he Bunkham Standard._

The date of the Dissolution has been fixed, and by making it
impossible for the Elections to be held on a Saturday, the Government
have given one more proof of their deep and sincere devotion to the
highest interests of the working-classes. There never has been any
Ministry, we make bold to say, whose record will better bear the
fierce light of public investigation. Grievances have been redressed,
moderate reforms, such as the country desired, have been passed into
law, and turbulence and outrage have been repressed. No body of
men ever deserved more fully what they now possess, and are sure to
retain--the confidence and gratitude of their fellow-citizens. Our
Member, Mr. TUFFAN, has borne a not unimportant part in assisting
the Government by his presence in the House of Commons. His manly,
straightforward integrity, and his universal generosity, have
endeared him to all classes in Bunkham. We look forward with absolute
confidence to his return by an immense majority. From the disorganised
ranks of our adversaries there is little to fear. Let us stand
shoulder to shoulder, and leave no stone unturned to win a victory
which is even now within our grasp.

* * * * *

I have had interviews with prominent politicians on both sides,
and have been assured on both sides, that victory is certain. Both
Candidates are constantly occupied in driving all over the borough
in pair-horse carriages, lavishly decorated with the party colours,
orange for the Liberals, blue for the Conservatives. Mrs. PLEDGER is
magnificent in an orange silk dress; Mrs. TUFFAN overwhelms me with
blue ribbons. Master PLEDGER waves an orange banner in every street;
Miss TUFFAN distributes blue cards in all the shops. The Liberal
Committee-rooms are ablaze with pictures of Mr. GLADSTONE; the
Conservative Office flames with Union Jacks, and other Imperial
devices. Eight meetings are to be held in different parts of the
Constituency to-night. Immense efforts are being made to capture the
votes of the Association of Jam Dealers, which has its chief factory
here. Master PLEDGER has just gone by in a Victoria, with a huge pot
of "Bunkham Jam" on the seat in front of him. He had a spoon, and was
apparently enjoying himself. This manoeuvre has much depressed the
Conservatives, who consider it disgraceful. More next week.

Yours always, THE MAN IN THE MOON.

* * * * *

[Illus