The election at Barnstaple was not a very creditable affair,
being marked by very offensive language, and, in all probability, by a good deal of bribery on both sides. The Liberal candidate, Mr. Lloyd, was elected by a majority of twenty-one ; but the Conservative candidate, Mr. Bremridge, pledged himself very deeply on the hustings to dispute the seat, charging his opponent with bribery. It would be well for him to take care lest he get the constituency disfranchised—a by no means improbable event.
One of the election placards ran that " Mr. Bremridge's Committee have five sovereigns in their possession, given to an. elector to vote for Mr. Lloyd." Mr. 'Lloyd and Mr. Bremridge, of course, both protest the exceeding purism of their tactics. The Lion and Fortescue Hotels, the headquarters of the opposing parties,' had their windows broken, and Mr. R. R. R. Moore, one whom Mr. Brem- ridge called the " itinerant " supporter of Mr. Lloyd, received an egg full in his face.
