Mr. Sheridan’s address appeared at once, and as it smacked a good deal of the learned lawyer, and promised to abrogate questions which both the Tories and the Radicals were anxious to see expunged from the Statute Book, its appearance was hailed with a jubilee of satisfaction, and the crowning period of Dudley’s Political Freedom was foreshadowed. Strenuous efforts were made to induce Mr. Charles Shaw, of Birmingham, Merchant, to come forward on moderate Conservative principles, which was thought by some might conduce to heal the Tory breach in the Borough; but Mr. Shaw was too shrewd a gentleman to be dropped betwixt two stools, so he declined the honour with thanks, and left the Electors of Dudley to fight the battle of political freedom in the candidature of Mr. J. Sandars and Mr. H. B. Sheridan.
TO THE ELECTORS OF THE BOROUGH OF DUDLEY.
Gentlemen,
In pursuance of a Requisition, I offer myself to the Electors of Dudley as a Candidate for the honor of representing you in the forthcoming Parliament, and my desire is to assist you in the assertion of your right to choose for yourselves the man who is to represent your views in the House of Commons. I take this step the more readily from an inherent desire to be independent myself, and to co-operate with men animated by similar views. If I am fortunate enough to be returned to Parliament by your votes, I will submit to neither blandishment nor dictation, but will think for myself on the great questions of the day, and in thus doing, I shall be imitating the manly characteristics of the Electors of Dudley, who are neither to be unduly influenced, interfered with, or dictated to. Impressed with these views, I will be open and candid with you in reference to those articles in the Political Creed, which at the present hour are the principal subjects of discussion.
INCOME TAX.—I am a staunch advocate for its entire and immediate abolition.
CHURCH RATES.—I am in favor of their Repeal, but am willing to substitute, if practicable, some equivalent that will preserve our magnificent National Edifices from decay, and at the same time secure to our Protestant Church the alliance and protection of the state.
FRANCHISE.—I am in favor of gradually and carefully extending the Franchise, to meet the wants arising from the advancement and progress of the age, and in furtherance of this view, am willing to place the County Voter upon an equality with the Borough Voter by giving him a £10 qualification.
ARMY AND NAVY.—I am decidedly in favor of a thorough and searching Reform in both these departments of the National Service, and particularly of introducing, as a chief feature of such Reform, the practice of granting Commissions and giving Promotion to merit.
SHIPPING AND SOUNDING DUES.—I am determined to use every constitutional means to obtain the entire removal of these obstructive imposts, believing that no Corporate Funds ought to be increased by Taxes that amount to a restriction on Trade, and which press with peculiar severity upon industry and manufacture.
EXTRA PAROCHIAL PROPERTY.—All property should and must be made to bear its equal share of local burdens.