ENGLISH ELECTIONS IN THE GOOD OLD TIME.

Lake Wakatip Mail, Issue 1522, 12 March 1886, Page 3

ENGLISH ELECTIONS IN THE GOOD OLD TIME.

In the good old time what fun the elections were! The candidates kept open house for weeks, and everybody who liked feasted at their expense. I was present at a contest in a Midland town where the election lasted ten days at least (in the counties the poll was open sometimes for fifteen days), and then there was a scrutiny on the spot, and Lord John Eussell, the Whig candidate, was rejected by a majority of one. What scenes took place! Every day at the close of the poll the candidates appeared on the hustings, and when the numbers were announced, addressed the electors amid a tremendous row from their supporters. Then grand processions were formed, and the contending parties moved oft", bands in front, to perambulate the town. The opposing parties generally met in the course of the day in the High-street and then a terrific combat ensued, which was delightful to the youthful mind. The bands were in front of the battle, and when the drumsticks were elevated high in the air one knew that the battle had begun. I think the rival musicians, like the Condottieri in the Middle Ages, under* stood one another, and except an occasional black eye not much mischief was done. They resembled Mr Pecksniffs horse in the qualities of great action and no go. The Whig band certainly was very annoying after a successful day's poll, when it filled the air with a song of triumph. I remember to this day my dejection when I heard the Tory band receive an order "to go about the town playing something bright and strong, but especially to avoid the ' Conquerin' 'Ero.' w Then how the out-voters were received! Coachfulsof them were welcomed with enthusiasm and were caried off to feast and vote. At the approaching election I shall merely be number six-hundred - and something, and my reception will be as chilly as the weather. — Tmple Bar.