The vacancy in the Ministerial ranks left by Mr. Grant
Duff's= departure is, it is rumoured, to be filled by the Hon. Evelyn Ashley, now Under-Secretary to the Board of Trade, a man of wide experience, great vigour, and some capability of debate;. but we should doubt if his seat were quite safe. Majorities in the Isle of Wight run small, though the attitude of the farmers- may make the election easier. The opportunity should be taken to bring forward some new man whom Mr. Gladstone deems hopeful, the present position of Parliament allowing no one to. win honours in debate. The citizens of Elgin have not yet de- cided on their candidate, but they will have an unusually strong one if they select Mr. Craig-Sellar, who, again, will be a great gain to Government. He was Mr. Adam's right-hand man all through the recent contest, and will bring to the House very unusual knowledge of parties all over the kingdom, and a sound' political judgment. The seat will be very warmly desired, for Elgin is a faithful borough, and is not affected by the absurd prejudice that its representative ought never to help the machine along.
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