The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1900-10-04
LACK OF EXCITEMENT.

LACK OF EXCITEMENT.
NEW YORK. Oct ga dispatch to
the Tribune from London says;
The election scenes in Fleet street
and the political clubs are chiefly re-
markable for lack Of excitement. The
second days polling has included Bat
tersea and Northampton. two OF the
most interesting borough contests, and
has revealed the trend OF opinion in
Lancashire and other Industrial Sec
tions. but the results have been re-
ceived almost listlessly in the streets
and clubs.
This apathy is due to the fact that
the general result Of the elections Is
regarded as a foregone conclusion.
Not even the most sanguine Liberal
has expected the triumph Of his party
nor hoped for anything more than
reduction Of the government majority.
The loyal example of the colonies in
fighting the battles Of the empire has
brought the Liberal Imperialists well
to the front in the opposition side. and
even material reduction Of the gov
ernment majority win not involve
reversal Of the South African policy
The elections are passing quietly be-
cause the country knows that there will
not be any outbreak in the contin-
uity Of the government Of the empire.
A fresh batch Of uncontested regions
sent the government well up to the
figures at the close of the last parlia-
ment. and polling in Galway town re-
corded an unexpected Unionist gain in
Ireland The successful candidate Is
the eldest son of Lord Morris. formerly
lord chief justice Of Ireland. He ran
against two Nationalist candidates in
1895 and was defeated. but has now
come out at the head OF the poll in
home rule stronghold. He is a Roman
Catholic and his election is proof that
the influence Of the clergy has not been
thrown against him.
The Tories describe this victory as
the first fruits Of the queens visit TO
Ireland. and express hope that it may
influence the results Of the elections
in South Tyronne and South County,
Dublin. where T. W. Russell and Ho-
race Plunkett are opposed by indepen-
dent Unionists.
These contests are regarded as de-
cisive in one respect. The Liberals are
sending seven and the Unionists twen-
ty-two seats which have been con-
sidered doubtful. The Liberals will not
have a better chance for making gains
in the borough elections. Their failures
will be an indication that the Unionists
viii hold their majority and possibly
increase it unless the county divisions
take line Of their own.
The Liberals started off with gain
ing Grantham as an Offset to Galway
town and followed their advantage by
capturing Swansea and Gloucester;
but the Unionists increased their ma
jorities in Boston. Whitehaven and
other boroughs and won a seat at |
Stockton -on-Leas. Mr.. Balfour led of !
in Lancashire with a largely increased |
majority. Mr.. Bidwell was defeated af- |
ter stirring fight and the industrial |
districts generally went strong Union |
ist.
The cabinet makers have now Gus
pended their activity until the results |
of the appeal to the country are more
clearly known. There is a generally |
accepted belief that Lord Lansdowne's |
successor will be a member of the COM
mons. where a good debater is required |
for the exposition of reform politics
favored by Lord Roberts. This will !
limit the choice of a new secretary Of |
war to Mr.. Chamberlain and Mr.. |
Wyndham Old Tories assert that the
influence Of Mr.. Chamberlain has de-
clined so that he will not be trans
ferred to the war office. The potency !
Of that influence depends upon the re-
suit of the appeal to the country. It
will increase If parliament be strongly
Unionist, for he has forced the fighting
and has been the target of abuse. 1t
may diminish If the Unionist majority
be cut down.
The most intimate friends Of Mr..
Chamberlain do not know whether he
wishes the war office. His enemies as
sert that he will be unwilling to play
second fiddle to Lord Roberts, for
whatsoever is done in the way of mil
itary reorganization will have the
authority OF the commander-ln-chief.
Mr. Chamberlain Mr.. Wyndham and
Lord Roberts are alike convinced that
the military resources Of the colonies,
which have been heavily drawn upon in
South Africa, must not be lost sight
Of but utilized and developed into an
comprehensive scheme for defense Of
the empire.
INsURGENT PAPERS CAPTURED.