23 AUGUST 1902, Page 3

The second election was in the Sevenoaks division of Kent

on Thursday, and resulted in the return of Mr. H. W. Forster, who sought re-election owing to his appointment as Junior Lord of the Treasury,—the figures being Forster, 5,333; Morice, 4,442. We are not inclined to set exaggerated store by the results of by-elections, but it is right to record the fact that while the Unionist vote was 1,270 below that of 1900, the Radical vote was 2,650 above that cast two years ago. As Mr. Forster is personally popular, this seems to argue that causes were at work outside those generally notice- able at by-elections. We may add that while the Liberal candidate was very reticent as to his views, he appears to be a Home-ruler.