What a funny fellow you are! Asking at this time of the day, if
Mr. Benbow is the man of the choice of the Dudley Independent
Electors? And whether he is not "a nominee?" What fun! To ask
if these things are not "worthy of enquiry?" You droll dog!
Ask whether the sun shines? "What has he done for the country
at large, or for the constituency he represents?" I fearlessly
answer he has done his duty. "Nominees" attend to the interests
of those who nominate them. And has he not perseveringly upheld
the interests of his patron in all the railway struggle? What
had the "vast majority of his constituents" to do with the
matter? True it is, he opposed the Oxford, Worcester, and
Wolverhampton Railway Bill, which was hailed and supported by
a vast majority of his constituents, and that he continues
"the most determined, unwearied, and implacable opposition" to
it; but yet he will be re-elected without opposition; clearly
showing it is no business of theirs. The line of Railway Mr.
Benbow supported was the most beneficial for Lord Ward's
estates, and that is one and the same thing as the Borough
of Dudley. Could the constituency expect more? His conduct
respecting the endowment of the "Papist College of Maynooth,"
may have been, from what is known, more independent! We know
not what Lord Ward's opinions on this subject are:--and Mr
Benbow, may, in this instance, have equally disregarded the
opinions of the "Independent Electors of Dudley," and of
his Patron. Whether they were alarmed at "the revival of
Popery," or simply objected to the grant of the public money
for an exclusively sectarian religious education, he may, in
this instance, have voted to please himself! 'Tis clear the
"Independent Electors" had nothing to do with it.
You forgot the Corn-law affair! The "Independent electors,"
at the last election, returned Mr. Benbow in opposition to
Mr. Rawson, the enthusiastic Treasurer of the Anti-Corn Law
League, expressly to uphold those laws, and "protect native
industry;" and he voted for their total abolition! 'Tis true
in so doing he showed a similarity of opinion between himself
and Lord Ward;--and a decided diversity between himself and
his "Independent" supporters! In return for his independent
conduct, his "Independent" supporters, will again vote for, and
elect him Member for Dudley. Never before was such a band of
disinterested Patriots known! Among them stands pre-eminent,
Thomas Badger, Esq., selected by you as a proper person to
oppose Mr. Benbow! In homely language, you have selected him to
"bell the cat?" There are rumours afloat of the deliberations
of the council when this measure was proposed! And if there be
truth in these rumours, these deliberations came to a similar
result with those of the mouse council! viz., that the advice
was very bold, but its execution, by any member of the council,
hopeless. I thought you too severe here. To look for any
electors of the Borough of Dudley, who approve of Mr. Badger's
political principles, of sufficient courage and independence
to oppose the Himley Influence was too bad. Mr. Badger would
repudiate any such admirer.
Mr. Benbow is the man for Dudley. 'Tis true he voted for the
extended Grant to Maynooth, in opposition to many of his
supporters: no matter;--they will generously support him as
before! 'Tis true he broke all his pledges to uphold the Corn
Laws to the disgust and indignation of his "independent"
supporters: no matter;--they will rally round him at the
hustings! 'Tis true he opposed himself to the interests and
wishes of the great majority of the electors and inhabitants
of the Borough in the Railway affair: no matter;--_they dare
not vote against him at the poll!_ 'Tis true _he has neglected
the interests of his nominal constituents whilst living_: no
matter;--he has procured from his patron the grant of burial
grounds, without charge, for their benefit, when dead he
provided them with graves; 'Tis true; the independence of the
Borough is utterly destroyed: no matter;--Mr. Benbow, like a
generous enemy, has provided a decent burial!
When you next write, be guarded in what you say; Mr. Benbow may
find you out; although you do not sign your name, and although
you cut off the Printer's name and address: he is so sharp. And
woe betide any one he catches tripping.
Your sincere friend,
A BROTHER "INDEPENDENT."
Dudley, July 22, 1847.
* * * * *
"Dudley Castle in Modern Times."
_A NEW FARCE IN ONE ACT_,