UNIONIST TRIUMPH.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 100, 21 January 1908, Page 7

UNIONIST TRIUMPH.

MID-DEVON BY-ELECTION. "WO-N FAIRLY ON TARIFF REFORM." "A BITTER .PILL." ' TARIFFITES' STRENGTH IN RURAL DISTRICTS, sr TEiiEGßArn—ritsgs association* —copyright, (Rec. Jan.' 20, 9.16 p.m.)' London, January 20. ■ The by-clection for tho Ashburton division of Devon, which .resulted in the return of Captain F. T. Morrison-Bell (Unionist), a Liberal majority of 128S in 1906 being converted into a Unionist majority of 559, is widely commented on by the newspapers. SOCIALIST FACTOR. The "Daily Mail" and the "Express", attribute tho Liboral defeat largely to the result of alarm at Socialistic- legislation. "The Times" says' that||tbo olection is a great surprise, and is a bitter pill for the Government; but the Unionists will not regain power until they composo their internal dissensions and present an unbroken front. 1 . The " Morning Post" says that, with un-hesitating-leadership and efficient local candidates, no rural' constituency could withstand Tariff Reform. ' The "Standard" says that : the MidDevon olectors reedgnise that the Unionists now havo a distinct programme, and are loyal to Mr. Balfour. : ; ; ADMISSIONS OF LIBERAL PRESS. Tho " Daily Chronicle " describes the election as the worst blow that, the Government has yet received, and admits that it is a great victory won fairly antl squarely on Tariff Reform. . Tho " Daily News'' says the election is a victory for Protection. The " Tribune " remarks that the electors voted against Freo Trade., This shows the necessity for incessant vigilance., In ,hi<; latest speech,' Mr. Balfour, leader of the Opposition, said lie was convinced that the great bulk of the Unionist party favoured a moderate and resoluto policy_ of fiscal reform. But—ho also statcd-r-if tho Unionists aspired to achieve tariff reform and social reform,. two small though not. uniijiportaut extreme, wings, who found it difficult to _work \W:li the vast solid main body of Unionists, must sink thoir differences and arrange to co-operate. Given co-operation, they would soon replace the present ""reckless" Government.