The political torpor in which you have been lying has been
partially aroused; a sense of the opprobrium you incur by
your ignoble apathy, has spurred you to action; the spirit of
tyranny displayed by the Church's iniquitous attempt to impose
an unjustifiable tax, has awakened your just indignation, and
contempt of their mercenary spirit, that cloaks itself under
the pretext of honourably supporting their institution for
the welfare of the poor man, whom they would rob of that, of
which the honest sweat of his brow has been productive; but
this attempt has been foiled, the concocters of the tyrannous
rate have been successfully defeated, you have with success
combatted and effectually resisted the attempt of overbearing
and rapacious Churchmen.
It is but fair to presume that now the public spirit has
once been excited, no inconsiderable barrier will stem its
course: one object has been achieved and a second will, with
an accession of strength, be attempted. Your feelings of
execration are excited against a system of representation so
corrupt, as that professing to be by the voice of the majority
of Electors, when, at the same time, it is merely by the
influence of one, who in consequence of his position, wields a
despotic rule over you,--vaunted free and independent Electors.
Let us boldly assert our independence, and scorn to be
swayed by the interested views of one, whose only title to
consideration is the fact of his being an extensive Landowner,
who seems to be lamentably deficient of that benevolence and
philanthropy, of those elevated sentiments and disinterested
views, which should characterize one in his position. Is a
man whose silence would bespeak a mind insensible to the
responsibility, under which he is lying, as the representative
of an enlightened people, is such a man calculated to express
the voice of this free, independent and extensive Borough? Is
not the name of one of the most industrious and enterprising
of the free towns of England almost buried in oblivion in the
proceedings of that highly venerated body which is the glory of
every English Patriot?
Alas! such is the painful fact!
Ye, who are foremost and most interested in these momentous
affairs, hurl defiance at the unjustifiable assumption of
power, which the landed proprietor will again endeavour to
employ to further his own views. Act like free men. Boldly
face the current, which by one united effort you will be able
effectually to resist.
FREE MEN OF DUDLEY, abhor that monopoly of influence, that
has so long characterized your past elections; by your own
strenuous exertions send as your legislator one who shall
advocate the principles of enlightened progress. If the attempt
be not made, nothing will be achieved, devote your energy to
the one grand object of obtaining a faithful representative,
and success will inevitably crown your noble magnanimity,
Yours earnestly,
A PATRIOT.
_July 12th, 1852._
It became apparent at once that Mr. Benbow would again be called upon
on the hustings to give us some incoherent account of his stewardship,
for the Liberal and Independent voters were determined to bring out a
thorough Radical against him. The Anti-Church party being also very
wrath at the result of the recent Church Rate contests.
A Mr. James Baldwin, Paper Merchant, of Birmingham, was the chosen
champion honoured with the privilege of doing battle on this occasion,
and the wondering and peace-loving denizens of the town were one
morning startled with the rapid drive into the town of a pair of
high-bred steeds, with a light waggon laden with hand-bills, announcing
the candidature of Mr. James Baldwin, "Free Trade and no Church Rates."
Our feeble old member could be seen "taking his walks abroad" daily in
our midst, consulting with his old friends, Tom, Isaac, and Richard,
on the ugly look out upon passing events, bitterly complaining of
the ingratitude and desertion of some once loving friends and ardent
supporters. Canvassing in those days was undertaken by gentlemen and
tradesmen, not by "Loafers and hangers on," called canvassing agents;
and in those days some certainty could be arrived at as to the result
of the poll. Our old erratic friend, Samuel, was up early and late
using his loquacious eloquence amongst the ignorant and thoughtless
voters, whilst Church and Dissent strained every nerve to bring its
quota of "Free and Independent Voters" to the poll.