The Sun.
London, England, 1859-03-28 00:00:00

THE BALLOT'.

The Right Hon. H. Labouchere has returned the
following answer to the members of the Ballot
Society of Taunton, who had forwarded him an
address, signed by 287 registered electors, praying
that be would support the ballot :
" Belgrave -square, March 24.
" Gentlemen,--I have received a requisition, signed by a
considerable number of my constituents, asking me to sup-
port the ballot in Parliamentary elections.
" Among the names which are appended to it I perceive
those of many of my oldest and firmest friends, and I hope
that I need not assure them that it is with sincere pain that
I take any course which is at variance with their wishes
and opinions.

" I will not attempt on. this occasion to argue the ques-
tion of the ballot, for it would be scarcely possible for me to
do so within the limits of a letter. I can only say that I
continue to believe that a system of secret voting for mem-
bers of Parliament in tb is country would produce greater
evils than any that it professes to remedy. With this con-
viction, I should be unworthy of representing you, or any
other honest constituency, if I were capable of changing
my vote while my opinions remained unaltered.
" I am not conscious that I am unduly biased in this
matter by any personal interest. I have often been told,
and I believe truly, that 1 should be more likely to gain
than to lose if the elections at Taunton were conducted on
a system of secrecy ; and it is certain that I in no degree
owe my seat to the exercik'e of any predominant influence in
my favour. Those among you who are acquainted with my
conduct as a landowner in your neighbourhood will be
aware that I have always left my tenants as free in the use
of their elective franchise for the county as I am myself.
"And now, gentlemen, I am sure that you will deal as
frankly with me as I have endeavoured to do with you. I
have been your member for almost 30 eventful years ; and
you have had abundant opportunities of judging of my prin-
ciples and conduct. It is for you to consider whether the
difference which exists between us on the subject of the
ballot really outweighs in your minds that general coinci-
dence of sentiment on other questions which has so long
existed, and which I believe still continues to exist, between
us. If this shall be your opinion and that of the majority
of my constituents, I assure you that I have no desire that
any claims which length of service may give me in the
minds of many among you should preclude you from adopt-
ing that course which ma•y give you ,a more fitting repre-
sentative at the next election. Whenever that decision is
made known to me I shall bow to it without a murmur, and
shall take leave of you with no other feelings than those of
lasting gratitude for the confidence and kindness which I
have so long experienced at your hands.
" I am, gentlemen, your obliged and faithful servant,
"H. LABOUCHERE."

[ADVERTISEMENT.]-1-4rolloway's Pills and Ointment.—
Female Complaints.—On the mothers of England devolves
much and serious responsibility in securing to their
daughters robust health; too frequently, alas ! thought-
lessly sacrificed by culpable bashfulness at a particular
period of life when all important changes take place in the
female constitution ; and upon the proper management of
which hangs future happiness or misery. Neglect in as-
sisting nature has consigned thousands to despondency,
disease, and premature death. Holloway's Pills, especially
if aided by the Ointment, have the happiest effects in
establishing these functions, upon the due performance of
which our social position depends, and our race saved from
degeneration. Mothers and daughters may safely use
these powerful deobstruent remedies without feeing the
faculty.

BIRTHS.

ARRAIIIM.—On the 26th inst. at 30, ifarewood -square
the wife of Phineas Abraham,'Esq., of a son.
BOULTON.—On the 25th inst., at, Surbiton, the wife of F.

Boulton, Esq., of a daughter.
HARFORD.—On the 25th inst., at 9, Cleveland-square,
Hyde-park, the wife of Charles R. Harford, jun., Esq.,

- -
of a son.
LOPES.—On the 24th • inst., at Maristow, Plymouth, the
Hon. Lady,Lopos, of a son.