The Conservatives have succeeded in holding Hampstead, but with an
immensely reduced majority, the figures being— Mr. J. S. Fletcher (C.), 4,225; Mr. G. F. Rowe (L.), 3,803. The meaning of this result is best illustrated by the following table :—
Liberal. Majority.
1,910 875 945 1,762 2,239 1,609 2,118 1,725 3,803 422
Thus, while the Liberal poll has increased by 1,685 votes, the advance in the Conservative poll is only 382. Addi- tional significance is lent to this result by the fact that Mr. Fletcher, the new Member, was in all respects an ideal
candidate, well known and deservedly respected in the neighbourhood, and with a long and unblemished record of public service to his credit. Yet, in spite of this, and of his having declared that on the Fiscal question he was a supporter of both Mr. Chamberlain and Mr. Balfour, Mr. Fletcher has narrowly escaped being engulfed in the flowing tide of Liberalism and Free-trade.
Bank Rate, 4 per cent. Consols (24 per cent.) were on Friday 884.
Conservative Poll.
1885 2,785 1886 2,707 1892 3,848 1902 3,843 1905 4,225