The Southland Times. PUBLISHED DAILY. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1875.

Southland Times, Issue 2249, 29 December 1875, Page 2

The Southland Times. PUBLISHED DAILY. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1875.

The fi'cble chirrup that has for some tiino been emitted by the News has suddenly been exchanged for a blast of llio old brnzen trumpet. We rejoice in the change. The Yankee saving is that it is hard work to kick against nothing. The office in Dec street has reminded us lately of a city bereft of its garrison, with <>M men and children trying to keep the walls. Now our contemporary has rushed at us like a'wild bull, with bis head down, and seeing nothing. Let us look toe a moment at his statements. We are accused of ignorance of English history*. What is the first point made by tlio News? He dates Chartism from 1.532. The agitation was unknown until IS-J8 ! He asks if we are aware that the principles contended for by the Chartists are now embodied in the law of the land? We answer, no! Out of six points in the Charter, only two have been conceded by the British Legislature. After this, what do the Provincialises think of their organ ? Who has been " writing wildly ," and who has been " damaging his assumed qualifications as a journalist ami a colonist ?" It is evident that this accurate historian and accomplished leader of public opinion is unable to distinguish between the Kefonn Bill of 1832 and the Chartist movement of 1838. If it is any satisfaction to the News, we may tell him that we do remember '31!, and that we were nurtured in the principles of the great measure that made that year illustrious. It is because we were brought up in the school of Reform that we have learned to dread the catchwords of devolution- It is the blessing of this country that from the first day of its political existence, its citizens have enjoyed equal rights, and up to a recent period, have happily known nothing of political bitterness. Instead of passing through the troubles of periods like '32 and '-18, we have been able to begin a history untainted by class legislation and unstaiued by class hatred- The excuse for breaking up such a state of things can only ba found by those who are predetermined to create chepeace. There is no excuse in the constitution of New Zealand. We defy those who have been so industriously fomenting discord between the working man and the capitalist — between the large laudowner and the smaller seciler — to point to a single economical provisiou that is wanting to make the race a fair onu between rich and peor. We repeat, it is the fallacy that would end in Communism that is at the root of all that we have lately been listening to. We have glanced over our notes of ]\1 r Lumsden's speech, and fiud gems like the following: — "A proud nobility to crow over the rest of the people ;" " Contradictions by Mr Broadacres ;" " Crt-sar'.s favorites trampling on the rights of the people " Could any sane man lancy that this was spoken of New Zealand, and was expected to have a practical bearing on the lnvercargill election ? If this be not the stump, and a stump worthy of Chartism, we acknowledge ourselves mistaken. We do not apprehend much from the storm. It has served a purpose to raise it, and it will by and by subside. But in the face of ail this rubbish, are we not entitled to say, as we have said, that the contest was fought with unworthy weapons and on a false issue? We are told that the people are not to be deceived — that the day for that sort of thing is past. Could Air Lumsden's rodomontade have had any iufluence, except on the supposition of deception ? We have said already that we want to see the feelings buried that have been aroused iv this contest ; but it is well iv the first instance to point out the silly grounds on whicii they have been excited, and the false testimony and false logic which have been produced for their defence. _~#. •

A>~ intimation elsewhere in our columns informs the public that a ne«" candidate is ia the field fpr

Eiverton. In au evil hour for himself, and as it might prove also for the cause of Abolition, Mr J. L. McDonald has been induced to contest this much coveted seat. W« are unaware at whoso instigation tlie step bus b< j en tiikcn, but it looks uncommonly like a device of the enemy. Mr McDonald oni;ht to know, -and all sane' tren in the district will be persuaded, that ho has not the pliost of a chance to succeed in his object. iSoins ono must be playing upon him — and playing upon him to the peril of the c.iuse th;it ho professes to have at heart. Mr McDonald has influence in the district, and will undoubtedly dr.iw Cx\vny a few votes from Mr j\.l cGillivrny. These votes will imperil Mr McGillivray's success, ami possibly throw the seat into the hands of the Provincialise- That, party will be elated at this move, and tho pirt}' to which Mr McDonald belongs will be proportionately discouraged. Is it too late to appeal to tlie patriotism aiui jjuod souse of Mr McDonald, and toentruat him to carry Irs support to the only quarter where it can bo of any value ? Let him sacrifice what is at presen'- a uselesß ambition, and avoid the pain of failing, himself, and the possible odium ot bringing defeat upon his friends.