The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1906-02-07
ENGLAND HOLDS ELECTION
Ex-oremier and His Protective Pol
icy Go Down in Defeat
TORIES LOSE EIGHTEEN SEATS

Campbell Banne in Great Brit.
aims Long and Bitter Fiscal mpa
Result Creates a Profound Sensation
Throughout the Kingdom.
London. England.-Tbe political map
of England underwent 4 striking
change as the result of parliamentary
elections held in thirty-nine constitu-
encies in widely-scattered but import
ant centres. and in which the Liberals
gained eighteen seats. The Laborites'
who are counted among the Liberal
gains, secured four new seats against
Unionist candidates.
In the Eastern division of Manches-
ter Arthur J. Balfour. former Prime
Minister. was defeated by 7. G. Hor-
ridge. Liberal, who was conceded even
by the Liberals a weak candidate
against such a person as Mr.. Balfour.
Mr.. Horridge secured the remarkable
majority of 1880. This victory, not
withstanding. the Liberal predictions.
was a decidedly sensational outcome Of
the days polling, and will, it is be-
lieved, enormously affect the elections,
which will continue for a fortnight.
! Everywhere the Liberal majorities
were increased and the net result OF
the first days contest between the
great political parties was overwhelm-
ingly in favor of the present Govern
ment.
About a score of members were re-
turned unopposed in the course of the
day, among them being John E. Red
mond. William O'Brien, James William
Lowther, Speaker of the House of
Commons, and Sir Edward Carson, *.
c.. the former Solicitor General.
Little disorder attended the polling
at any places, though Free Traders ut
Birmingham who attempted to engage
in an anti Chamberlain demonstration
were roughly handled. A mob Of tariff
reformers effectually prevented the de-
livery of speeches, tried to duck the
leaders of the Free Traders in a foun-
tain and ultimately routed them. A
strong body of police interviewed n
prevented serious fighting. which at
one time threatened to be the outcome
of the political warfare.
The excitement at Manchester was
intense, and the candidates and their
constituents worked with feverish &C
tivity, especially in the district MI.
Balfour was contesting, when reports
were circulated late in the afternoon
that Mr.. Balfour was in danger Of de-
feat. In spite of the rain Mrs. Corn
wallis West, Mr.. Churchilrs mother,
and Miss Balfour. the former Premier's
sister, proved themselves splendid sup
porters Of their respective candidates.
actively helping to get out the vote and
swaying undecided electors.
& The returns coming in late at night
from all points created a profound SEN
sation in political circles. Fleet street
was packed with bowling mobs. Polit-
ical clubs received the returns by spe-
cial wires and everywhere the defeat of
MI. Balfour was received as a most
complete surprise. Then as Liberal
gain was added to Liberal gain. it was
agreed that the Liberal majority in the
next Parliament would show the over
whelming decision of the country.
The results augur we'll for Home
Rule for Ireland, to which the present
Premier is fayorably inclined. Not
since the regime Of Gladstone has Ire
lands chances been better than they
would seem at this hour. In this re-
spect the manifesto issued by the
United Irish League has had deep eff
feet in influencing voters. In return
for this the Liberal leaders are ex-
pected to use their influence for Home
Rule, which will be urged with greater
force than ever in the next Parliament.
John Redmond drew up the mani
festo at the meeting of the Executive
Council Of the League. 1t declared
that the first duty of the Irish voters
in Great Britain was to laid to the
utmost in the discontinue of the great
coalition which has inflicted such i'm
mense injuries on their own country"
Mr.. Balfour addressed a gathering at
the Conservative Club in Manchester.
He acknowledged the gravity of the
disaster, but predicted short life for
the Liberal Government. He urged
the Unionists to continue their work
for the party and the future reversal
of the results.
OF course, Mr.. Balfour will find an
other safe seat before the elections are
over, by one of the Unionist candi-
dates retiring in his favor. .
49,.