PROGRESSIVE LIBERAL ASSOCIATION.

Oxford Observer, Volume VI, Issue VI, 22 June 1895, Page 3

PROGRESSIVE LIBERAL ASSOCIATION.

Sir, — By the direction of the Progressive Liberal Association, I have the honour to furnish you with a copy of the Hon. W. J. Steward's Elective Execute Bill.

Ministers in their corporate capacity as a Cabinet do frequently compel parliament to arrive at decisions contrary to the wishes of a Majority of Members. Failing other means of persuasion or coercion a threat of resignation on the Government is a potent means of converting a Ministerial minority into a majority, and members are forced into the position of voting against their convictions in order to avoid a crisis. While thankfully living under a democratic form of Government the present system, we would point out permits to exist a power which undoubtedly dominates Parliament, the Cabinet.— -That this is so there is abundant evidence, and it behoves all who believe in: — a Govt, of the people, for the people, by the people." To demand that the representatives of the people shall meet in Parliament free to record their votes in accordance with their pledges and conscience, no member should be called upon to sacrifice his convictions in order to retain a particular set of men in Office. An elictive executive woJld give a guarantee that advances in public opinion would be represented in the Cabinet, it would also, by removing the incentive to unseat the occupants of the treasury benches be the . means of turning the attention of the whole house to far more wholesome work, honest criticism of the proposals before parliament, and the good of the Country would become the primary object instead bf Party advantage on either sMe^ thb' country would no longer *wi<r-> , struggle w.Wclyjoe3 ton every Session for possession of the

treasury benches, and which is th e cause of so much waste of valuable time, Parties would of course continue to exist in the country but advanced movements would be represented more directly than at present. The independance of Members from Ministerial influence and the dictates of Party whips would be secured.

Finally my asso. wishes it clearly understood that it supports this movement in no sense from any feeling of hostility to the present Liberal Government, whose successful efforts in instituting many reforms it cheerfully recognises ; but my asso. feels that the time is ripe for a movement which will more directly secure to the people the advance in political power granted to them by the extended franchise and developed by the education system of the colony. . I have the honour to remain Yours respectfully H. G. ELL . . .Secretary.