The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1896-07-04

tween tue pair, WHICH OHiy tcTHiiuoteo
with Mr.. Macdonalds decease. Whilst
in Tasmania Mr.. owen heard man
reading the speech to which we have
alluded. He asked to be allowed to
read the remainder himself. apd did so.
"When looked up after finishing my
auditor was silently weeping. l found
out afterwards that he was an ex-con-
vict. His name was David Evans, and
at one time he was one of the most
popular preachers in South Wales"
It was at this time that Mr.. Owen
came across traces Of some Of the
Chartist leaders. as well as Of Dair,
Cantwr and Shoni Scubor Fawr, two
famous champions In the Becca riots,
who We're sentenced to term of twen-
ty years transportation; but as the
narrative has already appeared in these
columns We need make no further al
lusions to it here. save that it supplies
one Of countless Illustrations OF the
deep interest Mr.. Owen displayed
throughout life In all and every detail
connected with the princirality. Re
turning to Australia Mr.. owen went
about good deal In business and had
not few most exciting adventures.
THRILLING NARRATIVE.
Several of these were connected with
sharks and snakes. and Mr.. Owen tells
one peculiarly thrilling narrative. how
when he awoke in the night he beheld
a huge black snake coiled up on the
bedclothes. For q while never STIR
red, and was afraid to disturb my wife.
who was sleeping peacefully. utterly ig-
norant Of danger. There was only one
thing to do. With the utmost stealthi-
ness I slowly drew my feet up taking
all precaution against disturbing the
sleeping reptile. I succeeded in creep.
ing out Of bed, and then quickly stole
from the room down to the kitchen
and armed myself with strong pair OF
tongs. making all haste back to the bed
rooom. / was much relieved to find
that everything was as l left 1t. the
snake was still in coil. and my wife
had never stirred. Pausing a moment
to steady my nerves and to prepare
for a good grip. I quietly opened the
tongs and then with q swift and sure
movement caught the snake close to the
head. 1 shall never forget that grip.
Every muscle of my body seemed con-
centrated on the tongs. and it was for
tunate that 1t was so, for the hideous
thing made the most resperate at
tempts to get loose. 1t contorted itself
with powerful energy, but the grip
had taken would, verify believe. have
held a tiger. The snake wound itself
in all manner of ways and the repulsive
touch of its wriggling tail as 1t lashed
against my body filed me with such
shuddering that it was a wonder my
strength did not fail"
The desperation Of the situation.
however, held me together, and heed
less Of the hysterical shrieks Of my now
fully awakened wife, l carried the rep
tile to the back yard, and there had
my revenge in the violent and speedy
death Of the now exhausted snake.
NOW A COUNTRY GENTLEMAN.
The rush for gold to Queensland
took thousands thither. among them
number Of Mr.. Owens employees. This
seriously embarrassed him, for Of
course trade was temporarily para
lyzed. However, his mind was quickly
made up; he himself repaired to the
diggings and was soon doing an ex-
tensive business In that quarter and the
interior generally. Next year Mr.. Ow-
en- was seized with desire to return to
Wales and commenced preparation for
the disposal Of his property, finally
sailing Ior his home on May "a. 1860.
Comfortably settled in the old coun-
try. which, O poor youth, he had left
but eight years before, Daniel Owen
was now q prosperous and wealthy
man. He acquired land at New Forest
Down and other localities, where he
prosecuted successful experiments. He
also erected a residence there, which
he left in 1866 to take possession Of Ash
Hail. where he resided until his death
came. This he vastly improved, and
became a striking example of the man
who is blest in making two blades Of
grass grow where only one had grown
before. He was an authority on agri-
culture, and rendered valuable SER
vice by publishing work on Tenant
Right in Glamorgan." 1t was the first
time the ancient custom so peculiar to
the county was so dealt with, and the
little work has always been accepted
by judges and agriculturists as the
standard authority on the subject.
TOOK THOUSANDS THITHER.
Mr.. owen found time from his various
occupations as country gentleman to
engage in more purely commercial pur-
suits. Then he secured a seat on the
directorate of the London and Proven
cial bank, and in 1877, in conjunction
with Mr.. Lascelles Carr. acquired the
business now known as the Western
Mali limited.
He was very ardently identified with
the conservative cause, and was one of
the pillars in South Wales. During times
of political excitement he encountered
some lively adventures as in the candi-
dature of Sir Ivor Guest in 1874, when
he spoke with vigor in favor Of that
gentleman. In the Rhondaa, Mr.. Owen
and the other constitutional workers
found preacherdom in arms, and had
to retreat before showers Of stones from
a mob Of infuriated zealots.
The last few years Of his life were
spent by Mr.. Daniel Owen in peace and
comfort at Ash Hall, cheered by the
presence of his wife. by whom he had
issue q son, Mr.. Tudor Owen. and a
daughter. married to Dr.. Naunton
Davies. all of whom survive him. Up to
the last Mr.. owen continued to evince
that deep interest in Wales and things
Welsh that characterized the whole of
an intensely practical and active life.
A more loyal Cymro never breathed,
nor was he, like some patriots. deaf
to the best interests of his Fatherland
All that made for the true welfare OF
Wales. in whatever department. found
in him warm supporter and a consist
ent friend. The principality is the poor
er for his death. and for generations to
come young Welshmen will enter on the
battle of life with energy all the more