4 JANUARY 1919, Page 1

The Coalition forces, according to the Times, include 338 Unionists,

138 Liberals, and 10 or 11 members of the National Democratic Party, which may be described as a patriotic Liberal- Labour organization. As their unpledged but friendly allies, as we have said, we may safely reckon 48 Unionists and 2 members of the National Party. The Opposition is represented by 28 Liberalo, the melancholy remnant of Mr. Asquith's follow- ing ; 59 Labour Members, nearly all of the genuine Trade Union type ; 7 Irish Nationalists ; 73 Sinn Feints, who have announced their intention of staying away from Westminster ; and 6 or 7 independent Members. It may be noticed that, of the two historic Parties, the Unionists have gained and the Liberals

have lost about a hundred seats, but the Election was not fought on the old Party lines. The Labour Party has increased from 38 to 59—a very modest success compared with its expectations.