Uncertainty of “Public Opinion.”

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume II, Issue 258, 9 February 1889, Page 2

Uncertainty of “Public Opinion.”

SIB CHABLEB DILKE AND THE METROPOLITAN CQUNOIL.

""Public opinion ” is a fickle thing in England. The outcry—and a righteous outcry, too—against Sir Charles Dilke’s recent nomi nation for the London County Council has caused him to withdraw, but,' to, show the other side, here is a report from an English paper dated some months back: — A number of large and influential deputations from political and other bodies in Fulham and Chelsea waited upon Sir Charles Dilke in October, and requested him to stand for one or other of those places at the first election for the new London County Council.

The bodies represented were the Liberal Association, the Women's Liberal Association, the Radical Club, the local branch of the Irish National League, and a League deputation representing several Conservatives of repute, and also members of the Fulham Vestry. It was believed by many that Sir Charles would refuse the invitation to become a candidate, not because of Mr Stead’s action, to which he said he was wholly indifferent, but because of the great pressure of work which ho had undertaken for the next year or co. Sir Charles, who, on rising to reply, was warmly applauded, said: Just as I was deeply pleased at the unanimity with which the council of the Liberal Association at Chelsea, representing my former constituents in that ?arish, requested me to be their candidate for "arliament, although I did not feel myself able to accept the offer, so whatever reply I have to make to the request, I cannot fail to be equally touched by the regard displayed for me by my former constituents In Fulham irrespective of politics. I represented the old borough of Chelsea from its creation by law until its dissolution by law, and the ties formed in twenty years are enduring. They have survived the attacks made upon my character, and while the successful efforts of my friends to collect new evidence, calculated when it is brought out to powerfully affect public opinion, may have been needed for the country at large, they have not been necessary to make most of those among who I have lived, and for whom I have worked, believe my word. In a speech at the Hammersmith Central Liberal Club on Jan. S last I fully laid down the conditions under which I would take part in local government, and those on which alone I will return to public life. Tho repeated offers I have already received from esteemed sitting members of Parliament to retire in my favour, and from safe Liberal constituencies to return me, make me well aware that I should have no difficulty in find-

ing a seat (n Parliaiqent. Jam nqt certain how far the opinion of those Liberals and Liberal constituencies should be allowed to weigh in modifying my personal opinion; but, at all events, as yeti am determined not to return to Parliament. At tho same time, the efforts of those of my friends who worked with that friend whose loss ws all deplore, Mr Chosson, in clearing up all points still doubtfol, ru&ke me confidently forward to my return to public life at an earlier date tban, speaking at Hammersmith In January last, I thought likely; and if I have refused all candidatures before or at the next general election, my reason for still declining is now chiefly .'that I may have leisure for the completion of a new version of "Greater Britain" and of other literary projects. My friends are prepared with such a review of the evidence jollectad since the trial of Crawford V, Crawford, the Queen's Procter intervening, as, whenever I am ready to reoonsider my decision, would justify me in so doing. Sir Charles then wont on to state that, warm as was the interest he took in local government questions, owing to hia arrangements for the performance of literary work, it would bo mpbssible for him to accept the requisition. There was another reason, and that was a plan formed long ago, which he did not care to break, to visit India and its frontiers with Lady Dilke, eo that he would be absent from this country for a considerable time. There were, however, he felt pleased to state, other gentlemen, vfell versed in municipal governnient iffelrs who would, he knew, come forward to represent his friends in Fulham and Cheleka. ■ The deputation thsreaftar withdrew, Several members, however, strongly urging Sir Charles still io reconsider hie awliiont