Page:The Green Bag (1889–1914), Volume 04.pdf/55

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The Green Bag.

probably be set aside, and so the ultimate result is uncertain. The lawyers of Wales are of opinion that they have a grievance. A few weeks ago, a vacancy in the County Court Bench occurring, the ap pointment was bestowed on a Mr. Cecil Beresford, godson to Lord Salisbury. Mr. Beresford, it is true, had never enjoyed a large practice, but was undoubtedly sufficiently qualified for the post. Not so thought some of the dwellers in the prin cipality, who now demand that for the future County Court judgeships should be conferred on Welsh-speaking barristers; it is contended that in petty cases, especially where the parties appear and conduct their cases in person, a knowledge of the vernacular is, if not altogether indispen sable, of extreme importance on the part of the

judge. All this is more or less conceded; but the Welsh members of Parliament, who have been agitating in the matter, are obliged to admit that there are at the most not more than three Welshspeaking barristers whose professional qualifica tions are adequate for the fulfilment of judicial functions; and until quite recently there were not so many. Gallant little Wales is nothing loath, when occasion offers, to assert her nationality. During November we heard about nothing but education. The triennial School Board Election was pending, and the rival educational parties filled the air with their shouting. When the actual day for voting arrived, more interest was evinced by the electors than on previous occasions. The re sult was a triumph for religious, economical, and • « withal efficient education.