People were shocked at the recent byelection development in Toronto—St. Paul’s as this was a riding the Liberals had held for more than 30 years, and they were expected to retain it; they did not.

There is, however, nothing new in politics and losses of this nature are common; the only changes are names, dates and places.

Chatham (West Kent) had its own version of the above when the Liberals lost a riding, in 1904, they were expected to retain.

Throughout the 1890s, West Kent was held by Liberal Archie Campbell who, in 1900, moved to Toronto to run in a riding there, leaving West Kent available.

The riding was retained for the Liberals by George Stephens who readily defeated Conservative challenger T. A. Smith.

Stephens was popular and it was thought that he would have no problem winning the riding again in 1904.

George Stephens was born at Cobourg, Northumberland........

© Sarnia Observer