The Sun.
London, England, 1844-04-22 00:00:00

EXETER ELECTION.

On Saturday the nomination took place. General Briggs
was first in the hall; he took his seat on the right of the
Mayor. He was attended by Messrs. Robert R. Moore, A.
L. Saul, S. Maunder, and several other friends. On the
Tory side of the hall were Sir W. Follett's two brothers, Sir
T. D. Acland, Bart., Sir John Duckworth, S. T. Kekewich,
Esq., W. H. Furlong, Esq., W. Hooper, Esq., Dr. Barnes,
the Rev. Fisher Turner, .11r. High Sheriff Cartwright, &c.
The High Sheriff read the Queen's precept and Bribery Act.
Mr. H. HOOPER said—Your late representative, Sir Wil-
liam Follett, having been appointed to the office of her Ma-
jesty's Attorney-General, his seat has become vacant, and we
have now assembled for one of the most impbrtant duties
which, as citizens, we have to perform. I need not detain
the meeting longer than to ask for a renewal of confidence,
and I have no doubt that we shall be able to send to him on
Monday evening to say that he had not been mistaken in the
sentiments of the electors. It now becomes my duty, as it is
my pleasure, to propose Sir William Follett to fill the vacant
scat in Parliament.—(Cheers, groans, and laughter.)
Mr. J. HARRIS seconded the motion.
Mr. S. MAUNDER said—l have much pleasure in nominat-
ing Major-General John Briggs as a fit and proper citizen to
represent this city in the present Parliament.—(Cheering.)
He is a free trader, and I believe free trade to be essential
to the prosperity of all classes in this country. He is an un-
flinching advocate of perfect freedom of conscience. He is in
favour •of vote by ballot.—(Cheering.) Any one who has
taken any part in our elections must know how very much
that is required to protect the industrious man from the op .
pression of the idle.—(Loud cheers.) Any one who knows
the manner in which our elections have been conducted,
must know how necessary the ballot is to protect the honest
but poor voter from the heartless oppression of the rich and
the idle. I am exceedingly pleased that Major-General
Briggs has come forward upon this occasion.
Mr. BESLEY said I am prepared to pay my tribute to Sir
W. Follett for his talent, disposition, and temper ; but the
day has arrived when the mere man is not to be the question
in an election, principles will be looked to as well. lam
not here as the personal friend of General Briggs, and I do
not look on this contest as a personal contest. I look to Sir
W. Follett as a supporter of a Government which itself in-
sists on supporting monopolies, which I believe to be opposed
to the best interests of the most important classes of the
community.
At the conclusion of Mr. Besley's speech, there was a call
for Mr. Moore from the Reformers, but the Sheriff said he did
not mean to let any non-elector address the hall. This, how-
ever, produced such a tremendous burst of indignation, that,
although two or three consultations took place between Mr.
Furlong, the Mayor, and some persons around them, the
Sheriff felt himself obliged, amidst tremendous cries for
" Moore, Moore," and " Briggs," to yield.
General BRIGGS presented himself amidst long-continued
cheers and counter-cheers. In the course of his address he
repeated the circumstances under which he had been induced
to present himself as a candidate. He respected the talents
of Sir W. Follett and his private worth, but he stood an op-
ponent to his political principles. In conclusion, he stated that
in general politics he was a decided Liberal, an advocate for
the ballot, and for perfect freedom of conscience. He resumed
his seat amidst cheering from the free traders and great up •
roar on the part of the Tories.
On the show of hands being taken, the Sheriff declared it to
be in favour of Sir W. Follett.

A poll was demanded by Mr. MAUNDER on behalf of Ge-
neral Briggs, which will commence this morning, at eight
o'clock.

The SHERIFF declared the Hall adjourned.
Mr. S. T. KEKENVICII proposed a vote of thanks to the
High Sheriff for his able andhnpartial conduct.
General BRIGGS cordially seconded the motion.
Sir 'P. ACLAFD spoke with his wonted energy and action,
and his first achievement was to knock the hat off Mr. Fur-
lung's head, and show how snuck " Time had thinned his
flowing hair." He was understood to express great regret
that Sir William Follett's brother, being a non-elector, was
not allowed to address the Hall, and express the gratitude
ho felt at the distinguished honour conferred on him so long.
He eulogised the Hon. and Learned Gentleman as one who
had secured the good esteem and affection of both sides of tho
House, and whose talents made them feel proud of him as a
western man.

At the conclusion of the proceedings the Reformers ad-
ourned to the Subscription rooms.

WOODSTOCK ELECTION.

Mr. Humfrey has already made a very successful canvass,
and although a Conservative in politics, he has obtained the
promise of nearly every vote of the Liberal party, who are
quite disgusted with the manner in which the Duke of Marl-
borough treated their late representative, Mr. Thesiger.
Mr. Walesby, of the Oxford Circuit, Recorder of Wood-
stock, arrived at the latter place on Saturday evening, for
the purpose of,forwarding his friend Mr. Munfrey's election.
The Marquis on Saturday canvassed the electors who at-
tended Oxford market. His Lordship was received very
coolly by them, the majority refusing to vote for him, and
several others would not promise. The struggle is expected
to be a severe one.
The nomination takes place this day, and the polling to-
„morrow (Tuesday.)