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Mr Howel Gwyn is now a declared candidate for the representation of Brecon, and the contest will after all be political. Mr Gwyn openly avows his Conservatism, and the Earl of Brecknock seeing that he cannot hope to please all parties, must pledge himself to Liberalism if he wishes to secure the sup- port of the Liberal party in Brecou. It is quite clear that the Conservatives will not vote for him. They are not satisfied that his address fairly and honestly expresses the political opinions which he holds. The Liberals, too, look for some one in whom they can have confidence. They very well understand with whom the noble Earl will act if he is returned. The contest is, therefore, between the two great political parties, and judging from appearances at present, it will be severe and hard foUylit on both sides. We would not hazard an opinion, as to who is likely to win, for the polling booth is a terrible ordeal to borough voters. The most unlooked for results are soiti,titnos brought about through it, baffling the sagacity and forethought of the shrewd- est electioneering agents. In his address Mr Gwyn frankly declares himself a Conservative and Inde- pendent;" that is, we presume, a Conservative free to act without any regard to the interests of party. But on the principal questions of the day, and in sympathy, he is Conservative and would vote with Lord Derby and Mr Disraeli. Of that there can be no doubt whatever. Then, why this affectation of independence? It only excites suspicion and distrust, while it is too transparent to attach a solitary elector vavering in his purpose. I consider," says Mr. G IV) n, the very essence of the creed of the Conser- vative to be the use of the pruning knife, carefully to cut off every proved and acknowledged abuse, and to aim at progress and improvement." This is diffuse and indefinite enough to serve as the creed either of Mr Bright or of Mr Disraeli and really means nothing, for the whole Question turns upon what is considered an abuse, and here there would be a substantial difference between tho Conservative and the Liberal. One wishes to use the pruning knife" a good deal more fr ely than the other. Mr Gwyn descending to particulars says Though firmly attached to the Established Church, I nevertheless deeply res- pect the convictions of those who honestly differ from me in their religious views, and I shall there- fore support any measure that will relieve those who entertain conscientious scruples from any longer paying church rates." This is not considered a party question, and without in any respect sacrificing his principles as a Conservati ve, lie might with Lord Stanley vote for the total aboli- tion of church rates. But Mr Gwyn does not promise as much. He pledges himself to relieve dissenters, forgetful that dissenters will be content with noth- ing short of the abolition of the rate altogether. In tact they regard it as the first step towards the separation of Church and State an object which every true Conservative will oppose to the utmost of his power. Mr Gwyn then goes on to say that, "Believing the income-tax to be inquisitorial, 1 am opposed to its continuance, and I think it ought only to be used as a temporary resource in "case of war or any great financial embarrassment of the country. I consider the ballot to be incon- sistent with the spirit of the English constitution, and am convinced it would not prove any real ad vantage or safeguard to the voter." These are the only political topics touched upon in the address, which is not so explicit as it should be. But these formal addresses are rarely satisfactory either to the candidates themselves or to the electors. No doubt on the hustings, if not before, the two candidates will more fully explain their views. In the mean- time all the electors care to know is that the Earl of Brecknock is the Liberal, and Mr Gwyn the Conservative candidate. After these remarks were written, we found that the two candidates had a day or two since, published addresses of thanks to the electors for promises of support, which seem to have been pretty freely made. During my can- vass," says the noble Earl, you have given me such a considerable and decided promise of support « no tro lnavfl mv siiRfipss ft. matter hpvond all doubt. (f.i:) ¿" "J -¡ And Mr Gwyn, who is equally confident, says,— The success I have met with far exceeds my most sanguine expectations, and I entertain no doubt when mv canvass is complete, that 1 shall find a majority of votes in my favour. These addresses leave very little room for speculation as to the result of the election, but if they are based on actual pro- mises the free and independent electors" arc not altogether blameless.

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