We are most unfeignedly glad to note that Mr. Arthur
Balfour has been returned by an immense majority. In 1895 he only carried the seat by 776 votes. On the present occasion he has won by 2,453. That is, he has more than trebled his majority. We trust that this will put an end to the idle or spiteful gossip that has been abroad of late as to Mr. Balfour having lost touch with the country and having forfeited the confidence of the electors. Even if certain of the " smart " people and fashionable intellectuals with whom it was once a craze to worship Mr. Balfour, have deserted him of late, he can feel that he has kept unchanged, nay, rather increased, the support of a great working-class constituency.
But the election is more than of personal good omen. It shows how utterly nonsensical is the notion that it is im- possible to advocate a Roman Catholic University for Ireland, or to take a reasonable, moderate, and sane course on the Church question, withont incurring the wrath of the average voter. The cause of Roman Catholic University .education in Ireland receives as the result of Mr. Balfour'a election a very great stimulus.
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