The Sun.
London, England, 1845-07-08 00:00:00

EXETER ELECTION.

NOMINATION OF CANDIDATES.
At ten o'clock on Monday morning, the nomination of can-
didates for a representative for the city of Exeter, to serve in
Parliament in the room of the late lamented Sir W. W. Fol-

lett, took place at the Guildhall in that city.
A large number of the friends of .'Sir John Duckworth were
. . . .

admitted' into the hall long before the proceedings commenced,
who amused themselves by vociferously cheering the Tory
candidate. At ten o'clock the front doors were thrown open,
and in an instant every corner of the hall was crowded.
The preliminary business having been disposed of,
The SHERIFF made a very neat address, and passed a very
eloquent eulogium on the memory of the late lamented repre-
sentative of the city.
C. BIRD, Esq., then rose to nominate General Briggs.
He was received with loud and general cheering, but we were
unable to catch the first sentences of his address, from the low
tone in which he commenced. He said, his heart responded
to the words which fell from the Learned Sheriff in reference
to the lamented gentleman whose decease had occasioned
their meeting there on that day. In recommending to
them fair play in this contest, he would express his convic-
tion that when there was lair play on one side, there was seldom
found amongst Englishmen unfair play on the other.—(" Was
it fair play to pack the hall ?")—( Groans and hisses.) He only
wished that this meeting had begun in fair play—he had him-
selfa difficulty in getting to the place where he now stood.—
( Groans and loud hissing.) The Learned Gentleman, placing
his hand on his heart, exclaimed in a loud voice, " The fiercer
the storm without the greater the calm within." Before they
had entered the hall the election had commenced amongst
parties favourable to the Hon. Baronet.—( Loud cheers and
hisses.) For thirty years they had known him, and he had
not betrayed their interests.—( Question, question.) What
was the question then—was it not a question of packing the
hall ?—( Uproar and great confusion.) Fellow-citizens,
" Hear me for my own cause, and be silent that you
may hear."—(Loud cheers, which Were followed by a
general melee, occasioned by an attempt to turn an
individual out of the hall.) It was not a personal
question, it was a question of public justice, not affecting the
city only, but the country and the world at large.—( Cheers.)
At his time of life he could not have aroused his nerves to meet
the frown of those amongst whom he had so long lived in
amity if he had thought the question they had met to decide
was a mere question between Whig and Tory—if it had been
merely a question between the two candidates he would not
have been there. Like the Hon. Baronet, he was courted—he
had not sought the place in which he stood.—(Cheers.) The
person who had first proposed Gen. Briggs to them should now
have held his place ; but, as a point of duty, he now
stood there to propose to them, as a fit and proper
person to represent Exeter in Parliament—Major-General
Briggs.—(Vociferous cheering.) He was told that there was
one great objection against General Briggs.—( Confusion,
groans, and hisses.) He could assure them that neither groans
nor hisses would put him down—in attempting to throw dis-
grace upon him they only disgraced themselves. It was ob-
jected to the General that he was a stranger. Mr. Moffatt
was a stranger at Dartmouth the other day—he was now Mem-
ber for Dartmouth.—( Loud cheers.) Why, the o Cher party
have sent to the Carlton Club for a candidate.—(Laughter.)
General Briggs came here before by invitation, and he went
back having 5'29 votes recorded in his favour. If General Briggs
were a stranger, he was a stranger who had done his duty in
foreign climes; but he was a stranger nowhere, he was a citizen
of the world.—( Loud cheers.) On what principles does the
Gallant General seek your votes ? On the cause of the free
mind. ( Here some baterruption occurred, when the Learned
Gentleman, addressing himself to Mr. Nicholas Tuckett, said,
" I wish Rot to give any man personal offence, but I can see
that you are acting the fugleman to the persons who are creat-
ing the noise below." This rebuke had the effect of producing
a temporary lull amongst the disorderly Tories.) General
Briggs was favourable to education—he wished that the people
might distinguish their duties to God and man—that they
might understand the Constitution under which they lived, aye,
and to plough it up even to the subsoil, where it required
eradication.—(Loud cheers.) He will support free trade and
free commerce.—(Cheers.) He wished to procure for them
the commonage of the world. To commerce they were in-
debted for freedom, and it must be free that it may confer
freedom.—( Loud applause.) He was a friend to civil and
religious liberty. Your opponents will tell you that they
were the same, and the only difference was the means
by which the two blessings were to be accomplished.
Exeter was scarcely aware of the position in which she stood.
Within a few months she had achieved a noble triumph in
the face of the country, and had become distinguished for the
honourable stand she made in favour of religious freedom.
They bed it now in their power to complete their triumph
by the exercise of their independent votes. They had secured
religious freedom—they had now the power to secure civil
freedom.—( Loud applause.) Give your votes indepen-
dently—give them fearlessly, and the victory is completed.
The Learned Gentleman then, in a very able and amusing
manner, proceeded to criticise the printed addresses of the two
candidates, and concluded, amidst enthusiastic applause, by
proposing Major-General Briggs.
Dr. BARHAM rose to second the nomination of General
Briggs. He said that many gentlemen in the town were able
to discharge the duty which devolved upon him in a more
able manner than he could, who in consistency with their own
principles ought to be present, but they were all honourable
men, and he left them to reconcile their conduct to their own
consciences. He did not look upon the question to be de-
cided by ilia election as a party question—the question of free
trade did not belong to party.—( Hear, hear.) The Premier
of the country and Lord J. Russell all agreed on this question.
All the great writers on political economy, the leaders of both the
great parties in the country entirely agreed on the question of
free trade. It was said to be a question of time—if so, now
was the right time—now, that for three years corn had been
selling as a price which free trade could not materially reduce,
and, consequently, no derangement in the relations of parties
could take place. The Doctor concluded by seconding the
nomination.

E. WOOLIKER, Esq., rose to nominate Sir J. Duckworth.
He paid a compliment to the memory of Sir W. Follett, and
said the citizens were indebted to him for preserving from irre-
trievable loss their rights and immunities.
THObIAS SNOW, Esq., seconded the nomination, but very
few words of his address were heard.

General BRIGGS was received witn enthusiastic cheers from

his party, again and again renewed, which completely drowned
the hisses of his opponents. fie said they were aware he was
there a second time as a condidate to represent in Parlia-
ment the great principles of international commerce. The
Government had heretofore legislated to the injury and detri-
ment of the people at large ; he meant, in the establishment
of laws which prevented the free admission of food for the
people.—(Cheers.) His sentiments with respect to free trade,
had been so fully stated in his address, and on occasons
when he had addressed meetings in this town, that he
need not go into the arguments in favour of those principles ;
he should confine himself to the question of protection. The
corn-law was first established in 1815, and the law then pro-

mulgated was expected to give all the farmers 80s. a quarter
for their wheat. That law did not fulfil its intention. Leases,
however, were taken under its promises, rents were to be paid
in conformity with them, and the result was that, in a very
few years afterwards—in 1822—instead of 80s., the price of
corn was reduced to 355. a quarter.—(Cheers and hisses.) At
a subsequent period that law was altered, and it was expected
68s. would be the price of wheat. That was in 1828; and neither
did that law fulfil those expectations which were promised.
In 1841, 565. was the price legislated for. Has that fulfilled
its object ?—(Loud cries of " No, no," and cheers.) Was it
then possible that farmers could pay the rents, which had been
agreed on, in expectation of realising that sum.—(" Duckworth
will get it."—( Laughter, and cheers.) The farmers have suffered
from these laws more than any one else.—( Hear, hear.) The
landlords, too, have been deceived. Under the expectation of
_ _

high rents they kept up expensive 'establishments, counting on
that income which never was realised ; and the consequence
of keeping up those establishments and not realising high rents,
they have been involved in debt, and their estates have been
mortgaged.—Hear, and cheers.) He contended that the
landlords as well as the farmers, and from them to the la-
bourers, have suffered from these fictitious laws.—(Cheers and
hisses.) During those periods he had referred to, on six dif-
ferent; occasions the farmers went before Committees of the
House of Commons, praying them to do something for the
crippled condition of the agricultural classes. He asked what
had been the remedy? Had any been found.—(No, no.)
Now, if those protective laws were of any avail, would
they not have had the effect of benefiting the condition of all
classes interested in agriculture ?—(Loud cries of " No, no,"
" Yes, yes," cheers, hisses, and great uproar.) He knew that
among the manufacturing classes they had not suffered to such
an extent during that period. He had found in Exeter per-
sons retired from trade as butchers, bakers, or shoemakers.
All descriptions had flourished and retired from business, but
he wanted to know where was the farmer who, in the last 30
years, had made his fortune ?—( Great cheering.) That ques-
tion he wished to have put throughout the county—through-
out the kingdom—that the agriculturists might know
what they had suffered from protection. They had
not been benefited through it. It was against the laws of na-
ture.—( Loud cheers.) Protection had never afforded advan-
tages to any trade to which it had been applied.—( Hear,
hear.) With respect to the labourers, how had they been be-
nefited ? They were told dear corn was conducive to high
wages.—( Derisive cheers.) It was known that was not the
case. It was known that when corn was cheap, if the labourer
had no real access to his wages, he derived great advantage
from die state of the market.—( Hear, hear.) Seven shilling=
a week in 1842, and seven shillings a week in 1845, though
nominally the same, are quite different ; it is as good
as ten or twelve shillings.—(Cheers.) The condition
of the people had been set forth in public speeches and public
papers, and he should not, therefore, go into detail on that point.
Ile would merely say he had a paper in his hand, which showed
that there was a family of four individuals living in Wiltshire
on eight shillings a week, payingtwo shillings a week for rent,
and having only 21d. a day on which to support themselves.—
(" What paper is that ?" Groans, cheers, and hisses. A Voice
—" In Exminster the wages are ten shillings a week." )
S. T. KEKEWICII, Esq., of Peamore, rose amid great
confusion.
The SHBRIFF asked whether he rose ou a point of order, as
if so, he would have a right to be heard.
Amid the greatest uproar, we understood Mr. Kekewich
to say he did not rise to call to order, but to correct a mis-
statement. _ .

General BRIGGS having obtained a hearing, said he had
been interrupted by being informed ten shillings were the
wages of the agricultural labourer in that county—(Loud
cries of " It's no such thing ; they don't get more than six
shillings a week in hundreds of parishes," and disapprobation)—
but in another county, eight members of a family only earned
unitedly ten shillings and sixpence a-week, out of which two
shillings was paid for rent, and there was left one shilling and
three farthings a-day for the maintenance of the whole.—(Cries
of " Shame.") What, then, he asked, had protection done for
the agricultural labourer ?—(N othing. ) Having stated thus
much, he would now turn to the Hon. Gentleman who con-
tested the seat, and ask him if he could contradict any of those
statements ?—( Enthusiastic cheers. )
Sir Josh DUCKWORTH was cheered by his friends on rising,
but the groans and hisses of the opposite party prevented our
catching the first two or three sentences. When his voiceo
or
was audible, he was saying, if he had taken on himsefe
restfent
he nor
himself to the electors of Exeter as a fit perso p
tsbould have
them in Parliament—(No, no, totally n
approached that contest with feelings unfit)—
of great diffidence, but
when he was called on by so large a body of friends and bur-
gesses to present himself readyto- undertake the duties of their
Member, he answered to the call
vlas.ll a call of public duty.—
(Cheers and hisses.) Connected , that hall stood the
names of very honourable characters, who for a long term of
years had been associated with their city, yet no name would
ro down to posterity with greater regret, respect, or affection
than the name of the honourable, the lamented Sir William
Follett, of whom, in the course of nature, they had been de-
prived, and whose loss in that county no one more deeply or
sincerely regretted than he did.—( Cheers and groans.)
Should he be returned, their late representative's character
and public conduct would be a beacon to direct him.—( Cheers
and hisses.) He confidently evpected to be chosen as their
Member, and he would say the general principles by which he
should be actuated would be Conservative principles.—(Loud
cries of " What's that," cheers, groans, and hisses.) He
should be a stanch supporter of the valued institutions of the
country, and would desire to uphold in perfect efficiency the
great bulwarks of thenation. the wcoden walls of Old England,
which would prevent injury to their commerce abroad, while
they secured the liberties of the people at home.—( Cheers. )
The Gallant General advocated absolute free trade, and on
that the issue was fairly joined between them. Though he

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could not come forward and ask their votes on the p hsietilS
perfect free trade, he should not oppose such a re. ,12; . „.„
duties as might be found, by those interested in the firs -t1 .1
the country, to be expedient.—(Cheers.) He agreed with
General Briggs in thinking that was not a place to
argue the question of free trade. and all he would say
to congratulate those gentlemen, whether butchers, or bakers,
or whatsoever trade they might be, who had made their fortune
under the present laws.—(Laughter and cheers.) The farmers,
the Hon. Gentleman said, had not done so. On that occasion
he apprehended he was not addressing a great number who
were there under that character, but he believed he might say
they (the farmers) were much obliged to him ( Gen. Briggs)
for his good wishes ; they understood their own interest, and
would take care of themselves.—(Cheers and hisses.) He
was sure that he would find throughout the country
a great many in favour of protective duties.—( Hear, hear. )
The fact was, he (Sir John) was sorry protection had been
ever used in that matter; he felt the word protection gave a
false colouring to the real facts. Those duties should have
been designated adjusting duties, to compensate for the bur-
dens which press on one particular class.—(Cheers and hisses.)
That was his feeling ; and he was desirous, whether in agri-
cultural or colonial produce, there should be an adjustive duty,
as he believed they were entitled to it.—(Cheers and hisses. )
The Hon. Baronet then proceeded to say, on the point of
difference with some of the Conservatives, because he
would not pledge himself to oppose any further concession to
the Roman Catholics, that it was not the question of conces-
sion to the Roman Catholics, but the word pledge that he ob-
jected to. If he went to Parliament he would go free and Iln-
fettered, as the independent Member of the citizens of
Exeter. He asserted his title to be considered as
worthy son of the Protestant Church, and concluded by
assuring them, if sent to the House of Commons,
he should do his duty honestly and straight-
fordwardly, to the best of his judgment and ability, and
should always act up to the principles of conservatism, ma
which he now stood forward. The Hon. Baronet resumed his
seat amid great cheering from his friends, and hooting and
groanings from his opponents.
Mr. BESLEY asked him what were his opinions on the game-
laws, but he evaded giving an answer.
The SHERIFF then called for a show of hands, when a
However,
the majority were held up for General Briggs.
the Sheriff saying that there was some doubt on his mind, a
second show was called for, when the Sheriff declared the elec-
tion had fallen on General Briggs.
A poll was demanded for Sir J. Duckworth, which will
commence to-morrow at eight o'clock.

SPORTING INTELLIGENCE.
TATTERSALLS.—YESTERDAY.
JULY STAKES —(111Is DAY.)
2 to 1 agst Lord Albemarle's Smuggler Bill—taken
2 to 1 agst Mr. Brooks's Moonbeam—taken
Moonbeam was all the rage, the odds. 3 to 1 until nearly
the close, when a point less was taken, giving her a decided
call of Lord Albemarle's. Mr. Gully's two are declared not
to run.

PRINCESS'S THEATRE, OXFORD-STREET.
LESSEE, MR. J. M. MADDOX.
THIS EVENING
Will be performed the Play of THE STRANGER. The Stranger
Mr. Wallack ; Baron, Mr. Archer ; Count Winterstein, Mr.
Courtney; Mrs. Haller, Miss Cushman.
After which, a New Divertissement, called A COURT BALL IN
1740. In which will be introduced the Dances as performed at her
Majesty's Bal Costume, with the Original Music.
To be followed by a New Dramatic Sketch, entitled MRS.
CAUDLE ; or, Curtain Lectures. Mr. Caudle, Mr. Compton ; Mrs.
Caudle, Mr. Oxberry.
To conclude with the favourite Interlude of THE WEDDING
DAY. Sir ACam Contest, Mr. Granby ; Lady Contest, Miss Florence
Grey ; Mrs. Hanford, Mrs. Fosbroke.