Erb, trauntrg.
The Reformers of North Derbyshire gave their Members, Mr. Cavendish and Mr. Evans, a splendid dinner at Buxton on the 13th. Mr. Cavendish spolcs like one who, though Member for a county, did not represent an agricultural constituency. Notwithstanding the in- fluence of the Duke of Devonshire, it is plain that the farmers were against him ; and we suspect that, had the battle been between the squirearchy and the great Whig proprietor, in North Derbyshire as in other counties, the squires, with the aid of the parsons, would have won the day. But in North Derbyshire there is a capital constituency of small independent freeholders, many of them engaged in manufac. tures' who are enabled to break down the influence of the squires. Mr. Cavendish said, in allusion to the success of the Tories in most of the English counties- " I will take a slight glance at the state of political affairs in England, and particularly in reference to the English counties ; where I do not hesitate to say we have lost ground. But I think this should not be a matter of despondency ; for any one who is acquainted with the constituencies of those counties knows that they do not form either the most intelligent or independent part. The 50/. tenantry c mnot be called an independent body; and they are, I am sorry to say, both squire-ridden and priest-ridden. Gentlemen, I have a great respect for the squires of the land ; but at the same time, I do not think they are men of great education. I do not think they are men of the most extended political views ; and they are not likely to support any mea- surPcaleulated to clip or suppress their petty rule. Many of the clergy are not only exerting their influence in their different parishes for the spiritual benefit cf their flocks, but are too ready to exert that influence for political instead of far higher purposes. Well, then, it is owing to these means that those counties have returned Tory Members ; and therefore we need not despond ; for among the sensible part of the constituency our cause gains ground every day."
[But unless the county constituency become independent as well as sensible, we cannot perceive much reason to expect an alteration for the better under a system which permits squires and parsons to ride over the electors.]
Mr. Evans agreed with Mr. Cavendish, that the loss of the English counties was in a great measure to be attributed to the undue exercise of Tory influence; but he said there was a.lother cause—" a considera- ble degree of apathy in the inhabitants of those counties."
There had, too, he considered, been much greater exertions on the other side than on their own—not only in North Derbyshire, but in counties gene- rally; and he must say there had been on the whole, a better organization_ more pains—a more effective Registration Society—a more complete ramifica. tion of parties, not only at elections, not only at the time of registration, but long before the registration or election took place. Their opponents had also had a more expensive machinery at work in the counties than the Liberals ; but he rejoiced to say, that an association had been formed in the Northern Division of this county for the purpose of looking after the registration. It Would perhaps appear as if he were calling upon them unreasonably to enter into further exertions, and would be received by them as coining partially and from
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interested motives; they were however equally interested n the maintenance of that great cause which they all had at heart ; and he must say that the Assts. dation would require to be worked through the division, and in different parts of it, not only at elections—not only at the moment of registration—but it uould require agents and workmen at several periods of the year, to acquire lilt ' the minutest exactness the sentiments of the electors, and to discover all the good and bad votes. Until they had accomplished that, they would not suc- ceed like their opponents. What Mr. Evans said is perfectly true. Without constant exertion, constant expenditure, and perpetual agitation, the IL:formers under the "Reformed" system will have no chance against the Tories.] Mr. Gisborne, though very unwell, delivered the crack speech of the evening; but many of his best things were bits at the Tories of Derbyshire, and referred to the local circumstances of the contest. Of the Ballot, he said- " Gentlemen, you know that I have been a very unwilling convert Sadie ballot. I own r hate the idea of it. I like to give my vote openly for Caves- dish and Evans. I wish every elector was in the same situation as I am: tied then, if a man mentioned the ballot to me, I would say he was the shallowest and weakest of reasoners. The only doubt 1 have on the subject now, is of the means of effecting it. When Mr. Grote brought in the ballot, I voted for its introduction, because I thought the machinery would be ex- posed. But having examined the details, when Mr. Grote moved tie second reading I moved the previous question ; because, as I then said, you
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must first convince me that t will be beneficial. I will become a convert to the necessity of the ballot, in ease it can be shown to me how you can make it an effectual security. I would leave the subject with your Representatives' and the facts that have passed before their eyes I would leave to work on their minds."
Gisborne forgot to mention, that though be moved the previous question on Mr. Grote's motion, be afterwards voted for that motion. We can inform him that the " machinery " of the Ballot has now bees " exposed ;" it works satisfactorily; and now, we suppose, Mr. Gis- borne's conversion is secure.] According to Mr. Gisborne, the Duke of Devonshire's influence was not strained to secure the return of the Liberal Members-
" I have some tenants in this county, to whom I never sent or wrote, directly or indirectly, or expressed a wish to any one of them, as to how he shoold vote. I introduced my friends to them, but never asked them to give them a vote. Nor did I inquire how they voted; but accidentally looking into the Chapel-list for a particular name, one of the fin St things I saw was the name of one of my tenants voting for Mr. Arkwright. And I fully believe that that conduct has been pursued by the Liberal landed proprietors, even to a very large extent during the last election: lam sure it has by the Duke of Deronshire ; for I hare most pregnant proof of it; and if it will be any satisfaction I win produce a list where most of them voted for Mr. Arkwright."
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