' MID-DEVON BYE-ELECTION.

Otago Witness, Issue 2810, 22 January 1908, Page 19

' MID-DEVON BYE-ELECTION.

LONDON, January 18. The bye-election for Mid Devon to fill j the vacancy caused by the sitting mem- ' W (Mr H. T. Eve, X.C) being appointed ■a member of tho High Court resulted in the election, of Captain E. F. Morrison Bell' (Unionist), with 5191 votes, Mr Bux- ' toil" (Liberal) polling 4632. ■ At the election in 1906 Mr H. L, Eve i (L.) 6e0ured.5079 votes and Captain Bell 3790. ■ ' " , . „ . January 20. | ■ Tie - Daily Mail and Express attribute the • Liberal defeat at Mid-Devon largely to the - result "'of - alarm at the trend of Socialistic legislation. The Times says tie Mid-Devon election was a great surprise, and a bitter pill for the Government; but tlm Ujoifiniatg ',

could not. regain power . until they composed their internal dissensions and piesent an unbroken front.The Chronicle describes the election as the worst blow the Government has received, and a> great victory won fairly and squarely on the question of tariff ■ reform. The DaiTy Telegraph views it as a victory for Protection. The Tribune says the electors voted against Freetrade, and this shows the necessity for incessant vigilance. The Morning Post says that with unhesitating- leadership and efficient local candidates no rural constituency could withstand tariff reform. The Standard says that the Mid-Devon electoral vote shows that the Mid-Devon ' electors recognise that the Unionists now have a distinct programme, and are loyal , to Mr Balfour.