The Nineteenth Century , No 182, Apr 1892 [‎97r] (198/244)

1892
LET LONDON
683
a degree less than their opponents, the Moderates. The other sec
tions who have been badly beaten in this election are those hopelessly
impracticable people who abuse the name of Socialist, and who advo
cate the unattainable, simply because to secure the immediately
possible requires work, ability, and self-sacrifice, which they cannot
display. Prisoners to a phrase, confined by their narrow prejudices
and conceit within the limited space their own small courage has
drawn around them, they have paid a heavy price for their dog-in-
the-manger policy. Contrary to tradition and the principles of re
presentation, strangers were foisted on constituencies in the most
undemocratic fashion. This dictatorial conduct has met with its just
reward, and, fortunately, popular views have not sustained that
defeat, through the folly of irresponsible cliques, that might have
been anticipated.
The Sabbatarians have also sustained a crushing defeat in their
miserable attempt to make London as dismal as themselves. Fussy
interference with theatres and music halls, apart from necessary
structural supervision, did not receive any substantial support,
although the Councillors who embodied this were returned again.
But this was for other and better work. The theatrical candidates
were hopelessly defeated, as narrow representatives of a class interest
deserved to be.
The men who won the victory were those who, in the past, had
been indifferent to municipal politics, and who in this instance were
enthused into action by the real evidence and proof of the past
Council's work.
The artisan voted out of pure gratitude for the liberal policy
displayed towards an improvement of his daily life by the Council's
action on parks, workmen's trains, housing, and other cognate matters.
The labourers, who have hitherto been the reserve army of voters,
came forward because they appreciated the minimum wage and fair
hours of labour, and, with the artisan, approved of the Council
beginning the end of the sweater's career.
The intellectual villa-resident, whose children enjoys the free
lawn-tennis, croquet, cricket, and football grounds, also proved by
voting his appreciation on the 5th of March.
The small shopkeeper, who until then was the passive slave of
the landlord, revolted against a continuance of his dependent posi
tion. But the labour vote, pure and simple, was the prime factor of
the success.
In South London, where it was roused, enthused, and organised,
not a single seat was lost. Three-fifths of the increased vote over
1889 was secured there; three-fifths of the gains in seats was there
realised ; and there the majorities were enormously greater than
elsewhere. On the north of the river, where Progressives met
Moderates without the organised assistance of the labour vote, they