THE GENERAL ELECTION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 13077, 17 January 1906, Page 4

THE GENERAL ELECTION.

The election returns that are coming to hand show that ifc is not merely a victory for the Liberals, but a "landslide," as they call it in America. The Unionist party is overwhelmed. It is a disaster not merely for that. party, but also for the Cecil family of statesmen. Mr. Arthur Balfour's defeat has been followed by that of Mr. Gerald Balfour, a member of his Cabinet, and Lord Hugh Cecil, sou of the late Lord Salisbury. Then another member of Mr. Balfour's Cabinet, Mr. Walter Long, who succeeded Mr. Wyndham as Secretary for Ireland last year, is among the forlorn. On the other hand not a single notable Liberal has met defeat. A member whose absence from the House will be regretted, is Mr. T. Gibson Bowles, a supporter and a candid critic of the late Ministry. His was one of the keenest intellects in the House, and on many occasions he haw done good service to the nation. The new Minister for Education., Mr. Augustine Birrell, has found a seat at Bristol. The latest report of the state of parties gives Liberals, Labour members, and Nationalists 132 seats, and the Unionists only 30. This proportion can hardly be maintained. The Unionists are likely to hold their seats in the counties more firmly than those in the towns, and when the polling closes on the 26th inst. they may still be in sufficient fignting strength. All eyes will now be turned upon the election for West Birmingham, where Mr. Chamberlain is being opposed.