7 FEBRUARY 1891, Page 3

Mr. Bradlaugh's death will probably lead to a rather •

" mixed " battle at Northampton. Alderman Manfield is apparently to be the Radical candidate, but it seems not im- probable that Dr. Aveling will attempt to get a hearing as representing Mr. Bradlaugh's irreligious views ; while Mr. R. A. Germaine gathers the Tory rte round him. Mr. Bradlaugh will be missed not only for his political fairness, candour, and moderation, but also because latterly he gave a really respect- able political exterior to religious opinions which intrinsically were somewhat ignoble, and so kept out a host of mere traders on an anti-religious repute. There is sure now to be a some- what unsavoury competition between agnostics of various types for the succession to Mr. Bradlaugh's place and influ- ence. But Mr. Bradlaugh's place will not be easily filled.