The Montgomeryshire Express and Radnor Times

THE MAYORAL PROGRAMME. BEFITTING the character of his office, I almost every successive Mayor makes a I survey of the municipal position as it stands at his appointment, and, unless a mere time server, he also gives a general idea of the administrative progress which he desires should mark his reign. For we take it that every civic chief is, or should be, ambitious of immortalising himself upon the pages of local history by a record of accomplish- ments that will form a substantial subscrip- tion to the communal well-being. Oppor- tunity and public necessity, of course, govern to a large degree the character and extent of such accomplishments, but a public-spirited Mayor can always contrive to justify his choice by fruitful service of some kind. Having stated this common concep- tion, we feel disappointed to view the pur- poseless speech with which Mr T. J. Evans reassumed the direction of affairs at Welsh- pool. He confessedly realises a respon- sible year of office." But what are the responsibilities that weigh upon him ? The Coronation of the King, and the coming of the National Agricultural Show to Welsh- pool. Not a word did he speak of municipal progress. Apparently he will be content to celebrate the accession of King George with a flaunting of flags and a blare of trumpets. Mr Evans has the opportunity to distinguish that memorable year by a coronation" accomplishment of lasting benefit. It is not ours to suggest he knows the needs of Welshpool better than we can tell him. If 364 ratepayers in the whole borough, and the majority of the town burgesses call for a freehold system of sanitary reform, and urge it for the important secondary reason of industrial progress, does he require any instructional prompting ? While on the subject of the Mayoralty of Pool, we cannot overlook the dismissal from the Council of a gentleman for whose faithful service the community has much reason to feel grate- ful. After association with the municipality extending to a quarter of a century, during which he regularly courted an electoral pro- nouncement upon his public work, Mr David Jones has been turned out of his seat by the reactionaries upon the completion of his first term as an alderman. The Mayor, who joined the Council only four years ago, succeeds to the honour. Everybody knows very well that Mr Jones' rejection is the penalty which the anti-Henfaesites have yisited upon his outspoken criticism of their conduct. They do not forget that scalding hot sentence in which he denounced their shameless treatment of the purchase con- tract with the Vicar as one of the most dishonourable transactions that I have ever seen in the commercial world since I have had to do with it." This shabby and un- gracious removal of an honourable gentle- man, and a faithful and valued citizen, is not Mr Jones' loss. The loss is that of the Council and the community-a community which, while appreciating his long years of self-sacrificing and upright service, is not yet independent enough to successfully assail and overthrow the old influences of privilege and dominion. On the other hand we witness the re-election of Alderman Harrison, who for over twenty years has not subjected himself to popular election. Re- cently the people of Pool have had many object lessons such as might rouse the most spiritless community to a real sense of its rights, and to a thorough assertion of them. Happily these lessons are not lost, and though the first bout with feudalistic flun- keyism has not been successful, it has cut the path to eventual independence, without which no community can enjoy the utmost blessings of self-government. We turn with pleasure to the Mayoral election at Llanidloes, where caste and privi- lege and territorial influence have no place in administrative affairs. Here we find a wholesome communal atmosphere, in which the democratic spirit flourishes and typifies self-government. Alderman Edward Hamer, who has been retained in the chair of the Council by unanimous assent, gave a mayoral deliverance worthy of his position, and finely indicative of his enthusiasm for the advancement of the borough. His finan- cial review, which is reported elsewhere, will gratify the ratepayers, while his pro- gramme sketches a number of improvements acceptable to his colleagues and the com- munity. The development of the town as a health resort will doubtless produce some valuable practical suggestions, amongst which the provision of well equipped golf links should prominently figure. We have repeatedly stated that the people of Llan- idloes do not appear to realise the first-class character of the course which the local club is struggling to maintain. At Welshpool, Newtown, and other places, the links are formed of grass lands, which no amount of labour will convert into that natural turf so much beloved of the golfer but on the summit of the Tan Rhallt. ideallv mirlnW- -7 -1 ing, it is abundant. Drainage, the erection of a pavilion, the formation of greens, which might be of the very best, and the construc- tion of tees are the essentials to the pro- vision of one of the finest and most attrac- tive inland courses in Wales. Golf appeals to all classes, and every town which invites the holiday maker has come to recognise the value of facilities for its indulgence. We believe that the Mayor of Llanidloes is in full sympathy with this view, and from local golfers, who include the esteemed Vicar, he will obtain practical direction for .a scheme of improvement. At Montgomery, Alderman Fairies- Humphreys, who takes the mayoral chair for the twelfth time, had no programme to descant upon. The Council have, oi course, decided upon an improvement. rof 'J the town's water and sanitary systems, and this will be effected during the year. Fi- nancially, what a blessed state the County town enjoys. It's total indebtedness is not more than P-24, and the banking account is such as might dispense with all rates for a whole year. The needs of Montgomery are few, but what might not be accomplished in other towns during the Coronation year under financial conditions like these ? We should be glad to see some special 3-ecognition made in this historical year of the unique mayoral services of Mr Fairies-Humphreys, whose municipal record certainly deserves such distinction. The I Tories and Liberals of Llanfyllin have awarded the civic honour for the sixth time to Mr Marshall Dugdale, whose pro- gramme was limited to an undertaking to promote the best interests of the borough. Under the direction of capable men, all the municipalities in the county ought to es- tablish a year's record of sound work.

A GENERAL ELECTION AT HAND. THREE months ago we wrote in the Express ':—" For our part, we shall not be at all surprised to learn authoritatively before long that the Conference has proved abortive. This has been no ordinary con- ference, but an attempt to secure by amicable means the solution of a problem which up till now has divided parties into bitterly hostile and irreconcilable camps. True, our race has a genius for solving problems, but never before have we been confronted with one so tough as this. The eight statesmen who sit around that table are conscious that no agreement can be struck without mutual concessions of a very vital character, and they realise also that their respective parties are in no mood to sacrifice what they consider essentials. It would be different if the Conference had plenary powers. On the one hand, the aris- tocratic Tory demands the retention of the Lords' veto, particularly upon democratic budgets on the other, Liberalism will yield to nothing short of supreme financial control of the House of Commons and the abolition of an unrestricted veto. We take it that following Le failure of the Conference, the Government would proceed with the Veto Bill, and inevitably come before the country for an electoral pro- nouncement upon its rejection by the Lords. Such, in our opinion, will be the issue of the present situation, and it behoves the Liberals of Montgomeryshire to get ready for the most eventful campaign of modern times." And such the issue has proved to be. The Conference has failed because ministers could not possibly make the mutual concessions necessary to an agree- ment. Having already passed the House of Commons, the Veto Resolutions now con- front the Lords. Nobody doubts their re- jection. What will happen then ? The re- signation of the Government, or the inter- vention of the King. But whatever course be taken, a general election is inevitable soon after the new year. Liberals desire a decisive challenge. Than the abolition of the lordly veto they could wish for no bet- ter battle cry. At last the country will be asked to determine once and for all whether for the future its chosen representatives are to rule. Who can doubt the answer of an intelligent democracy ? Montgomeryshire Liberals must now be up and doing in preparation for the most fateful campaign in which they may ever engage.

WELSHPOOL COUNCIL MEETINGS. At Newtown, Llanidloes, Machynlleth, and Llanfyllin the Town Council meetings are held in the evening, as the most suita- ble and most democratic time. Those of Montgomery and Welshpool are fixed for the morning. Councillor Hiles advocates an evening sederunt for the Welshpool senate, as a matter of general convenience. We are somewhat surprised to note that the opposition to this proposal was led by Dr Thomas, who argued that the change would be a departure from an arrangement which works satisfactorily. If," says the Doctor, we can spend four hours in committee meetings on one day, surely we can spend half that time in a Council meeting." The obvious reply to that is that if councillors have to sacrifice four hours in the course of one day, they should be saved, if possible, from further encroachment upon their busi- ness time. Besides, evening meetings of the Council would make it easier for business men and working men to join the Council, and also enable the ordinary ratepayer to attend the Council's proceedings.

THE HIGHWAY FATALITY. The shocking fatality which occurred on the highway near Welshpool on Monday is fully described in to-day s Express.' Universal sympathy will go out to the grief- stricken families. It does not clearly tran- spire from the evidence at the Coroner's inquest how or why this terrible accident hap- pened or upon whom the blame rests. The horse, it appears, would have passed the traction engine quite quietly but for the flapping of tarpaulin that covered the furniture van to which it was attached. Then the question arose, was the driver capable of controlling the frightened animal, and, if so, was he disabled by an embankment of mud scrapings, which un- doubtedly caused the vehicle to capsize? What stands out clearly enough is that the engine driver was on his proper side of the road, and had his engine under full control. Whether in the absence of this mud em- bankment the accident might have been avoided, it is impossible to say, but the jury very properly recommended the County Council to keep the highways clear of these obstructions so dangerous to vehicular traffic. Carelessness is often evident, in tl-io ",&.1' construction of these, mud" lumps and tumps," and also in the placing of heaps of metal upon the road sides. From time to time correspondents call attention to this danger in our columns, and we trust that this deplorable fatality will point the moral to the county road authority.

THE HARVEST IN WALES. A preliminary statement showing the es- timated total produce of the harvest in Great Britain has just been issued by the Board of Agriculture. It appears that Wales allotted 147 fewer acres to wheat than last year, and the total yield (amount- ing to 138,912 quarters) was less by 68 quarters. It's average of 28.09 bushels per acre, is 2! bushels better than that of the last ten years. To barley, however, the Principality assigned 2,297 more acres, and grew 16,091 more quarters. The average acreage yield was 32.52 bushels, against 31.13. Oats were an immense crop con- trasted with 1909. An increased area of 6,565 acres yielded 103,134 additional quar- ters, and the average of 38.21 bushels was nearly four bushels better than that of the past decade. The happiest feature, how- ever, is that of the hay crop. Although 558 fewer acres were given up to hay from clovpr, the total yield was higher by not less than 56,889 tons. The average is better by nearly 7 cwts. Again, in hay from per- manent grass 16,542 additional acres ac- counted for a bigger yield than the previous year by 121,199 tons. It will be interesting to readers to contrast the Welsh averages per acre with those of England and Scot- land:Wheat, England 31.10, Wales 28.19, Scotland, 38.33 barley, England 33.60, Wales 32.52, Scotland 34.67 oats, England 42.53, Wales 38.21, Scotland 38.64 hay from clover, England 31.78 cwts., Wales 29.28, Scotland, 31.94 hay from permanent grass, England 25.33, Wales 22.23, Scotland 27.59.

COUNCILLOR ROGERS AND THE EXPRESS.' In his old age, Councillor W. A. Rogers, of Welshpool, has developed an attitude of quite surprising ingratitude towards the Express,' than which no other journal has given him so much attention. At times the grand old financier," as one of his hench- men has christened him, may have consid- ered that attention just a trifle trying, and lately he, no doubt, winced a good deal under its persistent exposure of his reac- tionary public conduct. The feeling of sore- ness has not worn off, and so at Wednes- day's meeting of the Corporation he stood up in solitary opposition to the interests of the 'Express.' Any other paper might receive the Corporation advertisements, but he barred the Newtown paper." Poor Mr Rogers! Such small-mindedness does not befit the partriarchal father of fiiiance. The personal character of his objection was too transparent to his colleagues, who sim- ply ignored it. When men carry vindic- tiveness into their public positions, their time of usefulness is fully up.

YOUTH IN THE PUBLIC SERVICE. Although always a sane and sound pro- gressive, Alderman William Ashton, of Llanidloes, recognises that when public men attain to his age, the natural declen- sion of their enthusiasm requires to be counteracted by an admixture of young blood. His ideal public body is a blend of young and old, which would spur the soporific influence of age, as well as check the precipitance of youth. Men of age," wrote Bacon, object too much, consult too long, adventure too little, repent too soon, and seldom drive business home to the full period, and content themselves with a mediocrity of service." Mr Ashton himself is not a. prototype of the Johnsonian veteran who lags superfluous upon the stage-the public service of Montgomeryshire pos- sesses no more actively interested member- yet he realises that advancing age is gen- erally accompanied by a supine content- ment with existing conditions, the lessen- ing of initiative, and a narrowing purview. So he calls for the enlistment of young men, and we are glad to know that in his native town a dash of intelligent youth has been given to municipal administration. The public life of other towns in Montgom- eryshire is urgently in need of more young, vigorous intellects, and fewer old fogies, who, having served their day and genera- tion, are now but a brake upon the wheels of progress.

AN UNFAIR EXCEPTION. While forgetfulness is not an acceptable excuse in the eyes of the law, it is, never- theless, a reasonable excuse. The human memory is faulty, and therefore responsible for much of our worry and disappointment. An illustration of this was furnished at Newtown Petty Sessions on Friday, when a respectable farmer appeared to answer the charge of using a trap without the neces- sary license. For many years he had regu- larly purchased trap and other licenses, and the expiration of these was always notified by the Excise. Now, however, that these licenses are supervised by the police, this reminder has been withdrawn. To this cause the farmer ascribed his forgetfulness. If the notification was considered neces- sary by the Excise, it ought to be con- tinued. We all have to pay the, penalty of forgetfulness, but, surely, the object of the law is to prick forgetfulness, rather than to watch and wait until it serves the opportunity to drag a person into the police court. Of our obligations to pay rates and taxes we are always reminded, if it ir-nrf, .,7 discharged by the prescribed day. Why make this unpleasant exception in the matter of licenses ?

LLANBRYNMAIR. PARISH COUNCIL.-A meeting was held on Thursday, when there were present Messrs G. H. Peate (chairman), R. Morris (vice- chairman), T. R. Evans, E. B. Davies, R. E. Bebb, J. H. Williams, R. Williams, and A. P. Howell (clerk).—A letter was read from the Postmaster of Newtown suggesting to curtail the hours for business at the local post office by opening at 8 in the morning instead of at 7, and asking for the observa- tions of the Council. It was resolved not to raise any objection to the suggested change. Mr R. Williams reported on the condition of Fonllech footpath, with the recommenda- tion that the sum of F.2 8s be spent in re- pairing it. Agreed, and Messrs R. Williams and T. R. Evans to superintend the work. -Mr R. Williams was also authorized to put a footbridge on the path leading from Rhiwsaeson-road to Brynllys.-A petition was read from the householders at Pandy asking the Council to put in order the well from which they had their water supply. Mr R. Williams explained that th PTA AST-tic YYUI0 an ample supply of good water, but it was an open well and liable to be contaminated. He suggested to have it bricked, with a stone slab at the bottom and over the top, and estimated the cost to be some 35s to 40s.—Mr E. B. Davies protested against spending any money on it,as he suffered as much inconvenience as any one in respect of water.—Mr R. E. Bebb said this was a village, and that the application was not for having water for one house.—Mr R. Morris thought the landlord should do it.-The Chairman said the Council had the power to do it, that it was a small matter, and that the district where this well was situated had received less from the Parish Council than any district in the parish.—It was eventu- ally resolved to ask the landlord for the materials, and if these were forthcoming the Council to do the work.—A special Com- mittee reported that the income of several charities that were left towards the benefit of education in tlif* r»nricV> „ -l-&I.. "wc tl\Ull1U- lating at the banks. The Committee recom- mended that an application be made to the Charity Commissioners to move in the direction recommended by the Assistant Commissioner, and have them spent in secondary school scholarships.—It was re- solved, on the motion of Mr E. B. Davies, seconded by Mr R. Morri$, to make an application to the Cambrian'Railways Com- pany for improved facilities in the train service from Llanbrynmair to Newtown and Machynlleth fairs.

Increases still continue in the receipts of the Cambrian Railway Company. Passenger traffic last week was better by J620, and X5 additional receipts were noted in the conveyance of mer- chandise, minerals and live stock. 1

Injustice to Llanmerewig. Sir,—I should be much obliged if you would allow me, through your paper, to point out the great injustice the ratepayers of the above parish are suffering. These are the plain facts:—We are called upon to pay a faithing in the X towards building Cefn- ycoedi school, from which we derive no benefit, because we have a school at Dolforwyn, which is nearer and a much better road, and we are con- tinually putting our hands into our pockets to meet the requirements of the Board of Education. At present we have to find about XIS for new railings. A farthing does not seem much, but I am certain it will be a great deal more in a few years' time, and we can well do with it for Dolforwyn school. I hope someone will move in the matter, and alter this unfair rating, particularly as Llan- merewig was not consulted in the matter.—Yours faithfully, J. G. MILLER. The Court, Abermule, Nov. 10th, 1910.

Careers For County School Pupils. Sir,-f read with great interest your articles bearing on the recent lecture at the school on The Choice of a Career," and would be glad, if you would let me, through the medium of your paper, make the following remarks <1n the subject: (1) The fact that our schools turn out so many Teachers and Preachers is due to the following cause: The large number of scholarships and exhibitions to our schools and to the Universities and Theological Colleges has made it easy for a clever boy, and encouraged him, to proceed to a degree course so as to qualify for these two professions. If some of the County Exhibitions could be diverted to help boys to enter, e.g., engineering and chemical works, perhaps we would thus reduce the number of able boys, who, though their bent really lies in other directions, now through lack of means avail themselves of the help given to become teachers or preachers. (2) For commercial careers preparation is given by book-keeping and shorthand, which are now com- prised in the curriculum of tnanv of our schools, it is well, however, to point out trot the payment of a premium is as a rule necessary to obtain a good start in a big establishment; otherwise a boy must be prepared to start very 4ow down, and dlimb through his ability and perseverance, both of which qualities are the better developed the longer he stays at school. The Future Career Association is organising a branch to introduce promising pupils to commer- cial houses. A branch for this purpose in the new Labour Exchanges might be advantageous. (3) You refer to Civil Service appointments as desirable posts for which our schools should directly prepare pupils. But it should be made perfectly clear to parents that these posts are very keenly competed for, and are won only by those candidates who gain about 70 per cent. on their papers. The age limit is 17—19. (4) Parents should note the excellent openings for surveyors and land valuers due to the land measures of the recent Budget.—Yours etc., Newtown, Nov. 11th. R. IVOR JONES.

Llanfyllin Mayoral Election. Sir,You will excuse me, Mr Editor, if I write more in sorrow than otherwise. Believing, as I do, that there is such a thing as Political intoxi- cation," that is just what I think the Liberal party on the Town Council were suffering from on Wednesday last, when they elected Mr Dugdale as mayor. To me, at any rate. a section of the party have been living too well on the fat of Liberalism and basking in the sunshine, shed from yonder ivy mantled tower," therefore it is obvious why they have completely lost their head (sic). You see the Welsh are a peculiar people; George Meredith once said, There is a human nature and a Welsh nature," they take a lot of knowing (as the phrase goes) especially if you happen to be a Hibernian. It so happens that I came across a book which I have just finished reading of Short Stories entitled 1 Through Welsh Doorways,' written by Jeannette Marks. In one ef these stories, a certain man, ambitious to serve on the local Borough Council, presents his town with a public hearse, and there is a sort of rivalry between two old women, Jane Jones and Jane Wynne, to be first to die and ride in the hearse. Jane Wynne is the first to go, and after the interment—" L don't know," said Olwen Evans in a resigned voice, I don't know, but it was best, the Wynnesses always have fewer chances than the Joneses. Hugh Wynne didn't say much, but I could see he was happy and the Wynne girls was so pleased. They said as long as their mother had to go she couldn't have done better. The stone '11 look so pretty with it all writ on it, an' the hearse and the mourning did look so nice together." There was a good many folks there," suggested Griffiths. Aye there was. I thought it was more'n pleasant for all the Joneses to come, because they must feel disappointed with Jane Jones still livin' Maybe the humour seems a little grim and shuddery, but underneath that glim humour hangs a tale, and if some of the Liberal council- lors can only stretch their imagination the dis- tance between now and the next election, which takes place in November, 1911, it will reveal to them that history like a spring thaw reveals bad tidings. But to know which shall ride in the hearse first it would be just as well to wait and see," but in the meantime it would be just as well if we went into mourning.—Yours, etc., Llanfyllin. ONE OF THE BEREAVED.

The Welshpool Election. Sir,-Allow me to thank An Old Tenant for his impressive letter in last Monday's Express.' It expresses my sentiments to perfection, and scores more, I am sure, will have shared my satisfaction. We had, sir, a real taste that election day of the old powers that be, but I can tell you it has opened many eyes that did not hitherto see. Men have for years conversed with me in whispers about the dominating selfishness of this ruling class, but to-day they speak careless of who may hear. Their latent spirit of independence, and their sense of manhood, have been touched to the quick by methods which all your descriptive reports have not adequately pictured. These are the men who will be coming shortly, almost cap in hand, to crave our political vote. Let them come over my doorstep in their canvassing cam- paign. Conservative as I am, they will find I can think and act as conscience pleases me, and they will also discover in many other households that their behaviour at the municipal poll has told its tale to the minds of thinking folk. They did a bad day's work for the Conservative party in Welshpool. Yes, sir, the working man Jpoke truly from the shafts of that wheelbarrow, "You do get fair play from Rees."—Yours truly, A LOVER OF FAIR PLAY. Welshpool, 10th November.

Presentation.—On Wednesday, Mrs A. R. Gillespie was presented with a handsome travelling clock by the Hafren Habitation of the Primrose League, in recognition of eleven years' service as hon. secretary of the League. The presentation was made by a deputation consisting of Miss Jones (Bank House), Mrs James, Mrs Bennett Row- lands, and Mrs Bellis. The clock bore the following inscriptionPresented by the members of the Hafren Habitation of the Primrose League to Mrs A. R. Gill6spie, as I a memento of her devotion to the League during the 11 years as hon. secretary. November 10th, 1910."

SEEN AND HEARD. Nothing extouaate. nor let down anght in malioe. SIZARRBIPZAILZ. A few nights back I looked up a friend who had come to Newtown fresh from the scenes of the recent revolutionary riots in Portugal, where for many years he has managed the branch business of a big Scotch firm. I wanted to glean some first- hand information of that hurricane revolution, which has swept aside one of the oldest monarchies in the world, as a lightning stroke might overthrow a centurion oak of the forest. I had been accustomed to read that the monarchy in Portugal was identi- fied with a system of oppressive Govern- ment, which loaded the people with a back- breaking burden of taxes, which kept them. in ignorance, and maintained officialism in luxury yielded of corrupton. How far would my friend's personal experience, observa- tion, and knowledge accord with these impressions ? There's almost certain to be a reaction," was his arresting preface. The people believed that a Republican Government was going to relieve them of all taxes, but when they realise the extent of their disappoint- ment, they will, in my opinion, manifest their discontent." Taxes I remembered that Portugal is one of the most Protectionist countries, and therefore tacked round for a moment to the fiscal question. Yes, every- thing is heavily taxed," he answered, but all of the revenue derived from this taxation does not reach the treasury." Where does it go ? I queried. Go it simply sticks to the hands of those who collect it." Then is living dear ?" Dear, yes and wages miserably low. The Portuguese in our mill do not earn more than 10s a week, but, of course, they live on Portuguese food." "Ynu told me you had a number of Britishers employed in your business they, of course, receive higher wages ? Oh, of course they contract on this side before going out, and their wages are higher than they can get in this country." "And the price of their living, too, I suppose ? Yes you may put it at a fair calculation that S:2 there is worth not much more, if anything, than F.1 here. Then we reverted to the revolution. The sudtlen rising, the tempestuous progress of the revolt, the dramatic flight of the young monarch, and the phenomenally speedy substitution of a Republican Government, formed questions in quick succession. My friend affected no visible surprise. The young King," he said, was not disliked. Being young, he was the child of circum- stances. He had to do practically what he was advised. It was his mother they hated, chiefly for her favour of the Jesuits. There was really no attempt, because there was no desire, to hurt the King." "Then ex- plain to me the remarkably quick transfer- ence of the army and navy's allegiance to the Republican party?" That," he re- plied, is more apparent than real. You remember a sort of State ball was being given on the night of the revolution to the Brazil President. Well, mostly all the chief officers in the army and navy were there, and thus those left behind were subordin- ates. The revolutionists availed themselves of this opportunity, and thus the heads of the army and navy were given no chance. The monarchal flag was hauled down, and a green and yellow one run up in its stead. It was, of course, a provisional one. Any- thing served the purpose of a substitute. You rerfiember some British warships com- ing in for the protection of British subjects. They landed companies of armed blue- jackets-armed, mind you, which was a rather daring thing to do-but they did not salute the Republican flag, and the admiral next day excused this omission by saying he was ignorant of the precise cir- cumstances. A clever diplomatic touch that, t thought." Well, what is your idea of the future ? I finally inquired. It is that when the people find they get no advantage from the change, a re-action will set in. I believe that the taxes will continue to be manipu- lated as they were before." And there we took leave of the subject. 'Twas but an old story. The denial of a free and pure gov- ernment had evolved the inevitable crisis. Throw your mind back to the revolutionary times of the middle of the nineteenth cen- tury. Europe swirling in anarchy and rebellion—everywhere almost, save in Britain. What saved us ? Why, as Macaulay puts it, was our country a land of Goshen r Chiefly because of a wise statesmanship which gave us a Reform Bill and repealed the Corn Laws. Purer politics and the opening of our gates to the in- coming of cheap food saved us from the delirious political incendiarism of that period. And that lesson is not forgotten to-day, except by food taxers and those also who wilfully ignore and would deliber- ately arrest the democratic demand for gov- ernment for the people and by the people. In this age of self-seekers, it is real re- freshing to find now and then a modest mortal who would rather serve the public as an undecorated private than dangle the gilded chain and sport the ermine of office. I met such an one the other afternoon on leaving a local senate house where we had just witnessed a mayoral ceremonial. I should be the most miserable man on earth," he remarked to me, if I were bound to sit in the mayor's chair." And his looks be- tokened sincerity. Yet, I reflected, many of the most miserable of men have left. in- delible marks upon history, and ridinc home in the train I tried to recall some of them. Julius Caesar had a weak digestion, and was subject, to epileptic fits. Charlemange had an ulcer in his leg which troubled him for many years Byron was club-footed, and this malformation, was a source of misery to him all his life Dante passed most of his life as an exile from the only city in which he cared to live Johnson was very near- sighted, and his face much disfigured by scars, resultant of scrofula Bacon was avaricious, and his greed led to disgrace Defoe had more than one dose of Newgato and the pillory Cervantes was poor, and constantly worried by creditors Snencer. -,¿. the poet, suffered the extremes of poverty and neglect Milton was blind in his old age, and often lacked the comforts of life Gibbon was gouty, and grew so stout that he couldn't dress himself Palestrina lived in poverty, and died in great want, and your humble servant is often made misera- ble by the meteorological denial of much needed recreation, or. the dearth of material with which to weave his musings. LUKE SHARPE.