nd large proprietors were very much opposed to Cross Hall, on
account of his loose views as to the rights of property. At Newton,
however, which was a large manufacturing town of recent growth, and not
a royal burgh, but which was of very great importance in the county
representation, Francis Hogarth was extremely popular. He was the real
friend of the people--the only man in the county who seemed to
understand anything about the rights of labour. The electors of Newtown
felt aggrieved that they, who were far more numerous than those of any
of the five royal burghs, were thrown into the county representation,
where their votes did not count for one-fourth of what they would do in
the burghs. They felt personally interested in the return of Cross Hall
(as he was generally called), and would not leave a stone unturned to
secure it. The non-electors of Newtown--a still more numerous
body--regretted that they could do nothing to further his views, except
by going EN MASSE to Ladykirk on the day of the election, and combining
with the non-electors there, so as to make as great a physical
demonstration as possible, for they considered that Cross Hall, if
returned, would be their representative--ready to fight their battles,
and to redress their grievances.

"Be careful, Mr. Hogarth, be careful," said Mr. Prentice, his Freeburgh
agent. "Say nothing that may awaken jealousy or mistrust among our own
party. You are much too frank in your assertion of your
opinions--correct enough, no doubt; but your people are not prepared
for them, and your majority is not so large that you can afford to lose
a single vote."

"It certainly is not large in your burgh," said Francis.

"A minority of twenty-three is the most favourable thing you can expect
here--I think twenty-four. At Swinton there is a certain minority of
fourteen, which the least imprudence on your part would double.
Auldbiggin and Plainstanes are ties at present, so your majority at
Ladykirk should be large, to cover up our deficit. We have the hardest
work to do, with the least credit; we should have double pay at these
losing burghs," said Prentice, laughing. "But, for Heaven's sake! Mr.
Hogarth, keep your friend Sinclair quiet. If he would only take a fever
or something of that kind, to keep him in bed till he is wanted to
vote, it would be a real service to the cause. You must address the
electors tonight at a public meeting, and if possible, keep Mr.
Sinclair away. We