... been conferred upon him. That honour had become as common as knighthood, and appeared to be given away as children gave blackberries. In most cases it occasioned a falling off in the income of the recipient, sometimes for a time, too often for ever. He ...

... , 50,0001., and 40,000/. had been expended; and they all knew that elections costing 5000/. to 10,0001. were plenty as blackberries (laughter). Now he (Mr. Bell) had had the pleasing excitement of a contest, was returned, and enjoyed the luxury of a petition ...