BARNSTAPLE ELECTION. (Hansard, 10 May 1853)

§ MR. W. O. STANLEY

said, he rose to move an Address to Her Majesty for the appointment of a Commission to inquire into corrupt practices which took place at the late election for the Borough of Barnstaple. It had been proved before the Committee that there were eight cases of bribery at the last election, and that the Gentlemen who were returned were directly implicated in those corrupt practices. One of the unseated Members was for a long series of years a solicitor in the borough, was a noted electioneering agent, and, together with his partner, had been mainly instrumental in returning representatives to Parliament. It had also been proved that a long course of treating took place at the last election, beginning as early as February, and that many of the electors were corrupted by such treating. The evidence likewise showed that a considerable number of the freemen banded together at the time of the election, and would not allow themselves to be brought to the poll until they had received satisfaction for their votes. According to the system proved at Barnstaple, "satisfaction" meant either remuneration for what was called loss of time, or pecuniary contributions for charitable considerations. By referring to the evidence taken in 1819, with regard to the borough of Barnstaple, it would be seen that the very same system of corruption was practised at that period; and he hoped, therefore, that no opposition would be offered to his Motion.