Yours earnestly,

A PATRIOT.

July 12th, 1852.

It became apparent at once that Mr. Benbow would again be called upon on the hustings to give us some incoherent account of his stewardship, for the Liberal and Independent voters were determined to bring out a thorough Radical against him. The Anti-Church party being also very wrath at the result of the recent Church Rate contests.

A Mr. James Baldwin, Paper Merchant, of Birmingham, was the chosen champion honoured with the privilege of doing battle on this occasion, and the wondering and peace-loving denizens of the town were one morning startled with the rapid drive into the town of a pair of high-bred steeds, with a light waggon laden with hand-bills, announcing the candidature of Mr. James Baldwin, “Free Trade and no Church Rates.” Our feeble old member could be seen “taking his walks abroad” daily in our midst, consulting with his old friends, Tom, Isaac, and Richard, on the ugly look out upon passing events, bitterly complaining of the ingratitude and desertion of some once loving friends and ardent supporters. Canvassing in those days was undertaken by gentlemen and tradesmen, not by “Loafers and hangers on,” called canvassing agents; and in those days some certainty could be arrived at as to the result of the poll. Our old erratic friend, Samuel, was up early and late using his loquacious eloquence amongst the ignorant and thoughtless voters, whilst Church and Dissent strained every nerve to bring its quota of “Free and Independent Voters” to the poll.

TO THE “INDEPENDENT” ELECTORS OF THE BOROUGH OF DUDLEY.

The Member has at last spoken—the nominee of my Lord Ward has opened his mouth—and his lordship’s lump of Political Capital, Mr. John Benbow, of Mecklenburgh Square, is prepared to shew to all comers that a cypher in St. Stephen’s may at least be somebody in the Borough of Dudley.

And should we not be grateful to our “Right Honourable” for the legislative present he has made and is still willing to make us? When we consider that his Lordship, if he so willed it, would make the “calling and election sure” of his groom in this Independent Borough, ought we not to be grateful that our degradation is no deeper? Should we not rather rejoice that our political Jupiter, instead of giving us a Stork, has, in the plenitude of his condescension, kindly thrown us a “Log?”

And is it not delightful to contemplate the Honourable Gentleman’s Parliamentary career?—his exemplary discharge of his duties—his punctual attendance in the House—the undying eloquence of his speeches—the constancy of his name in the Division List?—Indeed, so admirable is his conduct in these respects, that it may be said they form the exact measure of his political ability.

How kindly too has our “worthy member” cooked his address “To the Electors of Dudley?” With what delicate tact has he avoided the usual term “Independent?” This would, indeed, have been severe, and in our present abject state the “unkindest cut of all:” but he goes through the farce with an amiable make-believe which is really refreshing to behold. “His political opinions are well known to us”—God help us; so they are. He “will not seek to re-impose a Duty on Corn.” How magnanimous!—a return to protection is impossible, therefore Mr. Benbow won’t attempt it. How thankful we ought to be! Mr. Benbow will support Lord Derby’s administration—but where are the political opinions of the noble Earl?—Echo answers—where? They have been stifled in the atmosphere of Downing Street! Once “the Rupert of Debate”—bold, fiery, impetuous, but without a stain on his honour—he has, since the advent of his present official career, condescended to become the “Artful Dodger” of politics; carried to power as a Protectionist, and treacherous to the principle by which he obtained it—his subsequent career has betrayed a succession of miserable expedients. Firm, even to obstinacy, when “Stanley was the cry,” the “great” Earl of Derby is now the veriest political weathercock of modern times—in fine, he has done more in the short space of a single session to destroy confidence in public men, than all the political Apostates of the present century.