298 REMINISCENCES OF 



shows his thorough acquaintance with those great 

 questions which agitate the minds of politicians, 

 and his earnest desire for the furtherance of true 

 prosperity and progress." 



" To the Electors of the County of Fife, 1864. 



" GENTLEMEN, 



" . . . I now, in compliance with an influential 

 and numerously signed requisition, beg to offer my- 

 self as a candidate for the honour of representing you. 

 I do not bring myself before you from any motives 

 of personal ambition, but solely in the hope that my 

 services may be of use to my native county. Although 

 I cannot lay claim to much political experience, I have 

 at least the advantage of having constantly resided 

 among you, and being personally known to many of you. 



" My principles are Conservative, but, at the same 

 time, I am in favour of all reasonable progress, and 

 would support any measure to rectify existing abuses. 

 Believing that to be prepared for war is the best 

 security for peace, I would vote for the efficient 

 maintenance of the army and navy, having a due re- 

 gard for the economical outlay of public money. . . . 



" All matters of local interest shall have my 

 constant attention. 



" I trust to have an early opportunity of calling 

 upon you personally, and of more fully explaining 

 my opinions. 



" I am, Gentlemen, 



" Your faithful servant, 



" JOHN ANSTRUTHER THOMSON. 



" CHARLETON, "jth April, 1864." 



