GREAT BRITAIN

New Zealand Illustrated Magazine, 1 November 1900, Page 161

GREAT BRITAIN

The elections have been the event of the month in Great Britain. At such a crisis it is not too much to say that the result astonished the most sanguine Unionists. The totals were — Unionists 401, Liberals 18(3, Nationalists 83. And it must be borne in mind that 82 of the Liberals have promised to uphold the Imperialistic policy of the Government. This gives the overwhelming majority of nearly 300 on the South African question. It is worthy of notice that never since the split in the Liberal party have the Unionists predominated in Scotland, or the two parties been so nearly balanced there, viz., the Unionists 37, Liberals 35. In 1885, for instance, the figures were : Liberals 62, Conservatives 10. Truly a marked difference, and a conclusive proof that the canny Scot has after due deliberation come to the conclusion that ai entire change of policy may in some cases be most desirable. Gallant little Wales, on the other hand, true to her colours, cut down the six Unionists she returned in 1895 to four. Such a signal triumph of Greater Britain over Little England is a sign of the times, and presents vast possibilities to the prophetic mind as to where Imperialism will end.