Middlemarch

Sir James Chettam’s Objections

Sir James Chettam visits the Cadwalladers alone, explaining that he cannot speak freely before Celia about Brooke’s new political ambitions, as it might hurt her. He expresses deep concern about Brooke’s dignity and the family’s reputation, noting that Brooke is “getting on in life” and should not expose himself to public scrutiny. Sir James reveals he has spoken with Will Ladislaw, Brooke’s factotum, hoping Ladislaw might persuade Brooke to withdraw from the candidacy.

Brooke’s Political Candidacy

The party discusses whether Brooke will actually be put in nomination for Parliament. Mr. Cadwallader mentions that Brooke is assembling a party, with Bulstrode the banker as his foremost supporter, though Farebrother thinks Brooke would fare poorly at a nomination. Sir James has been investigating Middlemarch politics, learning that Brooke hopes to replace Oliver as a Peelite, but Hawley suggests a Whig candidate like Bagster will be sent instead.

The Trumpet Newspaper

The Trumpet has begun attacking Brooke sarcastically, criticizing a landlord who receives his own rents but makes no returns. The Rector reads aloud portions of the paper’s scathing editorial, which mocks Brooke as “retrogressive” - a philanthropist whose charity increases with the square of distance, while he starves his tenants and refuses to make repairs. Brooke attempts to dismiss the criticism as ignorance, but colors nervously at the attacks.

Will Ladislaw as Editor

The group learns that Will Ladislaw, Brooke’s cousin by marriage to Casaubon, has become editor of the Pioneer newspaper. Sir James expresses concern that Ladislaw is now “in everybody’s mouth” with rumors circulating about him as a “quill-driving alien” or foreign emissary. Mrs. Cadwallader considers Ladislaw a dangerous, Byronic figure with his ready tongue and opera songs, while the Rector notes Casaubon will not approve of this connection.

Middlemarch Election Politics

The conversation turns to Middlemarch’s political landscape. Brooke claims the best people are on his side, while the Conservatives like Hawley bribe through treating. The Rector jokes that East Retford’s notorious bribery case is “nothing to Middlemarch.” Brooke insists he will educate the freemen and bring them forward, though Sir James warns that Hawley says Brooke has men on his side who will do him harm, specifically Bulstrode the banker.

Brooke’s Landlord Management

Brooke defends his estate management, claiming he lets old tenants stay on and has been uncommonly easy regarding arrears. However, the group notes that no new tenant would take farms on his present terms, and the Trumpet has already begun exposing his penny-wise management. The Rector suggests that Brooke might silence the Trumpet by engaging Garth to make a proper valuation and give him free rein regarding repairs and gates.

Tenant Grievances

Specific tenant complaints surface, particularly Dagley’s lack of decent gates on his farm. Sir James emphasizes that one is bound to do one’s best for one’s land and tenants, especially in hard times. The Rector observes that Brooke’s parsimony on the estate may actually cost him money in the long run, while Mrs. Cadwallader notes that Brooke’s stinginess helps him feel secure but harms those dependent on him.

Mr. Garth and Farm Improvements

Mr. Garth emerges as the ideal solution for Brooke’s estate problems. Sir James has already engaged Garth to manage his own buildings with great success, while the Rector describes Garth as an independent, simple-minded fellow who once told him point-blank that clergymen seldom understand business. Garth has invented a new pattern of gate and would transform Tipton if allowed to manage it properly, but he will only take the estate back if given complete control.

Brooke’s Stinginess

When confronted about his penny-pinching, Brooke responds defensively that he has distressed tenants for arrears less than other landlords, and he lets old tenants stay on. He insists he has his own ideas and takes his stand on them. Mrs. Cadwallader observes that Brooke’s stinginess helps him feel secure in the morning, though he may not know his own opinions, he knows his own pocket. Sir James argues that a man is not in pocket by stinginess on his land.