In every
attempt they had made to spend their money they had been looked
into and circumvented. As Mr Carbottle had been brought down to
Polpenno on purpose that he might spend money,--as he had nothing
but his money to recommend him, and as he had not spent it,--the
free and independent electors of the borough had not seen their
way to vote for him. Therefore the Conservatives were very elate
with their triumph. There was a great conservative reaction. But
the electioneering guide, philosopher, and friend, in the humble
retirement of his own home,--he was a tailor in the town, whose
assistance at such periods had long been in requisition,--he knew
very well how the seat had been secured. Ten shillings a head
would have sent three hundred Liberals to the ballot-boxes! The
mode of distributing the money had been arranged; but the
conservative tailor had been too acute, and not a half-sovereign
could be passed. The tailor got twenty-five pounds for his work,
and that was smuggled in among the bills for printing.
Mr Williams, however, was sure that he had so opened out the
iniquities of the dissenters as to have convinced the borough.
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