THE HOME ELECTIONS.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXII, Issue 14, 2 August 1895, Page 17

THE HOME ELECTIONS.

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HE Home elections ate practically over-, and the result is a Conservative victory. Lord Salisbury will have a majority of over 150 in a test division. The complete routing of the Liberal Party came somewhat as a surprise to the Antipodes. Indications pointed to a close contest ■with possibly a Conservative gain, but even few enthusiasts dreamed of the extent of the Conservative victory. Various causes are assigned for the change. The absence of Mr Gladstone's active personality had probably much to do with the elections. Lord Rosebery, however popular on the turf and in the sporting field does not seem to have won the confidence of the people as a statesman. What has unfortunately appeared in the ranks of the Irish Party has evidently happened to the English Liberals. Mr Parnell, to whom no one can deny the epithet " great leader," passed away. As strong a man was not elected or was not available to fill his place. Dissensions open divisions, and inevitable disintegration have been the' consequence. Mr Gladstone was t l c darling of the English people. The "people's William" he was affectionately called. He resigned a long filled place, and handed over to another the reins with which for many years he guided the coach of State and kept a heterogeneous mass together. In the history of political parties great does not always succeed to great. Lord JRosebery may* indeed, be great, but conspicuous ability and a certain popularity have not evidently entitled him to be considered by the people as a really great leader. Turn about, moreover is looked upon by a large number as fair play. The Conservatives will get their innings and, meantime, the Liberals will reconsolidate their party in Opposition. What will be tlie effect of recent events on the Home Rule question ? Jt is hard to say. There are those who affirm that the National cause has been much retarded by the Liberal defeat. We are inclined to think that a term of active opposition to Government will serve the Irish Party at the prtsent time. Though petty parly troubles, rarely absent from any organisation have been grossly magnified through the indiscretion of hot-heads it is evident that Parnellian solidarity is just now a thing of the past. We believe that Conservatives, true to tradition will pursue towards Ireland the same old policy of tyranny and oppression. The selfish interests of the ascendant class will be sedulously looked after. We believe that the Irish Party will even more sedulously look after the interests of the Old Land and present a united and determined front to a coercion Government. There is just a little too much croaking about the blackness of the Irish political picture. We cannot expect thiDgs human to have always a roseate hue. Keverses are common in business and in life generally. Reverses and dark days nccssarily find their plac in political history

The Ireland which, in her nationhood, has withstood for centuries the persecution of the alien and the treachery of her own sons is destined to eventually triumph.