June, 1852. The state of the political horizon in London, and the distrust and uneasiness which prevailed amongst all classes, and more especially in reference to the veiled intentions of the Emperor Nicholas in Russia, to conquer and add the Turkish Empire to his already vast dominions, pointed to the necessity of an appeal to the constituents, to ascertain how the British pulse beat upon these momentous questions.
The following address of Mr. Benbow to his constituents shews that he thought “coming events cast their shadows before them:”
TO THE ELECTORS OF DUDLEY.
Gentlemen,
As a dissolution of Parliament is now very near it becomes my duty to inform you of my intention to seek a renewal of the generous confidence which you have on two former occasions reposed in me.
My political principles are well known, and I need not repeat them.
During the eventful period I have had the honor to enjoy a seat in Parliament, I have never blindly attached myself to any Minister; but have, as the Representative of an important constituency, uniformly supported those measures which seemed best calculated to maintain the honour of our great country, and to promote the comforts of the people: at the same time I have been equally solicitous for the advancement of those great interests which are so closely identified with the prosperity of your populous and industrious locality.
In the present position of political parties it seems to me to be necessary that all Friends of Conservative Principles should unite in supporting the Ministry of Lord Derby, and I am prepared to give them my independent aid, except on any measure which may have for its object the re-imposition of a Duty on Foreign Corn, to which the general feeling of the Country appears to be opposed.
At the Termination of the Session I shall avail myself of the earliest opportunity of personally assuring you that I am, with feelings of gratitude and esteem,
Your faithful and obliged Servant,