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Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXX, Issue 10104, 1 August 1893, Page 4

We should like to direct the attention of our readers to the Hansard report of Sir Sobers Stout’s speech in the .Financial debate, part of "which we reproduce in this issue. It is the speech of a strong, fearless man, who is ready to proclaim in unmistakable language what ho really thinks, and actually believes. Bir Kobert is courteous, almost reverent, in his manner

and in his respect for the opinions of others; but he never hesitates to place his own opinions at the service of all. He has surprised the members of the present Opposition by ignoring altogether their claim to do nothing but oppose. “What proposals,” he asks, “have they to submit to the country ? Are they as a party going to the country without a policy or a platform ? If they have a policy and a platform surely this is the time to enunciate it in order that the people of the country may judge between the two parties when they go to a general election.” This is the spirit we want to, see in our public men. They should Dare to have a purpose firm And dare to make it known.

Sir Robert has no sympathy with the tactics of the crafty politician who would rather secure an advantage to bis party than a benefit to his country. Prank and outspoken himself he expects honest and well-informed men to meet him in the same spirit. He knows that politicians who dare not openly and boldly proclaim their intentions and stand or fall by them are not guided by any sincere desire for the public good. The peroration to his admirable speech conveys in a few words what should he the aim of every sincere patriot, and we commend it to the close attention of the men to whom it was addressed.