THE AYR ELECTION.
[To THE EDITOR OF THE " BPECTATOR."1 SIR,—One factor in the recent Unionist success at Ayr and Glasgow has, I think, been generally overlooked, at least on this side of the Tweed, and has even escaped the critical eye of the Spectator. I refer to Lord Salisbury's action in restraining the Portuguese from setting up their authority over the districts occupied by the missions of the Scotch Established and Free Churches in Nyassaland. Many Presby- terians have been greatly moved by the fear that if the Portuguese had their will, the Scotch missionaries would be expelled. The speeches of some Liberal politicians evinced very little sympathy with those brave men who are striving to humanise and civilise the Africans of the interior ; and the Liberal Press seemed to care less for them, exposed as they were to the hostility of the Portuguese, than for an oppor-
tnnity of attacking Lord Salisbury's Administration. These politicians and party writers have had their reward ; they have alienated many of their former Scotch supporters, and have helped to create the recent majorities in Partick and the Ayr Burghs.—I am, Sir, &c.,
Previous page
