After a hearing which lasted for a week the Exeter
Election Petition ended on Tuesday in the unseating of Mr. St. Maur, the Liberal, and the return of Mr. Duke, the petitioner. At the general election Mr. St. Maur was returned by a majority of four, and the long process of challenging votes on either side resulted in the conversion of this into a Unionist majority of one. The judges, in announcing their decision, reported that there were no corrupt or illegal practices committed with the knowledge or consent of either candidate, and that there was no reason to suppose that such practices extensively prevailed. The Court also granted an order to the Public Prosecutor's representative impounding the statements made to the Conservative agent and afterwards repudiated on oath by sixteen witnesses.
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