11 NOVEMBER 1916, Page 3

"It was a d—d near run thing, the nearest run

thing that ever was." It was in some such words as these that the Duke of Wellington described the battle of Waterloo to Creevey. Similar words may well be applied to the American Presidential Election. All that we can say as we go to press on Thursday evening is that the election still trembles in the balance. The decision of several Western States is unannounced, owing largely to the closeness of the voting, which in some eases has rendered recounts necessary. Not till the decision of these doubtful States is definitely announced can it be said whether Mr. Hughes or President Wilson is in. Whichever does gain the election will do so by a very narrow majority in the Electoral College.