The Montgomeryshire Express and Radnor Times

THE CONSERVATIVE CANDIDATE AT WELSHPOOL. Bombarded by the (C Express." "Whom He Blames for Misrepresentation Turbulent Scenes in the Street. "Newtown Paper!" Newtown Paper!" Newtown Paper!" A score of times and more the 'Express' was thus advertised at the Welshpool Tory meeting in Welshpool on Mondav night. Seldom within recent years has there been such a big gathering in Welshpool's Town Hall on the occasion of a political meeting, and never, perhaps, in the history of this ancient and historic borough has a meeting with the representative of the local Peer in the chair, held in support of anti- land taxation and food taxes, turned out such a damp squib. There was compara- tively little enthusiasm, and but for an at- tempted demonstration against the Ex- press' by Tories at the back of the hall, the audience, whilst waiting for the Colonel and others to mount the platform, would have experienced a monotonous time. In fact, this Tory cry about the Newtown Paper" did more than anything to upset the proceedings. The reason for it was the challenge which the 'Express' had made that morning to Colonel Pryce-Jones with reference to the sale of a garden in Severn-street valued at £ 800., particulars of which our readers will recall. When the Colonel mounted the platform there was loud cheering. With him came Mr Forrester Addie, the chairman of the Welshpool Conservative Club and the repre- sentative of Lord Powis, Mrs Pryce-Jones, and Mrs Forrester Addie. Mr Addie, who presided, announced a let- ter from Mrs Peter Beck, Trelydan, re- gretting inability to be present, and stating i: we particularly wish everyone to know that we are working against Mr Humphreys- Owen." Mr Beck also wrote supporting the candidature of the Colonel. The oratory was led off by the Rev T. Kingsborough, from the Ulster Unionist Association, whose endeavour was to show the untrustworthy character of the Irish people. A WORD OF CHEER. During this speech a sensation was (caued by a working man shouting out, H I wish the Colonel would look up a bit he is looking down!" Miss Bateman, of London, having spoken on Tariff Reform, the Colonel rose to the singing of "He's a jolly good fellow" from the rear of the hall. It. was noticeable that in the body of the room, where the responsible electors sat, the enthusiasm was not on a par. Before the resolution is moved," said the Colonel, "I hope I shall have no diffi- culty"—(uproar and cries of Chuck him out I") The audience rose from the chairs and turned its gaze to the back of the hall, and not until the interrupter had been turned out, amidst "hurrahs," was peace restored. Mr Addie asked for silence, which was answered by a whistle. Order now, please" another whistle, and then the Colon-el resumed. I was saying, he continued, that. I don't -think I shall have any difficulty in putting before you very briefly the reasons why you, -the men of Welshpool, and the Boroughs will return me by a triumphant majority (cheers). Our election in these Boroughs is to be put off until almost the last poll in the country,—("Shame!")—because it is thought that by putting me on the run, and putting you to the great trouble and expense of this unnecessary contest, the Radicals are going to have a better chance .of winning.—(A voice, Where's J. D. Rees, sir ? ")—But I think that you in Welshpool will run me in (cheers. Councillor Jen- kihs, Hear, hear.") 1 wish to tell this large audience that important as Tariff Re- form is—and Tariff Reform will come in a few years, if not by my own party, by the úther-that there is something for the time being greater than Tariff Reform, and that F 1 is our bitterest opposition to indefinite Home Rule for Ireland.—(A Radical voice: We want cheap food, Colonel !")—In Ireland there are friends of ours who are Catholics, and there are friends of ours who are Protestants, and it has been MY GOOD FORTUNE on more than one occasion to vote for Catholics in the House of Commons. It is because we want in Ireland, flie same as in other parts of the United Kingdom, peace and goodwill—(A Voice: "Good lad)—that we cannot trust Mr Asquith with a blank cheque to introduce Home Rule for Ireland without knowing what it means. If that Home Rule Bill is carried we shall have in Ireland our good friends the Catholics and Protestants fighting among themselves (A Voice: Good old Colonel," and laughter). I It is because we cannot run the risk of bloodshed in Ireland that we oppose the proposals of Home Rule by the presene Government (applause). A paper has been handed to me asking why, as I am in favour of self-government for South Africa, I am Not in favour of self-government or Home Rule for Ireland. I don't want any votes on false pretences. in South Africa, they have a Second Chamber. There the different States have agreed to join the Federation, and South Africa is thousands of miles from our shores. With regard to Ireland it is a different tale. It is within a few miles of us. It might be the base of hostile operations by a foreign foe. We say that Ireland should be satisfied with the same self-government as we have in England, Scotland, and Wales (applause). It, seems to me it is always my misfortune to be on the defence—to be defending great interests and institutions. How is it we are having an election within twelve months of the Finance Bill, which we objected to because it contained other things besides finance, because it hit the landlords and the licensed victuallers, and others in business ? Mr Redmond voted for the Finance Bill against a great many of his own friends in Ireland, on the under- star ding that afterwards the Government was to come to the veto. Mr Asquith could not go 011 any longer, because he knew Mr Redmond would not allow him. Mr Red- mond said he intended to extract Home Rule from us. We know what that Home Rule would be, and we are determined it shall never become law (cheers). Mr Bal- four has told the country that if Mr Asquith will agree to a referendum on Home Rule we will tfgree to a referendum on Tariff Reform. Mr Asquith has refused the chal- lenge. I DON'T KNOW whether he means that the whole of the Tariff Reform programme is to be deferred until the people vote on it or not, but at any rate, no taxes will be put on any article of food until the people have given their decision.—(Cheers, and a Voice: "What about the Newtown paper ?") In my opinion there was no rea.-on to be afraid ever before, because, as Miss Bateman has pointed out, if ✓you put a small duty on wheat for the sake of getting a preference, and take it off another, I cannot see, and the working men of the country generally will agree, that there can be no addition to the cost of the food of the people. In these Boroughs, if the people cannot trust me, I hope they will trust Mr Balfour, for he has said that no taxes will be put on food supplies until the people have voted for it. On this occasion I hope nobody will be so FOOLISH AS TO VOTE AGAINST ME ■—(smiles)—because they think they will get a little loaf. I hope that those who may again be misled—misled by the "Newtown paper "—(laughter and smiles, and a Voice: "What about the garden, Colonel?")—1 hope that those who are likely to be misled on this important point will remember that they have been taken in more than once by misrepresentations such as the black bread and Chinese slavery. I sincerely hope—(A Voice The Newtown paper ")—that if Mr Balfour does get a majority that he will go in for a moderate DUTY ON MANUFACTURED GOODS AND CERTAIN LUXURIES coming into this country.—(Councillor Jen- kins: Hear, hear).—You have a gentleman in Welshpool, Mr Macdonald, who has started a new industry here. I remember he told me that under Tariff Reform lie could double the number of hands he now employs (applause). And now, you men of Welshpool—(A Voice: What about the Newtown paper ? ") I ask you not to be led away on this veto question (cries of Chuck him out," and uproar). The Chairman: Order, order. Two men were ejected—one a commercial traveller and a staunch Free Trader from Birmingham. The Colonel I appeal to the men of all parties and creeds. The policy of the Government is this The House of Com- mons shall be predominant, and there shall be no Second Chamber. That means that any House of Commons, Liberal or Conser- vatives, shall pass their measures if they go up to the House of Lords for three suc- cessive sessions. The House of Commons might grant Home Rule for Ireland, and yet. the people would have no vote on it. They may even tax food, disestablish and disendow the Church in Wales, or go in for conscription, or hand over Ireland to Ger- many, or give away one of the Colonies to Russia. Are you aware that the House of Lords will be untouched by the Radicals ? They are going to leave it as it is, but take its usefulness away. We know that people change from year to year and from century to century. The only bulwark between the rampant whim of the House of Commons is a Second Chamber, and that is the pres- ent House of Lords. The Earl of Powis's representative: Hear, hear. THE REFORMED LORDS. The Colonel: Now what is our pro- gramme ? The Lords have said that they do not wish to be members of that House merely on the question of heredity. They have agreed that in future the Peers shall be qualified by high office, great service, such as generals, admirals, and governors, and men who have been in the House of Commons, secretaries of State, and others, and chosen from among all parties, Churchmen and Nonconformists and Roman Catholics, who shall make up one half, and the other half shall by some form of nom- ination come from outside. Is not that a sound and sane arrangement ? Are you to prefer rather to follow those politicians who seem to seek their own ends for power, in- stead of the greatness of the Empire ? (cheers). A SMACK AT MR. LLOYD-GEORGE. I appeal to Liberals and Liberal-minded men not to take counsel from some distin- guished politician who may come to New- town again on the eve of the poll, and use his beautiful voice to get my own towns- men to vote against me. I hope that you in Welshpool will remember whenever this distinguished gentleman comes to Newtown, I shall want you to make up for the votes I may lose there (applause). I should like now, going off at a tangent, to show you what Home Rule is. Suppos- ing Home Rule, full powers, were given to my friends at Llanidloes (laughter). Where should we be. gentlemen ? (great laughter and cheers). Think of my wife and I can- not go there to attend a private meeting of my supporters—(shame)—without run- ning the risk of danger to life and health. Here the Colonel paused, and looked down at the press table, where the Ex- press representative was seated. I regret, he continued, to refer to my friend. It is the paper, and I can go for it. I regret to say, as far as I have been able to learn- I have not had time to read it—that there has not been a word of regret in the New- town paper for this scandalous attack upon a lady..—(A voice, "Shame!") And now, gentlemen, I have been long enough.—(A voice: "What about the New- town paper ? ")—We have stood our defeat. If we win, they cannot deny us the joy of victory (cheers). The last time, although we lost by ONLY 13 VOTES, we cannot forget that we polled fifty more than we have polled before. I can only thank you again and again for the magnifi- cent support you have given me in the past, as the humble supporter of such a splendid cause, and I hope we shall be victorious this time, because I have got so many young friends who have only had votes on several occasions, and they tell me they have never voted for the successful man yet (laughter and smiles). Whatever may take place at Llanidloes, we shall in the other boroughs conduct the fight in a gentlemanly and straightforward manner (cheers). A CHARACTERISTIC SPEECH. Dr Hawksworth said it was ridiculous to jeer at any man for being descended irom Norman robbers. He thought they were all descended from robbers, if they only went back far enough. Could Mr Lloyd George certify that within the last thousand years none of his ancestors had stolen a RheeNr run away with a leg of beet Darwin said that we were all de- scended from apes, but they should not be so rude as to suggest that Mr Lloyd George was descended from a monkey (laughter). He might be, but they did not blame him. 'But yet he would persist in referring to the habits of his ancestors. When one read the speeches of some responsible Cabinet ministers, one blushed for one's country, and asked what manner of men were those who were set over them. Mr T. J. Evans, whom Mr Addie de- scribed as the popular mayor of Welsh- pool," rose to second a resolution of con- fidence, which was carried unanimously. The meeting then terminated. A SCENE IN THE STREET. big crowd awaited the emergence of the Colonel from "the hall, the while crying "Newtown paper' Newtown paper!" which must have considerably disconcerted the gailant Tory candidate. As soon as he came through the front door on to the pave- ment, the Colonel wtis whipped into an armchair, and carried "down Broad-street to the Royal Oak Hotel. So enthusiastic were the bearers that only an appeal from the Colonel prevented them from carrying him to an upstairs room in the hotel, from the window of which he subsequently spoke. His only companion in the room was the representative of the "Newtown paper." Ladies and gentlemen, he said.. I thank my friends for their grcyit kindness in chairing me from the Town Hall. I hope the next Government we shall have will have the opportunity of trying some other policy than Free Trade.—(A voice: "The Newtown paper.")—Notwithstanding Free Trade, we find the food of the people is dearer than when the late Government was in power. At this statement a man in the crowd shouted LIAR! wijhicli caused a tremendous commotion. Unfortunately for the Colonel, Welshpool that night was the staying place of two commercial travellers, both shrewd men of the world, and hailing from Birmingham. It was one of this pair who astounded the Tories with "liar." A disturbance imme- diately arose, in the midst of which a Welshpool Conservative threatened to thrash this insolent! alien, even though he had come from Joseph Chamberlain's land. But the Birmingham chap gave his Tory antagonist to understand that he had been in similar positions before. He would not accept the CHALLENGE TO FIGHT in the street, because, said he, If I go for you, your friends may set on me. But if you want to have it out, come with me into a. yard, and we will settle it between ourselves." The invitation was not ac- cepted. Meanwhile, the Colonel had gone on with his speech in an effort to disparage Free Trade. Concluding, he said: I only ask you my friends in Welshpool to trust me again, as you did from 1895 to 1906. Don't be misled by misrepresentation. When you see my friend, the Newtown paper, trying to run me down, just say to them, "It is just the opposite of that" (laughter). We have beaten the Newtown paper before, and we will give it a beating this time (laughter and cheers). They just insert the kind of things to mislead their readers, and their circula- tion will go down if they continue to do so (laughter). Thus ended the Colonel. I AT MONTGOMERY. Colonel Pryce-Jones spoke at Montgomery on Monday night, where he defended the Church, and endeavoured to substantiate all that is contained in his election address. He also severely criticised the action of Nonconformist ministers after the manner of the local Tory press. I hope," he con- cluded, that you are not down-hearted. They blamed me last time for being opti- mistic. I am more optimistic than ever, and yet we may be defeated. I think we are going to have a surprise. I shall be disappointed if we are not on the right side this time. I met an old friend of mine a few days ago. I said. 'Well, Mr Gillart, what sort of a time did you have at Mont- gomery after the poll P' He replied, I went to the Dragon and had lunch by my- self. There was nobody there' (laughter). Well, it didn't used to be like that when we won (laughter). Addresses were delivered by the Rev T. Kingsborough, Mr Herbert G. Williams, and Mr William Watkins, Newtown, and at the close a vote of confidence was unanimously carried.

DOLFOR. Just received a fine lot of Ladies' useful Box Calf Boots, with stout soles, for Winter wear; price, 7/9; get a pair, and be comfortable.—R RICKARDS, 30, Bridge-street, Newtown

NEW MILLS. BAND OF IlopE.-A. meeting of Beulah C. M Band of Hope was held on Friday evening, when Mr T. C. Andrew, Cefn, presided. A capital pro- gramme of songs, recitations, and dialogues was given. Several new pledges were taken.

DOLANOG. PP.ESICNT.&Tlos.-Aii interesting ceremony took place at Llanfair-Caereinion on Friday afternoon, when Mr E. P. Watkins, for 19 years rural post- man from Llanfair to Dolanog, was presented with a valuable timepiece and silver watch and chain. A committee was formed consisting of Messrs G. M. Evans, Garthbeibio (chairman), T. N. Bebb, Glascor-d (treasurer), R. Gittins, Post-office (secre- tary), T. Lloyd, Tirda. and D. Jones, Neuadd Cyn- hinfa, who undertook to collect subscriptions, which was an easy task, as Mr Watkins was very popular in his district. The presentation of the timepiece was made by the Chairman of the com- mittee (Mr G. M. Evans), and the watch was pre- sented by Mr T. N. Bebb, who, in a few words, said they had the greatest pleasure in presenting Mr Watkins, on behalf of the subscribers, with these valuable articles as a token of their appre- ciation of his valuable, obliging, and faithful ser- vice for over nineteen years in what is considered the largest and heaviest route in the Llanfair Dis- trict. Mr T. Lloyd and Mr R. Gittins also spoke in appreciating terms of the services of Mr Watkins, who, on account of his health, was by the kind consideration of the postal authorities removed to a higher route. Although his friends all along the route are very sorry to lose Mr Wat- kins, yet are glad for his sake that his duties would be less arduous. Mr Watkins, in returning thanks, said that he could hardly find words to txpress his feelings to the committee for the kind words spoken of him and to the subscribers for the two beautiful presents they had presented him that day. He himself did not think he was worthy of them, but as long as he lived he would certainly value them very dearly. When- ever he looked at them he would always consider how kind the people of the Dolanog route had been to him. He was sure they would pardon him for the feeble way that he had tried to thank them, but their kindness, not only on this occasion, but ever since he had had the honour to be their postman, was more than he could find words to express himself.

CAERSWS. A. H. BENNETT, Draper, &c., Caersws, has a Splendid Show of Fancy Goods, Toys, etc, Christmas and Now Year Cards, at prices to suit all clasties. Inspection invited. Advt.j LEAGUE OF THE EMPIRE LECTURES,—A series of three lectures upon Colonial governments are being delivered at the Council School on Saturday mornings at 10-30, by Prof Hanley Roberts, M.A., of U.C.W., Aberystwyth. The second lecture was delivered on Saturday last. The weather was extremely inclement, and the attendance suffered in consequence. The lecturer dealt, in a masterly manner, with the Governments of Canada, Australia, etc., making reference also to that of U. S. A. TFMPERANCE AIFETINc,O-n Tuesday evening the United Temperance held thtir fortnightly meeting in the room of the Buck Temperance Hotel. Mr J. T. Williams, of Rhianfa, presided. The attendance was excellent. There is every reason to belie that the temperance C'iuse in the Ancient (9tty is in a most prosperous and flourishing state. The young men are really taking a very keen interest, as the following pro- gramme proves —Chairman's address (very inter- esting aud instructive) duet by Mr David John Richards and Miss N. Richards, of Tynpwll; recitation by Mrs W. Hopkins, Henfryn Farm. Eloquent addresses were delivered by the follow- ing gentlemen:—Messrs M. P. Wilson, Gwyn- tyt'ydd, J. E. Mills, K Jcnes. Tybryth, Norman Ki nsey Spoonlty, J, HJmdy, ar.d W. Morris. SKETCHING.—The drawing done by several of the children of the Caer8ws Councd School is considered perfection But (says our corre- spondent) I have never as yet dropped across a iad fr"m tho Oiersw.s Council School or any ol cur County Schools able to sketch equal to a .-mall farmer whom I knew in the parish oi Llanwnog some 30 years ago. Once upon a ti:u( I saw him skeScuing three men who were not psescnt, two from Caersws and ore from Llan. wnog. He wrote their names on the buck of tbl sheet of paper on which he was sketching so thai I should not see what he had written until looked at them, and told him quite correctly tin very persons ho had sketched. On severa occasions I saw him do a similar thing. I wonde how many youths in our county is able to do sucl a thirg. To sketch an object when you have i right iu front of you is one thing, but to sketch human being in his absence is quita anothe thing.

ELECTION CRACKERS. e For Conscionable Voters Only! Something About Misrepresentations. The Conservative candidate for these Boroughs is professedly optimistic. Usually optimism reflects a frame of mind rendered happy by pleasing prospects. But the humble champion" of Toryism, to quote his own modest phrase, is very angry. The cause of his anger, we regret to learn, is the politics of the Express.' He charges us with wilful misrepresenta- tion, and warns us that if we persist in this discreditable policy our circulation will go down." All which would be very unnerving, indeed, were we not upheld by the fact that the circulation of this journal shows a most gratifying and encouraging increase year by year. How foolish intel- ligent people must be to read a paper which, according to Colonel Pryce-Jones, just inserts the kind of tilings that mis- lead them." Assertions are easily made. We would not be so unkind as to charge Colonel Pryce-Jones with wantonly deceiving the electors. His attempted deception arises from his own misconceptions. Not a few Express' challenges he has conveniently ignored. We make him yet another. Let him in his next public speech play the part of honour and responsibility by endeavouring to make good his charge against us. The people, whose confidence he is courting, will form the tribunal. "Unwilling to wound and yet afraid to strike" is not the attribute of a champion," however humble." Liberalism prides itself upon the cleanness and the fairness with which it is fighting this battle, and we should be everlastingly sorry to think that the Ex- press had contributed to the victory by wanton misrepresentation. Let Colonel Pryce-Jones venture upon the proof of his assertions, and we shall be glad to publicly meet him while yet there is time. Meanwhile, we invite the electors to gaze upon some misrepresentations" as they are set forth in the following notes. As is stated on the head lines, they are sub- mitted for the study of conscionable voters only. Criticising the proposed Liberal reform of the House of Lords, Colonel Pryce-Jones says: Thus the House of Commons, what- ever its political character might be, might pass some measure which they were not sent to Parliament, to carry out, and the people had no say in it." Is this not just the case at present when Toryism is in power? What of the Tory Education Act, which battened the upkeep of the Church schools upon the ratepayers of every de- nomination, and relieved the clergy of their rates at the expense of the ordinary rate- payers ? Were these enactments desired by the majority of the people ? Were the peo- ple even consulted concerning them ? Col. Pryce-Jones knows they were not. The Colonel tells us that under Tariff Reform the prosperity of Newtown would be greater, and there would be more work and more wages. He has yet a few days in which to prove that bald assertion. Let him try to do it, in justice to the wage- earners, who we contend (and that conten- tion has been repeatedly backed by figures) will suffer what is equivalent to a reduction of wages should ever a sordid Protection be resurrected in our country. It Protection is a .wage-raising process, we challenge the Tory candidate to explain away the indisputable fact why the wages of bricklayers, carpenters, labourers, masons, painters, pattern-makers, plumbers, black- smiths, and turners are much lower fti Pro- tected France and Germany than they are in Great Britain. That is a challenge which he cannot shirk in the interests of the work- man and his wife and family, whose confi- dence he is seeking. We also challenge him to give a. satisfactory explanation why food is dearer in all Protectionist countries, and cheapest of all in Free Trade Britain. These questions demand honest and straight- forward answers. Will he let us have them ? If higher wages is to be the result of Tariff Reform, will he assure this blessing to his own employees before they go to the poll ? This assurance they and all other wage-earners are entitled to, in return for relinquishing untaxed flour, untaxed bread, untaxed butter, untaxed meat, untaxed eggs, untaxed cheese, untaxed clothing, and untaxed domestic necessaries. They now enjoy the privilege of buying all these re- quirements cheaper than any other country- men. Are taxes on these things to be ade- quately compensated by a miserable reduc- tion of the duty on tea and sugar—a reduc- tion which would mean but the lopping off of the Tory taxes heaped upon them ? The Colonel may not wish to reflect upon the intelligence of the workman, but surely he courts the charge. Although, he says, the Liberal Government have been in power four years, food is dearer than ever under Free Trade. Has Free Trade made it dear- er ? Would the addition of tariffs make it cheaper ? Only an extremely poor opinion of the working man's common-sense could risk a statement of fhat kind. Tariff Reform means taxing the for- eigner as he taxes us," argues the Colonel. "As he taxes himself, the fool, is the telling and true retort of Mr Hadyn Jones. Ask Colonel Pryce-Jones," he adds, why is wheat so much cheaper in our country than it is in Tariff Reform countries and if it is cheaper here, ask him how it is that the Tariff Reformers in Germany and France are foolish enough to pay a tax upon hit wheat ? We have just been viewing the Tory caricatures posted by the Short Bridge at Newtown. A Tory Free Trader stood hard by muttering maledictions upon the heads oi scandalously abandoned artists whose brushes were permitted to paint such —— pictures." The adjective is scarce printable. We could not join in his indignation. Our feelings were those of uncontrollable mer- riment, and the unrestrained laughter did us good. Some of the drawings are really clever and immensely funny. \Ye were tickled most, perhaps, by that representation of two bullocks—the one an old, scraggy, fleshless creatures starving to death by Lloyd George's Socialism." Per- imps it is intended to portray the condition of the rich man, despoiled of his luxuries j by a little super-tax upon his abounding t thousands. On the other side of the picture p I we beheld a prime fed Hereford ox, which 3 may well represent the type of man who t, directs the tariffs trusts and waxes fat upon what he can squeeze out of the humble a toiler. t Jf Then there is that hackneyed picture of the disconsolate working man sitting in his poverty-stricken home, lamenting the evils h of Free Trade, which has robbed him of t employment. Presently there came along an a elderly dame, bearing a basket, which ap- r peared heavily laden with household com- modities. The melancholy caricature ar- l rested her, and after momentarily surveying it, she exeliiiiied. Yes, them beastly for- eign brutes Just such an exclamation as an unlearned old dame would set forth. It caught the ear of another woman, whose Christian name appears to be "Gwen." Says Gwen, What's thee say, wuman ? The aged dame, roused from her reverie, wheeled round and answered, "I was say- in' them beastly foreigners 'av starved this man and his children look you here, see." Gwen answered with a rollicking laugh, and the pair strode off together. Some dozen paces away they paused while Gwen deliv- ered a brief lecture, which concerned the cheapness of the domestic contents in the old lady's basket. Then they both laughed, and the parley concluded with the latter's enlightened exclamation, "Who'd a thought them painters are such liars! Our merriment was temporarily subdued by the poster which has the unblushing effrontery to declare, Do you know that the Radicals prevented old-age pensions being given to the old people who had re- ceived even a loaf of bread as out-door relief ? Hypocrisy is too feeble a word to describe this shameless travesty of the truth. We leave the fitting description to all intelligent persons. Radicals howl revolution because the Lords trust the people." It is impossible to feel indignant with such grotesque caricatures. The overwhelming burden of that trust" is going to be considerably removed from the coronetted brow by a no longer trustful people. Free imports don't mean cheap food." Is the ignorant working man going to be deluded into thinking that a tariff on every bit of food he eats will actually cheapen it ? If such ignorant men there be, we reckon they will be saved from this delusion by the common-sense of their wives. What colossal frauds these pictures of the horrid foreigner are! Is it. not the foreigner who provides so many of the jobs for the British workman ? For every pound's worth of manufactured goods which we im- port, nearly £2 worth is sent abroad. Dur- ing last year £ 378,180,000 worth of British goods of all sorts crossed the seas, and two- thirds tf that went to the hateful foreigner. Spoil that commercial connection with him, and we should soon see the Tory picture in all its ghastly reality. Caricaturists would not then require to draw upon their imaginations. The Tories, if they do not win this time, are not likely ever to win. Not a stone are they leaving unturned. Not a voter will they leave unvisited. A little army of can- vassers, mainly inspired by influences per- sonal rather than political, is working over the constituency busy as bees in mid- summer. We hear of many of their stories, sympathetic and otherwise, told at the fire- sides which they invade, and we should feel tempted to reproduce them, but for the knowledge that they fall as seed on stony ground. These facts will inspire Liberals to work their hardest, and work with clean hands and consciences as Mr Humphreys- Owen has specially desiderated. Their cause requires nothing more than a plain statement, together with the ever useful reminder that the ballot is secret, Here are a dozen questions which electors might keep handy when the Conservative candidate or his canvassers call. Just cut them out, paste them on a card, and exam- ine the Tariff Reformer one by one. We should be glad to be informed of his replies. Here they are :— 1. If the aim of Tariff Reform is to keep out foreign goods from this country, why not put on a tax of 100 per cent ? Tariff Reformers only advocate a tax of 5, 10, or 15 per cent. If it is good for the British working man that those foreign goods should be kept out, why not make the tax 100 per cent ? 2. If the foreigner pays the tax, why not Jet him pay a. tax on raw material ? If the aim of the Tariff Reformer is to increase trade with the Colonies, why tax Colonial wheat, which at present comes into Great Britain free ? Or, if they do not want. to tax Colonial wheat, where is the protection for the British farmer ? 3. If tariffs keep out the goods of a foreign country, how is it that. Protectionist coun- tries such as Russia, Germany, France, Bel- gium, Austria, the United States, Italy, and Spain buy from Great Britain ever-increasing quantities of goods ? 4. If Free Trade is as bad as we are told, how is it. that our trade is increasing by leaps and bounds ? 5. If Tariff Reform i? a remedy for unem- ployment, poverty, and slums, how is it that Germany, Belgium, France, the United States, Italy, and Austria—all Protectionist countries—have unemployment, poverty, and slums ? 6. If Protection is good for working men, why have Frenchmen, Germans, Austrians, and Belgians lower wages and longer hours than British workmen ? 7. Can Tariff Reformers explain why the working men in Germany and France and other Protectionist countries are agitating against their Protective tariffs ? 8. If Protection was such a good thing, why did British workmen revolt against it when it existed in this country before the repeal of the Corn Laws ? 9. Why is it that Protectionist countries have a deficit each year, although they put on taxes every year, whilst Free Trade England, with i diminished taxation on sugar and tea, bus paid off over £ 50,000,000 from the National Debt since 1906 ? 10. Why are the supporters of Tariff Re- form League dukes, earls, barons, landlords. monopolists, and manufacturers? 11. If the Tariff Reform League's propa- ganda is good for the working man, how comes it to be that the League does not contain a single Labour Member of Parlia- ment ? 12. If Protection is good for the working- man, why is Socialism, which the Tariff Reformers dread so much, increasing in Germany ? Irish Tory Canvasser Will you vote for Colonel Jones and against the oppression of the Protestants in Ireland ? Newtown Protestant Tradesman Look here, my man You needn't go any fur- ther I'm going to vote Radical Exit Irish Tory canvasser. Lady Tory Canvasser (to working man's wife) Where does your husband go on Sunday?"—Wife: "To the Wesleyan Chapel."—Lady Canvasser Oh, there are many Wesleyans going to vote for the Colonel this time." But this particular husband will vote Radical. Another Llanfyllin Radical could not be ryoved by the plea of the Tory candidate, who at length despairingly observed: Well, if you won't vote for the Colonel, you won't vote against him this time, will you The Tradesman I should consider that more reprehensible than voting Tory. You want to choke the exercise of my franchise." This is a typical Tory tactic adopted in all the other Boroughs. It would be unjust even to imagine that the Conservative candidate is conscious of some of the extraordinary tales which are being circulated by his supporters as a means of vote getting. We cannot credit him with a knowledge of the statement cir- culated in Newtown that if he is defeated there will be no more annual sports. We have it on good authority that many of the R.W.W. workers would be among the last to protest against being relieved of the demands which the work of organisation imposes annually upon them. Perhaps, after all, this electioneering statement is but a breaking of the ice. We shall see. The Conservative electioneering agent (Mr Sydney H. Jarvis) did an act the other day which must. be put to his credit, although we feel sure he would be the last to pub- licly trumpet it. Waiting at certain cross roads for the coming of an expected car. Mr Humphreys-Owen was severely disappointed at its failure to turn up. At length, how- ever, another car hove in view, and since it was travelling in the direction in which the Liberal candidate desired to journey, he asked the favour of a ride. The request was readily granted, and for a while the future member for the Boroughs travelled all un- consciously in the car of his opponent, and side by side with Mr Jarvis. Scared almost, out. of their skin by the results of what might be brought about through a cross-examination of their can- didate, the Tories have evidently conspired to summarily bundle out of their public meetings all who interrupt with questions. They cannot stand fire. This intolerance harmonises perfectly with the character of the House of Lords. Their state of despera- tion is evidenced in the almost fanatical manner in which they are trying to develop a Home Rule scare. We hear they are jubilant over the success of this bogey, and claim to have duped not a few Liberals. We should like to see these Liberals. Mr William Owen Jones, a Newtonian stalwart, had a. question to ask the Con- servative candidate for Radnorshire in one of his meetings at Builth. Amid of buzz of excitement he asked Mr Venables Llewelyn, "Is the ballot secret The Torv candi- date having replied that it was, Mr Jones in a voice that drowned all the storm of in- dignation aroused by such a question, bel- lowed out, "Men, vote then The desire of a Llanidloes audience to assist the speakers is at t.imes almost em- barrassing. Mr William Jones, M.P., on Tuesday night, said that, only five articles of food were taxed, and proceeded to enumerate them—tea, coffee. sugar, cocoa, and- -but the fifth would not come. To- bacco shouted an enthusiastic Rad from the gallery, amidst, roars of laughter. Evidently he considered that tobacco, which could be chewed, should also be swallowed as an article of food. The trade boom still continues, and the November returns further vindicate the Free Trade policy of Great Britain. During the month imports showed an increase of E2,479,901, exports E3,575,970, and re-exports £ 706,716. The totals for the month show imports f-64,091,443, and exports (with re- exports) £ 44,356,034. Some of Mr Venables Llewelyn's support- ers will have occasion to cuss their luck, for those who worked for him felt so cock- sure that they were willing to accept five ro one odds. Betting transactions on the re- sult. were not confined to Radnorshire, and not a few of the true blues have had to turf out their dollars in addition to sus- taining a bitter defeat. At Glazebury a well-known Montgomery- shire merchant was staying over-night at. the principal hostelry, which, almost needless to remark, was Tory. The Radical man from Montgomeryshire felt himself sadly in the minority, but something happened to make his lot more tolerable. In walked a swaggering supporter of the Tory candi- date. Anyone here take five to one on Llewelyn ? said he. Taken, cover that, then," said our friend from the Severn Valley, and he planked a sovereign on the smoke-room table. The baffled Tory felt in his pockets, but failed to discover five sov- ereigns. "Pick your coins up then, and don't come boasting here, if you can't. sup- port what you say." was the rejoinder. For the remainder of the night the Radical quite enjoyed himself, for the Tory guns had been silenced.

HODLEY. A GOOD SHOOTING BOOT for 10s 6d at Rickards' Eagle Boot Dep.-t, Newtown.

TREFEGLWYS. A. H. BEXXETT, Draper, etc., Caersws, has a Splendid Show of Fancy Goods, Toys, etc, Christmas and New Year Cards, at prices to suit all classes. Inspection invited. f Advt.

TREFNANNEY. LECTUKE.—An interesting lantern lecture was given at Salem Chapel on Friday evening by Mr Hering, M.A., Bwlchycibau. The slides shown were views of the Arctic Ocean and European scenes.

LLANDINAM. A. H. BE VNETT. Draper. IC, Caersws. has a Splendid Show of Fancy Goodb, Toys, etc., Christmas and New Year Cards, at prices to suit all classes. Inspection invited. = Ad vt.

LLANIDLOES. MARRIAGE.—On Thursday week the Rev E. O. Jones, M.A., vicar, united in wedlock, at the Parish Church, Miss Edith Pughe Kinsey, young- est daughter of the late Mr A. Lloyd Kinsey, of Mount Shop, and Mr William John Brown, eldest son of the late Mr John Brown, and of Mrs B, own, of Dresden House. A large number of friends of the contracting parties amended to witness the ceremony. The bride was attired in a cream costume and black velvet hat trimmed with white ostrich feather and was given away by her sister, Mrs Davies, of Grwanas. She carried a bouquet of pink carnations and smilax. the gift of the bridegroom. Mr John Brown, brother of the bridegroom, did duty as hEIst man. Arter the cerf-mony the happy pc.ir left for London, where the honeymoon is being spent.

SARN. SCHOOL CLOS^RF..—The Education Authority, acting on the advica of the school medical officer, has closed the school until after the Christmas holidays, owing to the prevalence of measles, PRESENTATION.—On Wednesday afternoon, December 7th, quite a happy little function took place in connection with the distribution of prizes at Sarn C.E. School. Mrs Peirce. who was received with hearty cheers, made the presenta- tions, snd spoke encouragingly to the children, urging them to do st.il! greater s in the future. Mr Charles .Tones, representing the Foundation managers, was present, also Mr Wm White, County Council representative manager. The latter ga-e a very inspiriting address to the children, contrasting the conditions of to-day with tbose of his school days, and asking the children to take every advantage (,f th(-;r oppor- tunities. The Head Teacher (Mr C. H. Ridding) also spoke, and thanked hs Peirce, Mr White, and Mr Jones for their presence, which was en- couragirig alike to the scholars and the teachers. The awards "reI made as follows.-—1, Catherine Elizabeth Davies, a handsome silver w^tch, en- graved inside, Montg. Edu. Authority: pre- sented to C. E. Davies for five years' unbroken atteKdance at Sarn C.E. School. 1910." 2, Marguergito Lucy Tarner, a silver medal and book for two veurs' unbroken attendance. The following received book prizes:—John Jones, S19 Httendances out of S21; William Charles Fvans, 809; Dilys Elizabeth Jones, (SOS; liicharn Charles Perkins, S02 Susannah Longman, 801; Elsie Jane Price, S00; James David Davies, S00 Lavina Harris, 797.

I THE GENERAL ELECTION. TORY GAINS. LIVERPOOL (EXCHANGE). 1910-Liberal Ma4, 161. .1 Mr Leslie Scott, K.C. (U) 2,330 Mr M. Muspratt (L) 2,187-143 BIRKENHEAD. 1910—Lib-ral maj., 144. Mr A Eigland (U) S,304 Mr H. Vivia.n (L) 7,249—1055 ST. PANCRAS (WEST) 1910—Liberal maj., 10. Mr Felix CasselJ. K.C. (U) 3,384 Sir W. J. Collins (L) 3,376—8 ISLINGTON (NORTH). 1910-Liberal maj., 34,. Mr G. A. Touche (U) 5,428 Mr D. S, Waterlow (L) 5,022-406 CARDIFF DISTRICT. 1910-Liberal maj 1,556. Lord N. Crichton-Stuart (U). 12,181 Sir Clarendon Hyde (L) 11,882-299 PLYMOUTH (Two Members). 1910—Liberal maj 411. Mr Waldorf Astor (U) 8,113 Mr A. Shirley Benn (U) 7,942 Mr C. E. Mallet (L) 7,379 Mr Aneurin Williams (L) 7,260-734. ST. HELENS. 1910—Liberal maj., 795. Mr Rigby Swift, K,C. (U) 6,016 Mr T. Glover (Lab.) 5,752-264 LANCASHIRE (NEWTON). 1910—Labour maj, 752. Viscount Wolmer (TJ) 6,706 Mr J. A. Seddon (Lab.). 6,562-144 DUDLEY. 1910-Liberal maj., 193. Major Griffith-Boscawen (U) 8,260 Mr A. G. Hooper (L) 7,900-360 CUMBERLAND (ESltDALE). 1910—Radical maj., 34. Mr Claude Lowther (U) 45S1 Hon Geoffrey Howard (R) 4211-370 LIBERAL GAINS. CHELTENHAM. 1910—Tory maj., 138. Mr E. Matthias (R) 3,846 Viscount Dungannon (U) 3,753—93 WAKEFIELD. 1910—Tory maj., 519. Mr A. E. H, Marshall (R) 2,837 -lir R A.Brotherton (U) 2,651-186 WHITEHAVEN. 1910—Tory maj., 336. Mr T. Richardson (Lab) 1,414 Colonel Jackson (U) 1,220—194 BURNLEY. 1910—Tory maj., 95. Mr P. Morrell (R) 6,177 Mr G. Arbuthnot (U) 6,004 Mr H. M. Hyndham (Soc.) 3,810-173 SUXDERLAND (Two Members.) 1910-Tory maj., 805. Mr T. Hamar Greenwood (R) 11,997 Mr Frank W. Goldstone (Lab) 11,291 Mr W. Joynson-Hicks (U) 10,300 Mr Samuel Samuel (U) 10,133-1697 COVENTRY. 1910-Tory maj., 216. Mr D. H. Mason (R). 7,351 Mr J. K. Foster (U) 6,821—523 WOOLWICH. 1910—Tory maj., 235. Mr W Crooks (Lab) 8,252 Major W. A. Adam (U) 8,016-236 SOUTHWARK (WEST). 1910—Tory maj., 164. Mr A. Strauss (R) 3,026 Sir W. H. Dunn (U) 3,010—18 STEPNEY. 1910—Tory maj., 236. Mr W. S. Glyn Jones (R) 1926 Mr W. R. Preston (U) 1811-115 BOW AND BROMLEY. 1910—Tory maj., 740. Mr G. Lansbury (Lab.) 4315 Mr L. S. Amery (U) 3-152-863 RADNORSHIRE. 1910-Tory maj., 14. Sir Francis Edwards (R) 2224 Mr C. D. Venables-Llewelyn 2182-42 BEDFORD. 1910—Tory maj., 169. Mr F. Kellaway (R) 2773 Mr W. A. Attenborough (U) 2754-19 WALES. In addition to the Welsh results given above, the following contests have taken place:— SWANSEA TOWN. 1910—Radical maj., 1645 Sir A. Mond (R) 6503 Mr D. V. Meager (U) 4257—224G PEMBROKE AND HAVERFORDWEST. 1910—Radical maj., 705. Major H. Guest (R) 3357 Mr J. F. Lort Phillips 2792—565 DENBIGH BOROUGHS. 1910—Tory maj., 8. Mr W. Ormsby-Gore (C) 2,3S5 Mr G. Caradoc Rees Rees (L) 2,376—9 OTHER CONTESTS. MILE-END. 1910-Tory mai,, r>7 Hon. Harry Lawson (U) 2178 Mr B. S. Straus (R) 2176-2 BATTERSEA. 1910—Radical maj, 5-35 Rt. Hon. John Burns (R) 7S36 Col. Sir John Harrington (U) 6544 Mr C. N. Shaw (Soc.) 487—1292 SHREWSBURY. 1910—Tory maj., fiO2 Sir Clement Hiil (U) 2423 Mr T. Pace (R) 1855—568

LLANWNOG. A. H. BENNETT, Draper, &c., Caersws, has a Splendid Show of Fancy Goods, Toys, etc., Christmas and New Year Cards, at prices to suit all classes. Inspection invited. Ad\t.

TREGYNON. PRIZE DISTRIBUTION —The attendance prizes, awarded by the Education Committee to the children attending Tregynon Council School, were distributed on Thursday, by Mr Scott-Owen and the Rev. D. B. Edmunds, each of whom gave val- uable advice to the scholars. The following were awarded prizes — Gwendoline Jones, Wm. Jones, book and medal for two years' perfect attendance John Oliver, Gwindys Pugh, Eric Jones, George Davies, Elizabeth .Tores, Thomas Parry, Gwendo- line, Thomas, and May Corfiold, books for haviag- made over 97 per ceat. attendance for the past two years. Five other children had also made the necessary attendances, but as they received prizes last year, they were debarrvd fOOlU doing so again this year. < 0

PONTDOLGOCH. A. H. BENNETT, Draper, &e., C-aetsws. has a Splendid Show of Fancy Goods, Toys, etc., Christmas and New Year Cards, at prices to suit all classes. Inspect in invited. = A.dvt.

BERRIEW. PETTT SESSIONS.—Qa Saturday, before Captain Johnes (presiding), Capt. Corbett-Winder, and F. E. Marston.—William Nock, Pentre Farm, Berriew, farmer, and Edward Morgan, Pentre Farm, Bemew, labourer, was charged by James Owen Powell, Panny Farm, Berriew. with tres- passing on his land in pursuit of rabbits on the 14th November. Nock w&s fined £ 1 including costs, and Morgans tc, pay costs, 7s. Mr R E. George, Newtown, was for tho psosecutior.— Evan Davies and John Davies. Pentrellirior, were charged by Robert Edwards, of the same address, with"assaulting bim en November 20th. and Sarah Davies, the mother of the two defendants, was j charged with aiding and abetting them. Evan Davids and John Davies were fined Jcl each including costf, and Sarah Davies to pay costs, 12s oi. 3rr R. E. George, Newtown, was fur the i deft ndants.