name of D’Eyncourt) brought in his Bill, but notwithstanding all that could be said or done by the friends of the town they were outvoted (March 21, 1828), and the Bill was thrown out.  The next four years were full of trouble, and the news of the passing of the Reform Bill (June 7, 1832), which at last gave Birmingham its long-sought political rights was most welcome indeed.  The first election day was fixed for December 12, and for some time it was rumoured that Mr. Richard Spooner would stand in opposition to Messrs. Thomas Attwood and Joshua Scholefield, the chosen representatives of the Liberals; but the Conservative party, deeming it but right that those who had borne the brunt of the constitutional fight should be allowed the first honours of the local victory, declined to oppose those gentlemen, and they were accordingly returned without opposition.  The hustings had been erected on a plot of land opposite the Public Offices and here the nominations took place at the early hour of 8 a.m.  The proceedings were over by nine o’clock, but the “victory,” as the popular party chose to consider it, did not satisfy them, and as there was an election on at Walsall the same day it was determined that the Birmingham Liberals should go there to help Mr. Bosco Attwood in his contest with Mr. Foster.  A procession of some thousands, with bands and banners, according marched the whole of the distance so Walsall, and if their behaviour there represented what they were prepared to do at home had they not been allowed to have their own way, it was well for Birmingham they were not opposed.  Long before evening this town was in the most fearful excitement, the passengers and guards of the various coaches which had passed through Walsall bringing the direst news of fire and riot, mixed with reports of the military being called out and firing on the people, numbers being killed, &c.  Fortunately there was much exaggeration in these tales, and by degrees most of the Birmingham men found their way home, though many were in sad plight through the outrageous behaviour of themselves and the “victorious” crew who went off so gaily with them in the morning.  The elections in after years may be briefly chronicled.

1835.—­At the general election, which occurred this year, the Town Hall was first used as the place of nomination (Jan. 7th).  During the proceedings the front of the great gallery gave way and precipitated those sitting there on to the heads of the people below, but providentially, the injuries received were not of a serious character.  Mr. R. Spooner was most impatiently heard, and the show of hands was decidedly against him.  The state of the poll showed:—­

Thomas Attwood 1,718 votes }
Joshua Scholefidd 1,660 " } Returned. 
Richard Spooner 915 "

1837, August.—­At this election the late sitting members were opposed by Mr. A. G. Stapleton, but unsuccessfully, the voting being

Thomas Attwood .. 2,145 }
Joshua Scholefield .. 2,114 }Returned. 
A.G.  Stapleton .. 1,046