on local grounds. So reasoned the Liberals, who had, up to that nomination morning, strenuously worked against the impatient desire of numbers for another candidate. There were, besides, several other ideas and reminiscences struggling for development. The Conservative victory of 1852 came more vividly to mind as the blood warmed and the contest waxed fierce. The anti-reform sins of the Derby Cabinet – the disqualifying forty-shilling[1] freehold clause – the ill-timed Dissolution – Rumours of probable disasters at Dover – the Conservative screw at Durham against Lord Harry Vane – all tended in the heat of conflict to stimulate the energy and to intensify the political feeling so suddenly aroused. The result, our readers know. Great sympathy was felt for Mr. Robertson, even by many of the Liberals, as it was known that he had for some days laboured under the disadvantage of severe illness, which must have made the effort of canvassing (if he had attempted it) a painful toil. This sympathy for the defeated was the most pleasing manifestation of the day. It was evidently of a kind that was no shame to a manly heart either to cherish or to receive. It subdued the natural emotion of triumph at the close of the day, and led to the general refusal of any clamorous demonstration about the town. It was gratifying to see that personal esteem could blend itself with political antagonism; and it can hardly fail to be a source of consolation for Mr. Robertson that he bears away with him from the field of battle the respect and honour of every Liberal whose good opinion is worth possessing. His uniform liberality to local institutions, the high private worth of himself and his relatives, the general frankness and cordiality of his manner – even towards his opponents, the valuable services he had rendered to the Mechanics’ Institutions of the borough, and the many other proofs of his good repute as a gentleman and a neighbour, were all fresh in memory, and increased the difficultly which so many felt in voting against him. But the political principle which compelled the electors to be true to what they believed to be their public duty in spite of their personal bias, is surely to be commended on whichever side it is shewn. How far the Conservatives might have improved their position had they taken the precaution to organise a working committee as the Liberals did we cannot say. They attribute much to the want of preparedness; but it is evident that they have no-one to blame but themselves. A skilful commander never stops till an enemy actually attacks him before he gets his men in a condition to fight”. In the same -
- ↑ An explanation of old currency and coinage may be found at the following website Pre-decimal currency, accessdate: 16 June 2022
