17 OCTOBER 1931, Page 2

To judge impartially the wrong entailed by contests between supporters

of the Government, we might imagine Unionists contesting at Seaham and Derby the seats of Mr. MacDonald and Mr. Thomas. Such opposition would only be extreme examples of the folly and wrong. So far as we can judge, those two candidates have not lost their personal popularity at all.. Their courage and honesty of purpose are recognized by all who know them. If they are not returned their constituencies will be put to shame. But the opposition from the Labour Party is bitter ; the rigid tyranny of the Trade Union machine instils fears that are not overcome by the secrecy of the ballot. They will have to fight hard against this, and probably against unscrupulous mis- representation. We heartily wish them well.