I am asked to let you know that a Committee Meeting has been called for Friday 16th, and it is hoped that, at all costs, you will make it convenient to attend.  You know how great an interest I have always taken in your career.  I have always told you that any experience I may have gained in electioneering matters (and I have been at it for about twenty years now) is entirely at your service.  You will therefore forgive me if I speak quite frankly to you on some questions which intimately concern your Candidature.  I don’t meet you as often as I should wish, and I am therefore impelled to write to you on matters which require your serious consideration, and on which you ought to be prepared to make a definite statement on Friday next.  I have used the opportunity of my stay here to see how the land lay with regard to you.  Hitherto you have done very well, but mere public meetings will not win an election, and you must make up your mind ere very long to come and stay here, so as to canvass each ward, under the guidance of the proper “officers.”

Then there is the question of money!  The Registration must he paid for by the Candidate.  It will be heavy this year.  You can talk it over with the Committee, but certainly L100 to L150 will be absolutely necessary.  Whatever the sum is, you must be prepared to pay it.  I trust you will excuse my being candid with you, both for your own sake and the Party’s.  If L200 or L300 more or less is any object to you, and if you (or your friends) are not prepared to do certain things, such as bringing up voters, &c., it is useless your hoping to win.  I don’t suggest bribery and corruption, but certain things not immoral, though perhaps illegal, must be done.  That is why I once suggested to you that someone from here should have an interview with some friend who might represent you.  You did not respond to this.  You do not appear willing to be guided by your Committee even in the expenditure of L15 for chairs and tables for your new Committee-room; and I must repeat that such excessive caution will not be followed by success.  You will only waste your time, and the Party here will be defeated.  If you do not feel willing to be guided by the old Leaders of the Party here, who know what is needed, far better reconsider your position, and resign while there is yet time.

Now, in addition to your legal election expenses (between L500 and L600), there will be the Registration which, however, is a permissible payment.  But, above all, railway fares, conveyances, and sundry other expenses which are forbidden by the Act, must be met by your friends, or success is hopeless.  Young HARRISON is standing at Chursfield.  His father intends him to win, and he will see to the needful!!  That is the way to work it, and to win.  You must be prepared to pay at least L150 (or to get someone to pay it for you) for sundries.  Even thus your expenditure will not reach L1000; dirt cheap for a safe borough.  Formerly a borough contest used to mean L3,000, and a county anything up to L50,000!

    I know you will believe me when I say that I have written
    entirely in your own interest.  Yours sincerely,