thor, there appeared in the leading columns of
the ensuing number of Mr. Potts' Independent, some remarks of a very
smashing or hostile nature, against the Member for Newcome. "This
gentleman has shown such talent in the lecturing business," the
Independent said, "that it is a great pity he should not withdraw
himself from politics, and cultivate what all Newcome knows are the arts
which he understands best; namely, poetry and the domestic affections.
The performance of our talented representative last night was so
pathetic as to bring tears into the eyes of several of our fair friends.
We have heard, but never believed until now, that Sir Barnes Newcome
possessed such a genius for making women cry. Last week we had the
talented Miss Noakes, from Slowcome, reading Milton to us; how far
superior was the eloquence of Sir Barnes Newcome Newcome, Bart., even
to that of the celebrated jestress! Bets were freely offered in the room
last night that Sir Barnes would beat any woman,--bets which were not
taken, as we scarcely need say, so well do our citizens appreciate
the character of our excellent, our admirable representative.--Let
the Baronet stick to his lectures, and let Newcome relieve him of his
political occupations. He is not fit for them, he is too sentimental
a man for us; the men of Newcome want a sound practical person; the
Liberals of Newcome have a desire to be represented. When we elected Sir
Barnes, he talked liberally enough, and we thought he would do, but you
see the honourable Baronet is so poetical! we ought to have known that,
and not to have believed him. Let us have a straightforward gentleman.
If not a man of words, at least let us have a practical man. If not a
man of eloquence, one at any rate whose word we can trust, and we can't
trust Sir Barnes Newcome's; we have tried him, and we can't really. Last
night when the ladies were crying, we could not for the souls of us
help laughing. We hope we know how to conduct ourselves as gentlemen.
We trust we did not interrupt the harmony of the evening; but Sir Barnes
Newcome, prating about children and virtue, and affection and poetry,
this is really too strong.

"The Independent, faithful to its name, and ever actuated by principles
of honour, has been, as our thousands of readers know, disposed to give
Sir Barnes Newcome Newcome, Bart., a fair trial. When he came forward
after his father's death, we believed in his pledges and promises, as
a retrencher and