Description

[004105] [Boston Election] Small Collection of Parliamentary Papers on the Boston Election of 1874. London: House of Commons, 1874. First Edition. Folio. Hardback. Good. Collection of papers relating to the Boston election of 1874, comprising – 1. Copy of the Shorthand Writer’s Notes of the Evidence Taken at the Trial of the Boston Election Petition, iv, 76pp; 2. For the Trial of Election Petitions, pp19-30; 3. Summons to Witness form, 1p; 4. Report of the Royal Commission Appointed to Inquire Into the Existence of Corrupt Practices at Parliamentary Elections in the Borough of Boston, 1876, [5], vi-xiv, [2], 3-51pp, [1]; and 5. Minutes of Evidence Taken Before the Royal Commission Appointed to Inquire Into the Existence of Corrupt Practices at Parliamentary Elections in the Borough of Boston, 1876, [3], 2-268pp. Half calf and marbled paper over boards, raised bands, spine in six panels, title label to second panel, gilt thick and thin double rules either side of bands

Rubbed to extremities, lightly foxed to edges and occasionally to margins, a few pen lines to margins, previous owners name to head of a few of the different reports, but generally clean

The fourth named includes a poll book printed on blue paper

The Liberals, William Ingram and Thomas Parry were initially elected, but “an election petition found extensive bribery relating to Parry’s votes, which on the initial count totalled 1,347. However, 353 of these were struck off – and further may have been taken if the process had not stopped on 8 June 1874 – leading to Malcolm’s election instead. A Royal Commission was established to investigate the borough. A separate petition against Ingram was dropped” (Wikipedia – Boston Election page)