The Southwark election took place yesterday, and did not pass
over without some hustings opposition. Three candidates were nominated, two of whom never intended to go to the poll. Dr. Challice proposed, and Mr. Evans seconded, Sir William Molesworth ; Mr. Cyrus Legg pro- posed, and Mr. Marcus Sharpe seconded, Sir Charles Napier ; Mr. G. West proposed, and Mr. Smith seconded, a Mr. Hamilton—whom nobody knew. The supporters of Sir Charles Napier were a very uproarious minority. In his speech to the electors Sir William Molesworth dwelt almost entirely on the war, succinctly narrating its causes, and defending the expedition to the Crimea. In the course of his address he referred to the late division on the Turkish loan.
" Wo unto those who would separate England from France! Wo unto those men—the worst enemies of this country—who, by their arts, intrigues, and machinations, would, forparty and selfish objects, break our engage-
ments with France, and would sow dissension between us and our Allies. Be certain, gentlemen, that if this war should ever be brought to a discre- ditable termination,—that if, unhappily for the honour, for the safety, for
the integrity and repute of the British empire, this war should end in a re- creant and dishonourable peace, that peace Will never be the work of my noble friend Lord Palmerston, or of Lord Palmerston's Government; but it will be the act of those factions who clandestinely combined the other night to break our engagement with France on the subject of the Turkish loan—I mean the Peace party, the Peelites, the more unscrupulous portion of the Op- position, and some few unreflecting Liberals, who formed an ambuscade last Friday night to surprise the Government on the question of the Turkish loan. I shudder even now at the thought of the success of their nefarious enterprise, which a mere accident defeated. If it had succeeded, Turkey would have lost the loan, which was indispensable for the maintenance of her army and for the vigorous prosecution of the war ; the war would have been stinted and starved ; and France would have been justly offended at the fickleness of our conduct, and would have ceased to have faith in our assurances. These evils, of enormous magnitude, a portion of the Opposition were prepared to encounter thereby giving the lie to their warlike professions and to their pre- tended :sell for the French alliance, and showing that for the sake of annoy- ing a political antagonist, or of obtaining office, they were ready at any moment to peril the safety of their country and the honour of the Crown. I therefore denounce the conduct of those men and their want of patriotism
as deserving of the severest censure and condemnation from all persons and all parties who have the interest and honour of their country at heart, and who do not wish that we should stand alone in this mighty struggle without a friend or ally."
He wound up with these emphatic expressions of confidence in Lord Palmerston.
" Gentlemen, I have now explained to you my views on the subject of this war. I repeat that it is a just and necessary war, and that it is the
duty of the Government of this country to carry on the war, in hearty union with our Allies, and with the utmost vigour and energy, until the great ob- jects of the war are accomplished. I know the sentiments and opinions of
my noble friend Lord Palmerston on this subject. I am convinced that he knows his duty, and will do his duty to the people and Sovereign of this empire; that he will reject, as he has without hesitation rejected, any dan- gerous or insufficient proposals for the termination of the war; and that no Government of which Lord Palmerston is the head will ever consent to any peace which is not both safe and honourable." (Loud cheers.) Sir Charles Napier's speech consisted of a repetition of his grievances, and a general attack on the late Government, making some exceptions m favour of Lord Palmerston and Sir William Molesworth. Mr. Hamilton had hardly begun to speak before his speaking came to an end. He ac- cused the Government of carrying on the war "to support a tyrant on the throne—he meant Louis Napoleon." This raised a hurricane of de- nunciation—cries of " Off, off! " Shame !" "He's a Russian spyl," " Turn out the Red Republican !" Mr. West withdrew his nomination of Mr. Hamilton. A majority of hands were held up for Sir William Molesworth, and he was declared duly elected.
Marylebone election will take place today. No opposition to the return of Sir Benjamin Hall is expected, although placards announcing "Napier for Marylebone " have been paraded about the borough.
Previous page
