During the time I have been absent in London, i.e., since Thursday, I find that my political opponents have been indulging in the same tricks, with the view of prejudicing me in your eyes, which characterised the anonymous communications to the Birmingham Daily Post.
I allude to a paper which has been sent to the Electors of the Borough, purporting to be a history of the “Times” Fire Insurance Company, by which they seek to have it inferred that I have done some act in connection with that Company which would damage me in your estimation.
Instead of replying in detail to the abominable falsehoods which are therein contained, I shall content myself by saying—
That I never was Secretary to the “Times” Insurance Company.
That I am still a Director of that Company, which has amalgamated with the “State” Office.
That I am the largest Shareholder in the Company.
That I am paying calls at the rate of six or seven hundred pounds every few months.
That I have lent to the Company, at various times, about eight thousand pounds, most of which is still owing to me.
That for the last two years, we, the Directors, have not received fees for our weekly attendance, or any other remuneration for our services.
I may add, that the losses by fire, have, for some years past been very disastrous to this and all other similar Companies, and the greatest sufferers by these losses are the Directors, of whom I am one.