The Express.
London, England, 1853-09-12 00:00:00

BARNSTAPLE BRIBERY COMMISSION.

WHOLESALE PERJURY BY WITNESSES.
BARNSTAPLE, FRIDAY NIORT.

The commissioners proceeded with the inquiry
this morning. The first witness examined was the late
member,
Mr. It. Bremridge, solicitor, who said—l was first elected
for Barnstaple in 1847, when my majority was between 60
and 70. At that election no money was spent for illegal
purposes by me, but I cannot say what was done by others.
When the dissolution was contemplated in 1862 I had de-
termined not to offer myself again; in fact, I would not
have stood In 1847 but for the wishes of the party.
In the mouth of January, 1862, when In Lon-
don, I received a note from Sir W. Fraser rectum-
ting an interview with me, and he accordingly called
upon me at my club—the Parthenon. Bir William
requested to know my views with respect to the representa-
tion of Barnstaple, and I told him I thought of retiring
upon account of my business. He then said he had pur-
chased some property In the neighbourhood, the possession
of which, I said, would no doubt give him a locus standi in
the borough. Bills advertising the sale of the property
were published, referring inquirers for particulars to our
firm, among others, but we were not agent' for the sale 1n
any way. To this hoar I don't know what sum was asked,
nor what the purchase money tactually was. Sir W. Fraser
asked me what would be the probable expenses if he be-
same candidate ? I answered that it was impossible to say,
as it mast depend upon the nature of the contest. If the
contest were sum—meaning if improper practises were

resorted to—it would cost 1,60 W., but would not probably
exceed that sum. Of course the expenditure of 1,6001. most
be known to necessitate improper practices. lam not aware
that any smaller sum than 1,60 W. was mentioned. I don't
think tHrW.Fraser expressed any surprise when I mentioned
the large sum of 1,6001. I think he only wished to guard
himself against an unlimited expenditure. I never seellett
to Sir Willem that the 1,60 W. could only be spent If Mewl
practices were resorted to, but, unequivocally, it wee my
own impression. I contemplated ao illegal expenditure or
bribery at the time, but being asked suddenly, by a gen-
tleman, the extreme sum which he would be tolled on to
spend, I mentioned 1,6001., knowing that sum could only be
spent illegally, but not contemplating bribery at the time.
I believe the subject of improper practices
the mind of air W. Framer at the time. I don't think the
interview lasted more than a quarter of an hour, and we
parted without any decision as to his coming forward. He
wished to know, in the event of my retiring, if I could not
waist him, and I told him not without first consulting the
electors. I never brought forward a candidate in my life.

The Chief Commissioner here intimated that there were
reasons why the examination of Mr. Bremridge should be
suspended for a few minutes, and requested him to lean
the witness box.

Mr. J. Oaydon, silversmith, then alsPenreff In the witness
box, and expressed a wish to correct his evidence of the pre-
ceding day. He admitted having assented to the entry of
his name " for anything which might be passing after the
election" by his relative, G. T. Gaydon, although he per-
sistently denied it on Thursday. He still, however, adhered
to bit statement, that his brother Henry had received the
whole sum of 141. paid to witness by G. T. Gaydon for his
own and his brother's vote ; but after a prolonged and pain-
ful scene of equivocation, and intimation, of an indictment
for perjury from the Chief Commissioner, heAdmitted that
he had 61. for himself, "like the rest."
Tke Chief Commissioner told the witness, at the close of
his examination, that although be might possibly escape an
indictment for perjury, no certificate of indemnification
could be granted to him.
The examination of Mr. Bremridge was then teamed, as
follows :—I next saw Sir W. Fraser in Barnstaple, after it
was known that Lord Bbrington was coming forward in
consequence of the retirement of his brother. I had pre-
viously received a communication from the conservative
party in Barnstaple (who did not like the borough being
handed about from one of Lord Fortnum', sons to another)
requesting to know my views with regard to bringing for-
ward a second conservative candidate, and they sent me
the same time an estimate of the result to be expected in
' such a case, as follows--Brenuidge, 431; second conse.rea.
tire candidate, 441; Lord Ebrington, 347. I then informed
them that Sir W. Fraser was desirous of coming
forward, and after consulting with some friends
in London, I also determined upon again offer-
ing myself, came down to Barnstaple
an address accordingly. At the same time j wrote
form Sir William Fraser of what I had ilsoe, ring tool,
place in February, and shortly aftenro:rds a reqnisition was
forwarded to Sir W. Fraser, who emu at once to Barn-
tr :to of the a it
town hPerP ec
mayorlre. requisition to Steal. Fraser,
staple, and met me there. The
they sent off the mayor s'lid returning
threw so much consternatic,n into the radical camp that
officer to London, to
bring Lord Ebringtor Barnstaple—a proceeding
rkwTwithehreerrodewseptevaaotedtntoolikil
partisans, which I
bt the conduct
thoughtcohn
end
nuv
dee
engeletPoLPeitselorloifkn;

an active part otherwise, which I thought deserving of con-
siderable reprehension. I saw Sir W. Fraser again in
April, at the Carlton Club, when be ti.ad " It must be
thoroughly understood that my expenses must in no care
ea:,•ed 1,5001." I never spoke to him on the subject of cor-
rupt ',metiers in my life.
Atwr sees.:, further statements from Mr. Bremridge,
Mrs. Drake JePcsed that two or three days after the
election she had "hind delivered" to her by Mr.
Woolaeott, her husband having voted far Bremridge and
Fraser.

George Ili-cokes, freeman, haci 10s. • day offered to make
himself active in canvassing for
rd Ebrington, but de-
dined. Voted ha Bremridee and Fra-vri and afterwards
had 61. given to him by Mr. Clements.
John Davis, householder, voted for Lord Etaingtn in
oonsequence of an offer of SI. from Mr. Channon ; but never
got the money, nor asked for it. On the polling day, told
Mr. F. Oaydon of this offer, who offered to pay 71. 15s. for
half • bullock, which witness (by trtle a hu'cher) had just
bought, it he would vote for Bremridge and Fraser.
John Gaydon, freeman, relieving officer, was • butt:her
at the time of the election. Was not on George Tits Gay-
don's list of " Gaydons," but voted fur Dremridge and
Fraser. Offered the last witness to pay (or half a bullock
(71. 165.), which they had bought between them, if he
would vote on that side. Witness got 71. 10s. for his vote.
Did not consider it was for his vote at all, as he worked
quite as hard as acme who gut 201., and had to stand brandy
and water with some of the voters to "get them sweet.'
Had 301. from Mr. Featherstone on the nomination and
polling day, and 6'. the Sunday after.
Mr. J. Channon, roc •lled, stated that this offer of 51. to
the Teter Davis was only • joke, and must have been so
regarded by Davis himself, as they had met weekly ever
since, and the sublet, had never been mentioned between
them. Believed Davis to be too respectable a man to take
a bribe.

George Kendall, freeman, voted for Bremridge and Fra-
ser, fur whom he had a canvassing book. Had 6f. after the
election from Mr. J. Marsh, but considered it was for his
services. Had to look atter the twelve Apoledere voters,
and told them on the election day they should be satisfied
after they had voted. lied nothing to do with paying
them, but got 61. afterwards for himself.
humerous witnesses were examined, with a view to
proving treating upon the part of Lord Ebrington, after
which the conimissienen adjourned.
[The painful impression created this morning by the exa-
mination of Mr. J. Gaytlon, silvenmith, became considera-
bly heightened immediately afterwards by the general pre-
valence of a rumour that another of the " Gaydons," named
Thomas, a freemen, nearly 80 years of age, by trade a
mason, had just cut his throat through fear of being sum-
' moiled before the commissioners, his name having been
given in on the list of his relative, Mr. George Tite Gay-
don,
as having been laid 61. fur his vote on behalf of Breen-
ridge and Fraser—he having sworn positively before the
committee of the House of Commoas that he had received
no money in consideration of his vote. Inquiry verified the
feat; but it appeared that the poor man was discovered in
time to avert an immediately fatal result to his rash action,
and it is thought that he will ultimately recover.]
SATURDAY NIGIIT.
The principal evidence given to-day was se follows :
Henry Graydon freeman, living in London, came down to
vote at the last election, having previously understood from
his brother that he would get his expenses. Felt so pek-
fectly satisfied of this that he voted without making any in-
quiry on the subject. Had received 161. for coming down.
Yesterday received a letter from his brother John giving
him an aocaunt of what pasted in the court on Thursday.
The letter was destroyed. It told him to uyhe had received
141. from his brother, which witness positively had done, but
not all at one time. His brcther told him to come and say
that he had received eleven 'gns in a paroel, having
received three from his brother before that. Since the com-
mission opened, his brother had sent him another 61. The
money was nut last week before his brother knew he would
be examined. His brother wrote to witness to say it would
be awkward for him to be known to have received money
for his vote, and to ask witness whether he would take the
61. as if the whole of ,tbe money had been given for him at
first. Witness agreed to do so. There was no understand-
ing that witness was to repay the money and he did not
intend to do so. Witness had previously received 101., 41.
for his expenses, and 61. for his vote.
Mr. Ed. Bouchier Seville, solicitor, in partnership with
Mr. Bremridge, acted as agent for that gentleman during
the elections of 1847 and 1852, but was not a voter. Called
meetings at two public-houses in February, 1832, to get
the requisition signed, and opened those houses for
the Conservative party. At the King's Arm., the voters
who attended were all tradesmen, and at the Angel what
were called 't outsiders," and of a drunken character. The
outsiders had no politico' but always held back till a late
hour before they voted, and the Ang,l was the house which
they g e lly used. Betore Mr. Bremridge and Sir W.
Fraser came down for the purposes of the election,
about 1201. or 1401. had been expended for drink.
Witness had no authority, but had no doubt that
whet he did would be ratified by Mr. Bremridge.
Almost all the publio.houses in the town were so opened,
for when either electors or publicans came and bothered
witness to stand treat he gave them money to get rid of
them. The second day after Mr. Bremridge came down,
witness told him what he had done, and Mr. Bremridge
was excessively annoyed, and begged him to stop it at once,
and gem notice that they would be answerable for nothing
further. Believed the Golden Fleece, one of Lord Ebruig-
ton's house', was open every night at that time. Knew a
good many people assembled there, but not who paid for
what was drunk. Mr. Bremridge placed 6001. at his dis-
posal, without directing as to how he was to spend it, and
witness could not say what was the object of Mr. Bremridge
in giving him so large a sum. Witness paid the expense*
of the public entries, &c., and gave money to every man
who applied for it with anything like a reason. Oa
the night of the nomination witness nude out a result
of the pelt as he anticipated it, and showed it to Mr.
Bremridge. It gave for Mr. Bremridge 397 —Mr.
Brearidge polling 395, Sir W. Fraser 406 (the number
which he actually polled), and Lord Ebrisgton 336, his
lordship polling 332. Late that night Mr. Potter and Mr.
Marsh came to see Mr. Bremridge, and witness fetched him
to them. Did not hear what passed, for he was tired, and
went to sleep, but believed they wanted Mr. Bremridge to
give them the cue as to the tactics of the following day ;
whether, in fact, there was to be any bribery. Witness
woke up as they left the room, and went nut with them,
when they said Mr. Bremridge would spend no mons'', and
they thought the election would be lost. Witness after-
wards walked home with Mr. Bremridge, who said, after
some conversation "If you find money is being spent, I
should not mind lighting them with their own weapons at
en expenditure of 1,0001. for one seat, and 1,6001. for two."
Nothing was said about who was to have the one seat, nor
about where the teary was to come from.
The ChiefCommissioner—Well, but you must have had
one eau, as there was only one candidate on the other side;
what, then, could be your object in spending 1,0001. for
what must be yours?
Witaess—l suppose it was thought thetas the other side
would be spending money (for we were only to spend in
Vast event) we must spend too, or we should law our cha-
! renter is the borough.
The Chief Comrausioner—Yes, but you would lose the

seat, you know.
Witness—Yes, I lose caste.
The Chief Commissioner—l suppose you wanted to re-
cover the character which you had lost at the previous
election. (Laughter.)
Witness—Yes, I en so.
Examinationres After the conversation with Mr.
Hiewuridge witness went to Mr. Marsh's rooms, and found
a good many of their supporters there. Told them to get
tisk sappers and go to bed. Did not tell them that any
maim was to be spent next day, as it might have been
eMeillteet. Went again to Mush's about half-past 10 next
wassia& being wont for. Saw Mr. Petter, Mr. Marsh, sad
Mr. T vele told him that a man upon whom they had
depsidel plumped for Lord Ebrington, and they drew
the kahrenee that bribery bad then commenced on the op.
who db. Witness said, " If that was the case, and the
elhee piny believed they had no money, he'd let them see
NU lbw - had some." Told them not to pay any more
time 431:4 went away to get some money. Went to his
MTN be had 4201. in sovereigns left out of the 8001.
r. te Wm by Mr. Bremridge. It was not unusual to
ate 400 sovereigns in their office. Put about 200 sove-
reigns in his pocket, and carried them to Mr. Petter. Did
not count the sovereigns as they were in packets, but only
opened them to show that they were gold. Mr. Young
said something about 64. or GI. a vote, but witness did not
intend any money to be given that day, but only to show
that it might be known they had money. An hour after-
wards got a maw from a man named Greenslade that he
wanted some money particularly. I sent him 201. After
the poll was over Mr. Petter toil witness that he bad not a
penny left out of the 2001. Witness was also told by
two or three voters that " Tom So-and-so " had
been ;raid, and they thought it very hard that
they had not. The next day witness no sooner
his foot In the street than he was attacked
ram
voten at every lard, who said that " Dick, Tom, and
had been paid, and that they would be paid likewise
Sr they would split upon Dick, Tom, and Harry." Witness
lbw made up kis mind that a sum of money sufficient
=ll expenses should be put into the hands of Me, •':'
Marsh, and Young, and at once went to the • .._,_•n•
Mid dr.ew 1,1001., which he gave to Mr. Young. T' . "
lay Mr. Young told him it was not sufficient, awl "wopn_ext
give him 2001. more. On the following Mond 4: witness
bard that several hungry men were still any ,taked, ""...,
anatiolttaehab°.
that gentleman,
eMinthtleentan.nmetolre.dzi/dtwhraso.ußgwhrenivteerrydidgme
angry,avirthain gtphai!dd'B:bfinine
.011:::
mone. Altogether witness received from Mr. ' A.S. ,the
2,187'., in addition to which Mr. Bremrido^ .Ihrernriag•.
those at •;ae polling booth, a printer's big' . himso*, paid
Ma. Ss:ilter expenses. Witness did ... Ole:tout 361., and
Adltigaet' 5 electione
omw.ey was spent for illegal purr,- net believe that any
expenditure iwtu u re
owing war then
to
18,17. Believed Mr. Brent,' . Ales by Mr. I3remridge in
about 2801. The purity
pledges given by the of
should be no filer.; .mndidates on both sides, that there
marathne,ranec't tU.-
election no prom expenditure. Believed that at the last
..e of money was given by any authorised
... the 1,8001. had been spent in " hush money"
t. ~an bribery.
".enry Weedon, householder end eating-house keeper,
' stated that about twelve Appledore voters were sent to his
house on the nomination and polling day, and that for
their entertainment he afterwards received 101. from the
committee of Brenaridge and Fraser. He also had applica-
tion for expenses from three voters named Smith, who re-
fused to vote without being first paid. Witness went to
Mr. Patter, at Mr. Marsh's, about it, who gave him 151.,
telling him the expenses of the Smiths would be 51. each.
Whilemention
n ti oa he u w
this witness a
essbe u
in, but seeing him there went away without coming in
whene war
re persononwthditheMr. .
m m Pettey,hite
nem saw Mr. Bremridge go into the rosin. Witness did not

mono for fear he should connect Mr. Bremridge persmally
with the treating.
Mr. Bremridge begged to assert most distinctly that this
statement was entirely false.
Mr. Weedon repeated it was his imp ',in that the
person who looked into the room was Mr. Bremridge ; and
he was certain that lie saw Mr. Bretnridge waiting in the
landing when ho left the room, although he might have
entered the room elterwards.
Mr Bremridge, however, adhered to his denial.
Adjourned till Monday (this day).

- -
WAGES MOVEMENT IN VIE MANUFACTURING
DISTRICTS.

In the cotton districts the operatives continue rest-
lett, and there is every probability in the pretest position of
the trade, • hen orders for the first time are less pres,ing
and growing slack, that the masters will he 'gain induced
to resist their demands. The attempts of the masters to
form counter-unions are becoming more successful. though
titer the course taken during the Stockport strike, es hen
mmiters in other districts enticed hundreds of hands away
by offering higher wages, there is naturally a good
deal of jealousy. In and around Preston more than
two thousand looms are at a stand. At Manchester
about 6,000 of the looms and 2,000 of the hands engaged in
the manufacture of " domestics," are standing, on account
of a strike having occurred. One firm has agreed with its
hands upon terms which will be equival. of to 10 per cent.
advance, and two firms have compromised for 6 per cent.
Os Thursday the hands of Mr. Wan. Morris, both in Man-
chester and Salford, struck, and are still out. Mr. Morris
offered to pay them on the Stockport list of prices, but
they refuted and preferred wasting both time and money
in attempts to drive hint to their terms. Mr. Morris
spins the yarns of which hie cloths are manufactured, and
the throstle-spinner-, who have received one advance, de-
mand a second of about 5 per cent. The mule spinners
continue at work at the advance previously obtained. We
have spoken of the unreasonable character of the demand
thus made, which is for 10 net seat., and without any re-
ference to the gains of the master; and, looking at it from
another point of view, it listen to be quite as muck un-
called .for, when the remunerative character of the domestic
Manchester weavers is considered. At the old wages, the
chairman of the turn-out weavers and his wife, employed
by Mr. Morris, have avernged fur the last three weeks
345. 4d. net wages; and another man awl ilia wife, who
were anxious to stop at work (and who might have been
continued at their looms, had not Mr. Morris thought it
prudent not to keep them while the dispute lasted), have
averaged 38s. 3d. per week for the last four weeks. Other
workpeople have been paid is proportion, an-1 yet they
strike when they know that their employers are not clearing
money, and indignantly refuse the prices which are paid in
a town similarly situated to Manchester.
The power-loom weaver 1 of Ashton-under-Lyne having
requested an advance of 10 per cent., their employers have
returned the following answer :—'• In answer to the address
of the weavers of Ashton-under-Lyne and Dukintield, their
employers have to reply :—let. That the weavers are quite
wrong as to their main fact. Manufacturing is not in a
prosperous condition, it bring very doubtful whether, at
the prevent moment, almost any kind of cloth can be made
out of yarn bought at the market price, so as to leave any-
thing but a bare profit; and whether, in many kinds, the
manufacturer has not great difficulty even to save himself.
2nd. The employers beg to remind the weavers that when,
in the year ISIS, reductions of wages very generally took
place in other neighbourhoods, no reductions were made or
attempted in this. But the master manufacturers of Ashton-
under-Lyne and Dukinfield emphatically disclaim any wish
to pay their weavers lower rates than are paid
in other districts, meeting them with the same
kinds of cloth in the lame market ; and if their
weavers can show that this is really the case, they
are prepared to meet it at once by proper concessions. They
have, however, reason to believe, that, even after the re-
cent advances, this is still a well paid neighbourhood ; and
the weavers ought to have the good sense to perceive and
feel, that it cannot be for their own best interests ultimately
that a permanent disadvantage in the price of labour should
be esta'alished against this district as compared with others,
that a check and discouragement to the extension if manu-
facturing industry should be given here, whilst a stimulus
is presented to it in other places."
At Fairfield the strippers and grinders in the employ of
Messrs. Christie, have struck work for an advance of
wages. They had an advance of 81 per cent. about a fort-
night ago, and now want what will make the total 191 per
cent. 'the rest of the cord room hoods have turned out in
order to compel the firm to give the demand,—not asking
any advance themselves. The recently farmed association
have taken the matter up, and a meeting has been called
for next Tuesday to consider the question.
At Wigan the notices of a number of factory hands for
an advance of wages having expired on Wednesday, with-
out any satisfactory result from their employers, the
mustered in great strength on Wednesday evening, and
about eight o'clock proceeded in procession to Medley, at-
companied by a band of mnsie. As they rolled on they
gathered strength, and such a crowd of human beings has
not, it is said, crossed Amberswood-common since the plug
drawing affair. They returned about ten o'clock, all
peaceable and in good order. Messrs. Taylor's female
reelect are to lead the movement by asking for an advance
of one penny per score knots. and the other hands at
the same wills are to come out in succession. Of course
the stoppage of the card-room will bring all oat.
Since the violence noticed in these columns on the bands
of Messrs. Whyatt and Sons, dyers, by turnouts, an attempt
has been made to burn down their premises, and the firm
have offered a reward of 601. for the discovery of the
offender.

TRH SHOEMAKERS' STRIKE IN DEVORPORT.—On Wed-
nesday, the day following the meeting of the journeymen
shoemakers, noticed in the Daily News of Thursday, the
masters in the trade met, agreeably to the amendment
adopted at the meeting of the men, and after four hours'
deliberation, in the course of which they went through the
various descriptions of work, agreed to advance the rate
paid on every article, the increase amounting on the average
of the whole of the several sorts of work to 121 per cent.
This decision was submitted to the men at the adjourned
meeting in the evening. It was discussed for several hours,
there being some difference of opinion as to whether it
should be accepted or not. Eventually, however, a reso-
lution of "no surrender" was adopted, and we believe
at nearly one o'clock in the morning Isle. Baxley, the chair-
man of the masters' meeting, received a message from the
men, stating that they had rejected the proposal. On Tues.
day evening the masters again met at Sheall's Crown
Hotel, a placard having been issued during the day, invit-
ing all the wholesale dealers to be present. There was a
large attendance. The entire scale of prices was again re.
viewed, and after some slight alterations in favour of the
men, the masters came to a unanimous decision to abide by
the rate of payments submitted to the men on the previous
evening. Several new hands, strangers to the locality,
have been engaged by the wholesale masters, and will
take on on Monday. Mr. Heed has been in the habit
of paying 701. as wages on Saturday nights. Last
week he paid but 101., and this week we believe
his wages will amount to much less than that. We
have seen a letter sent to one of the wholesale shoe-
makers in this town cancelling an order previously given
for 30 dozen of women's summer beots. The strike of the
men prevented the order being executed in time, and as
the season is advancing the goods, if now forwarded, would
probably remain in the hands of the customer, who is a
London tradesman, until next year. Somewhat about 151.
would have been paid in labour in the making of these
boots, and the money ere this would have been circulated is
the locality amongst the trading community. Without de-
siring to express any opinion as to the demands of the men,
who, we suppose, are the best judges of the value of their
labour, we may say that it would be greatly to the benefit
of all parties and to the trading interests of the
fowls, if an amicable arrangement could be entered into.
The masters, we believe, have offered to meet the demand
half-way, which offer the men have refused, and stand out
for the advance claimed. This the masters consider they
cannot grant at the present time, when the leather market
is rapidly advancing, but agree to accede to the full in-
creased scale at a future period, when leather shall fall in
price. Thus the matter rests. Tho men seem determinedly
united against the employers, and many of the best work-
men have during the put week been sent off to the large
manufacturing towns, through the means provided them
from the " assistance fund," to seek employment.