Crompton-Roberts, Charles Henry | Day 20

In 1880, he stood as the Conservative candidate in the by-election against the Liberal candidate, Sir Julian Goldsmid, and won the election by 1145 votes to 705.

He and his household stayed in Stanley House, Beach Street during the election. His horses were stabled at the Royal Hotel.

https://www.findmypast.co.uk/image-share/a7c7c33a-7d94-4103-98dc-b39d1b68c804

Witness Type: Candidate / MP

Party: Conservative

Other Days The Witness Was Called On: Day 16 | Day 17

Witness Testimony:

  • 20225.

    Let me read it to you. What is the name of this man ? — Wakeham, I should read it, High Street.

  • 20226.

    Does it not read on thus :— “Wakeham, High Street, wants a B.” ? — I had not read that part of it I did not read before about “Wants a B.” It might be as you say.

  • 20227.

    Does that suggest itself to your mind ? — I did not see that before; but since you put that construction upon it, it looks possible.

  • 20228.

    Does B. stand for “Bribe”, it does, does it not ? — With that “Wants a B,” I should say certainly that would be it, but C. stands for Conservative, and D. for doubtful, and so on; and no doubt that man had made such an application to me.

  • 20229.

    D. is a doubtful man who wants a bribe? Now I see “Wants a B,” I should say that that is it, no doubt. I have no doubt that this man had run after me, and had suggested something of that kind, and I had added that after I had put the word “doubtful.”

  • 20230.

    Why did you put opposite to that, “Wants a bribe” ? — Simply because I have been accustomed to do things perfectly openly, and I would make a straightforward remark of that kind.

  • 20231.

    This paper was intended to come, and did come into the hands of the canvassers, and other persons ? — I have no idea. I was given certain people to call upon, and no doubt from that being in my own handwriting, that is the wind up of perhaps a long list. No doubt it is a man that I had been unable to see on that particular day.

  • 20232.

    That paper was intended to be given back, and was given back ? — I do not know what became of it.

  • 20233.

    That is what you did with all the papers ? — Yes, that is what I should do.

  • 20234.

    Does it not strike you that writing “Wants a bribe ” opposite a man’s name, was a pretty broad hint ? — I had no idea that there was any bribery going on or likely to go on, and therefore I put that down in the same way as, if anybody asked me for a bribe, I should put him down as a Liberal.

  • 20315.

    Recalled and further examined. (The Witness) I can save time, I think, if you will allow me to interpose. I have paged this book with the view of ready reference, and here are the sum totals representing the different weeks — the first week is £14 15s. 4d. ; upon page 6 there is £3 10s . 1d. ; upon page 7, £22 17s 6d; upon page 8, £11 7s 9d; and upon page 9, £10 19s 9d. Those you will see are added together, and come to £70 1s. 5d. Then my coachman received on account £65, and the balance is paid to him here £5 1s. 5d. You have, therefore, every item, and every shilling spent.

    (Mr. Jeune.) Can you tell us who it was who told you that he had been employed as bribery agent ? — There were different persons who went round with me upon different mornings, and I do not know their names, though if I had a photograph of the man I could tell, but not otherwise.