The Sun.
London, England, 1865-07-01 00:00:00

CHATHAM.

General Sir J. M. Frederic Smith, the sitting
member for Chatham, yesterday announced his in-
tention of not again offering himself for re-election,
and has retired from the contest—the result of his
canvass having satisfied him that he stood no chance
whatever of being again returned.
Immediately on his retirement being made public,
Rear-Admiral George Elliot, who. has just resigned
the appointment of Admiral Superintendent of Ports-
mouth Dockyard, announced himself a candidate, in
opposition to Mr. Arthur 0 tway (Liberal). In his
address published yesterday Admiral Elliot says :

" The retirement of your esteemed representative Gene-
ral Sir J. F. M. Smith has induced me to offer myself at
this hour for tho honour of representing you in Parliament.
Understanding that the strongest influence has been exerted
in favour of the Government candidate, and that such pro-
ceedings have caused the retirement of your late respected
member, I purpose to give yon an opportunity of vindicat-
ing your independence from such unconstitutional prac-
tices. lam strongly opposed to intervention or meddling
in foreign affairs except where the interests and honour of
this country are materially at issue, and I shall certainly
disapprove of any threat which was not intended to be car-
ried out in a manner becoming the dignity of a great coun-
try. lam of opinion that the army, navy, and defences
of the country should be most efficiently maintained, so that
we may be independent of any warlike movement which
may be adopted by other Powers; and I consider that the
efficiency of the permanent establishment should be main-
tained to the utmost extent consistent with the requirements
of the service. I think that all sects and denominations
should have freedom of worship according to their respec-
tive creeds, and I am strongly in favour of the promotion
of education among all classes."

Admiral Elliot, accompanied by some few mem-
bers of his committee, was engaged in a personal
canvass of the directors yesterday, but up to the
present time the principal leaders of the Conserva-
tive party have declined giving in their adhesion to
him, the general opinion being that from the hope-
less nature of the contest, and the large majority of
the constituency being Liberal, the attempt is un-
wise. The Admiral was Announced to address a
meeting of his friends and supporters last night.
Mr. Arthur Otway, the Liberal candidate, has now
nearly completed his canvass, and from the amount
of support he has received, coupled with the strong
feeling in his favour, there is no doubt whatever he
will be returned by a very considerable majority.
In an address to the electors he states—
" The political opinions which I hold, which are shared,
I believe, by a large majority of the constituency, remain
unchanged. Time has but strengthened an attachment to
the principles of civil and religious liberty which has
hitherto guided my political conduct, and increased a de-
sire to promote in every way the material welfare of the
people. During six eventful years the administration of our
national affairs has been conducted with singular success.
Peace has been preserved, commerce increased, and taxa-
tion considerably diminished. Under these circumstances,
should I have the honour of being elected as your represen-
tative, it is my intention to give an independent support to
her Majesty's present Government."