THE CROYDON ELECTION AND THE IRISH VOTE. Pro TILE EDITOR
OF THE " SPECTATOR."1 SIE,—So many attempts are being made to attribute part of the reduction in the Conservative majority at Croydon to the transference of the "Irish vote," that I should like to be allowed to state a few facts in connection with the matter.
The number of Irish voters has been enormously over-stated. It is questionable if they number as many as 250. They had no instructions to vote for or against either candidate, and certainly did not vote "solid." As far as can be learnt, they largely abstained, while many voted with the Conservatives. It must not be forgotten that the Roman Catholic vote was naturally attracted to the Conservative candidate in consequence of his Catholic connection.
It was to the interest of the Conservatives to make out, during the election, that the Liberals were in alliance with the " Parnellites," and thus to endeavour to frighten some timid voters; and it is certain that they succeeded in their endeavours.
As far as I was myself concerned, I accepted the invitation to stand on the distinct understanding that on the Irish Question I should have an entirely "free hand." I refused to pledge myself against Home-rule, but I equally refused to pledge myself for it. My reason for so doing was that, while I am more and more inclined to believe that some form of Home-rule will become a necessity, I would not, in view of the extreme difficulty of the question, pledge myself to any course of action until I had seen the scheme proposed.—I am, Sir, &C., SYDNEY BUXTON.
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