Mr. Butler-Johnstones return at the head of the poll for
Can- terbury, in spite of his defection from Mr. Disraeli on the subject of the Irish Church, and his avowed wish for its disestablishment, is one of the best signs of the Elections. The Liberals who have deserted in the opposite direction have been uniformly routed, but any indication of independent and wider thought in a Conser- vative at once ensures him Liberal votes. How little in favour, however, is the theory of disestablishment generally, to which the Conservatives have tried to teach the country that the fall of the Irish establishment must lead, may be seen by the rejection of Mr. Midi in the now very large and important constituency of Brad- ford. where he had had every advantage and a standing-ground for many months. We regret Mr. Miall's defeat, not because we feel the least sympathy with his special idea, but because he does undoubtedly represent, and very ably and conscientiously repre- sent, an important section of the country, which will scarcely now get an able spokesman in the House of Commons. We fear less the power of such views if they secure adequate representation and -discussion in Parliament, than if they are suppressed in the poli- tical system.
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