The Nelson Evening Mail. MONDAY, AUGUST 20, 1866.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume I, Issue 143, 20 August 1866, Page 2

The Nelson Evening Mail. MONDAY, AUGUST 20, 1866.

The N. Z. Advertiser of the 17th has the following. remarks on /the political situation : — The country and the Parliament had uot much confidence in some of Mr. Stafford's colleagues, but in the Premier they recognised a statesman who was in every way qualified to fill the position he was culled upon to assume after Mr. Weld's retirement. To whom are we now to look ? Has the hon. member for Christchurcli considered that point, or does he assume it settled that a cabinet with himself at the head would command the confidence of the colony or the Assembly ? If that be his opinion, we fear he will be mistaken, and, if it be not so, what end did he desire to achieve in moving his :; no confidence" resolutions? In vain we scan the list of hon. members in search of the ; ' coining man," and it is strange that the hon. member for Nelson City is the only one likely to answer the purpose? We find numbers of able men and accomplished politicians in the House, but we confess that we do nofc recognise the gentleman who is to take Mr. Stafford's .place' at the head of the Government. In the. present unsettled state of affairs wo do uot desire to> pursue this subject at length — we had rather wait the cool decision of the Assembly on ihe matter, and we feel confident that our anticipations will not prove far wrong. In the meantime, we may add that it is generally supposed that Mr. Moorhoust 1 , the mover of the -amendment, upon which the Stafford Ministry were defeated by ;m overwhelming majority, will be sent fur as a lr.ntter of form — it being understood that the late Premier has not considered himself called ujiou to recommend a successor to' cons! met a Government, and that he will suggest Mr. Stafford's replacement on the terms of a recous!ruction of the Cabinet. It remains 10 be seen whether or not Mr. Stafford will accept such a position as that we have indicated — it remains to be seen whether ho will throw over his late colleagues after having stuocl up in their defence in the most manly and straightforward manner. If we take Mr. Stafford at his word, or judge him by the views enunciated yesterday, and on a previous occasion in the House of Hepresentatives, he will not consent to a re-coiistruction, and in that event, at the present moment wo honestly confess that we cannot see our way out of the difficulty. The whole question resolves itself into this : — The country and the Legislature have confidence iu Mr. Stafford as Premier, but they have no confidence iu some of the gentlemen with whom he has associated himself in endeavoring to. administer the Government of the country. This is really the point at issue, and it would be absurd to attempt to turn the, course of events from their prescribed channel., It is useless to deny the fact that in this difficulty we want a Weld or a Richmond — not, however, the hou. member for Grey and Bell — and were either forthcoming, the colony might rest satisfied, but under other circumstances the choice must be between Mr. .Stafford, the visionary member for Christchurcli, and a -small host of legislators bidding for reputation and oiiice. While mutters- stand in this position, it is almost impossible to express au opinion with satisfaction, but we may go so far as to say that it is understood Mr. "Moorhouse does not and' could not tiVke office, although he may be '"sent for" iu order to comply with the rules of Parliameutry etiquette, and that .if he is consulted he will,. recommend, his Excellency to ask Mr. Stafford again, to assume the reins of 'Government. - Should the late Premier conseut. tolhis/aud we trust he will do so if the. opportunity is* afforded as we anticipate, it is probable he will choose colleagues with, characteristic • discretion. The mimes of. Major Kichardson, Mr- Fitzherbert, and Mr. Hall (Canterbury), are mentioned in connection with, the new Executive. „,..,.....