Page:The Siege of London - Posteritas - 1885.djvu/24

 a tremendous surprise, and had never been anticipated even by the prophets of evil in their own ranks. They had gone to the poll with a boastful confidence. They came away with bowed heads and wounded feelings; and though, in desperation, they tried to explain away the causes that had led to their defeat, the Conservative majority of eighty was an answer to all their arguments.

It is worth while mentioning, as a very significant sign, that Birmingham, which had ever distinguished itself for Radicalism of an out-and-out type, and which was the home of the Caucus, and the native city of Mr. Joseph Chamberlain, absolutely returned two Conservative members in the persons of a gallant and distinguished army officer, Frederick Gustavus Burnaby, and "a young sprig of the nobility,". His lordship had formerly sat for Woodstock, and had succeeded in bringing himself prominently into notice by his very marked abilities, and his strong, vigorous, incisive, and fearless style of oratory. He had, in fact, been a sort of free lance, but had certainly done yeoman service for his party. His standing for Radical Birmingham in the Conservative interest was looked upon as folly even by some of his warmest admirers; but the result proved that he was possessed of extraordinary political acumen, and men predicted for him a great career.