This is a pretty long list of calamities. On the
other side, it
is only fair to remember that Birmingham has returned an unbroken Liberal representation, Mr. Bright having defeated Lord Randolph Churchill in the only contest which ran at all close ; that Scotland remains true to her colours, no Con- servative candidate having made even any approach to a good run in any Scottish constituency which has fought its battle as yet. Edinburgh has elected Mr. Goschen triumphantly among its four Liberal Members ; and so far as we can judge, Wales will remain true to her old colours. Again, in Ulster two Parnellites have been defeated by Conservatives, though by the narrowest possible majorities. Mr. Lewis carried Derry by only 29 votes against Mr. Justin M'Carthy, and Mr. Haslett carried West Belfast against Mr. Sexton by only 24. It must be admitted that the balance of advantage is as yet terribly on the wrong side. Especially the immense weight of the new Metro- politan constituencies appears likely to be exerted as a per- manent break on progress.
