The Ellesmere Guardian. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1891. THE CHRISTCHURCH SEAT.

Ellesmere Guardian, Volume X, Issue 952, 14 October 1891, Page 2

The Ellesmere Guardian. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1891. THE CHRISTCHURCH SEAT.

Tbe result of the election to fill the vacancy caused by Mr. Perceval's resignation is hardy a surprise, however; much it -nay be matter for re^reti JWe fancy, however, that the success of Mr Sandford is to be attributed^ n6| SO; much to any inherent qualification of his own as to the lamentable weakness of his opponent. Had the Opposition put a strong man m the field — had, say, Mr Humphreys still been m the country and willing to stand again, we do not think that the electorata would have returned Mr Sandkord. The comparatively small majority shows conclusively the popular feeling. The reaction has set m. The true labouring man is beginning to be distrustful of ,hjs, top persuasive counsellors, and is finding put that everything the ' Labour member f does has but one object— the amelipra* tion of his, the member's, 1 6wn. position. The disgraceful scramble in-, the House for anything that could by any possibility bring grist to to the mil) or the ' Labour member ' rendered the las* Session one of the most unpleasant to

reflect. upon of the many which would ' be better forgotten, - We believe Mr &iw»port> claimed the support of the Party on purely negatfve growicto. He had never done anything for thorn to Mag hi« name popularly forward, hat then he had never done anything againat them. Two months before the election, we do not think five sixths of the electorate had ever heard Mrt Haxvvoiw's name. Next session we should not be sorprised if it did not appear m Hansard save m the division lists, where it will doubtless figure always very close to that of his late business, and present official chief. As we have; gaid, it is un'tortunate that there was not stronger opposition. iyiit Smith is not exactly a popular man. itany of his peculiar fails are not always pleasing to the people, and he, having the merits of consistency, is not capable qf concealing - them when perhaps it would be more convenient to do so, Mr George's "candidature we should have thought a" week ago, no one would Uake seriously. However, sonn seven hundred or so did tuke it, apparently serioasly, so that that gentleman must be gaining m the popular estimation. If only | for his pluck, he deserves, better succes •. Ele might hot have been a brilliant success as a legislator ; at any rate, lie could not have been more hurtful to the best interests of the country than Mr Sandfoud is likely to be. .