The Sun.
London, England, 1844-11-26 00:00:00

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LONDON, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1844.

While the Conservatives of the great county Of
Durham are split into distinct sections, and squabbling
among each other with such evident heartiness, that
it would scarcely appear possible that there could
ever be an entire re•union of the party, the Conserva-
tives of Bristol are not less troubled with internal
divisions, which, as might be anticipated, have had
the effect of very considerably reducing their num-
bers, and impairing their efficiency. At a late meet-
ing of the members of the fraternity which took place
in that city, the Chairman made more than one allu-
s'on to these divisions, observing that he was per-
fectly aware of their existence which, indeed, it was
impossible to deny, and that they were chiefly to be
dated from the period of the lest election. But a
gentleman, named SHAW, spoke out still more frankly
on the subject, and urged the following remarkable
argument as a reason why the Bristol Conservatives
should put an end to their feuds, and once again hang
closely together, like so many onions on a rope :
" He felt the time had come," said this plain-spoken
gentleman, " when either they must be entirely anni-
hilated as a party, or once more be re-united ; it
would be a waste of time to enter into the cause
of the divisions which had so much injured
the party, dissevering its members and pros-
trating its strength. Through their heartlessness and
want of energy, what had they not lost in the shape of
patronage ? By their not being able to return two
Members at the last election they had lost a considerable
portion of that patronage which it was usual for the
Minster to give his friends !" In the above passage
the few expressive words which we have marked in
italics give us a clear insight into the real character
of Bristol Conservatism, which we take for granted
differs in no respect from Conservatism in any other
place. It seems, then, according to Mr. SIIAIV'S candid
definition, that a Conservative association is a gathering
together of certain quick-witted individuals for the pur-
pose of promoting their own personal interests, and try-
ing what they can screw from the fears or prudence of
the Ministry by their political influence as a compact,
united confederacy. No nobler object do they pro-
pose to themselves by their union. There is nothing
like disinterested patriotism in the case. As for
principle, this is a matter only to be talked about, not
to be acted on. The sole principle of action they
recognise, is the very pleasant and convenient one of
helping themselves to as many of the good things of
place and power as the Minister—having previously
had value received from them in the shape of elec-
tioneering support, &c.—throws in their way. Aide
toi, et ciel Paidera—in other words, look to Number
One—is their motto. Church and State—PEEL and
our glorious Constitution—these are spacious ques-
tions enough to act as a blind ,to be thrown out as a
tub• to amuse that great whale,
u etsh:tineopt:blitch; but num- ,
1),:q. one is the question of l
worthy of serious consideration. Unite, %n
only
one
servatives of Bristol, unite by all means, for thus
only
'Rill you be enabled to wring front the Minister a fair