The Donegal election, which was held on Friday week, has
ter- minated in the success of the Liberal-Conservative candidate by a majority of 99. The majority is larger than that by which the lowest of the two Conservatives returned in 1874 beat the highest Liberal candidate. But the actual number of votes polled by Mr. Lea was greater than the Liberals secured on the former occasion, or even than Mr. Conolly got. The retarn of Mr. Wilson does not affect the balance of parties, as he takes the seat left vacant by Mr. Conolly, a streineh Tory. Mr. Wilson's success appears to be mainly due to his very strung .6.eant-right opinions. In that respect he is more in harmony with the constituency than Ins opponent. Furthermore, Mr. Lea was not a good candidate. He has no connection with the county, we believe, nor even with the country, whereas Mr. Wilson is a resident and popular. And Mr. Lea was not "pronounced" enough for the Home-rulers. Lastly, the Liberals were disunited and disorganised. Mr. Lea came forward under the auspices of the Liberal Presbyterians, and it was only at the last moment he was accepted by the Roman Catholic clergy. By a portion of the Nationalists—with whom Mr. Callan, M.P., has influence—he was opposed to the end. Taking all the circumstances into consideration, there are good grounds for believing that with organisation the Liberals can carry the county.
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