The Bridport electors were promised by Messrs. Day and Fox.(who
seem to be persons of some local influence in such matters) the choice of a Pro- tection candidate: accordingly, Mr. Robert Montgomery Martin, writer of some statistical books on Colonial affairs, appeared on Thursday and an- nounced that he was the person. He; explained his principles in a hands bill, and in private converse with the electors; but the field did not prate inviting, and he abandoned it.
Yesterday, Mr. Baillie Cochrane, the Ministerial candidate, and Mr. Romilly, a Free-trader, were put in nomination. Mr. Cochrane complained of the opposition to which he was subjected. He thought it was pushing him very hard that he should be opposed on his voluntary resignation; and if defeated, the effect could not be otherwise than unfavourable to the Minis- terial
measure. Mr. Romilly defended his position. Mr. Cochrane had asked for a vote of confidence; and how could an answer be given but through the poll? The Free-trade principle was not the only one to be-- tested: there were other important principles upon which the electors were bound to express their opinion. For himself, he had held his Free-trade opinions for a long time, through good report and bad report; Mr Cochrane was only a convert of short stapding. The show of hands was in favour of Mr. Romilly; and a poll wEs demanded.
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