The absence of opposition to Lord F. Cavendish in the
North- West Riding does not strike us as much of a political event. It may be evidence of a reaction, but it may also be evidence of a much more vulgar spirit, a dislike to spend. To fight the most popular member of the most popular house in the county on his own ground is an undertaking which would cost some £20,000, and though that is nothing to the Cavendishes, who ought to have made an extra half-million or so out of coals last year, it is a large sum for anyone else to spend for an uncertain chance of winning a seat which will have to be won again after, at the utmost, three months' enjoyment. There are plenty of men who would find the money, but there are not plenty who unite the money, the popularity, the family influence, and the Parliamentary reputation of Lord F. Cavendish. We must wait for the general election to see how the Ridings go, and much may be changed before that.
