For the seventh time within twelve months a seat is
vacant for Stroud. After a trial in which Mr. Brand's agents were accused of buying votes, and the petitioner was charged by counsel with buying evidence, Mr. Baron Pigott decided that although Mr. Brand was innocent, and was deserving of much commiseration, still bribery bad been committed by his agents, and the election must therefore be declared void. He endorsed Baron Bramwell's opinion that the borough was not generally corrupt, so it will not be dis- franchised, and as it is a Tory's turn to be elected, the Liberals will have the luxury of paying a few thousands to have him un- seated on petition. The see-saw is amusing, but unfortunately the game not only fosters bribery, but perjury, and one wonders in reading the evidence why any voter in Stroud believes another on his oath. Nevertheless, the campaign must go on, for the general body of electors in Stroud are not corrupt. They are simply idiots, who allow the reputation of their town to be ruined and themselves half disfranchised for the benefit of lawyers, rascals, and hot-headed partisans.
