Author: John Macgregor (1790-1870)

Publication: Paisley Herald and Renfrewshire Advertiser

Published: 6 June 1868

Place of publication: Paisley, Scotland

Publication type: Newspaper/Periodical

Featured individuals:
Queen Victoria (1819-1901)
Vicar of Bray
John Bright (1811-1889)
William Ewart Gladstone (1809-1898)
John Russell, 1st Earl Russell (1792-1878)

No full copy of this poem is available.

Archive/Library: Paisley Central Library

This poem is 'By their sincere friend John Macgregor, Kilbarchan'. MacGregor was an active reformer in the Paisley area from the early nineteenth century and a councillor in 1855. This 14 (four line) verse poem is sceptical about the Tories' new-found interest in reform and reminds its reader of earlier Tory actions that sought to 'keep liberty down'. It warns readers to be cautious of 'The suppression of truth, or destruction of facts', and praises Liberal politicians: e.g. 'Continue you labour bold Gladstone, and Bright'.