My Dear “Independent,”

What a funny fellow you are! Asking at this time of the day, if Mr. Benbow is the man of the choice of the Dudley Independent Electors? And whether he is not “a nominee?” What fun! To ask if these things are not “worthy of enquiry?” You droll dog! Ask whether the sun shines? “What has he done for the country at large, or for the constituency he represents?” I fearlessly answer he has done his duty. “Nominees” attend to the interests of those who nominate them. And has he not perseveringly upheld the interests of his patron in all the railway struggle? What had the “vast majority of his constituents” to do with the matter? True it is, he opposed the Oxford, Worcester, and Wolverhampton Railway Bill, which was hailed and supported by a vast majority of his constituents, and that he continues “the most determined, unwearied, and implacable opposition” to it; but yet he will be re-elected without opposition; clearly showing it is no business of theirs. The line of Railway Mr. Benbow supported was the most beneficial for Lord Ward’s estates, and that is one and the same thing as the Borough of Dudley. Could the constituency expect more? His conduct respecting the endowment of the “Papist College of Maynooth,” may have been, from what is known, more independent! We know not what Lord Ward’s opinions on this subject are:—and Mr Benbow, may, in this instance, have equally disregarded the opinions of the “Independent Electors of Dudley,” and of his Patron. Whether they were alarmed at “the revival of Popery,” or simply objected to the grant of the public money for an exclusively sectarian religious education, he may, in this instance, have voted to please himself! ’Tis clear the “Independent Electors” had nothing to do with it.

You forgot the Corn-law affair! The “Independent electors,” at the last election, returned Mr. Benbow in opposition to Mr. Rawson, the enthusiastic Treasurer of the Anti-Corn Law League, expressly to uphold those laws, and “protect native industry;” and he voted for their total abolition! ’Tis true in so doing he showed a similarity of opinion between himself and Lord Ward;—and a decided diversity between himself and his “Independent” supporters! In return for his independent conduct, his “Independent” supporters, will again vote for, and elect him Member for Dudley. Never before was such a band of disinterested Patriots known! Among them stands pre-eminent, Thomas Badger, Esq., selected by you as a proper person to oppose Mr. Benbow! In homely language, you have selected him to “bell the cat?” There are rumours afloat of the deliberations of the council when this measure was proposed! And if there be truth in these rumours, these deliberations came to a similar result with those of the mouse council! viz., that the advice was very bold, but its execution, by any member of the council, hopeless. I thought you too severe here. To look for any electors of the Borough of Dudley, who approve of Mr. Badger’s political principles, of sufficient courage and independence to oppose the Himley Influence was too bad. Mr. Badger would repudiate any such admirer.

Mr. Benbow is the man for Dudley. ’Tis true he voted for the extended Grant to Maynooth, in opposition to many of his supporters: no matter;—they will generously support him as before! ’Tis true he broke all his pledges to uphold the Corn Laws to the disgust and indignation of his “independent” supporters: no matter;—they will rally round him at the hustings! ’Tis true he opposed himself to the interests and wishes of the great majority of the electors and inhabitants of the Borough in the Railway affair: no matter;—they dare not vote against him at the poll! ’Tis true he has neglected the interests of his nominal constituents whilst living: no matter;—he has procured from his patron the grant of burial grounds, without charge, for their benefit, when dead he provided them with graves; ’Tis true; the independence of the Borough is utterly destroyed: no matter;—Mr. Benbow, like a generous enemy, has provided a decent burial!

When you next write, be guarded in what you say; Mr. Benbow may find you out; although you do not sign your name, and although you cut off the Printer’s name and address: he is so sharp. And woe betide any one he catches tripping.

Your sincere friend,

A BROTHER “INDEPENDENT.”

Dudley, July 22, 1847.

“Dudley Castle in Modern Times.”