The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1852-11-02 00:00:00

ST. ANNE'S WARD.

It was quite apparent at an early hour in the morning
that the Radicals were determined to resort to the most
unscrupulous means, in order to place their candidate at
the head of the poll. There was no lack of the sinews of
war, which, it is understood, were provided by a worthy
councillor and another ex-councillor, who, it is reported,
are devoted Radicals, and enthusiastic admirers of the
redoubtable "doctor." Beer, beef, and other "consi-
derations" had their due effects, and, from the commence-
ment of the poll to its close, the disreputable course of
action adopted by the Radical party was sufficient to keep
their candidate at the head of the poll. For the sake of
the character of the ward itself, it is indeed to be lamented
that the electors should have made such a choice. Of the
relative qualifications of the two candidates, it is altogether
unnecessary to say even one word. Mr. Shand is one of
the leading merchants of the town, added to which, he
deservedly bears the character of an intelligent and highly
respectable gentleman. On the other hand his opponent
is comparatively unknown, and possesses no influence
whatever as a public man. In the presentinstance he is the
nominee of a party of " chums," who turned the election
into a betting speculation. Amongst his supporters in
the ward yesterday, no secret was made of the fact,
that several hundreds of pounds were depending upon
the result, and that, no matter by what means, he
must win, or his " backers " would have " a bad
book." Consequently, no stone was left unturned
in order to secure his election, and along with it the sub-
stantial betting advantages. Bribery and treating were
therefore essentially necessary, and, it is undeniable, that
they were extensively practised. The doctor's triumph,
however, will very probably be a short lived one, for we
are informed that the circumstances under which the
election was won will form a subject for future investiga-
tion. The doctor was almost beside himself with joy at
the result, and it was quite clear that it was more than he
thought he deserved. In his enthusiasm he directed a
carriage-and-four to convey him to the Town-hall, after
the election ; and, shortly after four o'clock, preceded
by
a band of music playing " See the conquering hero comes,"
the newly-elected councillor left his committee-room in
the aforesaid vehicle, and proceeded along Dale-street to
the Town-hall, in " all the pride and circumstance of
show," which, no doubt, contributed very to the
gratification of his own peculiar notions of ambition,whilst
it excited in the minds of others mingled feelings of pity

and disgust. The numbers at the close of the poll were—
Hodson
Shand..

Majority for Hodson
At the close of the poll the successful candidate,labour-
ing under feelings of considerable excitement, and quite
elate with his victory, addressed the electors, thanking
them for their exertions ; but we have not space for his
harangue, and only observe that he congratulated his
friends on the success which had, in his person, attended
the " purity of election" principle.