I Have Now And Then Seen Some Of The Members Bring
Their Sons, Whilst Quite Little Boys, And Carry Them To Their Seats
Along With Themselves.
A proposal was once made to erect a gallery in the House of Peers
also for the accommodation of spectators.
But this never was
carried into effect. There appears to be much more politeness and
more courteous behaviour in the members of the upper House. But he
who wishes to observe mankind, and to contemplate the leading traits
of the different characters most strongly marked, will do well to
attend frequently the lower, rather than the other, House.
Last Tuesday was (what is here called) hanging-day. There was also
a parliamentary election. I could only see one of the two sights,
and therefore naturally preferred the latter, while I only heard
tolling at a distance the death-bell of the sacrifice to justice. I
now, therefore, am going to describe to you, as well as can, an
Election for a Member of Parliament.
The cities of London and Westminster send, the one four, and the
other two, members to parliament. Mr. Fox is one of the two members
for Westminster. One seat was vacant, and that vacancy was now to
be filled. And the same Sir Cecil Wray, whom Fox had before opposed
to Lord Hood, was now publicly chosen. They tell me that at these
elections, when there is a strong opposition party, there is often
bloody work; but this election was, in the electioneering phrase, a
"hollow thing" - i.e. quite sure, as those who had voted for Admiral
Hood now withdrew, without standing a poll, as being convinced
beforehand their chance to succeed was desperate.
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