16 DECEMBER 1922, Page 3

We are glad to record that Colonel Leslie Wilson, the

Unionist Whip, was on Wednesday returned for Ports- mouth by a majority of 5,867 over his Independent oppo- nent. The poll was a light one, as was inevitable under the circumstances, but there is nothing in the figures over which the Government need worry. The same thing may be said of the general position of the Ministry. The country is well satisfied with the result of the elections, and if Mr. Bonar Law and his Administration cut down expenses—as we are sure they will—and keep the country generally on an even keel, they will earn the gratitude and respect they deserve. The cries that they are weak and inactive leave us quite cold. That kind of thing is always said at the end of the first month of every new Government.