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Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 251, 26 November 1914, Page 6

The importance of "the matter constrains us to refer once more to the letter in which Mr Russell told a constituent that he- was never in favour of the Defence Act, on the ground that the measure was both unnecessary and impracticable. Mr Sullivan, the SocialDemocratic candidate for Avon, who moved only when attacked, aiid "who has read the ;effect of the letter to several audiences, .lias come out with a definite,challenge to Mr Russell: the letter t£> be submitted to ah impartial expert J- Mr Sullivan to retiVe from the contest if it was not written by Mr Russell, and Mr Russell to retire. if the judge decides that he is the author of the document. Some nights ago Mr Russell professed surprise at the charge; he wanted to see the letter. Well, here is his opportunity. Mr Sullivan has the letter, and has put forward a challenge. Mr Russell will have to come out in the open and either deny the authorship of the letter or repudiate its sentiments. .If we know the Liberal candidate at all he will not accept the challenge: one's political principles are not worth such a sacrifice. But, considering that he has posed as a staunch supporter of the Defence Act, and that events have proved to the hilt the wisdom of such a system of defence as it provides for, Mr Russell is in duty bound to explain his position. He is a pastmaster in the art of explaining away his political inconsistencies, and doubtless lie will be plausible enough when replying to the charge under notice, but he will have to be particularly clever to satisfy thinking people that, at one time at any rate, he was not prepared to sacrilice the defence system of the Dominion to his own political exigencies.