The New Zealand Times (PUBLISHED DAILY). TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1881.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 6442, 6 December 1881, Page 2

The New Zealand Times (PUBLISHED DAILY). TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1881.

Thebe is a danger impending in the probable results of the coming elections, in that a tendency is manifest among many constituencies to confound Liberal views with Ultra-Radicalism, and to favor those candidates who excel in advancing extravagant proposals. Unable, as the professed opponents of the Hall Ministry are, to demonstrate that any two political parties exist, save the one which opposes and the one which approves, in general terms, the actions and policy of the present Government, they (the opponents) take refuge in hurling well-nigh indiscriminate abuse upon Ministers, and in propounding schemes for future legislation which, if given effect to, must necessarily revolutionise the entire political system of the colony. These ardent enthusiasts, so eager for reform, abandon the recognised precepts of Liberalism, and avow that they will be satisfied with nothing short of sweeping changes in public administration. The bases of party principles are changing; the old landmarks are disregarded. Instead of the consistent antagonism of Conservatives and Liberals, the more appropriate definition bids fair to be Liberalism versus Radicalism. Liberal and Conservative principles have become so completely merged that in reality the distinction, if it ever clearly existed in this colony, has ceased, and the question at issue is not one of measures, but of men—popularity is of more value to a candidate at the present moment than the most elaborate political creed. With comparatively slight emendations to existing statutes, the work of lawmaking might, for a time, well cease, and the energies of the coming Parliament be directed to perfecting the work of administration. But this would never satisfy the host of politicians whose very existence depends on agitation and the excitement of political unrest. They must have a party cry, a shibboleth that shall them passing notoriety. Every poli-l tieian nowadays is a Liberal; every|j journal published in the colony advocates, from its own standpoint, Liberal views. The true definitions of the terms Liberalism and Conservatism are disregarded by very many of the present candidates, and, pandering to the craving for excitants, they strive to influence votes by the most ultraEadical and demagogic proposals. These tactics are not altogether unsuccessful; it is evident from the tone and temperament of public meetings of late held in, many places throughout the colony that a large section of the electors are prepared to accept, with avidity, any new dish prepared t« tickle their, palates, howsoever hot and spicy it may be. The candidate who is most recklessly profuse in promises of sweeping changes, and loudest in his declamation against existing authorij ties wins the greatest share of applause* and it may be he will also win

the greater share of votes. It will not be so in every case, because impulsive as men may be when their passions or prejudices are momentarily swayed by the power of oratory, they do not, as a rule, record their votes without some careful consideration. But the fact cannot he that on the questions of education, taxation, protection to local industries, land tenure, extension of public _ works, and the raising and expenditure of additional loans, some very extraordinary opinions are advanced—.while on minor subjects an infinite confusion of ideas prevail—and that they are unreservedly received by a large section of, the electors as unquestionable proofs of the candidate’s legislative ability. And yet these are subjects each of which demands the most careful study and cautious dealing with. A false move, or too precipitate action, in either case would disorganise and detract from the merits of any policy,howsoever well devised in other respects; while to make the so-called radical reforms proposed by many candidates, especially by those newly aspiring to seats in the House, would be to undo the work of many sessions and to subvert much that is practically perfect. It is with some grave forebodings that we contemplate the possibility of the coming Parliament being largely composed of men new to politics, and endued with ideas of so ultra-Eadical and demagogic type that, instead of continuing the work of previous sessions, they will deviate on to eccentric and uncertain lines, and make infinite confusion where harmonious action should prevail. It behoves the electors to most seriously consider the merits of the candidates before them; not alone from their capabilities of glibly propounding specious propositions, which, however attractive to the casual listener, are widely sundered from even the primary principles of political economy, but for their education, their experience, their study of the art of legislation, their social standing, _ their ability, and inclination to aid in the furtherance of just laws and honest administration. It has been used as a reproof against the present system of franchise and the qualification for Parliamentary election that the tendency has been to deteriorate the status of the House, to impel men of sterling worth and ability to withdraw from public life, and leave the arena to professional politicians, pot-house orators, parliamentary agents, men with grievances, and men with “ axes to grind.” Will this reproach pass away with the result ef the elections now so closely impending, or will it continue to exist in intensified form ?