Great sensation was caused by the appearance of the signa-
ture of Alderman George Shepperd on one of the Unionist papers at the Rossendale nomination, which took place on Tuesday. Mr. Shepperd has hitherto been reckoned a Gladstonian, and his determination to support Sir Thomas Brooks is regarded as of the utmost importance. He has been Mayor of Bacup two years in succession, is a large employer of labour, and generally a man of great influence, having for many years been one of the most prominent Radical politicians in Bacup. Mr. Shepperd has shown great gallantry in thus preferring his convictions to a quiet life. Those who have not seen it at first-hand, can hardly believe the pressure which is exerted upon prominent Glad- stonians to keep them in the party. Another man who has had the courage to face the storm of obloquy which meets opposition to Home-rule, is the Rev. Arthur Mnrsell, a Nonconformist clergyman who has addressed an excellent letter to the electors. He would "have rejoiced to see the question of Disestablishment and other collateral issues con- nected with religions equality advanced by the result of this election," " but I waive even that great question, because I cannot permit the illusive bait of a disestablished Church to engross me while a cabal between a rebel faction and self- seeking placemen is plotting a disestablished Empire." That is well said, and worthy of the days when the English Non- conformists refused their aid to James IL, in spite of the bribes he offered them in the shape of toleration and the over- throw of the Church.
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