THE LIBERAL LEADERSHIP.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIV, Issue 203, 26 August 1913, Page 8

THE LIBERAL LEADERSHIP.

TARTTXG OF THE WAYS. (By Teleprupli.—rarllnnicntary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, this day. The situation regarding the Opposition leadership is in the same indeterminate state as when on Friday the executive of the party offered the box seat in the Liberal conch to Kir Joseph Ward. Korcros have been held to discuss the pros and cons, and the prospects of battle weighed, but the man to whom the great bulk of the Liberals are looking as the only man who can at the present, moment raise the standard with any large hope of ultimate success remains silent. As » matter of venture, it is highly probable that Sir Joseph will continue silent for at least some days, it may be a week or two yet. In the meantime, n sinister uneasiness is being manifested in the Liberal ranks by this postponement- of .decision. It is recognised that the force nnd integrity of the parly largely depend on Sir Joseph Ward's acceptance of the leadership, for no other man posswwes the mana and political prestige to command allegiance from this somewhat difficult body of the left benches. If Sir Joseph Ward accedes to tJhe wishes of Ms old followers, and steps into the breach, it is believed ninny little lines of cleavage may bo welded, and a fairly compact body of the old Liberal guard be formed for an effective assault on the joints in the armour of the Reform party. Courage is required, not the courage of actual numbers, but the moral courage of principles and ideals, and with this a comparatively small but loyal and solid working party will have better and truer hopes of carrying the old flag to a new victory than would a party swelled with faint hearts and political defaulters dredged in by intrigue. Past political experience has proved the value of such courage.