7 SEPTEMBER 1878, Page 3

There is one Tory journal at least in the world

with the courage of its convictions. The Standard, commenting on the return of Lord Colin Campbell for Argyllshire, declares that on the whole it is not displeased. The victory of a great county magnate in his own territory is more important to Conservatism than an addition of a single vote to the strength of the party in the House of Commons. That is frank and just too, but it marks the dis- trust of Conservatives in the hold of their doctrines over the body of the people. They think so ill of their chances with the masses, that they are inclined to regard the great families as bulwarks, even when they are historically and decisively Whig.