The Sun.
London, England, 1865-07-22 00:00:00

LONDON, SATURDAY, JULY 22, 1865.

The excitement of the election contest is now
nearly over, and there is little to expect in the
arrangements of the next few days that will rekindle
the dormant energies of those who have been so
eager and anxious for some time past.
The elections have been very prolific of riots, and
that at Maidenhead was particularly violent.
Nothing is more discreditable than these occur-
rences, and the worst part of the affair is that it is
almost impossible to decide when or how they are
likely to commence, so as to provide suitable
checks and hindrances to the disturbances.
Fortunately no lives were lost, although some
were in considerable danger at one time. In con-
sequence of some of the policemen disobeying the
orders of their sergeant and attacking the mob with
their staves the greatest confusion arose, and the
Major was struck by a stone while reading the Riot
Act.

Several of the county elections were decided yes-
terday, and in some changes occurred by the success
of the Liberal candidates. Altogether this election
has witnessed many alterations, more, in fact, than
the average on such occasions. The Ministerial side
of the House has not been at all behind the Oppo-
sition on the score of vexatious defeats and morti-
fying repulses. While the Liberals have gained in
number, it may be said that the Administration has
suffered more considerably than its most sanguine
opponents could have expected. Lord PALMERSTON
himself was returned with one of the opposite side
of politics as his coadjutor, and that in a spot where
his influence was supposed 'to be almost certain of
insuring a successful venture for his friends and
followers. Earl RUSSELL'S son has not been selected
for Leeds, although great expectations were enter-
tained, and indeed confident declarations made by
many well qualified to judge. Lord AMBERLEY'S
candidature, from first to last, may indeed be re-
garded as a dead failure, and one of the most mor-
tifying kind, for the noble lord came forward with
much pretentiousness, and as if he would realise the
notion of veni, vidi, vici, in the best possible manner.
Considering the long time that this affair was talked
about, and the peculiar circumstances attending it,
it is a great blow to the hopes of theRUSSELL clique.
The chief prbp and mainstay of the Ministry, its
far-famed financier and matchless orator, has had a
narrow escape, besides sustaining a decisive defeat
at Oxford. Some of the minor supporters of the
Administration, conspicuous among whom is the
red;tapist hero, Mr. F. PEEL, have lost their seats
altogether. One of the most serious losses to the
Conservative side of the house is that occasioned
by the rejection of Mr. SEYMOUR FITZGERALD,
who was well calculated for the position which
he held for some time as Under Secretary for
Foreign Affairs, and as a private member be was
distinguishod for his zeal and aptitude in discussing
all matters relating to this department. No doubt
many of those on the Treasury benches will be glad
to escape his inconvenient questions on awkward
subjects. It is quite impossible to judge as yet
whether the constituencies have on the whole done
well and wisely, and made choice of those likely to
she the real interests of the country independently