The Gladstonians have gained an impressive victory in Rossendale, Lord
Hartington's recent seat. Although the poll was extraordinarily heavy—not 10 per cent. abstaining— and the Conservative strength was increased by 613 above its figure in 1885, they seated their candidate, Mr. Maden, by a majority of 1,225. The district has, in fact, when released from the personal influence of Lord Hartington, returned to its habitual fidelity to the Liberal Party. The result, how- ever, though a triumph for the party as a party, is almost a defeat for Home-rale, Mr. Maden and his friends finding it necessary to whittle away its meaning until, but for the word " Parliament," we could almost vote it ourselves. The Rossen- dale Liberals obviously accepted an Irish Parliament as a sort of Highway Board with enlarged powers. We should not de- spair of Mr. Maden's vote when the next Liberal secession occurs, as it will occur on the production of the Bill.
Previous page
