i86 A FARMER'S YEAR 



could be brought sufficiently home to the minds of the electors 

 from either point of view by means of public meetings and posted 

 literature. But this is a counsel of perfection which I suppose 

 nobody now breathing will live to see put into practice, for the 

 same reason that he is not likely to see an effort made to reduce 

 election expenses, so that it will be possible for poor men of ability 

 to stand for Parliament. It may be doubted whether the leaders 

 of either of the great parties in the House wish to welcome * poor 

 men of ability ' within its doors, for such people are too apt to 

 think for themselves and develop individual opinions. Probably 

 they prefer rich men who will follow the flag wherever it may lead, 

 and ask no questions. 



I began my efforts with Rough Jimmy, employing the usual 

 1 Norfolk man for Norfolk ' argument, &c. He listened in silence, 

 which was disconcerting, then said, with an innocent air, and 

 turning on me his one questioning eye, in which I thought that I 

 could catch a twinkle : 



' Well, squire, for well-nigh sixty year I've been trying to make 

 up my mind which is the best party, and I'm danged if I can do it 

 yet. But do yow kepp on a talking and p'raps I shall find out.' 



I have a shrewd suspicion as to which way Rough Jimmy will 

 vote. I am convinced that his principles are what might be 

 called progressive. If a voter's views are very pronounced one 

 way or another, generally it is best for the party which would like 

 to mark him as its own to leave him undisturbed, for then there 

 is always a good chance that he will not take the trouble to vote, 

 whereas once he is brought to the poll the result is sure. One of 

 the best and most trusted men in my employ is a stout Radical, 

 and I have adopted these tactics with him. It is curious to any- 

 one who mixes with the labouring classes, and perhaps, to some 

 extent, enjoys their sympathy and confidence, to notice if the 

 crust of timidity and suspicion can be pierced and their real views 

 ascertained how marked is the dividing line of opinion among 

 them. Some are by nature Conservative, and others by nature 

 Radical, and in those cases where political conviction really exists 



