ABSTRACT
THE PROSPECT of entering Jamaican politics fascinated Henry Clarke-and others. The early days of 1894 were filled with gossip in the press about his possible candidature, and his friends urged him to stand. His sons initially disapproved. Henry, however, placed his trust in the Lord. In order to stand for election he had to resign as a state-paid cleric and claim his pension. This would clear away the long-running feud between himself and the island’s authorities. With his letter of resignation on the Governor’s desk, Henry Clarke took to the familiar roads of western Jamaica, addressing crowds throughout the region. His sons managed the campaign, Lister devising his father’s ‘colours’ of red, white and blue and distributing badges and placards. Two newspapers, Galls News Letter and the Colonial Standard offered their support.1
