Jan, 23, Man would not be human if he did not enjoy the experience of getting into the midst of a hard-fought election, and for the past fortnight those who live within the French Concession have been thus situated.
As has already been explained, two French seats fall vacant a the present election, and for these there are three candidates.
Two foreign seats are likewise vacant, but although only the: two retiring members offer themselves for re-election vot-
1 nevertheless takes place. Two French and two foreign members of the Laud Commission have to be appointed, and here again the number of candidates equals the number of vacant seats. No contest occurs for these seats, but once mor the electors are asked to record their votes for these members —a very good practice tending' to promote interest in civi affairs. A vote representative of a majority of the electors, even when no contest is afoot, indicates confidence in the men to whose keeping the affairs of the place cre being entrusted, whereas the contrary may almost be taken to show lack of appreciation.ot the work whic these men voluntarily undertake for the well-being; of the com-: This is the, general reason why all French Concession electors should turn out to the poll to-day, and on top of it there is the special reason of 'a particularly interesting fight for the two French seats.
This is obviously not a ease for a British newspaper to take sides. We have allowed a full expression of the candid: views in our columns, and in addition other people have also contributed opinions. On the one side are M. Chapeaux and Dr. Tartois, who have done five and four years' service respec tively on the Council, and they point to the economy that has been observed during these years and to the increased efficiency "f the Municipal departments generally. M. clu Pac the other candi mind to bring about. M. CI eaux avd Dr. Tartois examine M. clu Pac's pronouncenient and tell the electors that there is nothing new in it, that the Council hax already been at work on his suggestions. M. clu Pac then explains that his opponents have missed the point and that, he has laid before the ratepayers quite a number of practicable proposals for the good of the Concession which the other side have not previously had in view there the matter stands, with one or two minor complications introduced, and the ratepayers must judge the case for themselves. In addition to the Presx campaigns of the contending parties there hax been a thoroughgoing canvass on all hands, and circulars to the electors have been duly forth coming. The electors, therefore jean not.oraplain of any lack of knowledge of the issues; they have had time to consider the claims of the rival aspirants; and it ix their buvinese to judge them for themselves. the special circumstances of the case there should be a very big poll to-day, and it is to be hoped that none of the electors will fail to register their votes. The polling booth is open between 10 a.m. and 6 y.m., and on another pose full in structions are given as to vot ing. The counting of the votes state at G p.m. immediately after the poll is closed, and the result should be known' by about 8 pam, if not before, this depending on the number of people who vote, it may be mentioned that the different candidates confidence in their chances returned, so it is likely that the voting will be very close indeed. This should he another incentive for the electors to turn out in large apers, for it ix possible that vote or two either way will turn the scale. The instructions on voting should also be carefully followed, as a breach of the regulations will serve to invalidate any balloting paper,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.