The French clerical organ Le Monde passes a most im-
pressive eulogy on the people of Southwark for electing Mr. Clarke. It writes :—" Disinterested as we are in the matter, one thing strikes us,—the virtue of English patriotism. Radical electors pronounce in favour of a Conservative candi- date, because they think the country's interests, greatness, and honour safer in the hands of the leaders of his party, than in those of the representatives of their own ideas. Such self-abne- gation must be recognised and honoured. It indicates a truly admirable strength of national life." This passage implies some very curious ideas on the part of the writer. Apparently he thinks that any elector of Southwark who used to call himself a Liberal, and now finds himself a supporter of Lord Beacons- field, loses something substantial by supporting a party he has previously opposed. The truth is, that we doubt whether there be anything pleasanter to a British elector—under the ballot— than a change of party allegiance. He feels that he is exercising an undoubted individual right, and can be called to account for it by nobody; while novelty is always agreeable. For " self- abnegation " in the matter there is no room at all.
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