At the hard-fought by-election in Cardiganshire on Friday, February 18th,
Captain Ernest Evans, Coalition Liberal, was returned by a majority of 3,590 over Mr. Llewelyn Williams, Independent Liberal. Captain Evans polled 14,111 votes, and his opponent 10,521-; three-fourths of the electors voted. Mr. Asquith's little party took advantage of the fact that Captain Evans was the Prime Minister's private secretary to challenge Mr. Lloyd George's hold over his countrymen. They unwisely tried to win the seat by making personal attacks on the Prime Minister. These tactics proved a mistake. The Cardigan farmers preferred to follow Mr. Lloyd George rather than Mr.. Asquith, although Mr. Lloyd George's Ministry includes Unionists as well as Liberals. The Independent Liberals were bitterly disappointed at the result.