It may be necessary to explain to the uninitiated, that
the grand source of the very extraordinary unanimity that prevails in the district meetings of the Conservative candidates, arises out of the fact, that these meetings, however distant in place and time, are composed, for the most part, of the same individuals. The com- mittee and the "tail" of the noble lord or honourable gentleman follow him in all his perambulations. They are punctual to ap- pointment; and, unless the room be very large,—in which case, orders are commonly issued to close the doors against strangers, that is, electors of the district, not being friendly,—they for the most part contrive to fill it before any one who might feel disposed to disturb the unanimity can arrive. Sometimes, indeed, the lat- ter are too sharp for them, and convert a close meeting into an open one, or a packed meeting into a fair one ; and then their de- feat is certain.
" Yet e'en though vanquished, they can combat still."
If the meeting was divided, they have the reporters for a scape- goat; if it was so decidedly against them that there is no disput- ing it, then it is alleged to have been made up of non-electors; if that ground be not tenable, we are told that the meeting did not represent the feelings of the district.
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