The Sun.
London, England, 1852-06-16 00:00:00

I have been honoured with requisitions, numerously signed, re-
questing me to become a Candidate at the ensuing Election for the
representation of your Berouth in Parliament.
Possessing the confidence of a small, :but intelligent constituency,
and not wishing to intrude myself upon the Electors of any Borough
returning Liberal Members to Parliament, I solicited the requisi-
tionists to afford me opportunities of ascertaining generally the
wishes and feelings of the Electors of the Borough of Finsbury.
Public Meetings have been held in different parts of the Borough,
and resolutions have been passed by large majorities, affirming the
principles of the requisitions, and pledging themselves to support me
at the ensuing Election. Alter an opinion so widely expressed, _and
almost unanimous, I can no longer hesitate to declare myself ready
to accept the onerous but high distinction of becoming a Candidate
for your suffrages. .

During the time I have had the responsible honour of a seat in
Parliament, I have supported, by my votes, the great principle of
Commercial and Religions Freedom, of which I have ever been the
advocate in private life; but in presenting myself as a Candidate for
the suffrages of so large and important a constituency as the 130-
rough of Finsbury, I feel it to be my duty, as far as the narrow
limits of an address will permit, to give you a general outline of my
political opinions.

I AM IN FAVOUR OF
the Extension of the Eight of Voting for Members of Parliament,
and that, to protect the poor and honest voter in the free exercise of
his Suffrage, the Ballot should be substituted for the present mode
of voting.
That the Duration of Parliament should never extend beyond
Three Years, and the Act requiring a property qualification for
Members of Parliament should be repealed.
Attached to the principles of Free Trade, I will not only
strenuously oppose every attempt to restore the Corn-laws, but
will, with my utmost ability, aid in procuring the removal of all
restrictions upon the free exchange of the products of our national
industries with those of all other countries.
Our financial policy, based upon no just political or economical
principle, requires to be thoroughly revised, so as to
.reduce our
expenditure, and render cur system of taxation more equitable in
its operations.
In our Military, Naval, Diplomatic, and Colonial Establishments,
large savings may be effected without impairing their efficiency.
The Income Tax, Probate Duty, and Post-Hire Duty, are examples
of the mode by which some classes of the community and some
descriptions of property are unfairly and improperly assessed. ,f 7

As one of the representative kof the people, it .;:would be my duty
to endeavour, unceasingly, t&. It °Mote economY 'of expenditure and
to support the introduction of measures by which all classes may
cont ibute their fair proportion to the revenue of the State. The
rea.sdns offered for the increase of oar standing army are, to my
mind, inconclusive, and I have therefore opposed, and shall continue
to oppose, a forced add unequal conscription in the form of a Militia.
In a free state, religious opinions should not prevent either the
enjoyment of civil rights or of political power, and I have always
snpported the removal'of all disabilities on account of religious faith,
and I have been, and shalt be, the humble but energetic advocate of
complete religious equality*.
I am opposed to the payment of any religious denomination from
the taxes raised for secular purposes, and I am deeply convinced
that a large amount, of the demoralization and crime which unhap-
pily exists in these Islands arises from a deficiency of education in
the masses of the people.

I should, therefore, give my earnest and active support to any
measures which would diffuse sound secular education amongst all
classes of my fellow-subjects.
The Reform of.the Coart of Chancery, the Abolition of the Eccle-
siastical Courts, tbo Government of our Colonies, by and through
their own freely-chosen representatives, are subjects which must
occupy the attention of Parliament during the coming Session, and
in the consideration of these great questions my conduct would be
guided by the great principles of a steady, impartial, and inexpen-
sive administration of the laws, and of full, fair, and free popular re-
presentation. '
Believing that the freedom which is enjoyed by the British people
is mainly owing to the diffusion of municipal institutions, and the
exercise of the power of local self-government, I am opposed to the
centralization in the hands of Government-appointed Commissions
the administration or control of local affairs, but that the people
should govern themselves through their freely-chosen represen-
tatives. •

The vast and important interests in the Borough of Finsbury re-
quire from its Members of Parliament a careful attention to its local
affairs, and should I have the honour to be chosen as one of your
representatives, it will be my duty, as well as my pleasure, to devote
an assiduous and energetic attention to the general affairs of the
Borough, as well as to the imperial interests of the country.
I have the honour to be, Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
Park Village West, Regent's-park. JAMES WYLD.