2 JANUARY 1886, Page 33

Last Saturday, the battle turned decisively against the Govern- ment,

who have been losing steadily ever since. On that day a net balance of 7 seats was gained by the Unionists over the number gained by the Gladstonians, the Unionist gains being16, and the GlaAistonian gains only 9; while Birmingham, including Aston Manor, presented a solid front on the side of the Union. On Monday's polls, as declared on Tuesday morning, the net gain had increased from 7 to 15, while it had become apparent that London was about to give a very heavy vote against Mr. Gladstone.