Author: Anon [C. M.]

Publication: Kilmarnock Standard

Published: 7 November 1868

Place of publication: Kilmarnock, Scotland

Publication type: Newspaper/Periodical

Featured individuals:
Edwin Chadwick (1800-1890)
Alexander Macdonald (1821-1881)
Edward Pleydell-Bouverie (1818-1889)

No full copy of this poem is available.

Archive/Library: Burns Monument Centre
Classmark(s): Microfilm

This poem gives a rundown of the various qualities and claims of the four candidates (all Liberals or independents) running for election in the Kilmarnock Burghs in the 1868 General Election. Alexander Macdonald, the pro-miners' candidate, is criticised for asking miners to 'shell out' to fund his campaign – the same line of attack which was used in 'Fork out the Tin' on 24 October. Edwin Chadwick is an 'old gent' and a 'bore' who is 'more at home, himself confesses / In Social Science dull Congresses'. Robert Thomson, a populist independent, is depicted in similar terms to 'Robin the Candidate' (10 October) and 'Satire–Extravaganza' (24 October) which focus specifically on him. The electors are urged to remain faithful to Bouverie, the 'man of cultured sense' who has represented them for almost twenty-five years.