS. The announcement that tbe marriage of the Princess Louise of Walflg was to fcake place at such an early date .„ the 27th instant, which was received with incredulity, is officially confirmed. If the arrangements for the visit of tbe Shah are strictly adhered to, the Queen will not be able to be present at the ceremony, which would be unfortunate in tbe case of her first grandchild married in this country, for the same date bas been fixed for the reception by her Majesty of the Shah at Osborne. The Queen goes to the Isle of Wight this week.
GREAT STRIKE IN STAFFOrnRE…
GREAT STRIKE IN STAFFOrnRE On Saturday, at the whole °f warehouses in South Staffordshire and East Worcestershire districts the operatives refused. to take out iron at existing prices, ana leading employers approve of tbe action of tbe operatnea, they contending that the only rmedy is to strike. At a meeting of workmen It was stated that practical men working six days coma not earn more than 7s. In all 20,000 operatives are affected, and an advance ranging from 10 to 20 per cent. is required.
Advertising
LADDMS.-Ladders for builders, painters, plas. terers, farmers, private use, &c.. all sizes, at Cottrell's old-established Manufactory, Barr's-st., Bristol. 6846 A BOON TO MEN who suffer from Nervous Debility, Lost Vigour, Exhausted Vitality, &c. A treatise explaining the renowned Marston treatment bylocal absorption, the on!y positive cure without Stomach Medicines, will be sent in plain envelope, sealed, post free, upon application.—Address The Marncua aimed, Conpy., 249, High Holborn, London. MR GLADSTONE AND CARDIFF, PRESENTATION OF THE FREEDOM. ENTHUSIASTIC PRO- CEEDINGS. IMPORTANT SPEECHES BY MR GLADSTONE. THE CLAIMS OF WALES. A TRIBUTE TO WELSH PATRIOTISM AND NATIONALITY. ENGLISH COMMERCIAL LEGISLATION, THE IMPORTANCE OF FREE TRADE. PRONOUNCEMENT ON THE IRISH QUESTION. THE GROWTH OF CARDIFF. SPEECHES BY SIR E. J. REED, MR CHILDERS, THE MAYOR OF CARDIFF, AND OTHERS. fBY OUB SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT. | In open court, at the court of our Sovereign Lady Queen Victoria, held for the countyborough of Cardiff, the Right Honourable William Ewart Gladstone, M.P., was admitted an honorary freeman of the said borough, and made the cus- tomary oath, in the mayoralty of Mr Alderman David Jones, J.P., and Joseph Larke Wheatley, town clerk." Such was the formal and precise statement to which Mr Gladstone appended bis signature on Saturday afternoon at the residence of Sir E. J. Reed, K.C.B., M.P., 75, Harrington-gardens, Kensington, in the presence of a distinguished and representative company. These few quaint words, whose legality would be established in the ordinary mind by their curious conjunction, signify a great deal. They imply that the corporate representatives of one of the most prosperous and important towns in the empire bad deemed it to be their duty to recog. nise the services which the great leader of Liberal thought had rendered not only to themselves, but to the rest of their kith and kin in the wide brotherhood of the English race. But for the J RIGHT HON. W. K. GLADSTONE, M.P. majority of the Cardiff Town Council it was more than a duty; it was a pleasure rendered all the more sweet by the fact that it bad been for a period withheld. Little more than two years ago Mr Gladstone was prevailed upon by Sis Hussey Vivian to visit South Wales. Of that marvellous progress through the midst of an ad- miring and appreciative nation the only reminiscence that is at present necessary is the memory of his passage through the streets of Cardiff, whilst the thousands crushed,and swayed, and struggled to catch a glimpse of the aged leader's face. Yet on that occasion a few narrow-minded bigots in the corporation had the ill-taste to refuse to give a civic reception to the right hon. gentleman. The fickle goddess of fortune must herself have been annoyed at the petty insult to a great man, for she gave such a jerk to her wheel that ere long many of the malcontents were flung into the obscurity of private life, and the rest had their grip on office terribly weakened. In a (little time the corporation became more representative of the town, and a vote was taken by a large majority that the freedom of the borough should be conferred on Mr Gladstone; arrange- ments were made and perfected for the bestowal of the honour, and the entire movement culminated successfully on Saturday in such a brilliant and satisfactory manner that the promoters who developed and fostered the project must feel more than repaid for their arduous efforts. In the first instance, Sir E. J. Reed's beautiful and artistic house in Kensington lent itself admirably to the requirements of the day. It is alargedouble-f ronted residence, and possesses an unusually fine drawing-room* which, when filled with such a company ae gathered for the ceremony, served to adequately set off the importance and dignity of the occasion. Sir Edward and Lady Reed, their charming daughters, and their son, Mr E. T. Reed whose recent sketches in Punch have mado him famous in art circles in London, evidently devoted themselves to the pleasing task of embellishing their houae as lavishly as possible. Not much remained to be done in this splendid and yet comfortable home, but full advantage was taken of the bountiful supply of flowers that nature pours forth at this season. Roses, lilies, orchids, marigolds, marguerites, of every class and every colour, in a wealth of profusion not often attempted, seemed to natur- ally cling to or grow in all conceivable places. Was it a table? then the centre was occupied by a magnificent bouquet; a recess I then its angle was filled by a mass of luxuriant blooms, em- bowered amidst tall plants of tropical character and rare grace. Flowers, indeed, were the predominating feature of the bouse, and nothing could be in better taste, for the sun shone out brilliantly, lighting up every point with dazzling rays, and the fragrant perfume that filled the air served to nullify the effects of the heated atmosphere. Among the first to arrive were the Mayor and Town Clerk of Cardiff, who, laden with many packages, iucluding the precious casket, put in an appearance about a quarter to one o'clock. They were quickly followed by a whole hostof people from the metropolis and South Wales. As each fresh arrival was announced at the door of the drawing- room, the names of well-known members of Parliament like Mr Childers, Mr Dillwyn, and Mr Alfred Thomas, alternated with those of aristocratic residents in the Weat End, whilst now and again a familiar face from the Welsh town on the Taff would appear and swell the increasing throng. Everybody was in- troduced as rapidly as possible, and in the space of five minutes everybody was chatting equally affably with people they had never seen before as with old acquaintances. Much favourable criticism was expended on the gold casket, which looked peculiarly at home amidst the ornate sur- roundings of the drawing-room. The ladies especially examined it with the greatest minuteness, and did not rest until someone or other had explained every item of the design. It may be observed en passant that the arms of Cardiff baffled even the mayor and the town clerk to supply a lucid explanation. About 1.30 p.m., Mr and Mrs Gladstone arrived, being accompanied by Miss Gladstone and Mr Herbert Gladstone. Their advent was the signal for a respectful bush to fall over the assembly, during the continuance of which Lady Reed welcomed ber distinguished visitors. Then, while the right honourable gentleman shook hands with his old friends and made now ones, the flow of talk was resumed, Mr Gladstone himself appear- ing to be in the very best of spirits, and joining heartily in the conversation of each little coterie that he was a member of. He looked immeasur- ably better in health than on the last occasion when Cardiff Liberals and he were in company together, namely, at Hawarden Castle on Easter Monday. His whole face animated with a quick succession of pleasant thoughts, his right hand toying with a pair of pince-nez, or raising the glasses to his eyes to examine more closely some detail of an ornament or a picture, every agile motion betraying no sign of the weakness gene- rally associated with one of his extreme age, Mr Gladstone assuredly seemed to be what be was— a remarkable man. He wore a loosely-fitting suit of dark grey, and Mrs Gladstone, attired in blac, gracious and urbane as ever in manner, c4r[10, "aagnificent bouquet which was pre- sented to hn by one of the young ladies of the house-wbich one, I regret to say, I did not learn. Shortly before two o'clock those in the room, by an electrical influence,adapted themselves to some semblance of formality. The Mayor of Cardiff took a central position on a raised dais which had I boeD tomporawy ereoted at one end of the room. Vt
THE PRESENTATION.
THE PRESENTATION. On Saturday afternoon the freedom of the county borough of Cardiff was presented to the Right Honourable W. E; Gladstone, M.P., at the residence of Sir E, J. Reed, K.C.B., M.P., 75, Harrington gardens, Kensington, in the presence of a large and distinguished company. The Mayor of Cardiff (Alderman David Jones), the Town Clerk (Mr J. L. Wheatley), Alderman Lewis, Alderman Carey, Councillors J. Ramsdale, W. E. Vaugban, F. J. Beavan, Robert Bird, W. Sanders, Peter Price, J. H. Jones, and D. Richards, Dr W. T. Edwards, Mr Rees Jones, Mr E. R. Moxey, Colonel Page, Rev Father Butler, and Mr R. N. Hall formed a deputation from Cardiff representing the corporation and the Liberal party in the town. At Sir Edward Reed's house they were received by the member for Car- diff and Lady Reed, Miss Reed, Miss Frances Keed, and Mr E. T. Reed, whilst among other invited guests were the Right Hon. Hugh C. E. Childers, M.P., and Mrs Childers, Lord Aberdare, Sir Hussey Vivian, Bart., M.P., Mr L. Dillwyn, Mr D. A. Thomas, M.P., and Mrs Thomas, Mr Alfred Thomas, M.P., Mrs Logan, the Rev J. Bedford, Miss Pullman, Mrs Jackson, Mrs Edwards, and Mrs Rees Jones. A large number of ladies and gentlemen resident in the district also attended the presentation, and several Cardiflians, who happened to be in London at the time, among others, Dr P. Rhys Griffiths and Mr W. Morgan (Bland & Co.), put in an appearance. Shortly after one o'clock, the Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone, M.P., and Mrs Glad- tone arrived, being accompanied by Mr Herbert Gladstone, M.P., and Miss Gladstone. They were received by Sir Edward and Lady Reed in the drawing-room, and, after some little time had been spent in introduction and general conversation, the Mayor of Cardiff, who, together with the Town Clerk, wore his robes of office, took his seat on a raised daii at one end of the room. On his right hand were Mr and Mrs Gladstone, in front a small table, bearing the casket contain- ing the freedom of {the borough. This article is in itself, a veritable work of art. It is made entirely of hall-marked l8-carat gold, and weighs 28 ozs., the cost being about 2210. Throughout it is highly wrought and embellishedVith beautiful enamels. The general design represents an ancient fortress, symbolising Caer-Taf, or the fort on the Taff. At the four corners are towers, from each of which projects a Welsh harp. In the front centre panel are the arms, crest, and motto of Mr Gladstone, raised, carved, and enamelled in proper colours. This panel is flanked by the Caducei of Commerce, and on either sidearo the arms and motto of Cardiff, with the Tudor rose, which forms the corporate seal, also in richly enamelled raised work. Under these are two eornuconise representing Plenty, ?n~. a shell containing fisb, fruit, coal, &c. From both sides of the casket, and between the towers, project the prows of ships with merchandise and maritime implements, the attachment of part of the rigging to the body of the casket being sym- bolic of the intimate association of Cardiff with the maritime commerce of the world. The back of the casket is also embellished with emblems in high relief and proper enamels. In the centre are the arms of Cardift, surmounted with a mural crown, showing the municipal authority, sup- ported by gold copies of the Cardiff maces and Srays of laurel, whilst on either side are the •ince of Wales's feathers, and reproductions of machinery and miners' tools. A solid gold bust of Mr Gladstone on a pedestal surmounts the whole. At the front base of the pedestal are tbe mace of the House of Commons and a laurel wreath. At the back of the pedestal are copies of the smaller Cardiff maces, with leeks in enamelled gold. A small gold button at the back, I on beiog prosed* releases a spring catob, Rod the panels open, revealing the interior, which is lined with dark-blue velvet. The casket stands on a slab of Mexican onyx, with gold rings and staples, which are models of wharf moorings, and this slab is fixed on an oak plinth supported by ebony, castellated to represent ancient town walls. A gold plate on the plinth bears the following en- graved inscription Presented to the Right Honourable William Ewart Gladstone, M.P., with the honorary freedom of the County Borough of Cardiff, in token of profound ad- miration for him as a statesman, orator, and man of letters, and-in grateful recognition of the noble ser- vices which, for upwards of half a century, he has ren- dered to the cause of Liberty, Humanity, and Justice. -July 6th, 1889. The casket is fitted with a morocco-covered case, lined with white satin and velvet. It was supplied by Messrs J. T. Barry and Sons, jewellers, Duke-street, Cardiff. The strip of vellum conveying the honorary freedom of the county borough of Cardiff to Mr Gladstone measures about 15 inches in length by 4 inches in width. As the casket in which it is to be enclosed is made of gold, the space is necessarily limited, and it is therefore necessary that the width of the small roll should be brought within a very moderate compass. The written portion, record- ing the admission of Mr Gladstone, occupies the centre of the strip. It is sealed with the corporate seal, and bears the signatures of the mayor, Mr David Jones, and the town clerk, Mr Wheatley, in witness of the admission of the right. hon. gentleman. On each side of the written portion is a space about four inches square, and each of these has been devoted to purposes of ornament and memorial. The square on the left bears the arms of the county borough of Cardiff, and in the centre the Tudor rose, with small sketches of the Town-hali, the Free Library, and the Castle front. The right band square contains tbe arms and crest of Mr Gladstone, and sketches of the University College, the Infirmary, and the entrance to the Cardiff Docks. The entire ornamentation is most skilfully and artistically executed, and is the work of Mr James Tilley, of Penarth. The TOWN OLERK read the following extract from the proceedings of the council of the borough of Cardiff on January 14th, 1889. It was moved by Councillor Sanders, seconded by Councillor Ramsdale, and carried :— That in recognition of the high qualities of states- manship of the Right Hon. William Ewart Gladstone, M.P., and of the valuable services rendered by him through a period of over 50 years to the British nition, the Honorary Freedom of the Borough be voted by this council to the right hon. gentleman, under the powers conferred upon them by the Honorary Free- dom of Boroughs Act, 1885," and presented to him, and that the town clerk be requested to communicate requesting him to visit Cardiff for the purpose of receiving such pledge of their high esteem and appre- ciation. SPEECH BY THE MAYOR. The Mayor of CARDIFF (Alderman David J ones) then rose and said: Mr Gladstone,—It has fallen to my lot, as mayor of the town of Cardiff, to present you with its honorary freedom-a task to me of the greatest difficulty, yet one which I esteem to be of the most honourable kind. There are amongst my colleagues in the council many who could perform it in a far better manner, but none, I dare hope, who would do it with feelings of deeper sincerity. (Hear, hear.) Some two years ago, when you visited Cardiff, part of the corporation expressed a strong desire to manifest their sense of the honour and importance of such a visit by presenting you with an address, conveying in suitable terms their recognition of the great and lasting services which you had bestowed upon our country. A motion to this effect was laid before our town council, but unfortunately was rejected. At that time it so happened that the Conservative members of the council were in the majority, and they bad conceived the idea that, inasmuch as your visit was of a political character,it would not be becoming in them to take part in such a matter. The Liberal members were defeated, but consoled themselves with the hope that the defeat was not final, but simply a postponement of that which they would have done. That hope has been realised. The Liberal minority again became a majority, and they have been able to carry out their desire in a more thorough manner. To-day we have the proud gratification of being able to bestow the highest honour which as a town we can confer. (Ap- plause.) We are conscious that, compared with many honours which you have from time to time received, it is but small and insignificant, but we are at the same time confident that it will be received by you in as true and generous a spirit as that in which I believe it to be offered. (Applause.) In no town of the United Kingdom are you more highly esteemed than by many thousands of the inhabitants of Cardiff. If proof of this were required, we have only to look back to the occasion of your late visit, when the streets were thronged with multitudes anxious to give you an enthusiastic greeting, and our largest ball was crowded almost to suffocation with an audience who listened with eager attention to the memorable words which you then uttered. 'As the recognised leader of the Liberal party, the people believe in you, and have confidence in your aims and motives. (Applause.) Your voice has ever been raised against tyranny,and your matchless eloquence has always advocated the cause of the down-trodden and the weak, and never without good result. Over half a century of public work has proved your devotion to the interest of the nation, and though the burden of four-score years has crept upon you, that devotion is still manifested in unabated effort, and we re- joice in the fact that a gracious Providence still preserves to you that wonderful vigour of body and mind which has enabled you to accomplish so much. (Applause.) At the present time we find you still in the thick of the fight, a leader of leaders, heading the cause whose object is the amelioration of the condition of a long-mis- governed people, the people of Ireland, our sister country. For centuries past in that country tyrannical laws of the most odious kind have been enacted, religious persecution carried on, and religious disabilities imposed. Whig and Tory, Liberal and Conservative Governments have in turn succeeded each other, and have vied in devising penal laws of the worst character, which have been administered with rigorous severity, resulting in greatly diminishing her trade and population, and in creating in the minds of her people feelings of profound discontent, hatred, and defiance. As we have sown so are we reap- ing. Twenty years of firm government is the last suggested remedy of the Tory leader, a suggestion which proves that the phrase "stupid party," when applied to the Tories, it not a misnomer, for they have again failed to learn the lesson which history teaches. But we trust that the dawn of better things has arrived. You have heard the voice of her people uttered through her representatives, and have devised a great measure in which absolute confidence in the people is shown by securing for them very largely the power of self-government. In this measure coercion finds no place. (Applause.) In advo- cating this scheme you have brought upon your- self from some of its opponents contumely and reproach of the vilest kind; and, what must be far more painful to you, separation from political friends with whom you had been associated for very many years, and who had greatly assisted you in carrying out other measures of reform. These, are penalties of no light kind, and could not b6 borne unless you were sustained by the profoundest convictions that what you are doing is absolutely right. As a set-off against these, tbere remains the fact that in place of those who have forsaken you there have come forward men of equal ability, equal determination, equal de. votedpaas men of great mental grasp, capable of weighing the great questions brought before them; men upon whom you may rely for all the assistance they can give. Morkthan this, there stands at your back the great oody of the people who are watching with intense interest the struggle now going on, who are thoroughly able to understand the great issueqpt stake, who a few years ago lived only to be governed, but who now are an admitted power. Youiwve tbeir sympathy, you have their un- bounded confidence, you are certain to have their help, F (Applause.) Thus assisted and acting togetner as one united body our victory is assured; ttieivib place of a union obtained by fraud and violdwe, a nnion of force maintained by thousands of armed men, there shall come a union of real brotherhood obtained and cemented by soun^ jmd just laws, and which will, we trust, be as enduring as the empire itself. (Applause.) And now" T desire to say a few words in bebmpf another part of the United Kingdom wbinbabitants revere the name of William Ewa^rti Gladstone, and seldom is tbat name mentifohed in tbeir hearing without being received with; Njhouts of acclamation. It is but a little corzigr'ef this great country, a trifle (it bas beefe&id by a gentleman of light and learning) aboit which the law does not concern itself." Possibly it need not in some parts,for tbere white- gloved assizea are not uncommon. Its people are generally peaceful and law-abiding, and these people look to you earnestly for sym- pathy and help. They have been greatly cheered by your late utterances with regard to the great question which has for many years past, and is now, agitating their minds, the State Church establishment in their midst. They do not charge you with political inconsistency, nor do they think that what you have said in relation to it is for the purpose of meeting the exigencies of party tactics. With every phase of this question you are fully acquainted, yet I would venture to remind you tbftt for long, long, years tbo State clergy were paid for ministering to the wants of tbe people, a duty almost utterly neglected by them. During that time the people were taxed for their support, and failing to pay, were imprisoned, or their good were distrained upon. I would further say that whilst thus taxed they erected for themselves places for divine worship, and supplied themselves with religious pastors, all this being done without assistance from wealthy landowners and squires, but paid for out of the shillings and pence of a hardworking and poor people. The large body of the peopkiare out of sympathy with the form of worship hurried on in the Episcopal Church. Neither do they desire the ministrations of its clergy. They ask for the separation of the Church from the State, and this is proved by the fact that almost all their repre- sentatives are pledged to disestablishment. We venture, therefore, to hope that you who were the principal means in the removal of an alien church from Ireland, will give us your powerful and in- valuable aid when the same object is sought) on behalf of Wales. (Applause.) I trust, sir, that I am not wearying you, but I cannot conclude without referring to expressions which have fallen from your lips of late. You have reminded us that the weight of age has fallen upon you, that the allotted span of three- score and ten years has been passed, and that the fourscore years have been reached. Yet we trust that they are not accompanied by labour and sorrow, and we fervently pray that your life may yet be long spared to repeat the great and inestimable services you have rendered to our country that you may be permitted to see the victory which awaits you at the end of the present fight, and to press forward other reforms which may be necessary. Be this as it may, of this we are confident, that when the Great Disposer of events may be pleased to call you hence, you will ever live in the memories and affections of a grateful people, and that when the history of our century is written, amongst the' names of those who shall be recorded in it, men who laboured with indefatigable zeal on behalf of our country, whose very souls yearned to promote its best interests, men brave and good and true, no name shall shine with brighter splendour than that of William Ewart Gladstone. (Loud ap- plause.) COUNCILLOR SANDERS) Mr Councillor SANDERS said that be supposed it was from no special fitness on his part that he had been asked to say a few words on that occasion, but rather because it fell to his lot to give notice of motion that the Cardiff Corporation should be asked to present the freedom of the borough to Mr Gladstone. He would not say much in addition to what had been said, except to offer one remark in connection with views be had formed whilst watching the course of events during a good many years. It fell to his lot to be born and brought up in close proximity to Mr Gladstone's first constituency. His name became familiar to him in his very earliest years, and be had never allowed that name to escape his sight during the long intervening period. He hoped that the observation of current events during the lapse of time bad taught him many useful lessons, but be felt bound to state that he bad, been particularly struck by one or two peculiar characteristics of Mr Gladstone, above all otners, which be did not think he had been able to find in any other man. He supposed that no man had been more misrepresented, misapprehended, ormaligned than Mr Gladstone, but the noble dignity with which he bad borne these things, only answering them on peculiar and necessary occasions, was in his (the speaker's) opinion, an example and encouragement for men who, movin in a different and more restricted sphere, had been trying to do something for the good of the community in which they dwelt. When they had been misap- prehended and maligned and were ready to give up and say, Why should we bear these things ?" then it was that they thought ot the name of Gladstone, and had gone back to their work and done their duty. (Applause.) There had best times and phases in Mr Gladstone's history which, it seemed to him, marked the very strong and peculiar characteristics of bis conduct. He (Mr Sanders) had failed to find a suitable expression to give bis exact meaning, but it seemed to him to be best rendered by a uniquenessjof consistency," not adull.monotonous sameness of conduct, but a stepping from one degree of progress to another, until, from the time he first parted from those with whom he first came into the political world, and stood by tbe side of those who did away with the bread tax and the poverty it brought upon the country— from that first step up to the present, every work of progress and reform to which he bad set his hand bad been achieved. He bad gone forward until at last he bad come to the very crowning measure of nobility of character, for they had heard him, if he (Mr Sanders) bad not misconceived, admit that he and others who worked with him had been mistaken in the past. The greatest characteristic of a noble mind was the ability to make such an admission. (Applause.) Mr Gladstone had admitted that be and others had been wrong in proceeding to coercion in Ireland, and be then developed a scheme which was to bring about a feeling of national brotherhood in Ireland for England, which, they believed, would result in a great reform and great blessing for the whole of the nation. (Applause.) They trusted that Mr Gladstone would be spared to see this work fully accomplished, and, being fully accomplished, they hoped be would live to see jthe glorious issues which they felt certain would arise out of the work to which he bad now set bis hands. This being done, they still would pray that he might te spared for many years to help this great country onward even to nobler and higher reforms than they bad yet reached. (Loud applause.) ALDERMAN LEWIS. Alderman LEWIS said that he felt it to be a great honour to stand in the presence of Eng- land's greatest statesman, and to express to him the pleasure they felt as a deputation in present- ing him with the honorary freedom of the county borough of Cardiff. Sir Edward Reed repre- sented tbat important town and district in the British House of CommoBs, and be need not remind them that it was one of the largest con- stituencies in the United Kingdom, and he ven- tured to think one of the most intelligent. (Laughter.) In fact, they claimed for the people of Wales the proud distinction of being the most enlightened and intelligent politically of any portion of her Majesty's dominions. It was a singular fact, but Toryism was a plant that would not grow in Wales. All that represented the" unfortunate side of tbe House of Commons in Wales could be sent to St. Stephen's upon a bicycle, and they hoped at the next general elec- tion to superannuate the bicycle, and to place it in the British Museum as a relic of the past. (Laughter and applause.) He had attained the green old age of threescore years and ten, and for the last fifty years had watched the career and read the speeches of him who bad stamped bis name and fame upon the escutcheon of every country of the civilized world, and who stood before them .that day as a monument of England's greatness. (Hear, hear.) Of all the innumerable speeches he had read of tbe right honourable gentleman not one ever touched him more deeply than that delivered before the Association of the Lancashire and Cheshire Mechanics' Institutes at Manchester on April 23rd, 1862, upon the death of Prince Consort. It was so full of the finest and most touching sentiment, coupled with the deepest feeling of sympathy with her Most Gracious Majesty upon the death of her beloved consort, Albert the Good, that, to bis mind, tbere was nothing to surpass it in the English language. But be must not detain them. Would they only permit him to say, in conclusion, tbat there was one sentiment that burned in the Welshman's heart; that was, "To do unto others as he would others should do unto him." Hence it was their strong desire to support the efforts of the right honourable gentleman to do justice to the sister isle. (Applause.) There was a time when W ilberforce induced the British people to pay £20.000,000 to emancipate the slaves of Jamaica. They asked for no money, but only for the strong band of justice to strike off the manacles of coercion, tyranny, and oppresion from a warm- hearted and noble race of men. He prayed God that William Ewart Gladstone might be spared and strengthened to perform that task, and that bis name might go down to ages yet to come as the friend of justice, freedom, and goodwill to men." (Applause.) Councillor JOSEPH RAMSDALE said he would not for many minutes stand between tbem and Mr Gladstone. In conferring the honorary free- dom of the borough upon tbe right hon. gentle- man, Cardiff had done itself a great honour by doing honour to him. They loved Mr Gladstone for his own sake, and for the :sake of bis work. Their sentiments might be summed up in the words— Where'er we go our prayer shall be, Heaven's choicest blessings rest on thee. (Applause.) His whole life had been characterised throughout by magnanimity of mind and purity of purpose, and his achievements might be summed up; in the verse The Shamrock of Erin so brilliant and green Entwined with the leek and the thistle has been; Oh! may they for ever a safeguard compose In shelter from danger Old England's fair rose 1 And grant that our empire for ever may be The terror of tyrants, the friend of the free. (Applause.) Tbe Town Clerk then administered tbe an- cient and peculiar" oath of the freemen of the borough, which Mr Gladstone endorsed by kissing the Bible. The Mayor of CARDIFF said: It simply remains for me, Mr Gladstone,to present to you the hono- rary freedom of the borough, which is contained in a casket, acknowledged by all who have seen it to be a work of very great merit. I have much pleasure in presenting it to you. MR GLADSTONE'S REPLY. Mr GLADSTONE, who was warmly cheered, said: Mr Mayor and Ladies and Gentlemen,—You, sir, in the able speech which you addressed to those here assembled, were pleased to rate very modestly the compliment which the be rough of Cardiff has paid me, and the effort which it has made. In tbat expression I can hardly concur, for I feel that the presentation of an object so beautiful in itself, and so costly, as proceeding from a town with which I have never had the honour of a near personal conneetion, forms of itself a marked event in the course of my long life; and undoubtedly I am aware of no instance in which it has happened to me to receive any expression or testimonial on the part of any portion of my fellow-countrymen which has touched me more deeply, or which has higher claims upon my permanent or grateful recollection. (Cheers.) There is much that has been said in the interesting addresses of to-day to which it would be impossible for me adequately to refer but this I will presume to say, that I cannot entirely omit from recollection the circumstance of which I have been aunred-namely, of the graceful and kindly concurrence of many who are opposed to the prevailing tone of our political sentiments in the gift that ba« now been made, (Bear. btar,) In the few remarks I would venture now to address to you I cannot but bear in mind tbat gratifying and honourable circumstance, and I think myself bound on the occasion, on the imme- diate occasion at least, to endeavour to dwell rather upon what is common to us all as British subjects than upon those opinions and ideas to which the bulk of us are devotedly attached) and which we believe undoubtedly to be the necessary complement of such ideas as are the general in- heritance of Englishmen, without distinction "pf party. THE IBISH CONTROVERSY With regard to the possible duration of my own life and labours, it will be much, indeed, if Pro- vidence should spare me for such a time as may be necessary to attain the great object that, in common with my political friends, I have in view with respect to the condition of Ireland and I feel, as I believe we all feel, that in disposing of that question, should we be permitted to dispose of it in a manner agreeable to the general con- victions of the country, we shall be serving the interests of every portion of the United Kingdom as substantially, as essentially as the interest. of Ireland. (Hear, hear.) I can draw no distinc- tion. I can understand very well, if I were dis- cussing a Scotch Bill, as we were yesterday, or if I were discussing a Welsh Bill, as we were the day before, that these objects, how- ever legitimate, partake of a certain character of limitation, and do not directly involve the interests of the entire kingdom I but the question, the vast question which bas been raised with respect to Ireland undoubtedly has a real interest for us all; and should I be spared to take a share of any utility, however bumble, in the adjustment of that great contro- versy, you will forgive me for saying that I shall then feel that I have received from my country- men a legitimate and valid permission to obey the law of nature by seeking retirement for the few moments that still remain to me before I am sum- moned hence. CLAIMS or WALES. Now I shall endeavour to refer without raising any troublesome topic to what you have said with so much force on the subject of the special claims of Wales. I congratulate you, gentlemen, on the advance of the principles of Welsh patriotism. I congratulate you alt, all the members of the Cardiff Corporation, all the inhabitants of Cardiff, and ail the inhabitants of Wales, irrespective of any slight differences of political opinion which may still linger—I will not say prevail, for they do not prevail—(laughter)—but which may stillliner in that country, and of tbe exictence of which a person travelling in Wales would really be hardly conscious from anything that met his eve-buc still there are shades of difference, and I would venture to express a hope tbat even tbose who do not concur in the direct political views of the vast majority of Welshmen will nevertheless feel that it is just and fair that Welsh questions should be settled by Welsh opinion. I cannot think that these gentlemen of the minority in the Town Council of Cardiff could be gratified by perceiving a state in which they were enabled to continue any institutions radically condemned by the vast mass of the Welsh people because it happened to be in conformity with their own particular opinions. FAITH IN WELSH PATBIOTISM. I have great faith in the principles of Welsh patriotism. I have seen the wondertul advance that they have made of late years. Thnty, forty, fifty years ago the special claims of Wales were totally unacknowledged. The idea and the name of Welsh nationality and the propagation either of literature or of language connected with it were conbned entirely to those portions of the com- munity which were severed from the governiug and directing classes. But only two years ago I bad the satisfaction of attending the meeting of the eisteddvod in Wrexham, which I contrasted with meetings of the eisteddvod in former times, both as to the extent of the assembly there gathered together and likewise as to the, portions of the community from whence it was drawn. At Wrexham I bad the pleasure of addressing a unanimous and enthusiastic reunion of not less certainly than 7,000 people, in a vast pavilion which it bad been necessary to erect for the purpose of receiving them. That assembly was composed in large measure ot the wealthy and leisured classes of the community, and it was to me a marvellous proof of the great and real advance which has been made in the acknow- ledgment of the fair claims of Wales, and it left on my mind the firmest conviction as well as the strongest hope that as these claims are brought forward from time to time, when once they are fully established in the face of the country they will meet with a generous and just recognition. Undoubtedly, in my view, the very first and the most important of the questions to which these principles are applicable is the question of tbe Church Establishment in Wales. I will not enter into it at the present time, for I desire most earnestly to avoid, if I can, every- thing which, however gratifying to the vast majority of its representatives in this room, yet would seem to indicate on my part an indifference to the fact that the minority have also kindly and generously concurred in the presentation of this testimonial in circumstances to me never to be forgotten. (Hear, bear.) MB GLADSTONE'S VISIT TO CARDIFF. Gentlemen, I may say, parenthetically, with rsspect to the period two years back, that in the first place, of course, I cannot be supposed to contemplate with anything but lively satisfaction tbe change that has taken place in the balance of parties in tbe town council of Cardiff; but at the same time I do feel with the majority of the council at that date that as 1 was then engaged in a tour strictly political, under the auspices of my honoured and respected friend Sir Hussey Vivian, whom I have the pleasure of seeing here to-day, and there was great force in the feeling entertained by the majority, that they would have run a risk of being supposed to compromise in some degree their own political principles and convictions bad they allowed on that occasion the generous, kindly feelings which they have now joined with you in manifesting to prevail to such an extent as then to make me a freeman of the borough. Well, sir, there are many subjects, I rej >ice to think—though it must be the case that on most of these occasions we must speak strictly and exclusively Liberal opinions and of Liberal measures—yet tbere are many subjects, I rejoice to think, where we are at one, ana where we are distinguished in a great degree from other countries by our being at one. Now, I will very briefly mention to you two of these subjects. SYSTEM OF TBEE TRADE You have referred to the abolition of the corn laws. The abolition of the corn laws was one of the greatest branches of the large and complex system of legislation which has distinguished a portion of my lifetime, reaching from about the year 1840 to about the year 1865. And now I am going to make an appeal which I think the circumstances warrant and require, not to those who profess Liberal opinions, tor of their views I am sure, but to those who, I think, in substance concur with us with respect to the great system .which is known under tbe general name ot Free Trade. We spent a quarter of a century in the settlement of that question, For a quarter of a century we did, I may almost say, nothing else, for the period I have named was a barren period as to legislation — an almost altogether barren period except for that one great achievement. It included the abolition of the Corn Laws. It included a measure not less beneficial, the abolition of the Navigation Laws. It included an operation upon the Customs tariff, or rather a series of complex and difficult operations upon the Customs tariff, which I may with almost literal accuracy describe as reducing it from a catalogue of twelve hundred articles to a catalogue of about twelve,and these twelve were retained upon it, not because we were unwilling to make a clean sweep of Customs duties- for if we could have done it we would-but because the absolute necessities of the revenue of the country, in order to meet its charges, required tbe retention of a few commodities which properly—or, at all events, less improperly— might be made the object of taxation, and which involved in no degree great or small the obnoxious principles of protection. Besides these three great departments of our own work, through the statesmanship and energy and philanthropy of Mr Cobden we were enabled to induce even France, down to that time one of the most protected of all countries, to make a great step in the direction of free trade and that conduct and policy on the part of France was in part accompanied, and in part imitated, by corresponding measures in Italy, Austria, and various other countries. AN UNFAVOURABLE REACTION. Now, gentlemen, since that time there has been a great and unfavourable reaction. Our friends and kinsmen in America have set what we think a bad example to the world in the matter of trade. The colonies of this country have thought them- selves—and they were entitled, I do not deny it, to form their own opinion on that matter—have thought themselves wiser than the mother country, and protective principles have obtained a considerable prevalence in those colonies, and there is no sign, as far as I know, that at the present moment they are losing ground. Well now, gentlemen, in my opinion the time has arrived when the manhood of this country, and tbe firmness of this country, will have to be severely tested. What I way is this. We have lifted the banner, and unfolded it before the world. On that banner is written, Freedom of labour—freedom of exchange." We have wit- nessed these results in forms that cannot for a moment be doubted or disparaged, We bave seen tbe commerce of onr country multiplied five- fold. Wo have seen the capital of our country largely increased. We have seen the wages of labour, according to tbe best and highest authori- ties, not indeed brought up to the point which in many cases we should desire to see them, but still increased, so says Mr Giffen, after a deliberate and careful examina- tion, increased by at least 50 per cent. GentlemenJ these are results too serious to be tampered with. We must give no countenance to any proposal, direct or indirect, which indicates that we have a disposition to recede. (Cheers.) There have been in former times combinations of powers, which have led our countrymen to say "England against tbe world in arms." I am now for England against the world, not I hope in arms—though I believe England is fitter to meet that condition now than she ever was—but yet I am for England against the world, if need be. NO COMPROMISE WITH ECONOMIO HEBESIES. When we, who have been the standard-bearer of the world in commercial legislation, have gone to the root of this matter, have tested every part of it by our own sore and laborious experience, have attained to the firmest conviction that we are right, have spent a quarter of a century of our precious, our invaluable natural life, in giving effect to the principles that we entertain—I say trader then circumstance*, do not let us be
p I ..-W THE CASKET. 8
p I .W THE CASKET. 8 On his right hand were seated Mr and Mrs Glad- stone on his left the town clerk and several members of the Cardiff deputation, the others standing near Mr Gladstone, whilst the remainder of the company ranged themselves in two irregular lines down the sides of the apartment. I need not here go into details of what followed, forin another place are given the well-expressed and thoughtful speeches of the Mayor, Mr Sanders, Alderman Lewis, and Mr Ramsdale, tbs latter gentleman practically contenting himself with giving rhyme to the reason that bad gone before. Mr Gladstone used a small, neatly-bound Testament for the purpose of taking the oatb, and that little sacred volume was at once impounded by Lady Reed as an heirloom of undoubted interest and historic value. Her ladyship's prescience was well justified by after events, for no one in that room either expected or hoped to hear from the lips of the greatest statesman and orator of the age two speeches which, as Mr Childers well expressed it afterwards, were among the most important he had uttered in this or former years." After Mr Gladstone bad signed the roll ot honorary freemen,the only other names contained in the album being those of Mr Alfred Thomas, M.P., under date of August 13th, 1888, and Mr Alderman Fulton, 31st March, 1886, he applied himself to the task of acknowledging the compliment that had been paid him. That' he was highly gratified was very evident from the outset. As he stood before that distinguished assemblage be held them spellbound by bis matchless eloquence. Few have ever beard Mr Gladstone to better advan- tage than when he defended from all attacks the principles and achievements of free trade, and ardently appealed to those who were inclined to indulge in protectionist fallacies to pause ere tbey. adopted beliefs which were contrary to the very life and spirit of the gigantic progress made by the country commercially during the past 25 years. He seemed to be almost inspired to be a prophet of the people pointing out the true path amidst the errors and dangers of ignorance and scepticism, and the illusion, if it were one, was heightened by his appearance, standing against the window through which came a bright vision of rich foliage, illumined by a flood of sunshine. Truly, it was an impressive scene, and one not easily to be for- gotten by even the least susceptible to such in- fluences amongst those present. When be concluded the cheers that followed his peroration were long and sustained, and as the unwonted sounds rushed out into the quietude of the street, they startled the grave inhabitants of Kensington and made them wonder what on earth was taking place in the mansion at the corner. At the luncheon which succeeded, it was evident that the foregoing events had in no whit lessened the average Britisher's natural appetite. In truth, even the most delicate of epicureans would have been tempted by the viands provided by the genial host and his ami- able lady. The repast was a veritable triumph of the culinary art, and was in itself no small addition to the many memorable events of the day. Mr Gladstone's after-dinner speech was noteworthy on two beads-a full and clear exposi- tion of his views on the Irish question, and for the accurate knowledge of Cardiff, which he exhibited during the course of his remarks. Whilst recognizing the cosmopolitan character of the town, he expressed the hope that Cardiff would never forget its Welsh nationality, a sentiment that was loudly endorsed by every Englishman and Welshman present. With masterly skill he showed how the main- tenance of such local patriotism largely con- tributed to the warmth and efficiency of the national feeling, turning the argument effectively to prove that if Irishmen were to become British in bent and affection, just and legitimate scope should be given to their feelings as Irishmen., When Mr and Mrs Gladstone had taken their departure several other speakers occupied the attention of the company, and it must have been very pleasing for Sir Edward Reed to bear of the esteem in which be is held in Cardiff, though the knowledge could only be accentuated, for Sir Edward has had many and tangible proofs of tbe place he holds in the affections of the people of Cardiff. But there was not a Joshua present to stop the sun, and the sun has illimitable influeuce over the clock. So it came to pass that all too soon we had to hurry off to secure cabs and hie away to Paddington. Most of the deputation returned to Cardiff on Saturday evening, but a few remained until to-day.