It was a point of keen competition which side should first land a
"tally" at the polling-booth. Mr. Gladstone told with great gusto of an
accident that befell one in the first quarter of the century. The poll
opened at eight o'clock in the morning. The Liberals, determined to make
a favourable start, marshalled ten voters, and as early as four in the
morning filled the pen by the polling-booth. To all appearances the
Conservatives were beaten in this first move. But their defeat was only
apparent. Shortly after seven o'clock a barrel of beer, conveniently
tapped, with mugs handy, was rolled up within hand-reach of the pen,
where time hung heavy on the hands of the expectant voters. They
naturally regarded this as a delicate attention on the part of their
friends, and did full justice to their hospitable forethought. After a
while, consternation fell upon them. Man after man hastily withdrew till
the pen was empty, and ten Conservatives, waiting in reserve, rushed in
and took possession of the place.
"The beer," said Mr. Gladstone, laughing till the tears came into his
eyes, "had been heavily jalaped."