The Sun.
London, England, 1831-05-03 00:00:00

CUMBERLAND AND WESTMORELAND

COUNTY ELECTIONS.

(Fiona the Carlisle Journal.)
The:e elections, at present, wear a roost curious aspect.
Sir John Lowther (much to the satisfaction of every
honest man in the county) has resigned. For thirty-five
years he has hell a ssat for this county, and upon every
occasion has been found in the rank: of the enemies of the
people. It was lisfitting that such a career should close
with a vote, to keep the hands of the boroughmongers in
the pockets of the people, and throw the peace of the "
country into the most imminent jeopardy. Sir Junes
Graham is the only candidate who h is yet offered himself:
We believe it was fully intended by the Lonsd de family,
that on the retirement of Sir John Lowtlier from Cumber-
land, Lord Lowther should offer himself as his successor.
But recent events appear to have paralyzed the energies of
that family, and instead of exhibiting that daring reckless-
ness of public opinion which has so long characterised
their conduct, they seem now to quail under it. Imme-
diately after the dissolution of Parlianont, Lord Lowther
posted to the North, fully intent, it is believed, on offering
himself for this county. But here he was met by the news
of the determination of the yeomanry to oppose him, and
to put in a man of th•ir own choice. This intelligence
appears to have wadi him waver in hla course. There
were rumours abroad of opposition in Westmoreland, a
contest bad unexpectedly sprung up in Carlisle, and the
poor bewildered Lord in vain sought comfort from his
agents. Sycophants us they are, they could not shut their
eyes to the facts around them—they could not but s,c
that the freeholders by hundreds were signing their names
to return two Reformers free of expense. All was die
may in the camp. The " Prince of Dectioneerers," be-
came dreadfully alarmed for his power ; and set off hastily
for Dallam Tower to offer a seat fir Westmoreland to Mr. '
Wilson. But Mr. Wilson was deaf to the voice of the
charmer, though he was offered to lie allowed to vote as he
pleased. His Lordship returned to Lowther Castle, and
on Wednesday morning, the 27th, there was issued an
icidresi s;gned "John Lowther," and dated " Lendon,
4ril 21." It was then fully expected that his Lordship
would offer for this county, but alas ! the glory is de-
parted from the House of Lowther. On Thursday morn-
ing his Lordship addressed the freeholders of West-
moreland, offering them a renewal of his valuable ser-
vices ! So that if this offer be made in sincerity, a new
man must be sought, if they wish to try for a seat in Cum-

Thus far as to the appearances on the side of the
enemy. In another column we give the copy of a decla-
ration which has been most numerously signed by the
freeholders, pledging themselves to support Sir James
Graham and William Illamire, Esq. of Thackwood Nook,
free of expense. The declaration, we are informed from
competent authority, has received the signatures of six
thousand freeholders. This is a decided majority of the
whole number of votes, so that we may fairly say that
Cumberland is safe. l2ut the freeholders must not, there-
fore relax in their rifirts. They have a powerful and de-
ceitful enemy to deal with, who must be met by energy
and decision, or he will find measures to defeat them.
Although there is no opponent declared, let the free-
holders act as if there was one in the field, and not imagine
that the necessity of exertion has ceased until the return
has-been signed by the Sheriff.
We are not enabled to state precisely what line of op-
ra•ions will be adopted in Westmoreland by the indepen-
dent party. A requisition to William Crackanthorpe,
E.q. was presented by a numb,-r of freeholders, calling on
him to come forward ; but he declined the invitation.
We have reason to believe, however, that a Reform can-
didati, will he proposed, and if our information be cor-
rect, one of the right scot, too : but we are not yet at
liberty to disclose names. The election takes place on the
I I th May.