One hundred years ago
Politicians of both parties will do well to study the result of the by-election for Lincoln, which came off last Saturday. We do not often attach much impor- tance to by-elections, electors being apt on such occasions, when the result signifies little to the position of parties, to indulge in mere caprice; but there is a serious lesson to be learned from this one. The Tories made every effort to carry the borough, and brought forward the best candidate for Lincoln to be found in all England. No one in the city dislikes Mr Hall, while with many of his opponents we are told he is distinctly a personal favourite. His opponent was a man of local mark only, who professed uncompromising Liberalism, and in par- ticular a sincere devotion to the Premier. The Tories, well aware of the impact on opinion which would be produced by the gain of a city like Lincoln, exerted themselves to the utmost, and had the support of nearly all the neighbouring county families. Yet they were utterly routed ... by 3,234 votes to 2,263.
Spectator, 21 June 1884
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