We are unfortunately compelled to go to press this week
before we can know the result of the polling of Thursday in the Brentford Division of Middlesex, where the death of Mr. Coope has left a vacancy. Mr. Haysman, who was the Liberal candidate at the last election, and is a very advanced Home-ruler, has, we suppose, hardly any chance. In July, he polled only 1,409 votes, against 3,043 given for Mr. Coope. We do not know that Mr. Bigwood, the Conservative candidate, is so strong a candidate as Mr. Coope, but we shall be surprised if the Conservative majority is not even greater than at the last election. Mr. Haysman is reported to have committed himself to "the special fitness of the Irish people to manage their own local affairs,"—a "special " fitness which has just been illus- trated by Mr. Dillon and Mr. O'Brien, and their "Plan of Cam- paign." If that shows "special" fitness for a separate Legis- -lature, what could be imagined as of a nature to show special unfitness ? Mr. Haysman will get no sober Liberal's vote.
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