PETERSFIELD, Friday, April 29.
After the usual preliminary proceedings, Colonel Jolliffe was proposed by Mr Meeres, and seconded by Mr Lipscombe; Sir W G H Jolliffe was proposed by Mr Lipscombe, and seconded by the Rev Mr Twyford.
Colonel JOLLIFFE stated that he was a liberal Tory; that he had always used his abilities and given his vote in favour of improvements and alterations in the government of the country. With regard to reform in Parliament, if another bill was brought forward with more mild and more certain means of carrying it into execution, he would support it; but that by the reform bill two-thirds of the country were to be deprived of their natural rights and hereditary claims, and a power was given to a body of whom nothing was known (alluding to the Privy Council) to divide counties. (Much hissing.)
Sir WILLIAM JOLLIFFE said that this country was placed in as difficult a situation as at any period of her history. With regard to the measure which had been brought forward for a total change in the representation, he had said upon a former occasion that he was an advocate for reform, and he should be ready to stand forward and to support a moderate reform. He and Charlie just claimed any wish to adhere to the present system for his own benefit. He did not see that any material advantage would be derived to the people from the reform bill, and he particularly objected to the proposed increase of the Scotch and Irish members. (Hissing and disapprobation.)
Mr HECTOR said it was the duty of every English man and every father of a family to support the reform bill; and he proposed to Mr Ogle as a gentleman who had already fought in their cause, and who had pledged himself most distinctly to vote for the bill.
Mr ATKINSON seconded the nomination. Colonel Jolliffe had stated that he had served them for 30 years, and never received a pension; he begged to ask what he had received for selling seats for the borough? Could he say that he had derived no advantage from the existing system? It might be untrue, but it had been reported that Colonel Jolliffe had always received a higher price than any other borough-holder for his seats.
Mr LANG proposed Mr Marsh in an energetic address, which was received with much applause. Whilst he was speaking, the immense cheering of the people assembled outside the hall announced the arrival of Sir James Macdonald, and Mr Shaw Lefevre
Sir J MACDONALD, in rising to second the nomination of Mr Marsh, was received with rapturous applause. He stated that he had not the slightest feeling of personal hostility to the candidates on the other side, but he came there endeavouring to discharge a great public duty, by endeavouring to give effect to the beneficent intentions of His Majesty, and to promote the cause of reform. He would venture to say that within six months the reform bill would be carried by an overwhelming majority in the House of Commons. (Great cheering.)
Mr OGLE thanked the electors for the warm reception given him, and denounced the boroughmongering system as injurious, corrupt, and detestable. He stated that he had just travelled from one end of England to the other, and had found every town and every village on the rack of suspense for the glorious cause of reform. (Great applause.)
The MAYOR then put the several candidates in nomination. Seven hands were held up for Colonel Jolliffe and his nephew, and all the rest for Mr Ogle and Mr Marsh. The mayor declared that the majority was in favour of Mr Ogle and Mr Marsh; upon which Colonel Jolliffe and Sir William Jolliffe demanded a poll.
Mr Jolliffe's agent desired that the poll might not commence until the following morning, as there had been no time to make the necessary preparations. The application was resisted by Mr Ogle's party; and the assessor stated, that if proper polling places could be provided in the course of an hour or two, the mayor might then proceed, but that it was in his discretion to fix the time; the mayor conferred with Mr Jolliffe's agent, and adjourned the pool to the next day.