Reminiscences of Rotherham
by G. Gummer, J.P.
« « prevHOME RULE SPLIT
Mr. Gladstone’s Home Rule Bill of 1886 split the local Liberal Party, just as it split the Party all over the country. The president, Mr. E. W. Hodgkinson, in a letter to the Press, said if Mr. Acland had stated when he appeared before the Council of the Liberal Association in May, 1855, that he favoured a scheme such as Mr.Gladstone had put before Parliament, he would not have received a single vote, He also expressed the hope that Liberals, Conservatives, and Radicals would join together and return an independent man ‘who would vote against the Home Rule Bill. This letter he signed as President of the Liberal Association. The Rev. W. Blazeby, one of the vice-presidents also expressed himself in similar terms. The Liberal Party strongly resented their president’s action and plainly told him he did not represent their views on this question. As a result of the split a requisition was presented to Mr. F.J. S. Foljambe, a past president of the Liberal Association, inviting him to contest the seat. This contained the following signatures: Mr. E. W. Hodgkinson, president of the Liberal Association; Rev. W. Blazeby vice-president of the Liberal Association; J. W. Kimpster, late honorary secretary of the Liberal Association; Joseph Wells, late treasurer; Geo. Whitehead, late honorary secretary and Editor of the 'Advertiser' ; H. H. Hickmott,late election agent for Mr. Acland; John Mason, an Alderman of the Borough; F.L. Harrop, solicitor and prominent liberal.Thinking this array of officialism represented the feelings of the Liberals in the division, and relying on the support of the Conservatives, Mr. Foljambe consented to oppose Mr. Acland.
LIBERAL ENTHUSIASM
The welcome given to Mr. Acland when he arrived to fight the election was a remarkable demonstration. I had arranged that a reception should take place at Masbro’ Station and the whole of the space in front of the station and the adjacent roads were filled with spectators. As Mr. and Mrs. Acland, accompanied by Mr Abraham, M .P., emerged from the station a mighty roar of welcome went up and it was with difficulty they were able to reach the carriage and pair waiting them. The Borough Temperance Band played 'See the Conquering Hero Comes' . Speeches by Mr. Acland and Mr. Abraham were called for and given. A procession, led by the Borough Temperance Band, St. Bede’s drum and fife band, and Parkgate Brass Band, with the new president of the Liberal Association Rev. Thos Nicholson, vice presidents and other officers and council of the Liberal Association following in wagonettes, wended its way through the crowded thoroughfares to the Drill Hall. Only one-third of the people desirous of entering the hall could be accomodated. An overflow meeting which gave great satisfaction to thousands was held in the Fair Ground. The Sheffield Press, in commenting on the scene, estimated the numbers present to welcome Mr. and Mrs. Acland at Masbro’ Station and lining the streets at thirty thousand.The result of this election was never’ in doubt, although, in view of his long association with the constituency, we recognized that no more popular opponent. than Mr. Foljambe could have been selected. The popularity of Mr. Acland, however, as evidenced by his reception, was so remarkable, it seemed impossible for him to lose. It was only a question of what the majority would be. next »
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