At every election since the Reform Bill of 1832, Liberal opinions have prevailed at the polls in Scotland. Sometimes the Liberal majority has been overwhelming, at other times less considerable, but always substantial; and the representatives have fairly reflected the opinions of the constituencies, for in no part of the United Kingdom of the same size and importance have democratic opinions prevailed for so considerable a period. It is, perhaps, due to this fact that Scotland has been chosen as the battle-ground on which recent political campaigns have been carried on. The Conservative leaders frequently attacking the citadel of their opponents' power – and the Liberal leaders returning to repel the attack, and to receive encouragement from the enthusiasm of their followers – both acknowledge Scotland to be the stronghold of Liberalism. If this be so, it may be worth considering for a little whether we can find an answer to the question – Why is Scotland Liberal?