We are glad to see that the Unionists intend to
contest East Perthshire, vacant by the death of Mr. Menzies. The Gladstonian majority in 1886 was very large, 1,309 (Mr. Menzies having polled 3,504 votes, against only 2,195 given to the Liberal Unionist, Mr. Hollond) ; Vat things have changed a good deal in East Perthshire since 1886, and even if the Unionists do not carry the seat, they may very greatly reduce the majority. In 1886, the Conservatives did not, we are told, very cordially support the Liberal Unionist, and now, though the selected candidate is a Conservative, the Liberal Unionists are prepared to give him their hearty sup- port. Indeed, it is worth noting that in most constituencies the Liberal Unionists care more for the cause and less for the party, than the Conservatives themselves. Moreover, two or three very influential men in East Perthshire have changed their convictions and become Unionists since the last contest. Mr. W. L. Boase, the candidate selected, is a manufacturer of Dundee ; so that he was probably greatly influenced by that admirable letter of Mr. Lacaita,—the late Member for Dundee, —in which he contrasted Mr. Gladstone's actual course in supporting the Parnellites, in spite of their "Plan of Cam- paign" and their boycotting, with what the moderate Home- rulers had expected from him when he took office. Mr. Boase is cordially supported by the whole Unionist Party, and may be expected to fight a very strong battle. After the rout of ' Govan, it will be not a little success even to reduce greatly the Gladstonian majority in a Scotch county. To win it would turn the tables on the Gladatonians, though that we can hardly expect.
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