The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1859-05-03 00:00:00

Dorsttsbirt.

DORCHESTER BOROUGH ELECTION.

At eleven o'clock on Friday morning the Wor-
shipful the Mayor of our borough, Henry Lock,
E*l•, accompanied by the various officers of the caw-
poration in full costume, and several members of the
corporation in their robes, proceeded (ions the
Townhall to the Shirehali in the High.etrect, for
the purpose of conducting the election of two repre•
sentatives in Parliament for this town. The County
Hall was tolerably full, the audience being conip.4ed
of electors and non-electors. On the entrance of the
Mayor loud cheers were given to himself and those
who took their seats near him. On his right sat the
late member, R. B. Sheridan, Esq., Alderman Man.
field ; Councillors Galpin, Bishop, Andrews, and
(urine; Messrs. Weston, Mason, and Tome; and on
his left, Captain C. N. Start, the other es-member.
Councillors Devenish, Ensor, and Coombs; Messrs.
Ingram, Wallis, and others. Among the company
were Messrs. Monday, Robinson, Warland, Bennett,
Foster, and Gregory. There were several hulks
who graced the assembly, and appeared to take con-
siderable interest in the proceedings.
TIM ToWN SERGEANT (Curtis) having demanded
silence whilst Her Majesty's wilt for the return of the
was read,
Hie Tows (Less read the document, and afterwards
adisiniAtered the oath reweeting bribery, to the Mayor,
sloch was duly witnessed by Councillor Curine.
_

•
The Maio,' said—Gentlemen, brother townsmen, and
brother electors, we are here assembled for the purpose
of exercising one of the most important pnvilegea to
which we as Englishmen are entitled, viz., that of send-
ing our representatives to Parliament. Tie town Ina
for centuries had the high privilege of returning two
members to Parliament, and I hope you will not con•
eider me deviating from the strict line of my duty when
es press • warm and fervent wish that that privilege may
still be continued for centuries to come. (Loud cheers.)
since Her Majesty has been pleased to dissolve Par-
liament events of the most important and moinentous
nature have occurred in the political world ; so much so
that it is to be feared that the horrors of war will he
teen over again. I hope, however, that we shall not be
involved therein ; but, if so. I trust that all parties of
political opinions in this country will allow their
differences to he swallowed up PO that we may do all for
the general gond. ((heers.) I am sure I shall not
call on you in vain when I ask you to give to every
gentleman who may address himself to your notice •
(sir, candid, and impartial hearing. (Hear, hear.) In
obedience to the custom which has existed in this town
Iron, time immemorial, I now ask if there is any gentle-
who wishes, to offer himself as a candidate to repro-
pent this ancient borough in Parliament' (Cheera.)
It. R. SHERIDAN, Esq., then stood forefeet' t.i ad-
dress the electors, and was greeted with hearty cheers
from all sides. He said—Gentlenten and electors of
the borough of Ihirchester, encouraged us I am with
the generous kinilneve of the great iiroportion of the
electors of this borough—l tnight almost say by a mei°.
city, for it was by a majority in 1852 that you did me
the honour of placing me in the high position that I
now occupy —it was eonfirmed to me again in 1857, and
I trust it is now about to he confirmed to me again by
a much larger majority, as showing greater induerce
of the Liberal iiarty. (Cheers.) Saying so, I repeat
that feeling that I ato still justified by a powerful inejo•
rity, I hope I shall not be considered preautlitituols in
responding to the invitation of the Worshipful the
Mayor, and to du that which is according to the public
custom of this borough to offer uiyeelf as your mem-
ber, and to represent you for the third time ie
ment. (Chorea.) I have this moment *aid th it it is
reserved for 1814 to prove that the imijority for •i e is
much larger than it has yet been, and that the Main e e
of tha Liberal party is greater. Now let me prove it;
and I will prove it in this way. In 1837 when Mr.
Jeremiah Pilcher made hie appe mance in this borough
(laughter)—and of whom I du nut wish to speak a word
of disreepe,4— finding hiniaelf not in • position to carry
the boron b retired; we were then told, as I under.
stood the conservative party, that if they had only time
to array their forces and to arrange their plans, that that
most objectionable of all members, Mr. Sheridan, would
be ejected, and a Conservative put in his place.
(Laughter, and "No, no.") Well, two years have
passed by, and I must say that I have been under a state
of alum during those two years, and I am not quite
sure that a portion of thee* many grey hairs that I have
have not been produced in consequence. (Laughter.)
As it is, I believe there is no array of forces, and the
plans don't appear to be arranged. But there is no
Lack of candidates ; three Richards have been in
the field. Mr. Nugent Henke' was the first
mentioned. I sun sure that • more respect.
able man could not be introduced, because Mr. Nugent
Bankes is a man well known to you, the eon of a late
member, connected with many influential men in the
neighbourhood, a man of ability, • member of a liberal
profession, and altogether unexceptionable. We are told
hr the Dorset Chronicle that Mr. Nugent Rinke' is the
idol of the Bridport people, and he is a gentleman of i
the conservative party; but they tell him—it is very true
that Mr. Sheridan is a very objectionable member, but
he is very popular with the working chasms. and his
interest with the Liberal party would not give you a
chance (Laughter, and a Voice "That's true ') ;so
Mr. Nugent Bankes went his way to be idolized at
Bridport. (Laughter.) But what the result will be I
do not know, that we shall know to-morrow. The next
candidate we have in the person of my friend Mr. John
Floyer. ( A pplauae.) Now, if Mr. Nugent 'Linke' were
unexceptionable, I say that a more unexceptionable man
than Mr. Floyer could not be found; a more just and
honourable man does not exist. (('heers.) He ill univer-
sally respected in the county; he already has repre•
rented this county in Parliament; he resides witian •
short distance of the town, takes an interest in local
affairs; and therefore a more unexceptionable member
there could not be. lam told by the Dorset County
Chronicle—from which I get my twaddle—that a depu•
tation waited on Mr. John Floyer. Now, according to
the order of the day a deputation may consist, as •
majority does, uf "discordant sections" ; and I think
I shall follow the example of the Dorset amid!,
Chronicle (A VOICE: " I hope not"), and trust to my !
imagination for my facts. Well, with a flight well
worthy the Chronicle, the deputation shall consist of
Love, Law, and Physic. (Laughter and cheers.)
They waited upon Mr. John Floyer at his resi.lence,
pleasantly situated, as the Radicals describes it,
in the pleasant valley of the F ttttt te. The door is
°pencil, they are duly received, and Mr. Floyer bids
them be seated. Law speaks first, and lie 'aye —we have
come, Mr. Floyer, to beg that you will permit your
name to be mentioned as • candidate for the borough
of Dorchester ; and we feel quite sure from the great
unpopularity of Mr. Sheridan and from his excessive
violent opinions—almost revolutionary—that he has no
chance. Besides that, I have • little instrument called
a "screw" which I can handle most dexteronely. Inde-
pendently of that, I can make use of names I have no
right to ; and I feel certain, by means of a little dictation,
that we not only can elect ycu, but torn out that most
objectionable meinber Mr. Sheridan. Physic spoke next
Infighter); and he said—l quite concur with my col-
league who forms a part of the deputation, end I have
no hesitation in saying that Mr. Sheridan is very objec-
tionable; all his supporters are the tag.rag And bobtail
of the borough. Besides this, I believe him to be • most
irreligion, character. Do you know that he has not yet
voteul for the repeal of the Marsooth Grant! Nothing
can be more monstrous than that. Beelike all these he
has other failings ; and, being a classic, I will freely
translate a passage from old Martial—

I do not like you. Mr. 8.,
Tie reams shy 1 cannot gums;
But this I must confess-
-1 do not like you, Mr. g.
(Laughter.) Summing up all these things, Mr. Floyer,
he. • most objectionable candidate, anti if you like we
will propose you at Dorchester. (Ch(ers.) Now, Mr.
Fluyer, who is a most sensildc and just in in, replies —I
fuel highly datterml by your !imposition that I should
become member for Dorchester. With respect to Mr.
Sheridan, though he has never voted against the May-
nooth Grant, I must say that Lord Derby has not pro-
cto repeal it (laughter and cheers) ; and the
.l:iiri ncellor of the Exchequer and all the other Conser-
vatives who support Mr. Spooner are in the same posi-
tion, and I therefore do not ace much inconsistenev in
Mr. tibe -Wan. With regard to his unpopularity,
I know a great deal about the town of Dorcheater. His
popularity is very great with the working die.; and I
know that in addition there is a still larger majority—
the Liberal party are still more powerful than they
were. (Cheers.) Hereupon the deputation retired.
Love did'nt say • word on this occasion, hut looked
" unutterable things." Physic went home, took Ilia own
medicine and was ill for a week. (Laughter.) Law was
not at all daunted; always bold and always audacious,
he knew that London was • very Isqe place. So he
went up to London and down came W. H. Peters, Esq.,
of Harefleld House, Devonshire. (Laughter.) We are
told again by the Chronicle, from which I get all toy
information (a laugh) that he mule his appearance on
Monday at 8 p.m. ; issued his addrem on Tuesday ; on
Wednesday issued another address, and then departed,
saying—from information he had received in London,
lie understood his chance of success was greater. I
leave him to the mercy of hil agent and his lawyer, and I
have no doubt they will do as they did to Mr. Pilcher,
administer 163 good stripes. (Laughter and cheers.)
Now, I think I have proved from these facts that there
is a majority of the Liberal party, and that the
induenoe of the Liberal party here is greater
than ever. (Loud cheers ) So much for local affairs.
The last time I had the honour of proposing myself as
your member was in 1857, when Lord Palmerston was
forced to dissolve Parliament awl appeal to the country
against a factious opposition which sought to displace
able servants of the Crown resident in China, and to
inaugurate a policy which would have been humilia-
tang to mar deg and detrimental to our nation. That
wise, Ann policy of Lord Paluierston which was re-
ceived and considered to be good by • majority of this
borough was also supported by • large majority of the
constituencies of Eneland, larger perhaps than ever
before supported a public minister. (Cheers). And
how did that Policy terminate? Did it receive all the
advantages as anticipated, and which were prognosti-
cated for it? I ask again—Did it receive all the ad-
vantages prognosticated for it' Listen for • moment to
the words of that party which condemned the policy
when in opposition, and when in office put in the
speech from the throne of last February the words I
will now read to you. You may be sure they will sal
u little in favour as they can, and that little as
grudgingly as possible; gill they are obliged to counsel
her Majesty to say

_
" The measures which. in concert with my ally, the
Emperor of the French. I thought it necessary to take
upon the coast of China, have resulted in a treaty, by
which further effusion of blood has been prevented, and
Which holds out the prospect of greatly increased inter.
course with that extensive and densely peopled ere'.lre.
Another treaty into which I have entered with the
Emperor of Japan opens a fresh field for commercial
enterprise in a populous and highly civilised country,
Which has hitherto been jealously guarded against the
intrusion of foreigners."
Now, these are the resells sod advantages which the
Government of Lord Derby has acknowledged have
been derived from a policy which a majority of "incon•
grams parties" condemned in 1857. (Chaim.) What

Inks the nature of that majority in 1857? Was it •
united ? Diil they all entertain the same views
tii.n public policy ? or was it forum ii of " incongruous
parties s•s•king hy • trick to defeat a Government ?"
Out of 263 membero who voted against the policy in
China there wtre 2,24 Conservatives, 30 Liberals, and 9
Peelitcs. That cannot he said to be a united party.
And who were the tellers? Wlly, Mr. Bright and Mr.
Gibson ! Again, in February of bud year when there
was a enajority of 16 against the Conspiracy Bill, how
WAS that majority formed, for we are now upon the sub-
ject of majorities? That majority was formed in this
w,,s —there were 1130 Conservatives, 39 Liberals, and 7
P'-elites. Now, here Was " • combination of parties
formed of discordant sections" as Las been ilescribed by
the Chancellor of the Exchequer. I must here except
my honourable friend and colleague from that division
(cheer") because with that true consistency which
belongs to his character he voted both for the
first reading and for the second. But with that
exception of my honourable colleague, Mr. Spooner,
and one or two more, these 110.1 members, com-
bined to turn out a Ministry and defeat • Bill,
which on the 10th of February—only seven days
before--they had approved and highly supported,
thereby allowing that these DO Conservatives, had
entirely changed their opinion, which they had expressed
on the first reading of the Bill. I have taken the
liberty of analysing more minutely these two divisions
as the first caused the dissolution of Parliament in 1857,
and the second the resignation of Lord l'almendon's
Government. I WAS also anxious to show the tricks
by which these results were obtained, and to point out
the iujustice as well as the shabbiness of Lord Derby in
stating in the House of Lords, on the night that he
announced the dissolution to the country, that the
majority in the Home of Commons was • niajority that
stood in the way of all public business, and that it was
" confusion worse confounded." (Cheers.) The Chan-
cellor of the Exchequer said, as you all know, and as I
have said in my address, it was composed of "discordant
sections," seeking to embarrass a Government by " a
disingenuous manceuvre." Now, how do you suppose
that this large majority was formed Let us see if it
was formed of "discordant sections" as has been said.
Will it be credited out of that 623 members, with the
exception of the Speaker and the tellers— with the ex•
eeption of three votes, 330 gentlemen who voted for
Lord John Russell's resolution were members of the
Liberal party. (Cheers.) By the decisive and delibe-
rate vote arrived at by the Howse of Commons on the
point submitted to them for their consideration there
was no difference of opinion with the Liberal party ;
they were all agreed on the two pmvisions in the reso-
lution submitted by Lord John. They were all agreed
on them, two particular provisions, because, as my lion.
friend I have no doubt will tell you the saine, it was
universally condemned. I have this morning sent to
iiie frum Wareham • statement pointing out what our
county members have said on the subject. The hon. gen-
tleman here read brief extracts from the speeches of Mr.
Seymer arid Mr. Gerard Sturt delivered in the debate on
the Government lteform Bill. He then proceeded—That
was their opinion. Therefore it cannot be ;aid
with truth that there was any difference of opinion
among the Liberal party; this inajority cannot be said
to be a conglomerated entire of different views from '
various parts of the HOW!, but • body of gentlemen
and representatives united with the same views and
entertaining the same plans with respect to public policy
giving expreasion to an opinion which very generally
prevailed throughout the country that the
Bill brought forward by the Government on the
plea of amending the laws relating to the repre-
sentation of the people was nothing but • delusion and
a slain. (Loud cheers.) Before I prove altogether the
jaisitive truth of that assertion I hope I may be per-
mittal—liecause I have been called upon by some on.
anonymously—to give what I shell he able to give—an
explamaion with regard to the vote I myself gave on
the accost reading of the Bill. On the introduction of
that inessore I. as well as others, upon the same side of
the House entertaining the same views, we were dis-
posed. and I confess it readily—we were iliepoiled to
vote for the second reading. We thought the Govern•
ment were sincere. (Lim/later and cheering.) We
believed that ye could improve it in committee ; we
thought the Government would be induced to withdraw
the " generally reproliated," " the unconstitutional,
objectionable provhdons"—theae are not my wools hut
thim of your county members—that they would with.
draw the ohjectiouable provuious, and would extend the
, franchise to the working classes, who, from their
. intelligence, their itilluence, and their meritorious con•
duct, so well deserved the diatinct and the privilei.m.
(Hear, hear and loud cheers.) But when I beard Lot I
Stanley on the first night of the debate say emphatically
—I recollect his words were: "1 say, then, and Ism
expressing the feelings of my colleagues as well Al tboie
who support the measure, when I declare that Lie '
adoption of this resolution proposed by Lord John
Russell mist necesaarily prove fatal to the Bid." As
soon as I heard that, I as well as others, I, even 'tone
o'clock in the morning, wrote down to niy friends in t iis
borough, that I regarded this as a declaration to the
House and to the country, that the principle of lb. Bill
was contained in the resolution. If it was ntamory
and if I wished to prove this to you to • further extent,
I should bog to be allows I to refer you to what Mr.
Walpole said. and said on the night when he gave his
explanation for leaving the Government. I trust you
will bear with me while 1 go through that which
is necessary. (Shouts of "go on" and load cheering.)
In his letter to Lord Derby in Februaty, 1859, Mr.
Walpole said :

"I llnd it ia utterlly impossible for me to aiinction, or
countenance, the tonne of policy which the Government
are now determined to adopt, on the important subject
of Parliamentary Reform • • • • • •
The reduction of the County Occupation Franchise to a
level with that which exists in boroughs,, is utterly
contrary to every principle which the Conservatives, as
a party, have always maintained. • • • •
But I cannot help saying that the measure which the
('abinet are prepared to recommend, is one which we
should all of us have strongly opposed, if either Lord
Palmerston or Lord John Ruaiiell had ventured to bring
it forward."

Now, mark that from a Conservative. I must also if
you please, read what Mr. Henley says. His words
are :

"The only reason which has induood me to leave the
Government is that which Mr. Walpole has stated. I
believe that identity of suffrage. which is the principle
of the Government Bill, is fatal to the constitution of
this country. • • • • • • • •
You have no precedent for the present proposal in your
past history ; you could not get identity of suffrage
without a large measure of disfranchisement'. To
obtain it you are obliged to disfranchise all that large
number of persons who have a freehold franchise
within boroughs, who value that franchise, who wish to
retain it, and who, as far as I know, have not abused
it. I, for one, could never consent to attain identity of
franchise upon such conditions."

(('heers.) I ask you, after these statements by Mr.
Walpole and Mr. Henley. had I not a right to conclude
that the Government would not withdraw the objection-
able provision for disfranchising the 40s. freeholders, and
that they would not extend the franchise to the working
classes, which bad been so much desired, and so much
contended for by gentlemen on each side of the House?
It is quite true that in the course of the debate the
members of the Government, and the Chancellor
of the Exchequer himself threw out hints that
each and every provision in the Bill was open to impar-
tial and calm consideration in committee. Why, Mr.
Walpole rather 'inspecting that there was some decep-
tion, not trusting these hints that were thrown out,
says :

"I understand that my right hon. friend the Chancellor
of the Exchequer has made an announcement to-night
which I did not hear, but which would seem to imply
that all these questions are to he left open for conaider-
ation. ((heers.) If that declaration has heen niade in
this House, I should be too li.ppy, with a view of
settling this question, to support the Government to
the utmost of my power in 'miming the Bill with :Itch
amendments as I lia've indicated. (Hear, bear.) Thcv
have nothing to do but to repeat such a declaration, and
. . .

then they will have the opportunity of settJing•thia
question satisfactorily and thoroughly. (Hear, hear.)
If not. then I cannot blame the noble lord for moving
an amendment. not to the second reading of the Rill,
but for moving such an amendment as would constitute
a declaration made by the Howe (cheers) that this
question of the identity of the franchise is not to be
vital to the passing of this Bill." (Cheers.)
Then, how did the Government respond to this invite.
tion ? Let ua see whether these hints thrown out dur-
ing the debate were sincere. Supposing, for example,
that the Bill had been read a second tone, and the House
hail gone into committee, and these objectionable pro-
visions of the disfranchising of the 40s. freeholders and
the extension of the franchise in boroughs, had been
submitted for consideration to the committee ; suppos-
ing this, do you believe--dues anyone believe— that the
Government would have done that for the committee
which they had refused to do for Mr. Walpole and Mr.
Henley. who left the Goverainent on account of these
port color provisions, who declared that they could Lot
sanction or countenance the course of policy which the
Government appeared determined to adopt? I ask
you again do you believe it powible after these state-
ments and in the face of these transactions, that the
Goveninient would have yielded upon these two pro-
viaions ? I soy, certainly not. And this brinp me to a ,
further proof, if further proof were necessary, that the
Ihli brought forward by the Government was as I have
said, nothing but • "delusion and • sham." (Loud
cheets) Now, I want to prove my cane, and I think I
can prove it conclusively—l can prove it conclusively
by isimmx of the words of the Chancellor of the Exche-
quer—l Illeno that it was " • delusion and s sham
that they never intended to yield these two provisions,
the question of the franchise in boroughs and withdraw.
ing the objectionable clause of disfranchising boroughs.
. I know I am trespassing on your time (cheers and "no")
because I know that there are a great many hard working
men, who from their heavy daily toils have not time to
listen to a seven nights' debate. (Applause.) I think
they will do me justice in supposing that I am
trying to prove my case satisfactorily. Well, the last
person who spoke before the Chancellor of the Exche-
quer was Mr. Roebuck—rather disposed to go into a
second reading, very much opposed to Poluieraton and
Russell. He addressed these words to the Chancellor,
he had heard what Mr. Wolpole had said, lie anticipated
that deception was being carried on, but he wanted to
test, he wanted to put it to the utmost certainty. He
addressed the Chancellor thus:
"To the Chancelloruf the Exchequer I would put these
questions in the t definite form, because I expect
from bin, • definite answer :—I want to know, if this
Bill woes asecond reading, and we are allowed togo into
connuittee, and if in committee this House ghoul,' enact
that the borough franchise should be fixed at LIG and the
county franchise at I:10, with no transfer of votexaccord-
ing to the present Bill, whether the Government would
think that a cause for their resignation? If they anower
" Aye" then I say I shall vote against the second read-
ing. But if the right bon. gentleman fella me that such
a. Aeration will lead to no such result—that the
Administration -re quite reedy to receive suchen alters-
! (ion of their I then I say I will vote for the second
reading. (Cheeia,,) And I ask the noble lord the member
for London why Wider these circumstances he should
Dot also vote for it."
. Now, here was • clear invitation; be put it upon a fair
ground. Auid bow did the Chancellor of the Exchequer
answer that appeal—because my cue turns upon this,
in additiosi to what I have already staled? His words
are:

"The hon. and learned gentleman who has just ad-
dressed the House has put to me a question to which he
has called upon nts heala7 to reply- I will reply

frankly. I .ay thr proposition and policy of my right
honourable friend (Mr. Walpole) and the noble lord
(Lord Palmerston), which I will halts as representing
the school of politicians who are in favour of a i." 20
county franchise, and a .C. 6 borough franchise. It in
called and may be called by courtesy a Conservative
Policy. I think it a feeble and a dangerous policy, and
because I think it feeble and d.oigerous I think it also
a foolish policy."

- -
So much for the identity of franchise. Look, n ow
, clear he is urn the point of extending the french.' in
boroughs:
_-
" I cannot look upon what is called the reduction of the
franchise in berouglis but with the greatest alarm, and
I have never yet met any argument that fairly cocoon-
tees the objections which are urged to it. You cannot
encounter them by sentimental descriptions of the good
qualities of the working classes, The greater their
qualities the greater the danger."
(Cheers.) I ask again whether I had not • right to
conclude that Government never did intend to yield
these objectionable provisions, but that Lord Stanley's
original statement was the true statement ; and that the .
Govennent's policy was that which they had deter-
mined upon from tl.e very canninenceusent ? (Ali-
p4ause.) Now I do not think that even a l'onservative
will say or will contradict use at this moment, that this
Bill brought forward by the Government was otherwise
than " • delusion and a ahem." (Loud cheers.) Why
the thing's proved—nobody denies it, there's not a con-
tradictory voice to the fact. (Continued cheering.) But
look a little further if you want to eft how the follower,
of Lord Derby proceed, and see that they won't vamp!
the franchise in boroughs. I want you to go forward only
eight miler', and there you have two Conservative candi-
dates who have got their orders, and they both declare
in their addresses that they are strongly opposed to the
franchise of the working classes. Does it not prove my
case? Lord Derby is omnipotent ; they are all bound
over to him body and soul. (Vociferous plaudits.)
They are just in the same position as the ministers wtre
with Louis XIV, The King was talking to them one day
upon his omnipotence ; I c said—" You belong to me
body and soul (cheers); and if! tell you to throw your-
selves into the sea you are bound to do it." (laughter.)
Two courtiers retiring to the door AL fast as possible. the
King called them back, amid with great anger said—
Where are you going to?" "Sire, we are hastening
to learn to swim." (Laughter.) And that in what the
lion. gentlemen at M'eyinoutis are doing—they linve
selected Weymouth to learn to swim (great laughter), I
and I have no doubt the Dorset County ('hnmirle of to•
morrow ssr next week will tell you that they have
" struck out" successfully. (Continued laughter.) But
if you refer to a vouch more respectable paper, and one
much more ably written, which is the Dorset County
Express (applause) you will tied that these two gentle-
men, in their struggles to please Lord Derby, have been
ultimately drowned. ((leers and laughter.) I think,
gentlemen, that I have said in my address that it was
inesimbent on every candidate 'seeking to become a
representative in Parliament, that he should make a
fair declaration on the hustings relative to the important
measure of Reform. (Hear, hear.) There can be no
question more important, it is one upon which the dis-
so!ution has taken place. We are told by very high
authority—strange words at this moment—that it is
more important even than peace or war. lam prepared
to redeem the proposition or pledge, as it may be called.
which I 'nide in my address, and feel certain that even
my opponents will not call upon me to give precise
(sledges as to the exact nature of the provision which
should constitute any future Reform Bill. It is now
.01110 years sits,* I have been couneeted with this
borough aril with the Liberal party. In:lusted in that
Liberal party is the warm-hearted, ant hanl working,
and, if you like the bard-64.1 working classes. ( Ap-
plause.) I still hope that I retain their good opinion ;
I still hope thee they are siispeeed to retain me as their
member (cheers) ; and I feel confidence that they will
leave 111 C free to csnsider the hearings and nature of
every and each proviaion of any future Reform Bill.
But if you ask sue the principal parts or the principal
points which are the subjects of the day I freely I
give them to you. ((leers.) I 11111 willing to !
abide by that decision if the House of COIIIII4OIIII
upon Locke King's motion, and vote for a CIO
franchise in counties. I an, also willing, and think it "a
safe resting elm*" to Ilse Mr. Henley's wont's, that the ,
present franchise of a £lO value 'should be lowered to a
£6 yearly value. (Hear hear, and cheers.) Notwithstand-
ing the announcement which I have read to you that the
Chancellor of the Exchequer has said. and the members
of his Government have said, that it is dangerous to ex•
teed the franchise to the working clauses, I say that •
far greater number of the working classes ought to have
the power of sending members to Parliament. (Hear.
hear.) Those to whom I refer are quite as loyal, quite
as intelligent, and quite as well educated as mussy of those
who at present possess the franchise, and quite as coin'
petent to make a good choice of niembers to serve in
ParhAment. (Hear, hear, and cheers.) Then when the
franchisee is lowered, I am willing that the voters should
be prates:gel by the Ballot. (Hear, bear, hear, and
shoots of applause.) Time opponents to the measure tell
me that it is un- English, that it is degrading, that it tends
to humiliate a man ; I ask —what can be more degrading,
what can be more humiliating than to make a man feel
that he is a kind of slave—to go up to him as you would
tea highwayman, and say " Stand and deliver your vote,"
or to send him to the poll, and make him vote contrary
to his wishes, and perhaps his interest? (Cheers.) What
can be more humiliating than to say to a utais—" I must
have your vote, or here's your account. (Loud
cheers and laughter.) I will never employ you
again ; I will have nothing from your shop ;
you shall no longer live in that house in which
you were married, and where all your children
were born." (Cheers.) Talk of degradation and
humiliation ! I say, to lord it over a voter in the manner
, I have described is ten times snore humiliating, ten times ,
! more sic-English, and • thousand !hues more disgrace-
ful than adopting that means which after all is the
' practice of every club in London, and is in some of our
colonies, by which • voter is emancipated froni that
tyranny and thraldom to which he is now subjected,
and the candidate can no longer exercise the control
which is as disgraceful to him as it is humbling to his
victim. (Loud and repeated cheers.) There are other
franchises I should be willing to adopt, and they are
called the "fancy franchises." I see no reason why a
lodger paying Gs. to Xs. a week, or from £lO to I'2o a year
ehould not have a vote. I an, quite willing that others
should who derive an income f ruin personal property. Sr
from • pension fruits the civil or military services, neon
educational grounds. These are all details which lam
quite sure will be hereafter well considensl; but upn o
the particular points that I have already brought before
you, I think I have redeemed my pledge, and made as
frank a statement as you expected from your 1111.111•
her. (Hear, hear, and cheers.) I feel after
the statement I have made to you, and the
kind and patient attention which you have given me,
that it would be indeed strange if I were to sit down
without adding one word relative to the dreadful strife
of nations which is now taking place in the Kingston'
of Sardinia. War has been declared ;no one knows
how it will end and what will be the consequences.
But woe to that Power which has brought about sucls a
catastrophe. War, Joh:semi asp,, is the heaviest of evils
that can beret a flatlets. a calamity iii which every
species of misery is combined. It injures a State, it
suspends anthem ce, and it deeoletes a country ; it ex-
poses tl smnsis to danger, to hardships'. to captivity, and
death. No man wishing the prosperity of his cemitry
or the welfare of his fellow.being can oontainplate 'luck a
dreadful eataxtmplie without the steepest concern, mill
without an earnest prayer to Almighty God that he
would avert such a strendful calamity from oily peace-
loving land. (Loud and repeated cheering.) Whoever
may be the Minister called upon to guide the destini, s
of ilia great nation at this most momentous crisis. no
sine can envy his responsibility. Our conduct should be
a strict neutrality. (Hear, hear, hear.) All our ener•
gies and all our influence should be slireetesl to re-
establish the blessings of peace and good will and liar-
iumsy amongst nations. (Repeated loud cheers.)
noe having made the statements that I I trust
that I shall be permitted to do that which I hase
already done, and respond to the motion made by the
worshipful the Mayor, and engem° myself for the third
time as your member. (Time lion. gentleman resumed
lies seat SWIM loud and general cheenng.)
The MAYOR : Doe* any other gentleman offer him-
self as a candidate to represent this ancient borougls iii
Parliament ? . .

Captain C. N. STURT then came forward and was
warmly greeted. He said—Mr. M.,yor and gentlemen.
electors of the Borough of 1/orcliester. in presenting
myself to you for the third time as • fit and proper per•
ion to represent you in Parliament, I ani constrained to
ask your kind forbearance whilst I state the course
have thought it right to take in Parliament. You are
well aware that the cause of dissolution was the all im-
portant one, as I may be allowed to call the grave
subject of Parliamentory Reform ; and 1 am quite sure
you will agree with me when 1 say that the measure
brought forward was full of grave and serious error'.
(App)ause.) I, however, was not disappointed when I
heard the details of that measure. At first sight there
seemed to me to be but one nierit in the Bill, and that
confesa was a redeeming point, viz., that it did not
propose to disfranchise Iforcheskr either partially, as
proposed by the Bill of Lord John Ruuell, in NW, or
wholly, as was kindly suggested the other day by Mr.
Bright. (Cheers and laughter.) This shows an incli-
nation on the part of Government to defer to public
opinion which was notoriously opposed to any exten-
sive measure of disfranchisement. But in other
respect I think the Bill fell far short of what the
country had a right to expect. (Hear, hear, hear.)
For instance, the clause as originally proposed to dis-
franchise the 40s. county freeholders resident in
boroughs, was of itself sufficient, if not withdrawn, to
olndenin the whole Bill. (Cheers.) Then the " fancy
franchises" were calculated—at least, so I was told—
of admitting a large proportion more of the intelligent
working classes to the electoral body; but it seemed to
me that it would have been a more straightforward and
a better method of obtaining that object, if the Govern'
went had simply propinied to lower the borough (yin-
chise. (Hear, hear.) Nevertheless, considering the
deep importance and how desirable it was that this
question of Reform should be speedily settled, and
remembering with what facility the very worst Bills can
be amended and put into shape in l'ominittee, I felt it
my duty to vote against the resolution of Lord John
Russell. (Applause,) It must not be forgotten that
the professed object of that resolution could very easily
lisve been attained in committee. Its professed
object, I say, was the rejection of the disfranchisement
clause, and the lowering of the borough franchise.
Now it was very well known in the House and out of
, the House that there was an overvrhelining majority
agailuit the disfranchisement clause, and in favour of
lowering the borough franchise, and it would not have
mattered two pins what the I (overnment had chosen
to do ; when it had passed into committee they would
have been compelled to withdraw altogether, or else
submit to the general opinion in awl out of the House.
(Applause.) Still, if every Bill every detail of which
could wit be approved was be be rejected, and not
allowed to pan a second reading and go into committee,
I tell you that few, very few bills indeed would
pass and become law in the course of 10
years. I confess also that I was somewhat infiu•
enced in the vote which I gave by the comm
viction that the ruolution was a mere "party inner."
(" No, no," cheers and disapprobation.) I say a " party
move," an " artful dodge" (laughterl to regain the loaves
and fishes of office. (Applause and disapprobation.)
Well, gentlemen it would ill become me in my liu chile
position to say anything reflecting in the slightest degree
on the character. as a statesmen. of no eminent • person
as Lord John Russell (hear, hear, hear); but I hope 1
may he permitted to say that in my very simple and
unsophisticated mind, it does appear that • man who
bat clew years ago vas ready at Vienna to sign a die-

graceful peace is not fit to he Prune 3liniater ci this
country. (near, hear. I gentlemen, on the sub-
jert at the Ballot, I regret that it is my misfortune to
differ (non mime electors. If I could bring myself to
believe that the Ballot would be of me half the service
represented by its advocates. I would a illiiily, very
gladly, give that measure iny support. As it is, how-
ever, I mdiev, Oise it would he extremely difficult. I
believe iiiipufaihie, to prevent, canvas-sing ; and I believe
that when canviumed. few would core to conceal their
opinion, and alter voting they would uot care to conceal
how they had voted (A : "It depends on whose
!muse they live in," and laughter.) No doubt the
Ballot would be • relief to those who were prepared to
promise one way and to vote another; but I am sure
there are none in the borough of Lae-cheater who could
be guilty of such conduct as that. (Laughter.) I
am very sorry, gentlemen, that I should reffect in the
slightest degree on any who conscientiously support the
Ballot—and I ion sure there are many who do coliniell•
tiously suresirt it—but I have heard it said, I know not
with what degree of truth, that if votes in Parliament
were taken by way of Ballot, and the voters were not
pledged to record their opinion in favour of the &taut,
of courte all men in the House of Commons are men of
honour, (Oh, oh, and laughter), not more than fifty
would be found to support that measure. As a general
rule I have given my support to the present Govern-
ment, believing that they carried on the business in a
satisfactory manner, and have used every effort to pre-
serve to Eure,ie the blessing of peace. People may talk
about the Government being reactionary and Tory, but
I will ask—liao not their ad •stration been liberal
and just ? It has been said by an eminent statesman,
that • Conservative in disguise is • Whig in office.
I venture to submit that the course pursued by the
Government during the past year, seems as if Conner-
vatives were the most Liberal. (A Voice : " They
admitted the Jews.") Well they admitted the Jews.
(The Voice: "Yes, they did—to hold office," and laugh-
ter.) I can only say, if again chosen to represent you in
Parliament, I shall endeavour to pursue the same inde-
pendent course, which I have hitherto Adopted, (ap-
please), feeling convinced that no party calling them-
selves by what name they will, Can long Continue in this
country to hold the reill4 of office unless they are pre-
pared to bring forward just, liberal, and benificent Inca.
cures. (The hon. gentleman sat down maid considerable
cheering.)
The MAYOR then asked three times, pausing between
each question.—Does any other gentlenian wish to offer
himself as a candidate to represent this ancient borough
in Parliament ? . .

Some ainumement was here occasioned by a working-
man named lbslges endeavouring from the back seate to
address the &amenably.
The MAyou Are you going to offer yourself as, can-
didate? (Shouts of laughter.)
Mr. Ilinsia:s, after a little bantering, replied no.
Dr. ALDRIDGE remarked that he did not think it un-
usual that an elector ahould ask a queation of the mem-
bers prior to their election.
The MAIAnt: I have much pleasure in declaring
Richard Brinaley Sheridan, Esq., and Captain Charles
Napier Start duly elected to represent this borough in
Parliament. (Loud and protracted cheers.)
Mr. Is vte Honoss again presented himself, and 11&14
lie wished to make a few observations on the occasion of
this election, and looped the like good feeling would be
manifested towards him as ill 1 it". 7. He eulogised both
members very warmly and proceeded to urge the claims
of the working classes to additional political advantages.
Criticising the Government Reform Bill, he used, the
desire for Reform had been growing in the minds of the
people like an ivy plant unseen, but it would make itself
Apparent like • burning cracker from Mount Vesuvius.
(Laughter.) Since Reform had been introduced, there
had been Peelites, Russelitem,Gladstonites, Grahamites.
Derbyites, and Disrarlitte, but the time had come when
we must base Right-itea and have the right men in
the right ,tlanes. (Great Laughter.) As to the Govern-
ment,
If they cluttee to go amniler
They'll go off like • crack of thunder.

(Laughter.) Speaking of the want of education yet to
he found among poor agricultural labourene faunlira. he
hoped it would soon by remedied, for he said Her
Majesty liked to are her people assembled an at the
opening of the iwople.a park at Birmingham. where the
Qucen deemed to declare the words of Dr. Watts :

It'm all I kb to see or know,
It. like a little beaveti below.
(Applause.) The effect of education was however very
manifest, and much of the good was to be attrihuted to
the exertions of such men as the Earl of Slinfte+bury.
Lord Lieutenant of this county, Francis Bishop. the
brother of one of the Town Councillors of Dorchester,
and Lord John Russell. Mr. Dodges concluded by
offering the following advice :

In every sphere unite for good.
No matter Whig or Tory,
And let the foreign despot, use
That England's In her glory.
(Cheers.)
Dr. ALDRIDGIt said it was desirable as they bad heard
Mr. Sheridan's opinion about the coming struggle to
have also the opinion of Captain Start, whether he
thought, in case of war, it would be the duty of Govern.
intent to preserve a constitutional neutrality. (Applause.)
Captain STUNT, M.P., replied that he sincerelr hoped
it would be in the power of Govenunent to maintain •
strict neutrality, and quite agreed with his hon. col-
league that we should not go to war. (Applause.) The
greatest security be thought against it would be to
keep Lord Derby in power (laughter and cheers),
beesti.e it was not desirable to have in power a man 0,
unpopular in foreign court., as Lord Palmerston. Ile
(Csptain Stud) dui not wish to say anything agaimt
Lord Palinerston having always given him an inde-
Pendent support, but it would be extremely incense.
nient to have a :nen unpopular at foreign courts to
guide England through the storm.

Mr. FT VK, the representative of the Chroßich% bran
dishing a large printed bill which referred he said to
the disfranchisement of the western boroughs, and con•
tained a list of the borough. proposed to be disfran-
chised by Lord J. Russell and Mr. Bright, asked Mr.
Sheridan which of those Rills he would support?
. . . .

Mr. :SHERI') N : I first have to ask wbeiiier the hon.
gentleman is an elector (" Yes ; 1 am" from Mr. Fvfe).
have not his mime. I should also like to know before I
look at these rinted numbers, if they can be vouched
for as an autlwrity; or is this bill put forward as a squib
by that most able but most injudicious paper the Dorset
Calmly Chrweirtr! (Llughter.) . .

Mr. Fvrr., wb was hln4 a good deal, replied that the
bill MIA no squib but wait taken from public documents ;
it Caine nut from the Chromic* but (ruin Weymouth.
lkircliester was named in the Bill, and did Mr. Sheridan
mean to assist in disfranchising Dorchester I
An ELEcToR : Its a most plain question.
. . . . .

Mr. tiIiKKIDAN : Most un'ilo- tobte'dly it is • onost plain
question, and it is possible to anawer a plain quest' .
But to bring forward a paper and wave it about as if it
were • document of great inoment —and all he says of it
is, it has been brought from Weyntouth (A Voice:: We
want nothing to do with them ; they're a bad lot). and
asks one if I will confirm every word in that document.
(A Votes: "You mistake." Mr. Fyfe: "1 loamy clues-
tion"—A Vows : 'On. at a time" and confusion.)
Well, having put forward this mood mysterious anol
lengthened address from Weymouth, and having aakeil
whether I would vote for the disfranchisement of Dor-
chester—that is as clear ea it can hO-1 most iliatinctly
say for the advantage of the elector, as well as others.
that I will not vote for the distranchiectuent of a
loorough which has done one the honour of giving me a
seal; and as long as I have a Neat in Parliament my
vote shall be given against the diafranchieement of
the borough of Dorchester. (Loud and protracted
cheers.)

Mr. Frye : I thank Mr Sheridan for this pledge, and
now rite to " nail" him to it. (Great disapprobation
awl hissing.) Opposed as lam to exact pledges I think
it is right from his position in reference to political mat-
ters in this borough. (Continued hissing and disapprie
bat ion.)
Mr. Roe!Newt said as there were two Bills, one by
Lord J. fluisell, mentioning 26 boroughs, would Mr.
Sheridan equally pledge himself that if that is brought
forward he will keep to his present pledge!
An ELY.cyhe Don't you pledge yourself to them.
It'll be a bed job if you ho. (Laughter and confusion.)
Dr. .'.u.nuuuluu.e: Will you allow me to ask if there
was such a Bill Wore Parliament!
Mr. SHERIDAN, M. P. : Decidedly not. (Cheers.)
Dr. A LURIUGE : It inay have been 5 years years ago,
but not now. (Great cheering.)
Mr. Sit eel Da M. P., whoon ridng was loudly cheered.
sahl—Having obtained the Mayor's permission now to
adilreas the electors with reference to the announce-
ment that I have been made a member for this
borough, I have to return my most .incere imil grateful
thanks for the honour which you have conferred upon
tne for the third time ; and I beg leave to asaure you
—notwithstanding observations that have been made,
and the kind of insinuation that I would not adhere
to any pledge, and that they would "nail" me down
to some particular point, which I am most anxious
aga:n to repeat—that I will never vote for the disfran-
chinenient of Dorchester. (Loud cheers.) Having
detained you an long already I trust I may be
allowed to return my ifloat sincere thanks for the honour
you have done me for the third time. (Cheers.)
Captain STURT, M.P. briefly returned thanks also,
and said in answer to a ijnertion that had been sent to
him, that he thought it very right arid proper that the
Bible should be introduced to the schools of India.
(Applause.)
Mr. SHISRIDAK, M.P. then proposed a vote of thanks
to the Mayor for his conduct in the chair, and remarked,
that his Worship had shown such impartiality while
office. that lie hoped the Mayor would continue to be
Chief Magistrate for 50 years—especially as when out of
office Mr. Lock had certain prejudices against the hon.
member. (Cheers end laughter.)
Captain STCHT, M.P., in aeconding the motion hoped
the Mayor would not hold office for more than one year
(Laughter.)
The Msiiie, in responding said he only desired to
hold his present office for the year: and concluded by
propoeing three cheers for the Queen, which were
vociferously given, and the amenably broke up in a
peaceable manner and with much good humour.