Reminiscences of Rotherham
by G. Gummer, J.P.
« « prevOLD WHIGS
The elderly members of the Liberal Party, led by the Rev. W. Blazeby, had a preference for Mr. H. W. Fitzwilliam, M.P., whilst the younger element, amongst whom were David Winter, John Cox, Ben Dickinson, of Parkgate, myself, and a few others I cannot remember, favoured, in spite of the forces against them, including the local Press, a younger and more advanced type of politician. The Liberalism of the division being in advance of many other places, we deemed it advisable that the candidate should be sound on the questions to come before Parliament, and, if anything, in advance of the Liberal leaders. As success or failure depended upon our discretion, it was an onerous and an important duty we had undertaken. Owing to our revolt against the dominance of the old Whigs, three gentlemen of advanced views were selected to address the Liberal caucus. Mr. Beale. who appeared first, although no orator, had a happy method of presenting his case. His view’s were those of a robust Liberal. Mr. Lawrence Gane, a barrister.at.law, from Leeds, and well known to Rotherham people, owing to his many visits as a lecturer at the Mechanics’ Institute, also addressed the caucus. An eloquent and vigorous speaker, with a refined and courteous manner, he made a most favourable impression.ARTHUR DYKE ACLAND
The third to appear was Arthur, the second son of Sir Thomas Dyke-Acland, Bart,Earl of Devonshire. He also, was known to us, having previously visited the town in the capacity of a lecturer for the University extension scheme. His speech, marked with clear and well-chosen language. communicating to us the treasures of a well-stored mind, not eloquent, but incisive and forcible, such as might be expected from a man with his education and extensive knowledge, captured the hearts of the Liberal two hundred, and he waseventually adopted as their candidate.MAJOR HOOLE
The Conservative Party were in a quandary. First, Mr. Alfred Gathorne Hardy, a well known politician, was chosen as their candidate, an honour he declined. Then they approved of and adopted Mr. H. W. Verelst of Aston Hall, only again to meet with disappointment, and finally they decided to recommend Major Hoole, the son of Mr. Elliot Hoole, a Sheffield stove-grate manufacturer, who resided at Ravenfield Hall. Another candidate threatened to jeopardise his chances. Ald. Geo. Neill, who desired to climb higher than his municipal career, at a banquet given by him at Eastwood House, took the public into his confidence and declared his intention of being a candidate. Althoughhe did not announce which party he favoured, his associations were mostly with the Conservatives. Hence their dilemma. He declared that he didn’t care for a Beale, a Gane or an Acland. Eventually Major Hoole became the adopted Conservative candidate. His chief claim seemed to be that his father had been Mayor of Sheffield, and now lived in the the Division of Rotherham, and that he himself was a breeder of short horns, though it was never discovered what particular connection the latter had with the constituency.A ROW AT SWINTON
During the election there were some extra ordinary proceedings. For instance, at one of the Tory meetings in Swinton, after listening quielly to Major Hoole’s speech, Mr. John Fox, a town councillor and prominent Liberal of Rotherham, desired to move an amendment to the vote of confidence in Major Hoole. The chairman, in refusing to accept this, said a straight vote would be taken, for and against. Few men could be more determined than John when he had made up his mind to do a thing. he persisted in his endeavour to get in his amendment, and accused the Tories of being cowards. He told the Major he was not speaking the truth, to which Major Hoole replied. 'Men of Swinton, I appeal to you, is this man, this blackguard, to come here and insult us?” Major Hoole’s father then intervened, and angrily facing John, asked him how he dared call his son a liar. Excitement grew until the candidate who had a number of written questions in his hand, indignantly threw them to the ground, and declined to answer them. Supporting the Major on the platform were Ald. Geo. Neill (who had not pressed his claims to be a candidate), and several influential Conservatives from Rotherham. Things looked awkward, and seeing no other method of leaving the hall and catching their train, they made their exit from the room by jumping out of a window. When the chairman managed to take the vote it showed a majority of at least 50 to I against Hoole. next »
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