CHAPTER IV

PARLIAMENTARY AMBITIONS

(1866-1869)

Why men enter Parliament--New Windsor--His agreement with Sir Henry Hoare--Imprudent choice of agents--Election--Is unseated on petition--Repartee before Special Commission--His line of defence in the _Times_--Another letter on the subject--His maiden Speech--Reminiscences of the Windsor election--Anecdote about Lord Taunton--Becomes member for Middlesex--His speeches in the House--General Election of 1868--Lord George Hamilton--His quarrel with Lord Enfield--The _Times_ on the quarrel--Nomination of candidates--Conservative rowdies--the poll--Dignified speech--Absurd reminiscence--Henry Irving at Brentford--General Election of 1874--Is defeated at Nottingham