The Express.
London, England, 1852-05-18 00:00:00

No. 2.

Ilinsbore—ugh, February 10, 1852.
My dear Uncle,—l beg to acknowledge the receipt of
your letter, in which you inform me that Castlereagh has
determined to resign the county at the next election, and
that you wish to know whether I am willing to take his
position with you in the county. From the handsome
manner in which you make that proposal to me, and from
the circumstance of our coalescing in our political views, as
to supporting Lord Derby and souud conservative end pro-
testant principles, I have no hesitation in saying sincerely
that I am very much under obligation to you, and that I
feel no difficulty in accepting your offer. As I have been
staying here, I thought it respectful and courteous to Lord
D. to mention your proposal and my intentions, and I am
glad to say I can rely upon his support.—Believe me, your
affectionate nephew, (Signed) 1). S. Kan.
No. 3.
Montalto, February 27 18.52.
My dear Stewart,—Some short time rises Lord London-
derry wrote to apprise me that Castlereagh would not stand
for the county at the next election, and that he wished to
know whether I would come forward upon his interest. As
this announcement was made at a time when most of the
gentry were anxious to put a stopper upon Sharman and
the League, and also to know what would tales place, and
what principles would be represented by the candidates at
the next election, I accepted the offer, upon an understand-
ing that my principles entirely coalesced with Lord London-
derry's, EMI that Castleresgh`s were opposed to his and
mine, and the majority of the landlords of the county. As
Castlereagh's resignation is now publicly announced, and as
I have received assurances of support from the most influ-
ential landlords of the county, I trust I may rely upon
yours, advocating, as I do, protestant and conservative
principles, with a strong conviction that Lord Derby is the
man whom, in the present crisis of the country, the land-
lord interest ought to stick to.—Believe me, your affection-
ate cousin, D. S. Kes.
Alexr. R. Stewart, Esq.
No. 4. _ _

_
Torquay, Feb. 27.
My dear David,—My father, who is still very unfit
for business, is obliged to make use of me to state that ho
has this morning received a copy of a letter which you have
addressed to Alick Stewart, relative to the county election,
together with Stewart's answer. 13y the former, it would
seem that you do not entirely understand the communica-
tions which have passed between my father and yourself,
as your expressions to Alick Stewart seem vague. lie
feels it, therefore, necessary, explicitly and distinctly, to
understand from you whether you accept the offer he made,
bona fide, as comics in for the county of Down as his
member, and by his money ; or whether you decline this,
which was the distinct proposition he made to you. The
definition of his member is well understood, where not
alone interest but money is given. Of course, if you
have changed your mind, and have now other views,
my father stands quite clear as to the course he shall pursue
at the next general election. My father hopes you will
kindly give him an explicit, candid, sod immediate answer.
—I remain, dear David, yours truly, ERNEST Vance.
No. 6.

icwnPatrick, March 3rd, 1852.
MY DWI UNCLII,
(PRIYATZ •77A1813.)
• • • • • • •
Nothing, however, has occurred which appeared to me
to require your immediate consideration • nor do I ac-
knowledge, or think that any misunderstanding exists, as
to my position in starting for the county. As, however,
some doubts may exist as to the terms upon which I ac-
cepted your offer of supporting me for the county, I shall
1 explain what I conceive to be my position. I perfectly
understand that I run to be your member, i. rr., in consider-
ation of the terms of your proposal. lam to represent
your political views ' but I understand, at the same time,
that we agree in polities, and particularly in two points,
which now alone are visible in the horizon. lst—We
agree that the Tenant League attack upon landlords
should be opposed; and that, while it would be desirable
to give encouragement to farm improvements, it would be
dangerous to interfere in the management of property,
and create litigation between landlord and tenant. This
view is the principal ground upon which it is necessary to
take steps to secure a due representation at the next elec-
tion. 2nd—We agree as to recognising Lord Derby as the
statesman whe is most able and willing to defend the con-1
stitutional rights of this country. As Lord Derby's views.
upon every question, are not yet fully declared, it does not
appear necessary for his followers (of which or of whom I
am one) to declare theirs upon every question, but rather
to wait for his decision, and to be prepared to support what
we believe to be an honest and upright government and
party. Upon this understanding, " that we perfectly agree
in our political views and inclinations," I accepted your
proposal as it was made, and decided to come forward at
the election. I have reason to think that most of the pro-
prietors hold the same opinions, and, therefore, that they
are glad that lam going to start: upon these opinions, but
no lees eo, that I am recommended by you, and that your
interest will set in unison with the general landed interest.
It Is very well known the terms upon which I come for-
ward. It has been made known to all persons, who are anxi-
One he ambesin the influence of your family and property
in the meaty ; but it did not appear to me necessary or
advisable to make our arrangements known to each
indivi-
dual, sad publicly ; because, u regards our opponents, and
The Meadow Whig, it would confirm their insinuation
" that the county was to be handed over to a political
' arab,' " and because there are many landlords, and I be-
lieve tenants, who would be much offended by assuming
that they could be influenced by anything except their own
easseisase sad opinions ; particularly, as it so happens that
than isfebeilzet property and influence are united in
Derby, and opposing Sharman Crawford.
g(=fegli est. We nree in these same objects.) As-
modem Sin, that no difference of opinion would arise be-
tween us, I considered that I was at liberty to canvass the
county without further authority or delay, and that it
would be dangerous to allow the tenant right canvass to
steal a march upon the influence of the landlords. I there-
fore trust, that as I have been so far fortunate in obtain-
ing very general support, and as I believe that the ar-
rangement is agreeable to the county—l trust that the
course I have pursued will meet with your approval, and
that nothing has occurred Xi interrupt the understanding
between us. I have not time to explain myself at greater
length.—Believe me to be your affectionate nephew,
_ _ D. S. Katt.

Note.—Lord B.Vane's letter was forwarded to me at
Ceatleward, on the evening of the 2nd of March. I there-
fore answered it the next day, which left me no time to
condense the above long letter in reply, or to take a correct
copy of it.
No. 6.

Holdernesse-house, March 6, l 8 2.
Dear Her,—l have received your long letter of the 3rd.
I regret to say that it has given me much disappointment
under deep aMiction, and is by no means satisfactory.
The letters already pained between us will show my under-
standing without any qualifications. You say now—" I
perfectly understand I am to be your member (5), that is
"to say, under consideration of the terms I propose." We
agreeing on general conservative principles—but further
than that, there were no points whatever propounded in
my offer, and I must decline them all now stated. Your
first acceptance was absolute—unconditional—as if you
were heir to my estate and political influences. I hardly
think you would wish to blind me • but as everything so
rapidly changes in these days, I must not be a dupe to
my own affectionate credulity. It is not too late yet. I
may be defeated; but my political position and name de-
mand I should uphold the family seat in the best manner
in my power. Of course by your letter I am now free ; and
neither in expenses nor support can you look to me, our
impressions as a bona ;$4 understanding on the known
principles of the patron and nominee are so wide asunder. ,
What must be the result in our conviction at such a state of
complicated points and considerations as you bring in
You would be in the seat with my money, and my means,
in a very great degree • and my friends and others would
laughat me tot your boasted and acting indepeudenoe. 1

shall write immediately to Mr. J. Stewart mud Mr. Andrews
Ito take the best possible measures fur our family interest
If they understand, on further communication, that you no
longer acquiesce in the letter and spirit of 10th of t eb., of
course I shall icy the correspondence before Lord 1). and
my friends in the county, and upon advice or otherwise
start my own candidate, however late in the field.
Yours, (Signed) VANE LONDONDERRY.
• Nora.—This is a misquotation. Mr. Ker never made
any proposals whatever. It is sought here to be conveyed,
that he proposed new conditiorui to Lord LOlltibllletry, hut
no such feet can be gathered from a perusal of letter No. 5,
which is merely explanatory throughout.

No. 7.

DoWnpatrick, March 10, 18.52.
Mr Dean UNCLZ,--It appears from your lout letter
that my explanation bag not been Fatisfactury to you, and
that you are prepared to give your support to another
party. 1 therefore beg to inform you that 1 corm,ler tho
engagement or understanding between ua at all MI
Yours very truly, D. S. SELL.
No. 8.

March 16, 118.52.
My Dear Sir,—Upon receiving your letter 1 came off
here to.ascertain whether Ward was willing to stand for
the county. As he is gone to Dublin I tliiiik A right to let
you know my determination without delay. If Ward
chooses to stand I will support him ; but if not, I will not
retire in favour of J. V. Stewart—neither a resident nor a
proprietor, but a "nominee." Observe, that the meeting
an Duwnpatrick had been published in The Banner—that
there was a strong feeling against a nominee—that it was
said that Lord L.'s nominee wee more a nominee than is
generally understood by that ti rm—that he had no chance
of succeediug—that I was first in the field—that I was
then free—that I should halo admitted every accusation
alleged—and that I could nut, with any regard to my posi-
tion and character, an.• the respect 1 hive to the county,
retire in favour of Mr. Stewart.—Yours truly,
To J. W. Maim:li, Esq., London. D. S. Kith.
No. 9,

Montalto, April 16, 1842.
Dear Lord Londonderry,-1 beg to im knowledge the
receipt nt your letter stating that it is your Intention to
publish in the papers the whole correspondence. I can
only assure you that I am anxious that the whole truth
should be known, and that the course you propose lignite
satisfactory to me. 1 have written to A. Stewart to send
me a copy of my letter, canv.i.eing him, referred to by Lord
E. Vane : it was not produced at the Belfast meeting, and
I expect it will be produced in the whole correspondence, as
in immediate connexion with your first demand of an ex-
planation of my proceedings, and of my understanding of
your original offer, which 1 had fully accepted in the first
Inst►nce.—fours truly, IL S. Kelt.
OsseurATioNs.—Lotter No. 1 offers to Mr. Ker Lord
" Castlereagh.' position," which Mr. Ker accepted, as ono
not derogatory to himself and his independent support. rs,
inasmuch as Lord Castlereagh has always been looked upon
as an independent member, and in 110 sense as a nominee.
tter No. 2 shows what it was that Mr. Ker accepted—
namely, Lord "Castlereagh's position ;" and the reason of
his acceptance.
Mr. Ker never considered that, in accepting Lord Lon-
donderry's support, ho placed himself and. Lord London-
derry in the relative positions of " patron and nominee;"
and not having accepted any dependent position, he, at
once, on finding the interpretation put by Lard London-
derry upon their political connexion, closed the corr. spond-
cute, and returned the books and documents which he Lad
received from Lord Londonderry's ngent.
From the 10th to the 22nd March, Mr. Ker remained
perfectly quiescent, in order to give an opportunity to any
other gentleman to come forward; and tlio gentleman ap-
plied to (and to whom Mr. Ker offered his warm support)
having atter a week's deliberation declined to do so, ha
then issued his address.

Now, what is the correct definition of the term " nomi-
nation i" because upon this hinges the whole difference
between Lord Londonderry and Mr. Ker.
This term, " nomination," according to Dr. Johnson,
admits of a double signification—
lat The act of mentioning by name."
2nd—" The power of appointing."
In the first sense undoubtedly Lord Londonderry sad
" nominate" Mr. Ker, and in this sense, and this only, Mr.
Ker accepted Lord Londonderry's offer of support.
It is evident that Mr. Ker could not have accepted Lord
Londonderry's offer in the second sense—tor this reason,
that the " power of appointing " a member rests with the
elective voice generally, and not with Lord Londonderry, or
any single person.
Daring learned that selected portions of this correspon-
dence have been printed and privately circulated, kith
comments upon his conduct,—notwithstandiog that he had
informed Lord Londonderry that the publication of the• cor-
respondence was quite satisfactory to hies,—Mr. Ker is con-
strained to print, and send to his friends, a full copy of the
correspondence, and, at the same time, expresses his regret
that such a step is rendered unavoidable by the course taken
by Lord Londonderry.
May 10, 1852.