In pursuance of a Requisition, I offer myself to the Electors
of Dudley as a Candidate for the honor of representing you in
the forthcoming Parliament, and my desire is to assist you
in the assertion of your right to choose for yourselves the
man who is to represent your views in the House of Commons.
I take this step the more readily from an inherent desire to
be independent myself, and to co-operate with men animated
by similar views. If I am fortunate enough to be returned to
Parliament by your votes, I will submit to neither blandishment
nor dictation, but will think for myself on the great
questions of the day, and in thus doing, I shall be imitating
the manly characteristics of the Electors of Dudley, who are
neither to be unduly influenced, interfered with, or dictated
to. Impressed with these views, I will be open and candid
with you in reference to those articles in the Political
Creed, which at the present hour are the principal subjects of
discussion.
INCOME TAX.--I am a staunch advocate for its entire and
immediate abolition.
CHURCH RATES.--I am in favor of their Repeal, but am willing
to substitute, if practicable, some equivalent that will
preserve our magnificent National Edifices from decay, and at
the same time secure to our Protestant Church the alliance and
protection of the state.
FRANCHISE.--I am in favor of gradually and carefully extending
the Franchise, to meet the wants arising from the advancement
and progress of the age, and in furtherance of this view, am
willing to place the County Voter upon an equality with the
Borough Voter by giving him a £10 qualification.
ARMY AND NAVY.--I am decidedly in favor of a thorough and
searching Reform in both these departments of the National
Service, and particularly of introducing, as a chief feature of
such Reform, the practice of granting Commissions and giving
Promotion to merit.
SHIPPING AND SOUNDING DUES.--I am determined to use every
constitutional means to obtain the entire removal of these
obstructive imposts, believing that no Corporate Funds ought to
be increased by Taxes that amount to a restriction on Trade,
and which press with peculiar severity upon industry and
manufacture.
EXTRA PAROCHIAL PROPERTY.--All property should and must be made
to bear its equal share of local burdens.
THE WAR WITH CHINA.--I am not in favor of delegating to
individuals the power to declare War in the name of Great
Britain, or the right to bombard Cities and destroy life and
property. I deprecate at all times the unnecessary shedding of
human blood; but the Chinese War having now commenced and the
interests involved being so enormous, I am in favor of adopting
every legitimate means for bringing the conflict to an end, a
jealous regard being had for the honour of English Policy, and
the power of English might.
EDUCATION.--This I am desirous of extending to its utmost
limits, totally irrespective of Sectarianism, firmly believing
that to Education we must look for the ultimate happiness and
prosperity of the country.
THE BALLOT.--I am not disposed to adopt the Ballot, believing
that the reasons at present urged in favour of secret voting
will rapidly and altogether pass away with the growing
intelligence and progress of the age.
FREE TRADE has my unqualified support.
LOCAL INTERESTS.--I am anxious to identify myself absolutely
with the views and interests of your Borough, and in the event
of my Election, I will spare no opportunity of proving to you
practically the earnestness and sincerity of my professions.
Gentlemen, These are my political views, and I believe that
if honestly advocated and carried out with purity of purpose,
under the blessing of Providence, they will conduce to the
happiness and welfare of the millions of our native land.
I am, Gentlemen,
Your most obedient Servant,
HENRY BRINSLEY SHERIDAN.
_Inner Temple, London, and Bellefield House, Fulham, Middlesex.
March 21st, 1857._
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To Enterprising Young Men in Search of Employment, Stump
Orators, and Others.
WANTED, for the Borough of Dudley, a CANDIDATE for PARLIAMENT!
to Represent the "Badger" Interest.
He must be a man with plenty of "Jaw," and one who will not
stick at trifles, but can turn himself round as a Weathercock.
One who has formerly been a Conservative, but is now an extreme
Radical, will be preferred.
[asterism] None need apply except they have both "jaw" and
credit, as many of those who would otherwise do, as regards the
former, are excluded by want of the latter.
Apply by Letter only, W. Rattlebrain, Pig street.
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