I have no doubt that if the House of Lords were to pass by a large
majority the disestablishment of the Welsh Church in the next Session,
the Welsh party would say the hereditary principle was the only one to
be depended upon. On the other hand, if the Lords were to pass by a
large majority a Local Veto Bill, I have no doubt the Licensed
Victuallers would at once go in for the abolition of the House of
Lords.
_Cardiff Licensed Victuallers' Dinner,
March 28th, 1894._
I am not a landlord myself, but I have strong opinions about the right
of property, which I hope, in future legislation, will always be
considered. If ever I become a landlord, I hope the interest which I
have always felt in the welfare of my respected father's tenants will
lead them to suppose that I shall never become such a ruffian as some
people would make landlords out to be.
_Monmouthshire Chamber of Agriculture,
February 25th, 1874._
I confess I was much comforted in reading one of those amiable, kind
and Christian-like speeches for the total suppression of landlords. I
looked into the dictionary for the meaning of the word "landlord," and
I found it was "a keeper of a public-house." When I read that, my soul
was comforted.
_Newport Licensed Victuallers' Dinner,
January 30th, 1880._
I have always taken great interest in those who live on my property,
it does not matter whether on agricultural land or in the bowels of
the earth. A great landowner does not rest on a bed of roses. The loss
to a landowner who only owns a small agricultural property, in days of
agricultural depression when tenants cannot pay their rent, generally
means a few hundred pounds and the reducing of all his expenses. But
when it comes to great commercial interests, to owning the land on
which our great ironworks, great tinworks, and collieries are
situated, and when those interests are depressed, it means not a loss
of a few hundreds, but the wiping off of several thousands. And it
means occupying themselves night and day in ascertaining how they can
help to still carry on those great interests which have employed so
many hands, and which are so necessary for the welfare of the
population of the district.... A great ironmaster, Mr. Carnegie, who
found it to his best interest to carry on his great works in America,
has enunciated a sentiment which appeals to me, to the effect that it
is the business of every rich man to die poor. Sometimes I feel that
will probably be my fate if I go on as I am doing. However, I shall be
poor in good company.
_Presentation to Lord Tredegar of Miners' Lamp
and Silver Medal at Risca Eisteddfod,
October 5th, 1896._
Considerable difficulties attach to the position of a man who happens
to own land round a large and increasing town. So many demands are
placed before him. There are demands for building sites and for open
spaces and public parks. It is difficult, when the land is limited in
area, to satisfy all requirements. I hope, in a short time, however,
to be enabled to make a present to the town of Newport of a public
park, one which will not cost much in laying out for use.
_Mayoral Dinner, Newport,
December 22nd, 1891._
It may possibly happen that if the order to which I belong is swept
away, I may become a candidate for municipal honours, and perhaps
aspire to the civic chair. At present, however, I have my own
responsibilities, for I am deeply troubled with what I may term the
four R's--Rates, Roads, Royalties, and Rents.
_Mayor's Banquet,
March 18th, 1886._