The by-election in the Kirkdale Division of Liverpool caused by
the death of Mr. Maclver resulted in the return of the Unionist candidate, the figures being :— Mr. C. McArthur (Unionist)... ... Mr. J. Hill (Labour) ...
Unionist majority ... 4,000 ... 3,330 ... 676
At the General Election in 1906 Mr. MacIver's majority was 592 on a slightly lower poll. Mr. McArthur, who sat for the Exchange Division of Liverpool from 1897-1905, has been prominently connected with the commerce of that city for many years, is a Tariff Reformer, and supports old-age pensions. His return makes no difference in the balance of parties ; but the election has not been without its significance, owing to the fact that the Irish voters in the division were instructed by Mr. Redmond to support Mr. Hill, whose programme was distinctly Socialist. This has led to a remarkable pronounce- ment from Cardinal Logue, who, speaking at Londonderry on Sunday last, condemned the alliance between Home-rulers and Socialists as ill-omened and dangerous. Himself a strong Home-ruler, he was convinced that the cause was being imperilled by such tactics. " I mention these matters," he said, " because I have a fear from something I see that has occurred that our people, especially in England, are being dragged into the idea that in voting for these professed com- munists they are promoting the cause of Home-rale. I do not believe it is promoting the cause of Home-rule, and if it were, I say I would sacrifice Home-rule sooner than sacrifice the faith of St. Patrick and the Catholic spirit that has always been the brightest gem in the crown of Ireland."
Previous page
