Another, though less exciting case, has been decided at York.
Mr. Charlesworth, who stood for Wakefield in 1859, has been found guilty of bribery. All that was proved was that he had handed his Partner 50001., which was spent upon his election, chiefly in bribes. The jury held that he must have known what the money was for, and I! he did not he ought to have done, and though he repeatedly affirmed
that nothing should induce him to bribe, he awaits seetence from Baron Martin. He will be let off easily, for a heavy sentence would cause a reaction in public opinion. Half the community think bribery a very venial sin, and the other half are divided between their love of political purity and their wish to see property tell directly on popular votes.