County Observer and Monmouthshire Central Advertiser Abergavenny and Raglan Herald Usk and Pontypool Messenger and Chepstow Argus

Ur. E. E. Micholls tlie Adopted Candidate. The Unionist campaign in the Boroughs had an enthusiastic send-off at the Tredegar Hall, Newport, on Tuesday evening, when, at a densely- packed meeting, presided over by Viscount Tredegar, Mr E. E. Micholls, who had been formally adopted earlier in the evening by the Conservative and Unionist Association to champion the cause in the coming Election, delivered a well-considered and fighting speech. Mr T. B. R. Wilson, chairman of the Association, presided at the first meeting, and, in moving the adoption of Mr Micholls, said he was confident that they would carry him to the top of the poll (Hear, hear). Mr E. W. Earle Marsh, in seconding, said that Mr Micholls had lived among them for a long time, and they had had plenty of opportunities of judging his abilities as a statesman, a worker, and a gentleman. Mr F. E. Burpitt, Mr Thomas Parry, and Mr John Murray, as an Irish Catholic, supported, the last-named gentleman expressing his great pleasure in doing so because Mr Micholls was a supporter of the rights of parents in the matter of religious education. The resolution was unanimously and enthu- siastically adopted. After thanking the Association for their kindness Mr Micholls said that the two chief planks in his platform were that children should receive religious instruction in accordance with the wishes of their parents, and fiacal reform. At 8 o'clock the public meeting commenced, when, amongst those who supported Viscount Tredegar on the platform, were Sir Joseph Lawrence, M.P., Mr, Mrs, and Miss Micholls, Mr T. B. R. Wilson, Mr J. Moxon (election agent), Mr J. T. Hughes (Conservative agent), Col Clifford Phillips, Mr E. W. Earle Marsh, Mr H. Duckham, Mr Edward Phillips, Mr L. H. Hornby. &c. THE NOBLE CHAIRMAN was vociferously cheered when he rose and an- nounced that the Association had just unanimously adopted Mr Micholls as their candidate. He remembered a great many members of Parliament, but he was not going to take them further back than Mr Crawshay Bailey—(hear, hear)—who was a member of a remarkable family which had done so much to create the coal and iron trade of the district, and the pioneer of that great business in which so many were now engaged in that district. A former member, Dr Rutherfoord Harris-(applause)-was qualified by Colonial experience to be of great service to that county and to England generally. They all regretted that owing to pressure of business SIR JOSEPH LAWRENCE had been compelled to give up the position he had so worthily occupied. There were many Liberals, he believed, who, if Sir Joseph had decided to stand again, would have been disinclined to vote against him. Mr Augustine Birrell, now Minister of Education, described the life of a candidate for Parliament as an intoxicating life. He did not know whether Mr Micholls had had that ex- perience or not. (Laughter). Mr Micholls had mixed amongst the constituency for two years, had participated in commercial and religious move- ments, and in pastimes and sports. In fact, he believed that he had even opened a bazaar. (Laughter). He now called upon him to address that meeting. lifE. MICHOLLS, who met with a hearty reception, said he recog- nised to the full the responsibility he was under- taking, but he was somewhat encouraged by the knowledge that he was endeavouring to promote the cause and uphold the great principles of the party, remembering the words of their great leader, Mr Balfour-noud cheers)—at Leeds the other day, that after the last ten years of the Conserva- tive and Unionist party's continuous term of olfice it could look back with feelings of pride on its work. He (the speaker) had belonged all his life to that great party. His vote in 1868 was given to one of the greatest statesmen this country ever produced, Lord Beaconsfield. (Cheers). Thirty years ago he heard Lord Beaconsfield inveigh against the Little Englanders-they then went by the name of "The Manchester School." On that occasion LORD BEACONSFIELD SAID. If England wishes to preserve her PIP,,CE among the nations, if she wishes to maintain her supre- macy, if she does not wish her power to dwindle like Holland, Spain, and Venice, she must weld together by ties of sympathy and links of mutual advantage all the portions of our world-en circling Empire." (Cheers). Mr Balfour had followed in Lord Beaconsfield footsteps. (Hear, hear). If only for that treaty between us and our brave little ally, Japan, of last September, for which we had to thank Mr Balfour, his name would be written in large characters in the history of our country. It was a master-stroke of consummate statecraft. It safeguarded our great interests in. the Far East, and in the future would be found to be of great assistance to our commerce, particu- larly with China. They had also in Mr Chamber- lain—(loud cheers)—another statesman who bad taken his inspiration from the words of that great statesman, Lord Beaconsfield. Had he not proved a true "missionary of Empire "-nay, more, as everyone must admit, had he not been the greatest Colonial Minister of modern times ? (Renewed cheers). But what interested them more particu- larly now lay in the future. There was now a Radical Government in power, and he asked them. [Continued on Page 8].

COLONEL COURTENAY MORGAN AT RAGLAN. A public meeting to forward the candidature of Colonel Courtenay Morgan was held in the Public Hall, Raglan, on Tuesday evening, when Mr S. C. Bosanquet, J.P., of Dingestow Court, presided, and amongst those on the platform were :—Sir H. Mather Jackson, Bart., Mr Reginald Herbert, Major F. Herbert, Dr Logie, Mr Russell Gray, Mr Pryce-Jenkins, Mr F. Codriugton Crawshay, Mr P. R. Simner, and Mr W. J. Gould (New- port). The Hall was gaily decorated for the occasion, and many large coloured cartoons, on the Alien and Fiscal questions, in particular, were in evidence. Amongst those present were --gisE; Bosanquet, Rev W. Evans, Messrs. J. Jeffreys, T. Leech, G. Prichard, R. A. Evans, H. Haggett, J. G. T. Morgan, R. James, T. Jones (Llangoven), T, Batstone, N. Crump, E. Griffiths, A. H. Watkins (Usk), S. W. Jones, &c. THE CHAIRMAN. in opening the meeting, said he was very glad to see so many present in spite of the inclement weather. They had met on a very important occasion and at a very critical time in the history of the country. Of course every general election was in one sense an important time, but not for a long time had they had such issues put before them as they had that day in fact, not since the disastrous proposition of Mr Gladstone which led to the formation of the Unionist Party. Since then, until now. no one had ventured to propose to grant Home Rule for Ireland. Now, however, we had a Government in power, for the time at any rate-and he hoped it would be but for a short time—(hear, hear)—who had seriously made Home Rule a part of their programme. He did not believe anyone in that room would be in favour of setting up a separate Parliament for Ireland-a Parliament which would act in the most oppressive way towards the most loyal section of the people of that country. Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman said they as Conservatives wanted to hide their Fiscal policy under Home Rule, but he (the speaker) contended that while they must give precedence to the consideration of Home Rule, because, if granted, it would be A MOST DISASTROUS THING, I they had no wish to shirk the question of tariff reform, which, he believed, was what we wanted for the good of our country's trade and the pros- perity of our people. (Applause.) He urged that the burden of a tax upon goods would fall, not upon the consumer, but upon the manufacturer and exporter, and he instanced a case at Stafford, where his son was working and hoping for the honour of representing the constituency in Parliament. One of the largest boot manufacturers there had said that he could not afford to export his goods as he had to pay a heavy import tax upon them consequently he had lost his export trade. In other trades this country had suffered in a like manner, and he believed it to be a most necessary thing that we should be in such a position as to be able to say to another country, If you put a tax upon our goods we will put a tax upon yours." (Hear, hear.) That was the position Mr Balfour asked them to put him in, and he (the speaker) hoped they would do it before long. (Applause.) In conclusion, he called upon Colonel Courtenay Morgan to address the meeting, expressing the hope that they would very soon see him returned to represent them by a very large majority. (Applause.) The Rev T. Batstone interposed to ask if an opportunity to put questions would be afforded, and was told that it would. He then said his party was unitedly pledged not to interrupt the meeting in the least degree. LIEUT.-COL. COURTENAY MORGAN, I who was cordially greeted, thanked them for their hearty reception, and said he was pleased to see such a representative assembly. They were beginning to feel that a General Election was upon them, and that they would soon have to record their votes for one side or the other after con- sidering the various questions which would be put before them. He placed voters in three divisions, viz. (1), the Conservative, and (2), the Liberal voter, neither of whom would leave his party, and (3), the voter with no fixed political views, who sometimes thought, and sometimes did not think out the questions of the hour, but who often turned the elections. To them he would appeal to give the most careful consideration of every question put before them. Some might think it was time they had a change, but let them be con- fident that the change was necessary, and that it would be beneficial before they voted for it. He appealed to the members of his own party to go into the FIGHT SHOULDER TO SHOULDER. { (Cheers.) Their leader appealed to the Party for unity, and he (the speaker) believed he would get it. He (Colonel Morgan) asked his supporters to go straight at the work and show that they wished to keep Great Britain and Ireland intact, that they wished to consolidate and strengthen the Empire, and that they wished for a closer union between the Colonies and ourselves. Since he last visited Raglan there had been a change in the political situation. They had now a Liberal Government. That party had been clamouring for years for power, but now they had got into office they did not seem half-satisfied about it. They complained of the tactics of the Conservative Government in resigning at such an awkward time. Some said Mr Balfour should have given up last July, but, in view of the fact that the international treaty with Japan was not then completed, he maintained that Mr Balfour was perfectly justified in remaining in office until it was. (Hear, hear.) The treaty with Japan meant that we had almost complete control of the Far East in conjunction with the Japanese, that India was almost absolutely safe from foreign invasion, that in Japan we had an ally that had proved to be most powerful and capable of becoming the most civilized nation in that part of the world. (Cheers.) When Mr Balfour found he could not rely upon success in bringing in a Redistribution Bill he resigned. He could not help thinking that one of the reasons why it was not quite so fortunate for the Liberal party to be in office as they would wish was that now their programme could be fully criticised. The danger of Home Rule, it seemed clear, was with them again. In 1886 the country, with no uncertain voice, declared against it, but now, on THE AUTHORITY OF THE LIBERAL LEADER, I it was to be brought forward again. It was all very well for the minor prophets to say it was not a part of practical politics the policy of the party was framed by the Prime Minister himself, whose sympathies, it was evident, leaned towards the aspirations of the Irish Nationalists. He (the speaker) would resist to the utmost any whittling away of one portion of Great Britain from another. Ireland, under Unionist rule, was in a better position to-day than it was 15 or 20 years ago. Ireland had been given local government very much on the same lines as it had been given to our own counties agriculture and flagging industries had been assisted and enormous sums of money had been advanced for land purchase under security of the changed conditions of the country for the better. Hand over the government of Ireland to a Nationalist Ministry and the loyalists would be oppressed, that money would be wasted, and they would have financial ruin. Mr Evan Griffiths said Sir H. Campbell- Bannerman had distinctly said he was not in favour of a separate Government for Ireland. In reply, the candidate maintained that if Sir Henry gained a majority sufficient it would be used eventually to form such a separate Govern. ment. (Cheers.) He held that the policy of the Liberal party on the subject of fiscal reform was reactionary. They called themselves progressive, but he could not see where progression came in when they struck to an antiquated idea of 60 years ago which was not applicable to present-day circumstances. A very large number agreed that the time had come when they should have some kind of retaliatory tariff in order to get fairer terms and trade from our foreign competitors. He ridiculed the idea of a tariff war, for we were the foreigners' finest customers, and they could not afford to lose our market. (Cheers.) Colonel Morgan then gave his views on the fiscal question [which will be found in the report of the Newport meeting]. In conclusion, he said if the other party were returned to power he thought they would find religious education would be eliminated from the schools, the Church would be disestablished, and the Army and Navy expenditure reduced seriously. He would fight against either of them. Cheers.) They had to fight for the consolidation of the Empire, a closer commercial union of its parts, and that policy of steady, slow, but sure, progression adopted by the Unionist party during the last fifteen years. (Cheers.) Several questions. long and difficult to grasp, on the Education Act, were put by Mr Batstone, and others were asked by Messrs. E. Griffiths and T. Jones (Llangovan). The candidate replied to them. I SIR H. MATHER-JACKSON I then made an effective speech. What they had to fight for, he said, was the return of Colonel Morgan to Parliament. (Cheers.) The people at the last election justified the action of the Unionist Govern- ment in respect of the South African war. Their foreign policy had, in general terms, been accepted by the Liberals. Mr Batatone's conundrums on the Education Act ought to have been addressed to the Monmouthshire Education Committee, for it was not the Act which was to blame, but the manner in which it was being carried out in this part of the country. It was beneficial to have all grades of education under the control of one body. The ut- most possible burden had been put upon the agricul- tural portion of the community by the Radical majority, whom they in that district had helped by returning a Radical councillor to represent them. (This was in reply to interruptions.) In other Coun- ties, where the Act was fairly and evenly adminis- tered, they found nothing like such an education rate as was levied in Monmouthshire. On the Irish question, Sir Henry said diffic dtiee there were being magnified to make a way for Home Rule. Returns showed that Ireland was growing richer, and there was no serious discontent there. On the fiscal question, the speaker pointed out that the miners and colliery owners were asking for the abolition of the coal tax, because they had to pay it, and not the foreigner, which was a clear proof that a tax on imports would be paid by the foreign producer, and not the home consumer. (Cheers.) He further referred to the employment of child labour in America, which would not be for a moment permitted in this country. Our Factory Acts protected the children, but they also increased the cost of production. But competition, under those circumstances, was not fair and equal. In concluding, he said he felt sure that, apart from family connection, they considered Lieutenant- Colonel Courtenay Morgan was the most fit and proper person to return to Parliament to represent the constituency. (Applause). Mr P. R. Simner. M.A. (London), reminded the audience of the many beneficial measures passed by the Unionist Government, which entitled them to continued support. MR. REGINALD HERBERT, I in proposing a resolution of confidence in Colonel Morgan, and pledging the utmost support of the meeting in his candidature, dealt in a racy way with some of the subjects referred to by interrupters, and then proceeding to speak of the threatened reduction of the Army and Navy by the Radicals, he depre- cated Little Englandism, and urged that to be strong and prepared for war was the best guarantee of peace. (Cheers.) He pointed his statement with the story of a personal experience, remarking that, in their way, individual and personal experiences were similar. In his younger days, he said, he had the reputation of being a somewhat able expo- nent of the noble art of self-defence, and he was also a great follower of racing. One evening-, returning from a race meeting in the dusk, when he became aware that he was being followed by two roughs. He allowed them to come near, and then he turned round. The most burly of the two peered into his face, and then shouted to his pal, Why, Bill, we've made a blooming herror. It's Reggie Herbert! I know 'im. He can fight like blazes." (Laughter.) They took to their heels. If he had been a weakling and appealed to their mercy he would have been minus everything portable and valuable about him. (Hear, hear.) He urged upon all to vote for Colonel Courtenay Morgan and the continuity of the Unionist policy. (Cheers.) Dr Logie seconded, and Mr George Prichard supported, remarking that Colonel Morgan served with honour in South Africa he was not sent home. The resolution having been carried by a large cl majority, Colonel Courtenay Morgan responded, and pro- posed a vote of thanks to the Chairman, which was seconded by Mr R. Pryce-Jenkins, and accorded. The acknowledgment brought a most successful meeting to a close.

lr-       Ü\ë., !1c ê'. I. jpi ftgv COCOa. jj THE TEST OF TIME. Times, customs and manners change with every generation, but nevertheless there are a number of our daily foods which enjoy increasing popularity from year to year. First and foremost among these is Cadbury's Cocoa, which has stood the test of time, as well as every other test that can be applied. The medical profession counsel the public to choose Cadbury's in preference to the many cocoa admixtures, which are sold under the name of Cocoa. No article of domestic consumption is more deservedly popular than Cadbury's Cocoa. From year to year the demand becomes greater, and the number of British people employed in its I manufacture increases.

The Monmouth Boroughs. I MR WINSTON E'S CANDIDATURE. Mr Heath, secretary to the Newport Trades Council, has received a letter from the secretary to the National Labour Representation Committee, endorsing the candidature of Mr James Winstone, miners' agent, and promising to send speakers to support him at his meetings. At a branch meeting of the Operative Brick- layers' Society, held at Newport on Saturday, a resolution was unanimously carried supporting Mr Winstone's candidature.

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(Cheers.) Now, as a member of the Tredegar family, HB NATURALLY FELT VERY MUCH INTEREST in the contest. (Hear, hear, and cheers). As long as he could do so without invalidating the election or running the chance of six months' solitary confinement he would do as much as he could for a member of the Tredegar family. {Cheers, and a voice, We will bring a bit of dinner to you, my lord," and laughter.) Unfor- tunately, responded his lordship, he was rather deaf, and if that remark was intended as a compliment he was sorry he did not hear it. (Laughter.) Proceeding, he said he wished to point out that the Tredegar family had not thrust another of its members on the constituency. He had not heard another name mentioned for the candidature. If another had been suggested, and he had been a worthier man, a better or more eloquent man, or a taller man-(Iaughter)-he would have been very glad to have given his candidature his consideration whether he should have supported him or not was quite a different matter. (Laughter.) Lieutenant-Col. Courtenay Morgan was asked by the constituency to stand, and as that was so he (his lordship) had the right to ask them if they could find it in agreement with their consciences to support him. (Hear, hear.) He had been told by the croakers that it would be a great fight. Well, mnch might be done by trying. It was by trying that the Greeks took Troy, and unless people tried they could not succeed in anything. (Cheers.) Some splendid programmes had been put before them during the last few days. Naturally, a Government that has l>een in office half-an-hour—he would not under- estimate, but say a fortnight—talked about upsetting everything that had gone before* It was was THE OLD STORY I over again it had happened before. People with limited experience of their office at once pro- pounded some great improvements, some great reforms, which would do very well as electioneer- ing cries, but very often never came to anything else. He was reminded of what was likely to happen by a passage from an old play, "The Alchemist." A philosopher appeared on the scene who pretended to have discovered the Philosopher's Stone, which was to turn everything to gold, and provide all else that was required. This was afterwards found to be a recipe in Latin for curing the itch. (Much laughter.) He had thought to impose on the public with his grand programme and an extract from an old Latin book which he did not understand. (Laughter.) History had a knack of repeating itself, and that might happen again. (Renewed laughter.) It was said that it was only necessary to become old to become tolerant. There was no doubt about his age; he did not suppose anyone would contradict him on that point. And as to his being tolerant he believed that also was one of his failings, or merits, just as they liked to describe it. (Cheers.) He had been told that he sometimes posed as an archaeologist and nhat he was one who prefetred rust to smartness. As an archaeologist he was afraid he was an impostor. He did not like met in politics, and his nephew agreed with him in that. (Cheers.) Colonel Morgan was with him for all useful improvements which could be carried out without causing injury to other people. Without entering I into a minutiae of it, that was as good a rule as could be acted upon. (Cheers.) MR. REGINALD HERBERT. I of Clytha, remarked that he need scarcely say, as a representative of the Herbarts-(Iauahter) -that it was with great pleasure he supported the resolution. He was a sledge-hammer politician; he liked to go straight to the object in view. He was not a croaker, ljut he believed it was going to be a devil of a fight." (Laughter.) He believed that they would win. and he hoped by a glorious majority, but all the same they would have to take off their kid gloves, discard their coats, and go for it bald-headed. {Laughter, hear, hear, and cheers.) Fortunately- or unfortunately, perhaps-he resided in the neigh- bourhood of the Radical candidate, and he was going it hammer and tongs." He was leaving no stone unturned, and Unionists must do the same to secure the return of Colonel Morgan. (Cheers.) MR. RICHARD STRATTON, I also supporting, as a farmer, said it should not be necessary to appeal to agriculturists to support a Conservative candidate, for while the party may not have done for them as much as they might, they must remember that if the other party had been in power they would have done nothing at all for them. They might depend upon it that so long as the Government now in place, but not in power. re- mained, no good would be done for the agricultural community. Radicals by bitter and persistent op- position, had hampered the Unionist Government -7-whenever anything for the benefit of agriculture had been brought forward. They opposed the renewal of the Agricultural Rates Act, and Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman had already said there would be new taxation upon land, as if, -forsooth, it were not sufficiently burdened already. He (the speaker) had been watching politics pretty closely -during the last half century, and he could say that he had NEVER SEEN ANY GOOD (coming to the agricultural community from the Radical side. If farmers were to get any benefit from legislative measures they must look to the Conservative side for them. The interests of landlords, tenant farmers, and labourers, he contended, were identical. Hav- ing alluded to the great and practical interest the Tredegar family had for generations taken in agriculture, Ma Stratton said he looked forward to the continuation of that interest in the person of the candidate, who, he hoped, would be returned at the head of the poll. They would, he felt sure, never regret helping to attain that end. (Cheers.) The prosperity of the country depended upon the auooasaful employment of the largest number of the working classes, and fiscal reform and a closer union between the different parts of the Empire woald conduce to that prosperity, and be of greater assistance than anything else. By returning Col. "Courtenay Morgan they would be working to that and. (Cheers.) MR. W. H. WALTERS, I vflpeaJsing as a representative of the industrial classes, t' said work was wanted and not charity, and it would foe possible to provide employment for all by a re- •vision of the tariffs. All should take off their coats and work to get Colonel Courtenay Morgan returned by the same majority as was secured at the last -election. The motion was then put to the meeting and car- ried with acclamation. LIEUT.-COL. COURTENAY MORGAN ,was given a rousing reception on rising to reply, the large audience standing up and cheering. He thanked them all most heartily for the warmth of their reception, and still more for the great honour they had done him in adopting him as their candi- date. The members of the party had stuck to his father, he said, during all the years he had served them in the House of Commons, and he felt sure it would be unnecessary for him to ask them to give him the same support and to assist him in keeping the Unionist flag flying in South Monmouthsbire. (Cheers.) He had addressed a good many electors during the last year and a half, and he bad been to a great many parts of the constituency. Yet he had been taken to task by some people for not having been to more. He thought that if they looked at his record it would not be found a bad one. He had been nearly everywhere he possibly could, and had expressed his views on the political questions of the day as clearly and as ably as he could. Now, in the little time left before the election he hoped to have the opportunity of visiting every portion of the constituency, and of expressing his views more fully to the electors. (Cheers.) That being so, it was unnecessary for him to make a long speech that afternoon. Still, to them as members—as leaders- of the party, he ought, perhaps, to EXPRESS HIS CREED apd say what his politics were going to be during the election. In the first place he wished to say that he was a strong supporter of that firm and vigorous foreign policy that was begun by Lord Beaconsfield-(cheers)-that was perfected by Lord Salisbury, and that was carried out with such great effect by Lord Lansdowne and the Unionisti Govern- ment. (Cheers.) That policy had resulted in this country being not only respected by all the great nations of the world, but to its being looked up to by the younger nations who wish to make advance. menta and improve their positions in the oivilized world. (Cheers.) The next point was of a nega- tive character. It was levelled against what he considered to be the evident policy of the Radical party. Whatever they might say, he maintained that we are face to face again with the question of Heme Rule. Once more we are in touch with the danger of a disruption of Ireland from the Parlia- ment of Great Britain. (Hear, hear.) As a Union- ist of the strongest type, he would refuse to support any policy or party which would lead to the disrup- tion of the Empire. (Cheers.) He did not care how that policy was to be brought about-whether honestly and straightforwardly or in the more palatable form of instalments, as suggested by Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman-he would be against it. (Cheers.) For 15 or 20 years the Unionist Government had had the ruling of Ireland, and he thought all there would agree with him that their I rule had led to steady, but sure, progress, and that it had been I FOR THE BENEFIT OF IRELAND. (Cheers). He would prefer to see a continuity of that policy to the loyalists of Ireland being handed over to those who, again and again, had declared themselves to be the friends of the enemies of our country and supporters of the separation of Ireland from England. Tariff Reform was another point. Everyone in that room probably knew that he was a tariff reformer. (Cheers). It was said that Unionists desired that question to be put in the back-ground. He did not think so in fact, he thought, it should be the chief plank in the programme of the Unionist party at the election. He had expressed his views in detail on the subject, and he would now only say that it was a question that required to be scientifically thought about and wotked out. Their principles were all the same, whatever little differences might exist as to details. (Hear, hear.) He simply wanted, as their leader, Mr Balfour wanted, the power of bargaining. (Cheers.) He thought they should be able to bargain with the foreign countries that placed hostile and impossible tariffs against us, but who were now able to send their own goods here free, to the injury of our own industries. He did not think it would be advisable to have a tax upon all imports, for the reason that if they had they might be benefiting one portion of the community and doing an injustice to another. We had a good many things coming here from abroad which we could not produce ourselves, and which, owing to their cheapness, were of great benefit to the working classes, He would not touch the raw material which comes here and finds employment for our people; but with the manufactured articles which were dumped here at cost price, in competition with our own manufactured articles, it was different. (Cheers.) He, and he thought their leader, would like to tax those. It was not Protection; it was retaliation; and he thought it WOULD BE OF GREAT ADVANTAGE to the country, enabling us to revive many of our industries which are at the present time flagging. It wonld open the markets now closed to us abroad, and would find employment for our workpeople. (Cheers.) The question of the unemployed was closely allied to fiscal reform. Mr Walters and working men generally had said they did not want charity; they wanted work. He quite believed that. But nothing had been suggested by the other party to meet that want. Surely, that being the case, the only way to find employment was to revive our old and open up new industries in our midst, and the only way to do that was through the medium of tariff reform. (Cheers.) As to our food stuffs, let them get them, by all means, as cheaply as possible. He would never support any measure that would increase the cost of the living of the working man, but he would like to see our food supply coming from our own Colonies rather than from foreign countries, for that would be of great benefit, not only to the British Empire as a whole, but a safeguard against starvation if we were ever unfortunately engaged in a great war. (Cheers.) He believed that four-fifths of our food supply now came from foreign countries, necessitating an Army and Navy large, strong, and efficient, enough to defend our shores and to keep the ocean clear to prevent our being starved out. (Cheers.) He would never, on any pretext whatever, support anything that would reduce our military and naval forces, especially the latter, which would have the more important task to perform. The Navy must not only be able to hold its own against one Power, but against a combination of Powers. (Cheers.) That was not a question of bloated armaments, but I A QUESTION OF NATIONAL SAFETY. I (Cheers.) A great deal had been said about the in- efficiency of the Army, but recently he read a report in which General French, one of our best and ablest soldiers, said our Army was as efficient, if not more efficient, to-day as ever, and quite as capable of holding its own against any other coun- try. (Cheers.) That was the opinion of an emineat and practical soldier, and not of an arm-chair poli- tician. He (the speaker) knew that in this district there were a great many Volunteers, and he would say that they deserved every consideration and en- encouragement in their work. He would like to see them given a regular job-the defence of the country in oase of invasion-and to see that in its performance the cost did not come out of their own pockets, but that it was paid by the State. They could not expect efficient Forces for nothing. There was a great deal of talk about the increased burdens put upon the people, but had it ever struck them that those burdens were not always the fault of the Imperial Parliament, but of the local bodies ? (Hear, hear.) If they were goiug to save the:people's money they should place some check upon the reck- less expenditure of municipal and other local bodies. (Cheers,) The whole system of rating wanted look- ing into, not in piecemeal fashion, but thoroughly and comprehensively for the benefit of all. As to the education question, he had expressed himself fully and frequently. He supported the new Edu- cation Act because it was the best produced since 1870, and it established for the first time a continu- ity of our educational system and the co-ordination of every form of education in our country. (Cheers.) He naturally regretted THE RELIGIOUS CONTROVERSY I which had arisen, and which had retarded the working of the Act, but from his own personal point of view it would be a very great mistake and a very great danger to eliminate religious instruction from our elementary schools. (Cheers.) However capable a body of men who had the control of the education of the young might be, the religious teaching should be decided by the parents of the children. As to disestablishment and disendowment of the Church of England he would simply say he would never support it. (Cheers.) Another important point was the extension and consolidation of the Empire. He had been to nearly all our Colonies, and had learned a great deal from his visits. He had seen the Colonies' enormous capabilities of development. He had observed their great attachment to the Mother Country. But they were beginning to see their strength, and he feared that there was a possibility of their slipping away from us if we took no steps to bind them more closely to us. And, thanks to Mr Chamberlain—(cheers)—the Colonies were ready at any time to be more closely united to us. We possessed their sympathy and their affection, but they wanted to add to that their business—their commercial-good feeling. (Cheers). He hoped the people of this country would not let the opportunity slip away of binding the Colonies more closely to us and of making the Empire even greater than it had been formerly. In order that he might assist in that result he asked them to put their whole strength into the coming contest on his behalf, and to honour him by giving him the same support as they had hitherto given to his father. (Loud cheers.) I THANKING THE HON. MEMBER. I LORD LLANGATTOCK, in proposing a cordial vote of thanks to Colonel the Elon. F. C. Morgan, M.P., for long and valuable services, said the task was one which, although very agreeable in itself, brought with it a touch of sorrow. For over 30 years Col. Morgan had well and faithfully served the constituency, and his lord- ship was sure he would be only expressing the feel- ings of them all when he said how sincerely they all regrett d his resignation, and how deeply grateful they were to him for his life-long labours on their behalf. (Cheers.) Thirty-two years was a long period out of a man's life, and the greater part of that had been spent in the House of Commons and amongst his constituents in Mon- mouthshire. where he had done his work so splen- didly, and was so beloved by all the people. (Cheers.l Knowing, as they all did. Colonel Morgan's love of a country life, they, yet, could hardly imagine or realize the strain and sacrifice the work had been to him. In thanking an old friend for such services, it made one feel that the old hour. glass of time was flowing on too swiftly. But their dear old Colonel had stuck to his work as long as he felt it his duty to do so, and I ONLY RETIRBD NOW because, unfortunately, his health was suffering Although they would lose him as their member, happily they would retain him as their kind neighbour and friend. (Cheers.) And he hoped— they would all hope-that Colonel Morgan would be spared for many, many years, to enjoy his well- earned rest in the peaceful home which he loved so well. (Hear, hear, and cheers.) Now, how could they best repay him for all that he bad done for them ? By returning his son to Parliament. (Cheers.) Colonel Courtenay Morgan was a splendid candidate. He (his lordship) was sure they were all delighted with the excellent speech he had given them. He never talked nonsense. (Hear, hear.) He never took up the time of a meeting by abusing his opponents. He was the very man they wanted for the party. (Cheers.) He loved the old County of Monmouth, and they all loved him. Then there was another thing: they could depend upon him. (Cheers.) He would always run straight, as every member of his family had always done. (Cheers.) They knew he would always support their splendid leader, the Church, and King. (Cheers.) His lordship felt sure, South Monmouthshire would be true to its old traditions, and that before the month was out they would have to congratulate Colonel Courtenay Morgan upon being its member. (Cheers.) He had digressed, but he was sure the company would forgive him. He could not resist saying I A WOED FOE THE SON I of their dear old Member, of whom he had not said half enough but it was difficult to talk about his kindnesses and his virtues before his face, and, be- sides, his hearers knew all about them so well that it was unnecessary to add anything further. With the vote he would couple the expression of their hope that Colonel Morgan would be spared many years to enjoy a happy and peaceful time. (Cheers.) I MR. HENRY CLAY, I ia seconding, said he was happy to think that he had known Colonel the Hon. F- C. Morgan in. timately for a great many years, and had had the great pleasure of proposing his health at farmers' dinners on several occasions. The best way they could show their thanks was to do all they possibly could to support his son in the forthcoming election. (Cheers.) Colonel Morgan had worked very hard for them and he (the speaker) was one of those who thought that while it was a great honour to re- present a constituency, the constituents were more indebted to their member for the work which he had done than the member was to them. On many occasions Colonel Morgan had travelled long dis- tances for their benefit, and worked for them when he was not fit to do so. (Hear, hear, and cheers.) SIR ARTHUR MACK WORTH, BART., I in supporting, said Colonel Morgan had represented South Monmouthshire with honour to himself and to the constituency for over 30 yearn, consistently supporting the Conservative and Unionist Party (Cheers.) All there thought with him, and would hope to continue their support to the Unionist Government by returning the son of their old Mem- ber, who, they believed, would carry on the policy of his father. (Cheers.) The resolution was enthusiastically agreed to. COLONEL THE HON. F. C. MORGAN, M.P., I was received with rounds of cheering on rising to t respond to a cordial vote of thanks for his long and faithful services to the constituency. He said: I must thank my good old friend Lord Llan. gattock for proposing the resolution in the kind manner he has done. Twenty-five years-or, speaking in Parliamentary terms, a quarter of a century-ago he and I, I fancy, walked round this County together. That was before the County was cut up into three divisions. He and I walked together, but he subsequently retired, and now it is incumbent upon me to do the same thing, and RETIRE FROM THE HOUSE I of Commons. Then there is my dear old friend, Mr Henry Clay, who has said he has proposed my health at many a dinner. He and his dear old mother helped me to get into Parliament, and I shall never forget the reception I had at Chepstow when the late Mrs Clay met me there, and I was given that hearty welcome which it is hardly pos- sible for any man to receive again. (Cheers.) Sir Arthur Mackworth and I, of course., have been soldiers together. He is a bit younger than I am, and will be a Field-Marshal before I shall. (Laughter.) Thirty-two years is a long time to serve one's country, and you have been pleased to say I have done it well. (Hear, hear.) Well, all I can say is that I have done it to the best of my ability. (Cheers.) It was no light work. I did not begin to go to Parliament when I was young and fresh, you must remember I was a soldier before that, and that I have served my country in other ways a great part of my life. The County called upon me to take a part in its political contests and I naturally at once consented, and now thank heavens, after all the fighting that has gone on I remain still AN UNBEATEN MAN. I (Loud and continued cheering.) If I were elected again and went back to Parliament, there would be only two-if they were also returned-in the House of Commons who would be able to say they had been longer in the House than I had. By that I mean others have either been turned out or have represented fresh constituencies. You are not called the Father of the House unless you have represented the same constituency for a certain number of years, and I was next to two for that distinction. (Cheers.) I started thirty- two years ago. with an election address signed faithfully yours, Fred. C. Morgan," and I now leave you as faithfully yours, Fred. C. Morgan," (Renewed cheering.) That shows you, at all events, that I have not worked for personal gain or profit. (Hear, hear, and cheers.) Nor have I worked for, nor have I got, any fresh letters before my name or after my name. I am quite content, and I am proud of it. (Cheers.) But now that I am leaving you I do expect a reward, I and you, gentlemen, can give me that reward. RETURN MY SON I in my place. (Loud cheering.) I say return my son in my place, and stick to him as you have ever stuck to me. (Renewed cheering.) I am about to leave you. I must say that in many ways 1 leave you with regret, but still I think I leave you in the hands of one whom I have done my best to train up in a way which I consider most useful to his country and his county. (Cheers.) And if only he will follow in the footsteps of my dear brother, if he will only live to imitate him and his work, and if he will but imitate his poor old father, he may rely upon it that whatever happens, as he lives day by day, and the longer he represents you, the more he will be esteemed and the more he will be beloved. (Cheers long and continued.) As I said before, I thank the Chairman for the good work he has done in Cwmbran and elsewhere, and I thank you all for the way in which you have stuck to me in all parts of the constituency. (Cheers.) If Mr Southwood Jones and you will but back my son j up as you have done me, I I HAVE NO FEAR of the result of the election, and I shall die happy when I know that my son follows in my footsteps and represents in Parliament the Southern Divi- I sion of Monmouthshire. I THANKS TO THE CHAIRMAN. On the proposition of Mr F. J. Mitchell, J,P.' seconded by Colonel W. E. C. Curre, a vote of thanks was passed to the Chairman, who briefly replied, and the meeting concluded with rounds of cheering for Lord Tredegar, Colonel the Hon. F. C. Morgan, M.P., the candidate and others.