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 CHAPTER XIV.

DUDLEY ELECTION.

A seat for Dudley was vacant. There was little chance of success for any but a monopolist candidate; and few men will fight without success being probable, the desire, "the laudable ambition," as it is called, to be in the House being generally stronger than the desire to spread right principles. Dudley is a manufacturing town, containing about 30,000 inhabitants, who are chiefly employed in iron, glass, and nail manufactures. A part of the town and the principal part of the surrounding mining district belongs to Lord Ward. From the possession of this immense property, great numbers of the voters were in his employ; and it was always a condition that they should vote for his nominee. At every election a note was sent to each elector, under the direct influence of his lordship, couched in the most courteous terms, respectfully requesting the vote and influence of such elector in favour of his lordship's candidate. This request was understood; and if not complied with, the offender was visited with the summary punishment of discharge from employment, or notice to quit land or premises, as tho case might be. His lordship, in addition to his direct, exercised perhaps a still more powerful influence indirectly; the mines chiefly belonged to him, and were let on leases to the ironmasters. These leases, however, afforded 110 security for independence on their part. There were so