X.—THE FIRST QUERY.

Otago Witness, Volume 25, Issue 1004, 25 February 1871, Page 18

X. — THE FIRST QUERY.

I do not think that either England or her colonies would be benefited by a long continuance of the present relations ; indeedj it does not seem possible that such relations can endure for any length cf time. The publio mind has been too deeply agitated to revert to the status quo ante ; and the constant pressure for increased liberty of- action which is now being brought to bear by the colonies on the Home Government will of itself soon force on a revision. The oauses of discontent before enumerated are still working in the colonies, and will surely produce an explosion unless measures be taken to avert the catastrophe. Nor will the party at home which desires to break up the Empire cease its efforts until it has either accomplished its purpose or an effective barrier has been raised against it. It is highly important to impress on the publio mind a knowledge of the actual position of affairs, in order that, whatever course may be adopced, its probab'e results may be first ascertained and fully considered. The danger lit sin some concurrence of events bringing on a sudden crisis, when, to relieve the present difficulty, hasty measures will be adopted which, like the wrath of Achilles, will bring unnumbered woes on the nation.