MR A. J. WILLIAMS, M.P.,
Mr A. J. Williams, M.P., who next rose, said I have only a very few words to say. I consider it an honour to be here. (Cheers.) It is an honour to me to be here, and it is an honour to Cardiff that you have placed this memorial here to a man, not because he made great wealth, not because he assumed a great position, not because he endeavoured to leave titles behind him to his children, but because he manfully, honestly, purely, and truthfully tried, to do his duty to his fellow-citizens and his duty to his town. (Cheers.)
The first event in my political life which I can remember was my meeting John Batchelor in 1852, when, as Mr Thomas said, he raised this town out of political servitude, and helped to enfranchise you for ever. (Loud cheers.) To his descendants he has left, not wealth, but a name that will live for ever in the hearts of Welsh people, and will for ever be an honour to his family greater than titles or riches. (Loud cheers.)
MR J. P. THOMPSON.
Mr J. Pyke Thompson - At a very short notice I have been asked to say a word or two, and they shall be brief. I can think of nothing better than to re-echo the sentiments with which our friend Mr Davis concluded his remarks — namely, that in assembling here to do honour to the memory of John Batchelor we did honour to ourselves. (Loud cheers.)
For we hereby testify before the whole world, and in the light of day, our appreciation of a bold and fearless spirit. That is how I, who belong to a later generation, interpret the character of John Batchelor. (Cheers.)
If he ever put his finger on an abuse, he did his level best to remove that abuse. If he considered be saw the right thing to do, be went straight for it, regardless of individual or selfish interests, regardless of the interests even of his own friends, regardless of his own dearest interests. (Cheers.)
That is how I interpret the character of Mr Batchelor. How many men are there amongst us of whom the same thing can be said?
So far as my experience goes, they are few and far between. That is why we cannot afford to let the memory of such a man slip away from amongst us. (Hear.) That is why I consider it a privilege to be here to-day and say these few words on the occasion of this noble statue being unveiled in our midst. (Cheers.)
I will conclude with those words of Dryden-
Though poor in fortune, yet of celestial race,
And he commits a crime who calls him base,
(Loud cheers.)
Alderman CORY:
After the able and telling speeches you have heard previously, it would ill-become me to attempt to keep you much longer, even if I were capable of adding anything to what has been said. It I were to go back through my career and endeavour to narrate to you the many circumstances in the life of John Batchelor which excite one's admiration, I could detain you here a long time. For his fame is not alone for this district, for Glamorgan or South Wales, but it has travelled throughout the entire country, where he was known as a downright staunch out-and-out Nonconformist and lover of freedom for the people. (Cheers.)
I endorse very heartily everything what has been said in regard to the virtues of John Batchelor, and the many great things he did on behalf of the working classes. This applies not alone to Cardiff, but was felt elsewhere in regard to the enterprising spirit he manifested in the timber trade, ship-building, and other trades. (Hear.)
He will also be remembered for the sanitary measures he inaugurated, which will for generations yet be for the well-being of the people of Cardiff. Would to God we had more like him. (Cheers.) May He grant that there be many other John Batchelors' to take his place to fight for the happiness of the people of Cardiff and the country generally. (Cheers.)
I can remember 40 years ago, when he was engaged in the noble task of striving to obtain political freedom. He went in for the six points of the Great Charter — the charter to remove the disabilities and enfranchise the people. He did that at the risk of being transported - not only the loss of his position and reputation, but actual transportation. He did not care, for he was a lover of his country, and it is a remarkable fact that three points of that charter have been obtained since. (Hear, hear.)
I wish now to propose a vote of thanks to one who for 30 years was a staunch and devoted friend to John Batchelor, both in adversity and prosperity - Mr Lewis Davis, of Ferndale. (Cheers.) This gentleman is not only popular amongst the people by whom he is surrounded, but we here in Cardiff love and respect him — (cheers) — and are glad to see him amongst us. (Renewed cheers.) Allow me to conclude, then, by proposing a vote of thanks to Mr Davis.
