The elections have not been lacking in surprises and sensa-
tions. It speaks well for the good sense of "canny Newcastle" that the electors did not allow themselves to be distracted from the main issue by so engaging and romantic a figure as Captain Hedworth Lambton, whose incisive and entertaining speeches were models of attractive audacity. Untempered satisfaction, however, will be felt by all Unionists at the rejection of such vehement Pro-Boers—with all deference to Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman, we do not see what better term can be employed in this case—as Mr. Philip Stanhope and Mr. James Stuart. Derby, the scene of the pivot election in 1893, again provided a sensation, both the sitting Unionist Members being unseated. Lastly, we may note, as the most remarkable amongst many strange features of the cam- paign in Ireland, the capture of Galway City by Mr. Martin Morris, son of the witty Judge. The Nationalist papers do not attempt to disguise their chagrin, and seek to relieve their feelings by abuse of Mr. Morris as a "paltry humbug" and a "political antediluvian,"—Mr. Morris, we may note, is a young man of thirty-three. Nationalist dissensions no doubt had much to do with the result, but observers on the spot do not hesitate to describe the contest as a duel between the priests and the people, in which the former had a heavy fall.
Previous page
