15 FEBRUARY 1908, Page 2

Worcester, which has been disfranchised since the General Election, has

returned the Unionist candidate, Mr. Goulding, by a majority of 1,292. In 1906 the Unionist majority was only 129. Mr. Goulding, who is a prominent member of the Tariff. Reform League, kept the Fiscal question in the foreground throughout the contest, and was entitled to say that he had fought the election on that issue. It must not be forgotten, however, that the side which initiates a successful election petition always starts the next contest at a serious disadvantage.