Stage Support

[The prospective Unionist candidate for Hoxton, at his first meeting, was supported by Lord Shrewsbury, the Hon. Claude Hay, and Mr. George Robey.]

When I stand as 'Independent' next election, I shall vanquish my opponents, Smith and Brown. (Smith's a Unionist, in favour of Protection, Brown's a Radical Free Trader of renown.) But my triumph at the polls I shall attribute, I confess, To the men of light and leading whose assistance spelt success.

Smith may marshal Austen Chamberlains and Carsons On his platform, for the populace to view; Brown may muster all his Nonconformist parsons, And a member of the Cabinet or two; I shall need no brilliant orators, no Ministers of State, If I only can rely on the support of Harry Tate!

Brown has posters: 'Vote for Brown and Old Age Pensions!' Smith has placards: 'Vote for Smith and Work for All!' I shall calmly call constituents' attentions To the pet of ev'ry London music hall, When I publish, as his message, on each flaming window-card: 'Every Vote you give to Johnson is a vote for Wilkie Bard!'

Can you wonder, then, that Independents rally Round a candidate to whom the Fates allot That his meetings shall be graced by Cinquevalli, And his policy endorsed by Malcolm Scott? Or that ev'ry one should mention--proud and humble, poor and rich-- That a vote for Mr. Johnson is a vote for Little Tich?