At the moment we write, it seems certain that Mr.
Peel will lose his election for the University of Oxford. The contest began on Thursday, with all the ardour and not a little of the turbulence which occasionally marks more popular elections. The friends of the candidates mustered from every quarter of England; and the Hall of Convocation was found incapable of accommodating the half of those whose anxiety led them to take part in the contest. The conduct of the electors during the preliminary arrangements is described to have been in bad keeping either with the reverend character of many of them, or the quiet sanctity of the venerable pile in which they were assembled. Mr. Peel was proposed first, by Dr. Marsham, Master of Merton College ; and Sir Robert H. Inglis, by Dr. Routh, President of Magdalen College. The poll continued till six o'clock,—at which time Sir H. Inglis had 311 votes ; Mr. Peel, 268 ; majority for Sir Robert, 43. This was not held indicative of the issue of the contest, as it was supposed that many of Sir Robert's clerical voters pushed to the poll from an anxiety to reach their homes before Sunday. It was thought, however, that Sir Robert had a majority of those on the spot, as well as of the remote country voters,—particularly among the old fa- milies and clergy. Yesterday the candidates polled nearly equal for some time; but as the day advanced, the balance became deckl- e& against Mr. Peel, and at the close the votes were—for Sir R. Inglis 676 ; for Mr. Peel 550 ; majority 196.
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