20 APRIL 1907, Page 2

The by-election in North Belfast has resulted in a Unionist

victory, Mr. Clark, the official Opposition candidate, being returned by a majority of 1,827 over Mr. William Walker, the Labour candidate, who, though not personally a Home- ruler, received the Home-rule vote. In 1906 Sir D. Dixon (Unionist) only secured a majority of 291, and this though he had represented the constituency for more than ten years. His opponent a year ago was Mr. Walker. The difference is, we believe, to be accounted for by the fact that Home-rule was in 1906 not before the electorate, and that it now is owing to the manner in which the Government have outlined their Irish policy.