Читать книгу The Member And The Radical - John Galt - Страница 8

CHAPTER TWO

The first of my old acquaintance whom I fell in with was Mr. Curry. He had been home from India three years before me, and was in all things a most orderly man. We were right glad, as you may well think, to see one another; and yet there was between us a cool distinction. His business in Calcutta was not just of such a genteel order as mine, but it was a shade more profitable; and hence, though he was a year behind me in the outgoing, he was full three years before me in the home-coming, which shews the difference that was between our respective ways of business; for, in comparing one thing with another, I found that our fortunes were counted just about equal, – which is a proof of the correctness of what I say.

He had heard of my coming home, and likewise how I had made myself a public, patriotic character, which he never thought could happen; and, from less to more, I said to him that I was glad of an employment, for the time hung heavy upon my hands, and ‘that if I did not take a share in projects for the good of the nation, I would be indeed a waif hand.’

He remarked to me, that what I said was very true, and consistent with his own experience; ‘But I would advise you,’ said he, ‘to do as I have done; get yourself elected into Parliament – it will not cost you a deadly sum; and then you’ll have full occupation.’

‘Mr. Curry,’ quo’ I, ‘it’s not every one, like you, that has a talent; for although I would not grudge to pay for the admission-ticket, between ourselves, I really don’t know how to set about applying for one; for you know that in our county in Scotland, the pedigree-family “bear the bell” in all electioneerings; for my Lord Entail, their cousin, has made as many freeholders on the list as the valuation of his estate allows, and three of the district-boroughs are under his thumb; so by that means they have all the rule and power of the shire. But, Mr. Curry, if you could tell me of a sober, canny way of creeping into the House of Commons unobserved, I’ll no say that just for a diversion I would not like to sit there for a session or two; by that time I would have made myself joke-fellow like with some of the big-wigs, the which would help to make this country not so disagreeable after the sprees and merry-go-rounds of “auld lang syne” in India.’

‘I discern,’ said Mr. Curry, ‘that ye’re in the same state of sin and misery that I suffered myself when I came home; and therefore I say unto you, speaking from the knowledge of my own insight, get into Parliament: at the very utmost, Mr. Jobbry,’ said he, ‘a few thousand pounds at a general election should do the business; or, if you would sooner take your seat, I should think that from twelve hundred to fifteen hundred pounds per session would be reasonable terms; for I would not advise you to be overly greedy of a bargain, nor overly logive at the outset.’

I agreed with him that his remark was very judicious, but that really I had no confidential acquaintance in the line; and that it was not to be expected I could, going out to India a bare lad, with scarcely shoon upon my cloots, be in a condition to set myself forward.

‘Oh,’ says he, ‘nothing is more easy; ye have just to give an inkling that if a convenient borough was to be had, ye would not mind about going into Parliament. Speeches of that sort are very efficacious; and it’s not to be told how it will circulate that you would give a handsome price for an easy seat in the House of Commons. Keep your thumb on the price, and just let out that you have no relish for the clanjamfrey of a popular election, but would rather deal with an old sneck-drawer in the trade than plague yourself with canvassing: depend upon it ye’ll soon hear of some needful lord that will find you out, and a way of treating with you.’

There was certainly sterling admonition in this; and I said to him, over our wine, for we were then sitting together after dinner, in Ibbotson’s Hotel, ‘that I was not particular in wishing to conceal my hankering for a seat in Parliament.’

‘Do you really say so?’ said he.

I then assured him that I was not vehemently against it; and so, from less to more, he inquired of what party I would be; and I told him with the government party, to be sure.

‘I’ll no just say,’ quo’ he, ‘that you are far wrong in your determination, because the Tories have the ball at their foot, and are likely to rule the roast for some years.’

‘I daresay they are,’ said I; ‘but between Whigs and Tories I can make no distinction, – a Tory is but a Whig in office, and a Whig but a Tory in opposition, which makes it not difficult for a conscientious man to support the government.’

‘Really, Mr. Jobbry,’ said Mr. Curry, ‘ye were always thought a farsighted man, that could see as well through a nether millstone as another man through a stone wall; and, without complimenting you, I must say that you entertain very creditable notions of government, not to be yet a member. But, Mr. Jobbry, we are talking in confidence, and what we say to one another is not to be repeated.’

I assured Mr. Curry, with the greatest sincerity, that what he told me anent the diplomaticals should never go farther; then, said Mr. Curry, in a sedate, sober manner,

‘I know a solicitor that has a borough that wants a member, the politics of which are of a delicate tint, you understand; now, I could wise him to you, and you might consult him, – or rather, would it not be better that ye would appoint some friend to confabble with the man?’

‘Would not you do that for me?’ said I.

‘No, no,’ said he, ‘I’m a member myself, and that would not be playing the game according to Hoyle.’

‘Very well,’ said I; ‘but as I have a great inclination on all occasions to be my own executioner, ye might pass me off with the man as the friend of a gentleman that’s wishing to get into Parliament.’

‘That’s a capital device,’ said he; ‘and if you draw well together, the cost of an agent and the hazard of a witness may be saved.’

So, thereupon, it was agreed between us that he should speak on the subject to Mr. Probe the solicitor, and that I should enact towards that gentleman the representative of my friend, that was to be nameless until the bargain was concluded.