In another case the Baronet did not get off quite so well. Said an operative at one of his meetings:
‘Why are the mothers and sisters of peers, who have done nothing for the public, to be maintained in luxury and at the public expense, while we are obliged to support our poor relatives from our hard-earned wages or see them sent to the workhouse?’
Happily the Baronet’s supporters made such a noise that the reply was unheard.
But there was a stronger influence at work.
‘What is the chief recommendation of Sir Watkin?’ asked one of Mr. Wentworth’s supporters of a friend of the Baronet’s.
‘Money, to be sure. He’s got it here,’ said the Baronet’s supporter, significantly slapping his pocket.
But the Conservative candidate had money as well. The question was, which had the longest purse.
‘And, then, look at the requisition presented to him,’ continued the Baronet’s friend.
‘Got up by his agent, as a matter of course, who was well paid for his work.’
‘Then look at his committee.’