Author: Anon [Z. Z. Z.]

Publication: Edinburgh [Evening] Weekly Chronicle

Published: 31 December 1831

Place of publication: Edinburgh, Scotland

Publication type: Newspaper/Periodical

Featured individuals:
Henry Brougham (1778-1868)
James Graham, 3rd Duke of Montrose (1799-1874)
John Keats (1795-1821)
Thomas Babington Macaulay (1800-1859)

No full copy of this poem is available.

This poem has a set tune, and its title is:
New Ally Croker.

Archive/Library: Central Library, Edinburgh
Classmark(s): fYAN E23 WC
Pages(s): 421

This poem asserts that 1831 has been an unfortunate year, and particular attacks the Whigs.  The speaker appears to be an aristocrat and, although the Whigs are described as 'democrat', they are also reprimanded for it.  They are portrayed as siding with the radicals, who are the 'base, the contemptible horde'.  Several Whigs are then attacked, and they are described as 'dishing up' the pensions of the wealthy - many pro-reformers objected to the pensions that were offered to the wealthy, while Peers rejected the extension of the franchise.  Although the poem does not directly reference franchise reform, it is very clearly reflecting on the debates around franchise reform in 1831.