“Question. Do you think that the mode in which the local elections are carried on tends to keep out respectable and intelligent persons from filling the various offices? Answer. I am sorry to say that those respectable and intelligent persons have contributed to the system. Q. Has that been the case generally? A. I should say, generally, with the leading persons in this city on both sides, connected and unconnected with the corporation. Q. Have the members of the court of aldermen contributed to your knowledge? A. Not to my knowledge. Q. Is it your belief that they have or have not? A. I think they would not in the election of an alderman, but they might for sheriff or common councilmen. Q. On what ground is that distinction made? A. The aldermen consider that they are not to interfere in the election of their brethren, in consequence of the oath they have taken. Q. The oath makes no distinction? A. There is an impression to the contrary. Q. If there had been an extraordinary excitement at elections, can you say that in no case that excitement was enlarged by the aldermen? A. I should say in no case. Q. What do you consider the intention of the aldermen in subscribing to the funds? A. I can only answer that question in general terms, that the excitement has never been increased by any act of the aldermen. Q. Are you acquainted with the case of Hornigolds with reference to the elections? A. In no other way than by your drawing my attention to it. I know of no other note to that effect. No improper persons have been admitted into the hospitals on account of their votes. Q. Have they in all cases been fit and proper persons? A. Certainly they have. Q. Do you think the same persons would have been introduced if they had not been political supporters? A. Not identically the same persons. Q. Are there instances where persons have been put in by the aldermen, who have not been political supporters? A. Yes. I have put an individual in myself who was not a political supporter in any way. Q. Are such instances rare or frequent? A. I am only able to answer from information I have derived from my seniors; I should say they are frequent. Q. Are the great majority of persons admitted freemen? A. Yes. I think they are. Q. Are the exceptions few? A. I do not know. Q. You said all the freemen introduced to the hospitals were fit and proper persons: have they been introduced as the political friends of the aldermen? A. Yes. I should certainly introduce my political friends in preference. Q. Do you consider the power of the aldermen to have been exercised _bonâ fide_, or for influence at the elections? A. Certainly, _bonâ fide_. Q. Do you think this privilege is frequently exercised in favor of political opponents? A. No. There are twenty-four aldermen, and the patronage is about 15–24ths on the Tory side to 9–24ths on the Whig side.