would decline further argument, as he did not think the electors required it or that he should be justified in detaining them any longer.
Mr. Robertson next addressed the electors at considerable length, but not without numerous interruptions, one or two of the noisy ones again mounting the barrier that they might be seen as well as heard, but were ultimately dismounted by order of the Mayor. Mr. Robertson felt himself better able to ask for their confidence than on a former occasion, because he was better known. They had been told that he was late in giving explanations. Now, had he not given every elector an opportunity of learning his opinions? [No, no!] Had he not called at the house of every elector and seen everyone he could find at home? and had he not willingly entered into explanations with those who would listen to him [No!]. True, he had called at some houses where the electors said it’s no use speaking to us, for we have made up our minds [Cheers]. There was one point on which he need not address them at any great length, although it was of importance. At the last election some had pronounced it a phantasmagoria, though now they admitted its reality. In Ireland the Roman Catholic priests were endeavouring to return men to Parliament who were pledged to obey a foreign power [Nonsense, we know better!] regardless of the oath they were bound to take. Then as to the big and little loaf, he had always declared that he should not vote for the re-imposition of duty on foreign corn. The price of sugar too, was of importance; but what was England now doing? Was She not encouraging slavery? With what consistency could she taunt America with slavery, when she was doing the same? [Hear, hear!]. Mr. Warre was good enough to put a number of questions to him, but he did not give direct answers to any that were put to himself [Interruption]. He was now asked what he thought of the National Educational clauses? He might as well be asked what he thought of the whole of the National debt; but he could state that he should oppose all those clauses that tended to throw unqualified power into the hands of the Bishops [Loud cheers]. Trusting that he had not among them a personal enemy, Mr. Robertson concluded amidst cheers and hootings.
Mr. J. Locke, in addressing the electors, soon discovered that he was not popular even with many of the Liberals. He said he did not ask for a hearing as a favour, but as a right. He was proud to stand before them as the candidate of the people [Uproar]. They would gain nothing by interruption; it would only elicit from him more unpalatable truths. He was not going to be put down, and never had been; they should hear him. There seemed to be a man in the crowd who was talking, but did not know what he meant. Mr. Robertson said he was a supporter of Lord Derby [You omit the qualification!] And what did Lord Derby propose but that subjection to the bishops which Mr. -
