Scotland, at least, is not showing any sign of a
disposition towards reaction. The Ross and Cromarty election, indeed, may not cause much surprise. There has not been a contest there since 1852, and we suppose that the attempt of a Conservative to get in, even though he were assisted by a third candidate who proclaimed himself a Land Reformer, was a mere feeler to try the strength of the position. As a matter of fact, Mr. R. C. Munro-Ferguson, the Liberal candidate, not only got more than double as many votes as his Conservative opponent, Mr. Mackenzie, but got a handsome majority over Mr. Mackenzie and the Land Reformer (Dr. Macdonald) put together. Mr. Munro-Ferguson obtained 717 votes, while his two rivals obtained together only 582 votes. But it is not only by this remote election that Scotland is showing her opinion. The largest meeting ever held in the North-East of Scotland assembled in Aberdeen on Saturday last, to support the Franchise Bill and condemn the action of the Lords. Fifteen thousand people took part in the pro- cession, and the gathering at the Links was estimated to con- tain at least 50,000. The enthusiasm for Mr. Gladstone and the hostility to Lord Salisbury were marked by all kinds of humorous emblems. A great Fifeshire demonstration was also held on the same day.
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