As to those same 'methods of his own' they were--in fact they were Bribery.

Actual purchase of votes by money slipt into the hand.

Go straight to the point.

'The direct real method this,' thinks Walpole: 'is there in reality any other ?' A terrible question to Constitutional Countries; which, I hear, has never been resolved in the negative, by the modern improvements of science.
Changes of form have introduced themselves; the outward process, I hear, is now quite different.

According as the fashions and conditions alter,--according as you have a Fourth Estate developed, or a Fourth Estate still in the grub stage and only developing,--much variation of outward process is conceivable.
"But Votes, under pain of Death Official, are necessary to your poor Walpole: and votes, I hear, are still bidden for, and bought.