CORRESPONDENCE. WEST RIDING ELECTION.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 82, 20 November 1911, Page 5

CORRESPONDENCE.

WEST RIDING ELECTION.

(To the Editor “Stratford Post.”) Sir, —1 was sorry to see Mr. Anderson’s letter in to-night’s paper, because I had scrupulously avoided saying anything that should hurt his feelings, and it may interest him to know that Mr. Astbury’s nomination having failed, I expressed the hope that he would be elected, not because ho is Mr. Anderson, but because the representation of the riding would not be satisfactory unless the central or western part of it had a member on the Council. I do not desire his seat; had 1 done so 1 dare say I could have won it by meeting the electors face to face and dispelling any imaginary grievance—they have no real ones, as 1 dare say they are now I loginning to realise. But after enjoying their confidence for so many years, it was right to give them the opportunity of reappointing mo if they wished to do so. 'That they preferred to grant me my discharge in the way they did is to me a source of entire satisfaction; I have fairly earned my rest. Most unwisely, Air. Anderson throws out a challenge which compels this reply. There is nothing discreditable in canvassing so long as it is free from misrepresentation. My information is that Mr. Anderson’s brother-in-law actively canvassed on bclnjdf of their side, as he had a perfect right to do if he chose. Mr. Anderson says he neither canvassed himself nor authorised any one else to do so. My information ,may he correct or it may not; if it is correct, and Mr. Anderson knew it, his disclaimer places him in a most unfortunate position. It is a pity this correspondence ever began, hut “Three Votes” must accept responsibility for that.—l am, etc., G. A. M ARCHANT. November 18, 1911.