The Unionists have recovered the Ayr Burghs,—lost to them in
1888, after Mr. Campbell's death, in the contest between Mr. Evelyn Ashley and Mr. Sinclair, by the minute majority of 63. On Tuesday, Mr. Somervell, the Unionist, polled 2,610 votes, against 2,480 given for Mr. Routledge, the Glad- stonian,—majority, 130. It is not a victory that should induce Unionists to exalt their horn, or even to indulge in sanguine expectations ; but it should convince them that there is no spring tide flowing strongly towards Home-rule, no wave of emotion that is in the least likely to sweep away Unionists' efforts. If by industry and sobriety of judgment we can regain a few inches of political ground, by more industry and still more discrimination we may regain a few furlongs or even a few miles. We cannot throw up our caps over the Ayr Burghs, but we should take heart to struggle on patiently, tenaciously, doggedly, and even cheerfully.
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