THE SIX REFORMED PARLIAMENTS PROBED BY ELECTION COMMITTEES,

SEATS PETITIONED AGAINST AND THE RESULTS.

FIRST GENERAL ELECTION, 1833. [77w Reform Bill received the Royal Assent June 7, 1832; and Parliament was dissolved December 3. The new Parliament assembled on 29th January 1833: Earl Grey Minister.)

Carrickfergus—Void election.

The Committee state that gross and scandalous bribery prevailed on both sides. A great proportion of the freemen were influenced by bribery. Hertford—Void election.

Bribery and treating prevailed. Montgomery—Void election.

Oxford—Void election.

Warwick—Void election.

The return of the Hon. Sir C. G. Greville is attri- buted in a great measure to gross bribery. Carnarvon—Member not duly elected, and seat given to another candidate ; but on the investi- gation of a counter-petition' the case was re- verged, and the seat restored.

Galway, Longford, Mallow, Petersfield, Sarum New, Southampton—Members not duly elected, and the seats transferred to other candidates.

Bedford, Bristol, Ennis, Galway County, Linlith- gow, Norwich, Portarlington, Londonderry, Newry—Members duly elected.

In reference to Londonderry, the Committee remark that an extensive system of treating, coupled with other corrupt practices, was carried on by the •• Independent Club,' most of whom were electors, and nearly one

inte-

rests publicans. This Club was opposed to the - of the sitting Member.

As to Newry, the statement is that a system of bri- bery prevailed through the instrumentality of "...The Union Club."

Barnstaple, Bury St. Edmund's, Carmarthen, Har- wich, King's County, Launceston, Norfolk East, Northumberland South, Sligo, Stafford, Windsor New, Weymouth—Petitions not proceeded with ; recognizances not having been entered into in some cases, and the parties not appearing in others.

In 1834, petitions were presented from Dungar- van, Monaghan, and Wexford. Dungar van was declared to be a void election ; and the seat for Monaghan was transferred to another candidate. The petition from Wexford was not proceeded with.

SECOND GENERAL ELECTION, 1835.

[The Parliament of 1.833 was dissolved December 30, 1831: Peel and Wellington in office. The new Par- liament met February 19, 1835. The Melbourne Ministry, which was displaced to snake way for Sir Sir Robert Peers, is restored in April.]

Ipswich—Void election.

Mr. R. A. Dundas and Mr. Fitzroy Kelly guilty of bribery and corruption by their agents. The bribers absconded ; the agents of the sitting Members, and one of their counsel, aiding their concealment, Ste. Windsor New, Carlow County, Canterbury, Dub- lin City—Members not duly elected, and the seats transferred.

In reference to Dublin, the Committee report that eight persons voted under corrupt expectation, and sub- sequently received money.

Droitwich, Ennis, Horsham, Kingston-upon-Hull, Monmouth, Penryn Roscommon, Worcester City, Youghal—Members duly elected.

Bandon Bridge, Belfast, Bolton, Gloucester, Hali- fax, Inverness-shire, Kinsale, Leicester, Lich- field, Meath County, Monaghan, Newry, Staf- ford, Wexford County, Worcestershire—Peti- tions not proceeded with.

In 1837, petitions were presented from Longford, Carlow County, Dungar van, and Bridgwater. The seat for Longford was transferred to another cad- didate. The Member for Carlow County was de- clared to be duly elected. The other petitions were not proceeded with.

THIRD GENERAL ELECTION, 1837.

[The Dissolution of the previous Parliament—July 17, 1837—seem-red on the accession of Queen Vic- toria: Lord Melbourne Minister. The new Parlia- ment met November 15.]

Bedford, Belfast, Devizes, Evesham, Kingston- upon-Hull, Ipswich, Kinsale, Maidstone, Nor- wich, Peterstield, Shaftesbury, Stirlingshire, Tralee, Tynemonth—Members not duly elected, and the seats transferred.

In reference to Evesham, the Committee remark that Mr. Peter Borthwick was guilty of bribery. Bristol, Carlow, Carlow County, Dublin, Durham, Gloucester, Kerry County, Leicester, London, Longford County, Malden, Newcastle-under- Lyme, Newry, Queen's County, Reading, Rox- burghshire, Salford, Sligo, Taunton, Walsall, Waterford, Westmeath County, Wicklow, Great Yarmouth, Youghal—Members duly elected. Beverley, Bodmin, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Black- burn, Bolton-le-Moors, Bridgwater, Bury St. Edmund; Canterbury, Carrickfergus, Down- patrick, Frome, Flint County, Huntingdon County, Norfolk East, Oxford County, Poole, Pontefract, Portarlington, Preston, Sudbury Woodstock—Petitions not proceeded with.

In 1839, 1840, and 1841, eight petitions were presented.

Ludlow, Totnes, and Cambridge, were declared to be void elections.

In reference to Ludlow, the Committee state that bribery and treating prevailed.

As to Cambridge, it is stated that an extensive and corrupt system prevailed on the part of many influen- tial voters.

Ipswich, Wigan, St. Albans, Canterbury, Walsall —Members duly elected.

In reference to Walsall, the Committee state that a system of treating went on ; but there was no evi- dence to connect the sitting Member or his agents with it.

FOURTH GENERAL ELECTION, 1841.

[The Dissolution of the Parliament of 1837, Lord Mel- bourne Minister, occurred June 23, 1841. The new Parliament met August 19. Sir Robert Peel became Minister on the 3c1 September 1841, and resigned on the 29th June 1846.] Belfast, Ipswich, Nottingham, Southampton, Sud- bury—Void elections. In reference to Ipswich, the Committee state that Mr. Rigby Wason and Mr. George Rennie were guilty of brib ry by their agents ; and advise the House to suspend the new writ till further inquiry be made.

As to Nottingham, it is stated that Mr. John Walter was guilty of bribery and treating by agents.

As to Southampton, the statement is, that Lord Bruce and Mr. Charles Cecil Martyn were guilty of bribery by agents ; that 50001. was expended, and that the vouch- ers were destroyed.

With regard to Sudbury, it is stated that Mr. Frede- rick Villiers and Mr. Dyce Sombre were guilty of bribery by agents ; and the disfranchisement of the borough is recommended.

Clitheroe' Flint County, Lewes, Lyme Regis, Great Marlow, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Wey- mouth, Wigan—Members not duly elected ; and the seats transferred to other candidates.

As to Lyme Regis, the Committee remark that a corrupt practice has prevailed for years of lending mo- ney to a considerable portion of the constituency. i As to Newcastle-under-Lyme, the report s un- favourable. So systematic was the bribery, that the bribers actually retained a commission for their trouble. Blackburn, Lichfield, Penryn, Reading—Members duly elected.

Barnstaple, Bewdley, Bridport, Carlow County, Carnarvon, Dublin, Elgin Burghs, Gloucester, Harwich, St. Ives, Kerry County, Kinsale, Louth County, Newry, Rochester, Rutland, Shrews- bury, Stafford, Sunderland, Wareham, Wigtown- shire, Windsor New—Petitions not proceeded with.

In 1342 and 1843 there occurred the follow- ing—

Athlone, Newcastle-under-Lyme—Members not duly elected, and the seats transferred to other candidates.

Brighton—Petition not proceeded with.

Durham—Void election.

Lord Dungannon guilty by his agents of bribery. Athlone, Cambridge—Members duly elected. As to Cambridge, it was proved that an elector was bribed, but the bribery was not brought home to the Member or his agents.

Nottingham—Member duly elected.

The Petitions for 1844,1845, and 1846, were six in number ; but with the exception of Bridport, where the seat was transferred, there were do results.

FIFTH GENERAL ELECTION, 1817.

[The Dissolution of the previous Parliament took place July 23, 1847: Lord John Russell Premiere The new Parliament tnet November B.] Aylesbury Void election. -Void as regards Mr. John Peter Deering, guilty of

treating by his agents Bewdley 'Void election.

Mr. Thomas James Ireland guilty of bribery and treating by his agents. In one instance a bribe was given with Mr. Ireland's knowledge and consent. Sir Thomas Winnington, an unsuccessful candi- date, was guilty of treating; and generally, foul practices prevailed on both sides.

Carlisle ' Void election.

Mr. William Nicholson Hodgson guilty of treating by his agents, in the form of tickets for refresh- ment, receivable at public-houses.

Cheltenham Void election.

Sir Willoughby Jones guilty by his agents of bribery. Hon. Craven Pitzhardinge Berkeley, guilty of treating at the election of 1847, was incapable of being elected now Derby Void election. Mr. Strutt and the Hon. E. F. Leveson Gower guilty by their agents of bribery and treating. The Committee mention as a source of corruption, placing freemen as members of a nominal com- mittee and paying them for pretended services.

Harwich Void election.

Mr. John Attwood by his agents guilty of bribery.

Horsham Void election.

Mr. John Jervis guilty by his agents of treating. Mr. W. R. S. Fitzgerald incapacitated for being elected, and his scat given to Lord Edward Howard.

Kinsale Void election.

Mr. Richard Samuel Guinness by his agents guilty of bribery.

Lancaster Void election.

Mr. Samuel Gregson by himself and agents guilty of treating. Mr. Greene declared to be duly elected.

Leicester Void election.

Sir Joshua Walmsley and Mr. Richard Gardner by their agents guilty of bribery. The attention of the House is directed to the prevalence of bribery and corruption.

Lincoln Void election.

Mr. Charles Seely by his agent guilty of bribery.

Sligo Void election. Mr. Charles Towneley by his agents guilty of treating

Yarmouth, Great ..Void election.

Lord Arthur Lennox and Mr. Octavius E. Coops by their agents guilty of bribery. On the ground of notorious corruption the Committee recommend the disfranchisement of the freemen.

Dundalk Member not duly elected.

Bodmin Member duly elected.

Practice prevailed of issuing refreshment-tickets to voters, but no evidence to connect the Members or agents.

Bolton Member duly elected.

Bribery was proved, but no evidence to connect the Member or his agents.

Chester Member duly elected. Treating prevailed to a great extent, but no evidence to connect the sitting Member or his agents.

Dublin City Members_, duly elected.

Lyme Regis MemberMuly elected. Attention is directed to the proceedings adopted by Mr. John Attwood to influence voters by advances of money. The petition was get up by his instru- mentality, and was prosecuted at man cost.

Marlow, Great Members duly elected.

Abingdon, Andover, Athlone, Carlow, Colchester, Drogheda, Essex North, Hythe, Malden, Mon- mouthshire' Newcastle-under-Lyme, Stafford- shire North, Stafford, Stockport, Walsall, West- bury, Wicklow—Petitions not proceeded with.

In 1849, 1850, 1851, and 18,52, petitions were presented from London, Kidderminster, St. Al- bans, Aylesbury, Harwich, Falkirk, and Mon- mouth; but, with the exception of Aylesbury and Harwich, declared to be void elections, there were no results.

In reference to petitions from St. Albans, the Com- mittee state that the allegations could not be thoroughly investigated, owing to the witnesses not being forthcoming. There was enough to show that a system of gross corruption prevailed. The Committee advise the issue of a Commission.

With regard to Aylesbury, Mr. Frederick Calvert is pronounced guilty of treating by his agents.

SIXTH GENERAL ELECTION, 1852.

[The Parliament of 1847 was dissolved July 1, 1852: the Earl of Derby Premier. The new Parliament met November 4; but the Controverted Elections were not disposed of till 1853: the Aberdeen Minis- try in office.]

Barnstaple Void election. Sir William Augustus Fraser and Mr. Richard Bremridge by their agents guilty of bribery and treating. Corrupt practices extensively prevailed.

Berwick-upon-Tweed. .Void election. Mr. Stapleton guilty of treating by his agents ; Mr. Matthew Forster guilty of bribery by his agents.

Blackburn Void election.

Mr. William Eccles by his agents guilty of bribery. Treating to some extent practised.

Bridgnorth Void election.

'Void as regards Sir Robert Pigot, guilty by his agents of bribery. The petitioners against Mr. Henry Whitmore's return to pay costs.

Cambridge Void election. Mr. Kenneth Macaulay and Mr. John Harvey Astell guilty by their agents of bribery. Corrupt prac- tices extensively prevailed.

Canterbury Void election. Mr. Henry Plumptre Gipps and Mr. Henry Butler Johnstone guilty by their agents of bribery. Cor- rupt practices at elections generally.

Chatham Void election.

Sir Frederick Smith guilty of bribery by himself. Government influence paramount.

Clare ......... Void election.

Sir John F. Fitzgerald and Mr. Cornelius O'Brien un- seated in consequence of the prevalence of intimi- dation and rioting. Two Roman Catholic priests implicated.

Durham Void election.

Void as regards Lord Adolphus Vane, guilty by his agents of bribery Frome Void election.

Void in consequence of Colonel Boyle's acceptance of an office of profit under the Crown.

Harwich Void election.

Void as regards Mr George M. W. Peacocke. guilty of an illegal engagement with Mr. John Attwood to pay money. Mr. David Waddington duly elected.

Huddersfield Void election.

Mr. W. R. Crompton Stansfield by his agents guilty of bribery and treating. The treating was " gene- ral, systematic, and extravagant."

Kingston-upon-Hull—Void election.

Mr. James Clay and Viscount Goderich by their agents guilty of bribery and treating. Corrupt practices prevalent at previous elections.

Lancaster Void election.

Void as regards Mr. Robert Baynes Armstrong. guilty by his agents of bribery and treating.

Liverpool . Void election.

Mr. Charles Turner and Mr. William Forbes Mac- kenzie guilty by their agents of bribery and treat- ing. The circumstances notof an aggravated cha- racter.

Maidstone Void election.

Void as regards Mr. George Dodd, guilty by his agents of treating Maldon Void election.

Mr. Charles Du Cane and Mr. Taverner John Miller guilty by their agents of bribery. Corrupt prac- tices have extensively prevailed.

Peterborough Void election.

Void as regards Mr Whalley, guilty of treating by himself.

Plymouth Void election.

Void as regards Mr. Charles John Mare, guilty by himself and agents of bribery. Further inquiry recommended. The petition against Mr. Robert P. Collier's return frivolous and vexatious.

Rye Void election.

Mr. William Alexander Mackinnon guilty by his agents of treating. Attention is called to the ex- tensive influence exercised by Mr. Jeremiah Smith as a money-lender.

Sligo Void election.

Mr. Charles Towneley guilty by his agents of bribery and treating. The influence of Roman Catholic priests injuriously exercised, religiously and politi- cally.

Taunton Void election.

Void as regards Mr. Arthur Mills, guilty by his agents of bribery.

Tynemouth Void election.

Mr. Hugh Taylor guilty by his agents of bribery and treating.

Clitheroe Void election.

Mr. Matthew Wilson guilty by his agents of bribery and treating. Bands of men armed with sticks and bludgeons exercised intimidation. Mr. Aspinall, subsequently elected, was unseated on the ground of having been guilty of treating in 1852.

Derby Member not duly elected.

Mr. Thomas Berry Horsfall guilty by his agents of bribery; Mr. Michael Thomas Bass duly elected.

. Mr. Horsfall's seat given to Mr. Lawrence Hey- worth. Extensive bribery is reported, and "W. B." 's Morgan mentioned as a chief briber.

Knaresborough Member not duly elected.

Mr. Joshua Brown Westhead not duly elected. The seat given to Mr. John Dent Dent.

Tavistock Member not duly elected.

Mr. Carter not qualified ; seat given to Mr. Robert Phillimore.

Athlone Member duly elected.

Bolton Members duly elected.

Petition declared to be frivolous and vexatious.

Cirencester Member duly elected. Bury St. Edmunds...Member duly elected. Coekermouth Members duly elected.

Suspicious transactions on the port of the agents of the sitting Members (Mr. Aglionby and General Wyndham) are reported.

Bridgnorth Member duly elected (Mr. Whitmore).

Cork Members duly elected.

Derby Member duly elected (Mr.

Bass).

Dartmouth Member duly elected.

Guildford Members duly elected.

Harwich Member duly elected (Mr.

Waddington).

Leicester Members duly elected.

Mayo Members duly elected.

New Ross I-ether duly elected.

The petitioner ordered to pay tne cogs incurred by Mr. Duffy in regard to certain allegations.

New Windsor Member duly elected.

Newry Member duly elected.

Plymouth Member duly elected. (Mr.

R. P. Collier.) Southampton Members duly elected. Totnes Member duly elected. Waterford County..Member duly elected. Taunton Member duly elected (Sir J. W. Ramsden). Wigton Member duly elected,

Blackburn (against Mr. Fielding), Boston, Brad- ford, Carlow County, Carlow, Cashel, Clonmel, Down County, Dublin County, Dublin City, Dungarvan, Durham, Ennis, Finsbury, Glouces- ter, Harwich (against Mr. liagshaw), Hereford- shire, Hereford, Kidderminster, Kildare, King's County, Lancaster (against Mr. Greene), Lei- trim, Leominster, Limerick, Lisburn, London- derry County, Louth County, :Maidstone (against Mr. Whatman), Mallow, Meath, Middlesex, New Sarum, Norfolk West, Norwich, Ponte-

fract, Sligo County, Stoke-upon-Trent, Surrey East, Tipperary, Westmeath, Wexford County, Youghal, Carlisle—Petitions not proceeded with.

SUMMARY.

During the twenty years, 443 petitions were presented, but more than half of them were withdrawn. Three, four, and sometimes a greater number, were not unfrequently lodged against the same election. Where the Committee came to a decision upon one of the petitions, the others were not prosecuted ; but in the majority of cases, the petitions were not proceeded with at all. The number of actual inquiries was 185. The follow- ing is a summary of the results.

Void Undue Elections Total Parliaments. Elethts.Elecns.malegd.Inquiries.

10 23 10 16 30 47 9 26 8 24 22 49 89 185

Waiving the elections which have been made good or sustained, we have—

For England—Void and undue, 75; equal to 16.0 per cent of its total seats.

For Wales—Void and undue, 1; equal to 3'5 per cent of its total seats.

For Scotland—Void and undue, 1; equal to 1.9 per cent of its total sego.

For Ireland—Void and undue, 19; equal to 180 per cent of its total seats.

The preceding "void and undue" results do not contain an English County ; no adverse de- cision having been given upon any of the very few petitions referred to Committees. In most cases the County petitions were abandoned. The list includes one Irish County, one Scotch County, and one Welsh County.

1833 6 7 1835

1

5 1837 3 14 1841 6 11 1847 15 1 1852-3 27 0

58 38