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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 14

The English Farmers and the Tory Party

The English Farmers and the Tory Party.

The following analysis of the representation of the English Counties at each general election since the Reform Act of 1882 is very instructive:—
Date of Election. Liberals. Tories.
1832 104 40
1835 73 71
1837 46 98
1841 22 122
1847 89 105
1862 28 116
1857 49 95
1859 44 100
1865 49 98
1868 48 124
1874 26 146
1880 53 119

It will be seen that Liberal representation reached its lowest points in 1841, 1852, and 1874. In 1841 the farmers rejected the Whig proposal of an eight-shilling duty on corn, and returned the Tory party to Parliament with a triumphant majority in order that they might maintain the Corn Laws, which the very Ministry they placed in power repealed. In 1852, deceived by apparent promises to restore Protection they rallied afresh to the Conservative banner. In 1868 they were told the Church was in danger; and in 1874 they rushed to save the Beer-barrel.