The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 14
The English Farmers and the Tory Party
The English Farmers and the Tory Party.
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a triumphant majority in order that they might maintain the Corn Laws, which the very Ministry they placed in power repealed.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.