The Press.
London, England, 1858-12-25 00:00:00

of parliamentary reform. He did not mean to give
them ally plan of his own on that subject, for he
bad observed that all those gentlemen who had done
so had been unfortunate. He would only venture to
say this—that if some of the small boroughs were to
be disfranchised, some additional members ought •to
be given to the counties, otherwise the agricultural
and landed interests would be deprived of their fair
and legitimate share in the representation of the
country. He did not mean to say that all the mem•
hers taken from the small boroughs should be given
to the counties, but that they should have a fair
proportion. He bad always thought that there was
a fault in the old Reform Bill that no provision was
made for giving the honest and industrious workman
a vote. He was not for enfranchising the idle and
dissolute, but thought the honest and industrious
man who had saved a little capital was entitled to
the franchise, and he hoped some provision would
be made for this in any new Reform Bill. With
regard to the army and navy, although be did not
anticipate any continental war for some time, be
thought the services should be kept in efficiency, and
then, if they took care to have an efficient channel
fleet and kept the coast defences in order, they need
not be under any fear of the arsenal at Cherbourg.
With regard to India, he congratulated them on the
position they were in when compared to what it was
this time last year. Then they were filled with
doutn and dismay, men's hearts almost failing them
for fear, because they could not tell the extent or the
duration of the rebellion. But British arms had
everywhere triumphed. British valour had every-
where defeated the enemy, however numerous his
forces, however strong his torts, or however powerful
his artillery. The Queen's proclamation had ever}•
where been attended with the happiest effects, and
Lord Clyde was now advancing with a wed-appointed
army to stamp out the last embers of disaffection
and rebellion. He trusted that when all was over
and tranquillity was restored, the blood which had
been shed would not have been poured out in vain.
He trusted to see a new order of things arise in India,
and that the Government would endeavour to make
the improvement of the condition of the nations of
that land their care. A golden opportunity was open
for administering the policy of a wise statesman, and
he looked with hope and confidence to the results of
the policy of the young statesman at the head of
Indian affairs. There was also a great opening for
extending Christianity in India, and, whatever the
Government of the country might do, it was the duty
o' the people of England to support the missionary
efforts of those self-sacrificing individuals who gave
up all the pleasures of life for the purpose of devoting
themselves to the enlightenment of the heathen. He
aided that he was a firmly.attached member of the
Church of England, but would allow to Disst nters
all freedom of conscience, and would treat Roman
Catholics with impartiality and equal justice. The
local interests of Herefordshire should ever have his
warmest advocacy. Alluding, in conclusion, to the
approaching Christian festival, he trusted that they
would spend it in harmony and Christie.n hospitality,
all wishing "on earth peace, goodwill toward men."
A vote of thanks was passed to the sheriff, and the
assembly before separating gave three cheers for
Lady Emily Foley, the popular sister of the newly-
elected member.

BRECONSIIIRE.—The high sheriff has received the
writ for the election of a member for this county in
the room of the late Sir Joseph Bailey, and has flied
Tuesday next toe the election. The only candidate
in the field is Mr. Godfrey Charles Montan, son of
Sir Charles Morgan, of Tretlegar, who in his address
to the constituency avows himself favourable to
"timely progression, yet well•considered measures of
financial and political improvement." On the sub-
ject of church-rates he says he hopes t.) see such a
measure shortly introduced into Parliament " as will
secure the maintenance and repair of the fabrics of
the Established Church, and finally allay all the
irritated feeling which now unhappily ptevails." No
opposition la threatened.