Papurau Newydd Cymru

Chwiliwch 15 miliwn o erthyglau papurau newydd Cymru

Cuddio Rhestr Erthyglau

14 erthygl ar y dudalen hon

THE BOROUGHS ELECTION.

THE DECLARATION.

Newyddion
Dyfynnu
Rhannu

THE DECLARATION. Compared with previous elections there was not the attendance nor the excitement in the County Town, but there was a fair Conservative following drawn, not merely from Montgomeryshire, but also from the Shropshire border, and also a small, faithful band of Radicals. The time passed slowly, and it was ren- dered impossible for anyone inside to give the least clue as to how things were pro- gressing, as the lower portion of all the windows had been thoughtfully covered up. Meanwhile the Dragon drove a roaring trade, as this was really the only alterna- tive to a tedious and impatient wait. Among the most anxious of those who awaited the result was the wife of the Con- servative candidate, who occupied the front parlour of the chief hostelry, and was sur- rounded by a number of county ladies. The fingers of the Town Hall clock had pointed to ten minutes to one when the gates were opened, and Mr Tomley appeared, there was a general rush for the entrance, but admission this time was for the Press only. Upstairs the radiant face of Mr S. H. Jarvis, agent to Colonel Pryce-Jones, told its own tale. It was apparent that the Unionist party had this time triumphed. This was further confirmed by the fact that it was the Colonel who proposed the vote of thanks to the Returning Officer, Mr N. W. Fairies-Humphreys. In proposing this vote the gallant Colonel said that the Returning Officer had acted with absolute fairness, and in the most impartial, dignified, and sincere manner. He had the greatest possible pleasure in proposing a vote of thanks to him for his efficient services (applause). Mr-Humphreys-Owen, in a brief speech, endorsed all the Colonel had said. In replying, Mr Fairies-Humphreys said he was very much obliged to Colonel Pryce- Jones and Mr Humphreys-Owen for their vote of thanks. He had very great pleasure in presiding on this particular occasion, and he was quite certain that the fight had" been conducted on both sides with the best of good feeling (applause). By this time the result had by some mysterious means filtered into the street, and already the jubilant chorus was rend- ing the air. They are calling for you, Colonel," said a person to the newly elected M.P., and the Colonel followed in the wake of the Returning Officer to the window. Loud applause greeted the appearance of the genial Mayor of Montgomery, who, in a distinct voice, gave the result as follows Pryce-Jones 1.522 Humphreys-Owen 1,468 54 The crowd, instead of howling after the first- figures, waited patiently until Mr Humphreys-Owen's figures had also been declared, and then they strained their lungs to their utmost capacity. The Returning Officer then looked round for the Colonel, but he was not in the little group at the window. Pryce-Jones," shouted the Liberal candidate, and then the Colonel appeared, and his appearance at the window made those below redouble their efforts to bring down the skies, while blue streamers were waved all around. The Colonel did not look flusked with victory or elated with success. He seemed to have taken things quite calmly and coolly. He seemed almost impatient of the din which his noisy supporters would not desist from making. Below him there were men wearing the blue throwing their hats in the air in their frenzied delight, and picking them up out of the mud and wiping them on their coat sleeves. It was probably only the retaining hat-pins which kept some of the more excited females from following suit. At last, when partial calm and stillness had been restored, the Colonel began:— Ladies and gentlemen (Play up Colonel!) I hardly know how to return thanks to the electors who have returned me triumphantly to represent them in the next Parliament. I wish to say at once that Mr Humphreys- Owen—(A Voice: Good old. Humphreys- Owen)—has conducted his part in the con- test like a gentleman (applause). I know that if he had had what I consider a better cause I think he would have beaten me (applause and "Never.") I wish, ladies and gentlemen, to thank you and all my sup- porters who have worked so hard for me during the contest (cheers). There is one supporter though whom I must put before all others, one, if she had not worked, I should not have been in, and that is my wife (loud cheers). I wish to thank her for the way in which she has stuck to me and the cause as she has done, even after we had been beaten. Now I am glad for her sake as much as for yours that we have pulled it off this time (cheers, and Good old Colonel). Ladies and gentlemen, what is it that we have done to-day ? We have returned a Unionist candidate to see fair play and justice to Ireland, and I can con- gratulate this part of Wales on winning this seat (cheers). We hold the great city of Cardiff on our side, and we hold the capital of North Wales, and now we have been lucky in making a splendid bull's eye in the very middle of Wales (hooray). I hope that we all shall show courtesy and kindness and good feeling to our opponents. I can only say that I am very sorry for my friend, Mr Humphreys-Owen, that in a way he has not been successful. Again the floodgates of applause were opened, and though the Colonel immediately withdrew from the open window, it still continued until Mr Humphreys-Owen ap- peared. Then it changed to mingled booing and cheering, as in stentorian tones the young Squire of Glansevern began:— Ladies and gentlemen, said he, in a voice that could be heard above the tempest, I am glad that the result in these boroughs will make no difference and will have no effect upon the general result in the country, where the party of progress have won and are going to lead us to victory (loud boos and cheers). I desire to thank my supporters for the good and brave fight which they have made. I thank you one and all for the efforts you have made for the cause which has already won in the country (cheers). The Colonel was then being interviewed by the Press, but he was not allowed to proceed. In came Mr Charles P. Davies. You belong to us now, Colonel," said he, "and we want you." The Colonel was not allowed an opportunity, therefore, of ex- plaining his victory, for he was galloped down the stairs, and there at the bottom was a chair awaiting him, and on this chair he was unceremoniously lifted and taken around the county town, the final destina- tion being the residence of Mrs Hampden Welch. The figures at the last general election in January were— J- D. Rees 1539 Colonel Pryce-Jones 1526 13 ( It will be noted that on this occasion the Tories polled four less and the Liberals 71 less, the total reduction of the poll being 75. NEWTOWN. Towards one o'clock Broad-street became crowded with people anxiously watching for the first signal of news from the County Town. The blending party colours gave a picturesqueness to the scene, and an excel- lent feeling prevailed. Reflecting upon their efforts ,the Tories wore a look of confidence, and the consciousness of these same efforts was anything but assuring to Liberals. But the optimists on neither side would boast the prospect of a big majority. About the stroke of the hour the tidings came, where- upon a great cheer arose from the Colonel's supporters, accompanied by a demonstration of colours, while the Union Jack speedily ran up over the Royal Welsh Warehouse, and cannon and rifle spoke forth the Tory joy, which had not been heard on such occasions for ten years. Liberals undoubt- edly were disappointed by the size of the majority against them,and those of them who had taken the most pessimistic view of the probable result did not credit opponents with a greater victory than 40. But the Liberal party as a whole were consoled by -the thought that they had done their best against circumstances such as are experi- enced in few constituencies of similar size. They had had to fight a large employer of labour, the politics of whose workers par- take of his, and would change any day with his change. They also found consolation in the cleanness of their fight, and the loyalty of the party under conditions which severely tested it. And the crowning consolation came with the assurance that on the next occasion there would be a clear fight on party principles and policy, in which the advantage of political personality now en- joyed by the Tories at Newtown would be submerged in one county contest. To-day the fortunes of war have gone against them, but it is the last battle they will have to fight under a handicap. Mr Humphreys-Owen reached Newtown first. He was taken out of his car and carried shoulder high to the elevation in front of Plas-yn-dre, from which he ad- dressed his supporters, his remarks being Punctuated by the greatest enthusiasm and cheering. He said: I have come back first to New- town anyway (loud cheers). What does it matter ? We have won the fight in the country (loud cheers). What do 52 Tory votes in this county matter? We are on the winning side in the country (loud and continued cheers, and shouts of Liberal Government," and We don't care," and Sold by a pint of beer.") We have had a great victory, and the Colonel will not make any difference to Mr Asquith (" No, no," and cheers, and a voice, We will fight them again, sir "). I am going to stick by you until we win (thunderous cheers, and Bound to win next time, sir "). There are some thousands of men and women I know better to-day than three weeks ago. Is not that a good result of a fight? (loud cheers and Plural voting has done it, sir "). What do we care if they have won. What does it matter? ("Not a bit, sir "). Do you think that the Colonel is going to save the House of Lords ? (" No, no," and loud cheers). I hope the House of Lords will carry the Colonel with them (laughter and cheers). The crowd now sang, For he's a jolly good fellow," and afterwards carried the candidate around Penygloddfa, after which he entered the waiting motor car and pro- ceeded on his tour of the constituency. Colonel Pryce-Jones visited Newtown about half an hour later, and was met by hundreds of his supporters along the Pool- road. When he arrived, he entered a wait- ing four-wheeler, and was drawn up New- road, and down Park-street and High-street, Arriving at the Bear Hotel, he dismounted, and attempted to speak from th6 Bear bal- cony. He was greeted with loud cheers and counter cheers by a large number of Liberals in the crowd. It was quite im- possible to hear what the Colonel said owing to the din, but the reporters had found a position nearby, and it was for their bene- fit that he made a few remarks. He said: "I am very sorry that our opponents in Newtown will not allow me to return thanks to you for what you have done to me and the cause (loud cheers, counter cheers and booing). I am very glad to find myself not only the member for the Boroughs,—(loud cheers)—but the member for Newtown (hear, hear, from his supporters on the bal- cony). Newtown has done it. We have gained a seat for the Unionist party in Wales, which is equivalent to at least three seats in England (cheers and counter cheers). We have won a creditable victory. The other side were going to win, but we have won. I thank you in Newtown for what you. have done. I rejoice with you that we have won, and we must. try to keep the seat for ourselves. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for what you have done to the cause, and for the confidence you have shown in me (cheers and booing). WELSHPOOL. Expectant groups waited in Broad-street for the coming of the result on Saturday. The first telegram arrived at the Galloway Vaults at ten minutes to one. Other tele- grams arrived at other places in the town confirming the news, and a hearty cheer was raised by the Colonel's supporters. A few minutes later a motor car arrived from Montgomery, and set all doubts at rest as to the correctness of the telegrams. The news soon spread over the town, and the inhabitants flocked into Broad-street to read the telegrams. The Union Jack was hoisted on the Conservative Club, and flags were thrust through the windows. A ban!d of young Conservatives paraded the town with flags and election placards. The Colonel was expected to arrive in the town at half-past four, and the band proceedel along the Berriew-road to meet him. It was a quarter past six, however, when the Colonel arrived. Immediately the torches were lighted, and headed by the band, Colonel, Mrs, and Miss Pryce-Jones made a triumphant entry into the town in a large brake, which was drawn along by Welsh- poolians. Seated in the brake were also Messrs Forrester Addie, Edward Evans, J. Lomax, N. Turner, Capt. Westby, P. Hurl- butt, O. P. Winnall, Giles, H. Longstaff, E. Higgins, H. Pritchard, and G. Pryce. As the procession entered Berriew-street a mighty cheer was raised by the expectant crowd that completely filled the street. The first stop was opposite the Conservative rooms, where the victorious candidate shook hands with his supporters and re- turned thanks to them for returning him. He said they had won a great victory. They had returned a champion of their own cause. He was sorry that some tradesman's house in Welshpool had been damaged dur- ing the contest. He did not know whether it was done by his supporters (cries of No "). If so, he apologised for it. He thought they were entitled to enjoy their victory. They would find in the future that the cause they had had at heart would tri- umph, and many of those who were now opposed to it would be on their side. He was pleased to think that they in Welsh- pool, in fact all the boroughs, had done bet- ter than they had ever done before. He thanked them in Welshpool for sticking to him and his cause. They had won one of the finest victories. He was especially thankful to those who had canvassed in his support. He had decided two or three weeks ago that they were going to return their old member. He could not tell them how grateful he was. He had been their member on two previous occasions, and he had always tried to carry out the mandate he had received from them. Speaking of the House of Lords, the Colonel said a poor man might be as good as a rich man, but why should they condemn a rich man be- cause he was rich ? That was where he differed from his opponents. The new member was then drawn round the principal streets of the town, accom- panied by a large crowd, including a num- ber of his Newtown supporters. At the Royal Oak he again returned thanks, and said his first speech was for being returned as their leader, but this time it was to those who had canvassed in his support, and to one canvasser especially. Had it not been for that one canvasser, they would have lost. Although their cause was not success- ful on the last time nor the time before, his wife never wavered from him. He made his first speech at Montgomery, and now his last speech was tendering to her in their presence his great gratitude for what she had done. It was a great honour for any- body to be a member of Parliament, but it was a greater honour to be the represen- tative of the place where he resided (cheers). He took an active part in county and local matters, sometimes at the sacrifice of per- sonal and political friendships (cheers). He felt it a great honour that although he had been before them for fifteen years, and fought five contests, he had not forfeited their confidence (cheers). He asked them to be prepared for another fight, and to make friends with their opponents. Be kind to them, and explain to them their policy, and bring them over. The Colonel, in conclusion, said there was one whom they had missed at this elec- tion. That was Lord Clive. Although they were defeated last time, his Lordship begged to come into the brake when they took him (the speaker) round the town, and said he considered it one of the greatest honours of his life. He hoped that they in Welsh- pool would not think any the less of Lord Clive because he was the son of a peer (cries of "Lord Clive is a gentleman"). He was sorry that he could not be there to take part in their celebration of their little victory (cheers and cries of "A big vic- tory "). MACHYNLLETH. As awaiting the result, the feeling of an- xiety was intense. Then the news came in, and the result announced seemed to those who had worked hard in the Liberal cause well night incredible. But all the same it was too true. But it was not the Con- servatives who took possession of the streets, but prominent Liberal leaders could be seen everywhere, and the young Liberals paraded the town wearing their red and yellow, cheering lustily Mr Humphreys- Owen's name, and booing the "blue and whites." ( Would the victor come to town ? and would his party attempt publicly to cele- brate their victory ?" were the questions asked, and the universal opinion expressed was that it would be wiser on the part of the former not to put in an appearance, as any demonstration on the part of the Con- servative party would not be tolerated. As soon as the news was received, certain establishments were too freely patronised. Even little children remarked that a large number of men were under the influence of drink. And this proved a prominent feature of the rejoicings of the victorious party. A little before five o'clock, Mr Humphreys- Owen, accompanied by his election agent- Mr Martin Woosnam—motored into the town. He made straight for the Liberal committee room. The news went like wild- fire throughout the town. His staunch fol- lowers rallied to the place in large numbers, and gave a grand reception to their leader. After a short and stirring speech, Mr Humphreys-Owen was carried by an enthu- siastic crowd of admirers to the tower clock, where he was cheered to the echo. Really one would almost think that he was the victor and not the vanquished! There he stood, bare-headed, presenting an ap- pearance of a fighter who was not on any account disheartened, but rather ready for another battle. He said that he had hur- ried to Machynlleth to tender his sincerest thanks to all his supporters for the good and strenuous fight that they had waged on his behalf and for Liberalism. Asked was he down-hearted ? at once came the decisive answer, No! "Will you stand again, sir ?" Again came the ringing affirmative, Yes He told the vast crowd that the fight had proved a good one for the Liberalism of Montgomery Boroughs, which was as strong apd healthy as ever. His promise to come very soon again to organise the patty to prepare for the next battle was tremen- dously cheered. Mr Woosnam having spoken and com- plimented the candidate as being one of the best fighters that he had had to do with in electoral contests, Mr Humphreys-Owen was again carried and taken through Maen- gwyn-street, followed by the cheering and by now high-spirited crowd. Before leaving for Llanidloes, Mr Henry Lewis and others briefly expressed the warm feelings and re- spect of the Machynlleth Liberals towards their champion, and assured him of their support in the next contest. After Mr Humphreys-Owen left everyone seemed to have been imbued with a new spirit. He had greatly endeared himself to the party through his early visit and the splendid fighting form he was in. Ah, yes," they said, he is a splendid fighter." Until the public houses were closed, things seemed to have passed quietly. But after- wards and up to midnight there were sev- eral exciting scenes. The beer" was ac- countable for many unworthy scenes. Some of those under its influence thought that they would take possession of the field, but they soon had to realise that they were not the masters. They gave ample proof that it is their party that requires the police to look after, and not-as given out—their opponents. Great credit is due to the small force of police that was present. LLANIDLOES. About one o'clock on Saturday, a crowd in Great Oak-street patiently awaited the result of tho previous day's exertions. A rumour came from somewhere that the Colonel was in, and immediately the faces of' the crowd assumed a serious look. Twenty minutes later this rumour was again confirmed at the railway station, and great consternation prevailed. Conservatives came in for a good booing as they passed along the streets. The crowd gathered in front of the Trewythen hotel and hooted the proprietor and his wife for some time. About seven o'clock Mr Humphreys-Owen arrived by car. He was met outside the town by a tremendous throng and carried to a waggonette, which was pulled through the town to the accom- paniment of ringing cheers. Mr Humphreys- Owen addressed the crowd in Long Bridge-street and' Great Oak-street. In the course of his remarks he said he had been to the other Boroughs and had seen nothing but Liberalism. Where were the Tories (loud cries of Traitors "). They had fought a great fight under disadvantages. They had been represented for ten months by a wobbler, and the three weeks since his (Mr Owen's) adoption, had not been sufficient to reclaim those who had wobbled over with Sir J. D. Rees. They must remember that the Liberal Government was in power and the Colonel was of no account. He said they must organise before the next election, and the Boroughs would again be won over to the Liberal side. Mr Humphreys-Owen left by the mail train, and had a hearty send-off from the hundreds who thronged the platform. Some regrettable incidents occurred about 8-30, some windows in the Trewythen Hotel and Dr. Owen's {house being smashed. Sergt. Lewis and the constables had the crowd quite under control, and with the exception of some horse play all passed off without any further damage being done. A large gang of youths paraded the streets with an effigy of the Colonel. A large card on the back of it bore the inscription Vote for father's sake." The effigy was burned in Great Oak-street.

TORY TACTICS AT NEWTOWN.

MACHYNLLETH.

RHAYADER.

LLANWNOG.

WELSHPOOL.

An Atrocious Crime.

Advertising

LLANIDLOES.

TREFEGLWYSV

ELECTION NOTES.

FORDEN GUARDIANS.

Shooting Outrage in London.