The effect of Mr. Parker's action upon his party throughout
the Union has been electric. They were aware in a vague way that Justice Parker was a man of character, but they had not expected him to display such decision and energy, and they welcomed him as a man fit for the highest position in his country. He is, they say, "a new and grand asset for the Union." Even the " silverites " will, it is believed, now vote for him ; and it is recognised on all hands that the contest, whiah it was previously supposed would be a" walk over," will be a very serious one. The Republicans are astonished, and, as we note with some surprise, a little dismayed. The truth, of course, is that in a democracy the people expect a leader to lead, and not to sit on the fence waiting to see on which side opinion is the stronger. They are often misled by clever manceuvring, but they never respect it. We wish it were possible to impress that great truth upon all British politicians, and especially upon Mr. Balfour, who now occupies just the position which the managers of the Democratic party thought so astute, but from which they were driven the moment their nominee uttered his whole mind.
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