NEWS OF THE WEEK
VOTES are being cast for National, Labour and Liberal candidates from the Orkneys to the Scillies as these words are printed. It is obvious, therefore, that any continent on the result of the election must be deferred till next week. And while results of the recent Canadian General Election supply sufficient warning against any- thing but the most cautious prediction, it is reasonably safe to assume that the National Government will find itself still in office with a substantially reduced majority. Though that may at first be misinterpreted abroad it will rnake generally for reality in Parliamentary government. Much will depend on the quality of the members returned °11 both sides of the House. It is a misfortune that so inany of the most progressive Conservatives in the last Parliament had only narrow majorities, and some of them will certainly be absent from the next. On the Labour side the presence or absence of competent authorities on questions of foreign policy and reeonstrue- t,i°11—men, to take them at random, like Mr. Dalton, 41. % Noel Baker, Mr. Morrison and Mr. Lees Smith—will °lake all the difference in the world to the effectiveness of the Opposition. Mr. Baldwin will no doubt take the Opportunity to make some changes in his Cabinet. l, will be well-advised to think earnestly about the selection of h Dominions Secretary capable of negotiating a settlement with the Irish Free State.
