John Galt - The Provost (1822)

Back to John Galt; this time to The Provost, published the year after his successful The Annals of the Parish and The Ayrshire Legatees. I have now read three of Galt's novels and, I must admit, he 'grows' on me. The format is similar to the Annals, in that it is told in the first person (apart from a brief Introduction) who, again, thinks rather highly of himself! James Pawkie starts out in Gudetown as an apprentice to a tailor, Mr. Remnant (most of Galt's surnames are, like Dickens, always indicative of a certain humour, e.g. Mr Keg, who engaged in illicit trade; Mr Shovel, a quarryman; Mr. Rafter an architect; William Plane, a joiner; Mr Pipe, the wine-merchant; Mr Dribble, an inn-keeper). Pawkie then takes up a corner shop at the Cross, facing the Tolbooth, and marries well - his father-in-law, dying the following year, left a nest egg, that, without a vain pretension, I may say we have not failed to lay upon, and clok to some purpose.  Pawkie's rather smug reminiscences make it clear he may well have served his community but, rarely at his own expense and more often with an eye to a main chance. How like these days, in all levels of 'government'.

                      First edition - May 1822

As events occur in the town, such as the deaths of important figures, Pawkie is there to make the best of it. He gets a seat on the council (having said grace at a Bailie's wake, that I could see made an impression). He bamboozles others on his way to becoming Dean of the Guild and, on three occasions, Provost. Thus is Bailie M'Lucre  - a greedy bodie - (another apt surname) manoeuvered out of office, which Pawkie adroitly fills. Another, Bailie Weezle, was a man no overladen with worldly wisdom and is easily manipulated; Bailie Booble makes a fool of himself over a supposed French spy; the town clerk is outwitted; Mrs Pawkie does a good turn to a widow and, when the latter (as with the Ayrshire Legatees) gets a legacy from India, receives divers matters of elegance...year by year. Pawkie is justly proud of his role in improving the streets of the town; in bringing in better lighting; and building a new school (no matter that his property adjoined the new site and gained a decent wall etc. from the move). He is at the forefront, as was Mr. Balwhidder, in the formation of the Volunteers; and, typically, gets the commision for uniforms. Pawkie's response to any charge of corruption was I have endeavoured, in a manner, to be governed by the spirit of the times in which the transactions happened. Pawkie cleverly ensures that the danger of a local radical newspaper is soon transformed into a conservative organ.

There are fewer Scottish words to puzzle over, than in his previous two works, which was helpful for the flow. Galt actually mentions the Annals in the book: and the same is spoken of in the Chronicle of Dalmailing...at the stormy placing of Mr. Balwhidder.  There is more humour which is recognised by Pawkie, unlike Balwhidder in the Annals. ...there was a sort of itch of it among a few of the sedentary orders, such as the weavers and shoemakers, who, by the nature of sitting long in one posture, are apt to become subject to the flatulence of theoretical opinions...

Above all, Galt provides us with entertainment at Pawkie's (knowing/unknowing?) expense: I was to be sure, now and then, subjected to opposition, and squibs, and a jeer; and envious and spiteful persons were not wanting in the world to call in question my intents and motives, representing my best endeavours for the public good as but a right-handed method to secure my own interests. Pawkie has the last laugh, by getting a greenhorn, Mr Mucklewheel the hosier and brand new to the council, over a glass of toddy, to ensure he is given plate and a Vote of Thanks on his retirement. Pawkie retires, sure that Posterity, therefore, or I am far mistaken, will not be angered at my plain dealing, with regard to the small motives of private advantage of which I have made mention...

The period spans from the early 1780s to the Michaelmas of 1816.