THE LESSON OF THE EDEN CONTEST.

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 18674, 24 April 1926, Page 16

THE LESSON OF THE EDEN CONTEST.

' TO THB SDITO« Of "TH» PRISS." " Sir,—-Reform's loss of the Eden seat may eventually turn out to be a blessing if it induces the Party to rearrange it's house with a view of improving its electioneering methods. The real strength of any political party .lies in its rank and :faie, iand indifference,, selfishness, or, shortsightedness in tae ranks will so sap its strength as to make the party the easy prey o* a wellorganised - and united opposition. 10 ovoid these,dangers constant watchfulaess is called for, since it is the pretence of such dangers that leads to the greatest of '. all political dangers-vote-splitting. V'ha* mak « s vot . e " splitting, so dangerous is that it,can Jie brought about by the instrumentality of one's political opponents. It is the easiest thing"in the world to encourage a candidate to come forward happy i» the belief that the applause received will be translated into votes, lour opponent may.applaud.you in public, but at the ballot, b.is he will vote against you, and laugh while doing so. Reform's- opponents . had everything to gain hv encouraging; a third candidate in Eden, and. depend upon it they were, unlikely to omit offering that encouragement. As a result of the Eden election. Labour seems ; to have made good its claim to be the Official Opoosition, and loud as has been its Party drum hitherto, we must expect it to' be banged now as never before, and that from January till December. How best to keep Reform's dcum in constant use is therefore the problem which demands the careful consideration of the most energetic "heads" of the Party. Tf the lesson is thoroughly learned, Eden s loss may yet be Reform's gain.— "iours, etc.. ' • ' ■ , .. GABRYCNVEN. April 22nd v 1920.