Ramell, John Pettet | Day 5

Some discrepancy over the amount he received. Also his brother William Henry Ramell, raised concerns over whether putting up the flags was legal. An Act of Parliament had outlawed ‘colouring elections’ a quarter of a century earlier.

Mr Baldwin was paid for materials for flags.

Witness Type: Briber, Councillor / Alderman

Party: Liberal

Other Days The Witness Was Called On: Day 4

Witness Testimony:

  • 4884. [Recalled and further examined]

    (Mr, Holl.) Your brother has told us that in the evening you requested him to make some FLAGS ? — Yes.

  • 4885.

    And he has told us that on the following morning a qualm had come over his conscience as to whether it was legal or not ? — Yes, he came and knocked me up, or at least he came to knock me up, but I was out.

  • 4886.

    Tell us shortly what took place between you and him then ? — He told me that he understood what I was doing was illegal, and I should get myself into trouble. I said, “I don’t know; I have taken all my instructions from Mr. Edwards ; but I will stop it and have a consultation as soon as the rooms are open this morning.” I went to some of the boatmen and told them not to put up any more FLAGS till they heard from me ; and afterwards I met Mr. Edwards and Mr. Cornwell and mentioned it to them, and Mr. Edwards said. “ Oh, no ; Sir Julian don’t mind spending money that way ; it is acknowledged on both sides.” That was the answer I got from Mr. Edwards.

  • 4887.

    And did you tell your brother that ? — Yes, and I told him to go on as usual.

  • 4888.

    (Mr. Jeune.) Did Mr. Edwards say that Sir Julian Goldsmid had said it did not matter ? — Yes, it was acknowledged on both sides.

  • 4889.

    And your brother was to go on ? —Yes. (Mr. Holl.) That is all we have to ask you. (Mr. W. Ramell.) May I leave now, sir ? (Mr. Holl.) Yes ; we only wanted you to stay till your brother had been examined, to see whether your brother’s account agreed with yours.