The Express.
London, England, 1853-01-05 00:00:00

THE ELECTIONS.

WOLVERHAMPTON.
RETURN OF MR. VILLIERS.
Yesterday, the Eight Hon. the Judge Advocate
presented himself to his constituents for reelection. At 11
eel :rain the morning, the electors quietly walked down to
Bt. James's-square, where the hustings were erected, and
soon afterwards, kr. Villiers, accompanied by his col-
league, Mr. Thorneley, and most of the influential resi-
dents in the town, came down from the Swan Hotel in pro-
cession to the hustings, and without flags, or banners, or
bells ringing, Sr senile of any kind, the business of the
election went on in a thoroughly constitutional way.
Joan WYNN, Esq., the Mayor, read the precept, and
caused the usual forms to be gone through ; after which,
E. B. DIMMACK, Esq., an ironmaster and county magis-
trate, placed Mr. Villiers in nomination.
Mr. Alderman HZNICT WALKED. seconded the nomina-
tion.
No other candidate being proposed, the Mavor declared
the lion. Charles Pelham Villiers duly elected, amidst the
heartiest sheen.
Mr. VILLIBBII immediately stepped to the front of the
hustings and was received with the 'heartiest cheering. The
hon. and learned gentleman proceeded to address the as-
semblage. He said :—I assure you that it is with no ordi-
nary feelings of gratefulness and satisfaction that I stand
before you to acknowledge my sense of the act which has
just taken p!sce. It is not merely the pride I feel that fur
the sixth time you have returned me as your representa-
tive, and for the fourth time without opposition, but because
you have thus sanctioned, by the unanimous expres-
sion of your approbation, the course 1 have ven-
tured to take in becoming a member of the administra-
tion which has just been formed. I can say to you with
perfect truth that I did not accept office without the fullest
consideration of your opinion and interests, and feeling that
I was not actuated by any dishonest or unworthy motives,
or doing any thing inconsistent with my private conduct, or
the promotion of those principles which we have at heart.
I felt no anxiety in having to appear here before you. I did
not think that although I presented myself in anew character,
you would think I had lost all the character that I had be-
fore. (Hear.) If a member of parliament goes over to the
government and gives up all his old opinions for the sake
of office, it is one thing—if the government comes over
to the member, it is a very different thing ; for I must tell
you that I have found that independent members are
usually right and the government is usually wrong. (Hear,
hear.) Now, I can truly say that in taking office under the
circumstiunce, I have not abandoned my opinions to join
the government. I have forfeited none of the principles I
professed when you first sent me to parliament ; I have
maintained them, and I intend to abide by them. (Cheers.)
In my address to you I have endeavoured to explain the
motives by which I was actuated in accepting office, and, so
far as 1 could, to assist you in forming your own opinions on
the subject. (Hear.) I told you that on your great subject
the present first minister was what Lord Derby calls a man
of extreme opinions; he was for the total and immediate
repeal of the corn law; and that at the time he was a
member of Sir Robert Peel's government he was the
most sincere supporter of the commercial policy of
that great statesman. (Cheers.) He has not shrunk
from his principles since that time, but he has
said that the character of the law which repealed the
corn law was precisely that which I gave it in usy resolu-
tion, and was wise and beneficial. (Che.rs.) lots agree
in what the Earl of Aberdeen has said, that there can be
no sound conservatism that is not based on a liberal policy ;
that is a principle which I think will be acceptable in this
town. (Cheers.) You are generally here for principle,
not for party. Yon will agree with him that the country
is sick of mere party cries and party distinctions, and that
it now requires a government established on a broad basis,
having its efforts directed to the carrying of those principles
and those reforms which are consistent with the wants of
the age. (Cheers.) For my part I like that reading of
conservatism which makes it consist in a liberal policy ; and
the practical proof which be has afforded of it in shaking
hands with Lord John Russell, and seeking his assistance
to maintain firmly the great measures of liberty aiready
passed, and farther to extend the civil and religious liberties
of the people—(cheers)--such a government, I think,
should be encouraged. (Cheers.) Again, it looks well
that he should go to members representing large constitu-
encies, such as Middlesex, Southwark, Leeds, Nottingham,
andWol verbs= pton— (cheers)—and he asks them to join him
in his administration. (Hear, hear.) That is not like the

ease of a man abandoning his opinions for the sake of jott-
ing • government, but rather putting an independent
member in a position where he could not be justified in re-
fusing to join such an administration, and assist ia it to
accomplish what good it was possible for the people.
(Loud cheers.) Lord Aberdeen's administration thee,
I believe, is worthy of a fair trial ; for it
will be composed of men who wish well to li-
beral institutions, and promise to pursue a liberal
policy. Such a government may do great good, and, if
strong enough, save us from those repeated changes which
is at all times so hurtful, especially to the trade of the
country. I indeed go farther, and consider this combina-
tion of men under Lord Aberdeen as a great triumph to
the popular cause. It shows that those liberal principles
which we have so long professed were based on truth, end
that truth has prevailed. (Cheers.) I believe that
charges of opinion have taken place amongst tie
members of the conservative party from honest conviction;
that they have learnt to appreciate the character of the
people better than they did, and that they have become
convinced that the people have a due regard for the rights
of others, that they respect the rights of property as much
as their rulers. They now understand the principles on
which this country should be governed, and th4t it is never
so safe and peaceful as when the people are free to act, free
to think, and free to trade as they please -, and that the
country is
governed justly and liberally. (Cheers.) The day
was, when the advocates of free-trade were looked
upon as democrats—u persons who ought to be
avoided; since that time eminent statesmen have been
convinced of their error, and now that commerce is so-
littered and its blessed effrets felt, it is said that a greats!'
✓id a salutary change has been wrought in the condities
',the people and in their circumstances than by any mei.
osee that was ever paved (cheer)—and so convinced am
lof the truth of that, that I shall be grateful to the vex
lot hour of my life for having been permitted to take part
red to ambit in that wonderful change. (Cheers.) It has
seduced indirectly great results ; it has had the
sad of breaking up parties, and that is a good
fling • it hi, helped to get rid of oae admints-
lestim, in reference to which I will say nothing ;
ad it has brought together a set of men of talent,
who have formed an administration, presented to you, I
g I may say, as a Christmas-box. (Laughter.) A
cabinet
in which there are some of the most experienced
statesmen of our time—men who have been high in office
at one period or other throughout their lives—men who
have differed much before, at last have come to the conclu-
sion that they can act together, if they act on the
principle of free trade, religious equality, and liberal
policy generally, extending the rights and the privileges of
the people. (Cheers.) And this at a time when it is said to
be more difficult than ever to govern the country ; if that
is so, it affords all the greater matter for congratulation.
(Roaswed cheering.) For my part, I feel satisfied with
Lord Aberdeen for what he has said—that there can be no
sound principle of conservatism that does not consult the
interests of the people at large; and I am grateful to him
especially for the desire he has manifested to (pin over his
conservative friends to that view, and to aid him in carry-
ing on the government. (Cheers.) Now, we start
fairly with the new geverement. I can't tell you
what the measures of the government will be. I
do not expect them to work miracles—(laughter); I think

their predecessors Might them thiet befors—(renewed
laughter)—that was the rack which Mr. Disraeli split on.
(Hear.) There are limits, you know, to human power;
and his budget was on the other side those limits. He
wanted to please everybody, and he shared the fate which
commonly awaits a man so disposed. (Great laughter, and
sheers.) Mind, I am not going to say anything disrespect-
ful of the deputed ; I think they did great good by coming
in. (Laughter.) The air is clearer now in consequence; the
political atmosphere is more healthy, and a good many of
them made a tolerably clean breast of it whilst they
were in. (Much laughter.) I shouldn't have eared if they
had been in longer; I didn't want to turn them out.
(Continued laughter.) They went to the country—they
dissolved the House of Commons ; and I simply wanted
them to explain what in their idea the appeal to the coun-
try had resulted in. Now, it struck me, in bringing
about that explanation, that if the people were better off
than ever they were, there could be no harm in calling the
free-trade measure " wise and just ;" and that's all I did.
(Roars of laughter and cheers.) I was told that I hurt
their feelings, although theg could'nt help admitting the
fact. (Cheers.) You remember the debate in paella-
, ment on the subject; but I don't know whether
it was intelligible all this way off. (Laughter.) Now, I
will explain it if I can. It happens that the friends of the
; late government have a great objection t 3 the Manchester
i school of politicians, as they call them, so although they
I were going to admit the facts for which I was contending,
they refused to accept my words, as they would have done
ant other word+ of mine; bat tt all's well that ends well,"
and we did get a full recognition by the legislature that the
recent eetnntereial changes had been beneficial, and that
that policy was not to be changed. (Cheers.) Now, with
reference to the government, I am as glad as you will be to
find that there is to be no shrinking from the consideration
of any of those great questions which true liberal
politicians have always had at heart ; the subject
of parliamentary reform is to receive the fullest con+idera-
tiou ; there is an admission that our present system of re-
presentation requires to be remedied ; and I think you
will agree with me in this—that the people of this country
have never been in fay:Air of violent changes; they have
always been content with an admission of the evil, end that
the best remedy shall be applied by those who have the
power. (Cheers.) It it absurd to think that a small con-

stitueocy with a hundred or two electors shouldered
couple of members to parliament, and that a tow, ,
fifty-thousend inhabitants should send only the
I,l'
number—(hear)—and is it not of to the !A.,'"
sense of Englishmen, that the shameful system of es-"
Lion, intimidation, and bribery should still exist thitT
men of wealth and station should continue to he;
power to corrupt and to y those over whom tb,y bath'
influence, for the sake of a vote ? Such things uz no"
longer be permitted to continue. (Cheers.) With referee,.
to the ballot as a remedy, I can only say that I do as;
eider it a perfect system, but it is at least the best rt
that has been devised, and it is fur those who 05-1
,i At the
a nu,z;
ar.
and
,„."
seWntit ttoime,howa vobttt
to many men ; the tradesman has his landlord
aee eirs' ehe
his customers teasing him out of it, till his franchise
bra,
s
comes a source of misery rather than anything else, (R
hear.) Thee must he a remedy to this. Meat,
~
Now, in the interview I had with Lord Aberdeen I
psisii
this out to his lordship ; I told him, too, that I had
for the ballot before, and that I should do so again, eat
reply was " that he should always respect the hottest esn,
viction of any one who did him the honour to jsitt
'
anministration." (Much cheering.) With referent is
education, believing as 1 do that every man ought to o
able to read the laws which he has to obey, I believe s:0
that the government will do what is right in that directsse
though I object to much interference by the state on that seS:
ct. Law reform will be zealously persevered in ; and 1
ea aope that the new government will be the means of doitt
away with that paltry remnant of bigotry whizh excladn
your fellow-citizens—the Jews—from parliament; yot
them ; you make them high sheriffs, magistrates, art.
thing ; you allow them to walk to the doors of pardiersea:
but not to enter in. (Hear.) Tho principle of Sir Robe;
Peel, when he opened wide the doors of parliament Ott
Romaa catholics, will, I hope, be adopted by his Wore,
in the present cabinet ; and that without scruple that ae
shameful remnant of bigotry will by them be put away, it
the cause of free trade very much remains yet to /I
done ; in that direction, depend on it, the government yii,l
not falter. As regards our foreign policy, I believe eat
it will be the preservation of peace with every nation a
the world; but, whilst doing that, at lean it wia be of 43
small importance that all nations should sec the strength,(
the government at home, and that, in the event of as,
violation of British rights or British territory, no goitre.
went has better means or larger resources at command he
the maintenance of the national security and the =gee
honour. (Cheers.) I now repeat my thank, for the hones:
you have again conferred upon me. I trust that wh
will arise to shake the confidence of our political relation's
long amicably maintained. Every year only confirms es
in the faith of the opinions I entertained when I first pat.
rented myself before you ; and I trust that no place, as
emolument of any kind, would induce me to do anything's
forfeit your confidence and your regard. (Chars.) j
place myself in your hands, ready to explain myself at yoy,
call ; and now again I take my leave of you with every good fur your fortune and fur your happiness in this nee
year ; and I trust that when we meet again you will bin
no reason to regret the business of this day. (f he homey
learned gentleman retired amidst hearty and pretess44
cheering.)
Mr. TUORNELY, M.P., who was very warmly received,
moved a vote of thanks to the Mayor. Ile could not ( 4
said) refuse himself the pleasure of witnessing the process•
ings of the day, for certain he was, as of his own existeete,
that they would again return Mr. Villiers triumphant:T.
Eighteen years since they returned his hon. friend to repo,
sent them, and, in his opinion, they did the best thing It
was in their power to do so. He bore his testimony, the
very fullest, to the timely, and well.directed, art
able efforts of Mr. Villiers in the free•trade struggle;
he had carried his point, and achieved the mat
peaceful, the most splendid victory ever achieved by rue;
the result wee evidenced in the general prosperity, and sa
alliance between the ablest men in the kingdom forts
promotion of the calm, of pro,;reas and the good merle
meat of the people. They had cheap food in the place of
scarcity and high prices, and even varying prices. The
people were well to do—contented and happy. (Cheerio
r. VILLIII49 seconded the vote of thanks, paying t
warm tribute of respect to the Mayor, as (he said) his older
and most valued friend.

This terminated the proceedings in connexion with the
election.

HALIFAX.
RETURN OF Silt CHARLES WOOD.
HALIFAX, TUESDAY AFTE/IXOWL
The poll was opened at eight o'clock this morning,
and commenced with most desperate vigour on the out d
the tories. Prior to that hour the electors in the interest
of Mr. Edwards were breakfasted at different inns in du
town, alter which they were conveyed in coaches, Ws,
gigs, &c., to the various polling booths, all of which the,
took complete possession of, to the almost entire exclaim
of Sir Charles Wood's supporters. The consequences(
this stratagem was that Mr. Edwards for some hours vu
at the head of the pall by a large majority. At
nine o'clock he headed the President of the Board of Control
by at least 150 votes. After this the liberals began togas
upon their opponents, and gradually gained upon era
until they had destroyed their majority. At ten o'clock Ile
majority was reduced to 115; at half-past ten, to 72; at
eleven, to 12; and at twelve o'clock Sir Charles Wood ea
in a majority of 12. Bath parties worked with the mon
desperate energy, the liberals continuing to gain upon the
tories up to the time of our pared being despatched. At
the last election Sir Charles Wood headed the poll from the
commencement until the close. The change in the pceitioa
of the parties on this occasion is entirely owing to the tuna
resorted to by the tories,who have been most profuse in their
favours, and have resorted to every name within their
power to influence the electors to their side. At the hold
your correspondent writes (half-past two o'clock) it is be.
lieved that Mr. Edwards has quite exhausted his strength,
and his friends are beginning to blame him for st.sndisg s
contest. The register contains about 1,109 slec:ors, and it LI
expected that nearly 1,100 will poll. I give you below the
numbers polled for each candidate at different hours of the
day ; and shall forward the result by electric telegrap.
Time. Wood. Edwards.
9.20 o'clock
9.40 „
10 „ 165
11 „
12 „
1 „
2 „
At the last election the numbers polled were—For Sir
Charles Wood, .596 ; for Mr. Edwards, 521. Majority fa
the liberal candidate, 75.