THE NEW SECRETARY FOR THE COLONIES.

Colonist, Issue 95, 17 September 1858, Page 4

THE NEW SECRETARY FOR THE COLONIES.

A most painful scene occurred at Hertford, on the occasion of the re-election of Sir Edward Bulwer Lytton. Towards the'J close of the Hertfordshire election, just after Sir Edward had concluded bis address with.a fervent tribute of admiration to the womanly beauty exhibited in the long line of open carriages, chaises, and vans, drawn up in front of the hustings, there was an unwonted stir in the crowd, which parted to admit of the passage of a hired brougham from one of the town inns. The carriage having stopped, two ladies alighted, one Of them, an extremely handsome woman, of about forty-five years of age, with fresh complexion, and with eyes of dazzling beauty. The lady, who was evidently laboring under excitement, which exercised all her powers to control, advanced as nearly as she could through the crowd towards the hustings, and announcing herself the wife of the Right Hon. Sir E. B. Lytton, stated that she had come according to a promise made by her to confront her husband, and to expose the wrongs which she said he had inflicted upon her, and which she had described in her works, and in a pamphlet published by her. The appearance of the lady was not unexpected, as her coming had been -announced in bills and placards; but, owing.to a deception which had been practised upon her by some persons in the town who had introduced themselves to her, she was detained in the town while the election was proceeding in the vicinity. Those in the secret anticipated that she would not

discover the mistake till the proceedings were over, and that her design would be thus frustrated. It was nearly so. Recognised as soon as observed, her voice was nearly drowned by the shouts of Sir Edward's supporters, but Sir Edward's eye caught hers, and his face paled. He looked like a man suddenly attacked by paralysis. Those near him say he trembled exceedingly. For a few minutes he retained his position in front of the hustings, but turned his back on the unwelcome visitor. Then he suddenly disappeared below the hustings' platform, while his wife cried "Coward!" and he having hastily signed the usual declaration, escaped into the residence of the gentleman on whose grounds the election took place. Lady Lytton continued to address the audience assembled for more than a quarter of an hour, repeating the statements in her pamphlet, and asserting her intention to confront her husband on every possible occasion until she compelled him to redress her wrongs. Her ladyship subsequently made an application to the Mayor for the use of the Town Hall, for the purpose of making a public statement; but this being refused her, she left the town early in the afternoon. Lady Lytton arrived in Hertford at three o'clock on the morning of the election, having posted from Taunton, where she resides?. It is needless to,, say that the event described has caused the greatest possible excitement in Hertford-

shire.