The Express.
London, England, 1866-05-04 00:00:00

ELECTION COMMITTEES.

CALLTENHAY.
The committee resumed their inquiry yesterday ;
Mr. Ayrton in the chair.
Additional evidence was given in support of the peti-
tioner's ease, which was brought to a close.
Mr. Price said he would sum up after the evidence had
been completed. He would, in the first instance, call the
sitting member.
Mr. Schreiber examined--Was a candidate for Chelten-
ham in 1839, and was beaten by 12 votes. It wan known
that he would stand at the next election. Mr. Willett
was his agent at the last election. Began his canvass
on the lflth of June and closed on the Saturday
previous to the nomination. Went carefully, through the
books with Mr. Willett. Saw G. Powell first in this room.
He never canvassed with witness. The statement that he
walked with witness, either on the nomination day or poll-
ing day, was untrue. Addressed his supporters from the
• balcony of the Royal Hotel after the nomination, and then
went to Stiff olk-halL Returned to the committee room
afterwards, and went front thence to Suffolk-hall. Did
not go to Rath-road. Front half-past 2to a quarter to
4 on the polling day witness wen not with
either Palmer or Jones in a fly. Was per-
featly sure of that. Knew a voter named 14'm.
I Skinner. Called on him more than three weeks before the
I election. It was not true that Gest. Powell went with
him. Mr. Fortescue did. Witness did not see Skinner
three or four days before the election. Never asked him
what he wanted for his vote. Did not speak to him about
money directly or indirectly. Did not allude to any ar-
rangement between Skinner and Stroud. Knew nothing
of such arrangement. Only saw Skinner once before the
election, Powell was not with witness at all during the
canvass. Saw Knowles before the election. He did not
say a word about money for his vote, nor did witness to
him. Did not jingle money in his pocket during the in-
terview. He had promised Stroud to vote, and witness
• called to thank hint.
Do you know of any corrupt influence, direct or in-
direct, being brought to bear in your behalf upon any
elector!—l do not.
Do you know of any promise or bribe being given in your
behalf 1-1 do not.
What were your directions to your agents I—Not to
spend a penny corruptly or illegally.
George Powell was here called.
In reply to Mr. Powell, Q.C., Mr. Schreiber said—l first
saw Geo. Powell in this room. To my knowledge I never
saw him until after this inquiry opened ; nor did I ever
hear of him. When it was stated that a Mr. Powell would I
be produced I imagined it was an influential supporter of
mine of that name. He never canvassed with me. I pad-
tively swear I never saw George Powell to my knowledge
until I saw him here. I never gave Knowles any money,
and never promised hint any.
Do I understand you to swear that directly or indirectly
you did not pay or promise any money for a vote I—l
do distinctly swear it. I strictly forbade any corrupt in-
ftuence being used.
To Sir C. O'Lcghlen—l did not authorise any one to pay
I or promise money for a vote.
Capt. Schreiber deposed that he accompanied his brother,
the sitting member, in his canvass. He never saw Geo.
Powell until yesterday.
Mr. Agg Gardiner, who also assisted in the canvass, gave
similar evidence.
After some further evidence the committee adjourned.

HCIIIIERSFIELD.
This committee met yesterday, Lord Naas in
the chair, when Mr. Temple, Q.C., concluded his reply on
the whole case. The learned counsel went fully through
the whole of the evidence on each side, and contended that
several cases of bribery and treating had been fully estab-
lished, and that the contradiction which had been at-
tempted by witnesses on behalf of the sitting member
was insufficient to disprove the case of the petitioners. At
twenty minutes' past three the chairman said, I have to
announce that the committee have come to the follow-
ing resolution:—Pint, that Thomas Pearson Crosland,
Esquire, is duly elected a burgess to serve in the present
parliament for the borough of Huddersfield. Secondly,
that the committee have no reason to believe that corrupt
practices extensively prevailed at the last election far the
said borough of Huddersfield.