As a rule, while in Ulster, Sir Stafford Northcote carefully
avoided saying anything of the slightest interest to any living being, except that the Union must be maintained. Upon Saturday, however, he dropped some very curious hints as to his theory of representation. It is very American. He showed his hearers that Ulster, if fairly represented, would have forty-four Members, instead of twenty-nine ; and that Belfast alone, if represented like Connaught, would be entitled to eight. That is true enough, more especially if taxation and numbers be taken together as bases of representation; but the principle involved is equal electoral districts, and we want to know if Sir Stafford really means that. Will he concede the proper mathematical addition to Scotland ; and above all, will he recognise the claims of the Metropolis ? London within the postal area is entitled to one hundred Members, and if taxation is included as well as numbers, to one hundred and fifty. Will Sir Stafford Northcote accept that conclusion P We do not believe it, though there is a curious rumour that the Tory chiefs would like a mathematically per- fect scheme, which would give London and the populous coun- ties enormous weight in the House of Commons. They think they could carry them. Still, we expect the Tory rank and file to show some respect to history, and if they do, Ulster cannot obtain nearly half the representation of Ireland.
