ashamed of his birthplace as long as he manifests an honest principle, [You never did!]. You have now amongst you a family that is spending a princely fortune and exhibiting a liberal and charitable spirit. I hope and expect to see Mr. Robertson in a proud position on the poll [Cheers and yells].
- *[Nearly 300 freemen voters were made by invitation of the Corporation before the passing of the Reform Bill]
Mr. Alderman Clift, next proposed Mr. Locke, the Radical candidate, but was greeted with as much discordant noise as was Mr. Deudney, some shouting that he was mad as usual. He stood, he said, before them as a consistent reformer of all abuses; as an advocate of the large loaf and repeal of the Corn Laws; as a supporter of the man who offered himself in accordance with these principles. Ought not the electors of Hastings to support such a man [No, no!, Yes, Yes! and great confusion]. He hoped they would adopt the Mayor’s advice and give all a fair hearing, so as not to disgrace the borough. He concluded by proposing John Locke, jun., Esq. The announcement was received with a few cheers, but more hisses, thus showing that Mr. Locke was not a favourite even with the Liberals.
Mr. Robert Hollond, a retiring member, in seconding the nomination, remarked that no one could doubt the advantages of Free Trade; still they were in danger of reverting to the old laws of Protection [No, no!]. They should endeavour to maintain those liberal institutions which had been gained since the Reform Act. Were he not convinced of this, he should not stand in opposition to their old and tried friend, Mr. Brisco, whose labours on their behalf he could bear witness to [Conservative cheers]. But they must do their duty. He had known Mr. Locke as a school-fellow, and he had known him in public as a man of professional and political eminence. He hoped they would do as he intended to do, vote for Mr. Warre and Mr. Locke.
Mr. Brisco addressed the electors amidst renewed tumult. In again asking for their support, he was assured he had fulfilled every pledge he had given them [Much cheering]. He could not omit the present opportunity of paying a tribute of respect to his late honourable colleague, Mr. Hollond [Cheers]. They had not sat on the same side of the House [Why didn’t you?], but whenever a question of a local character was to be considered, he always found Mr. Hollond ready to co-operate for the good of the borough. He could give Mr. Hollond credit for a sincere desire, equal to his own, to perform his duty to his constituents [Cheers]. He wished to return thanks for their personal Kindness to himself during his canvass. They might be politically opposed to each other, but every Englishman had a right to his opinion. He did not see why political differences should destroy personal friendship or cause them to act otherwise than fairly and candidly. He would remind them that he voted with Lord John Russell against the Papal aggression [Treat working men well! Give them the big loaf! This was an imperious -
