THE COLONIST. PUBLISHED DAILY-(MORNINGS). NELSON, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1887. PROSPECTS OF LIBERALISM.

Colonist, Volume XXX, Issue 5020, 1 October 1887, Page 3

THE COLONIST. PUBLISHED DAILY-(MORNINGS). NELSON, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1887. PROSPECTS OF LIBERALISM.

If the classification of the newly elected members as published could be accepted as strictly correct, it would have to be acknowledged that when the House assembles the Government will find a clear, though by no means large, majority against them. Such a hasty settlement of the quebtion cannot however, pass current with any person having a fair amount of ao quaintanee with the various parts of the Colony, and the men who have j aforetime taken a prominent part in i its affairs. No sensible Oppositionist, much as he may long for the triumph of his party, can seriously maintain the decision to be clear and indisputable. The Independent and Doubtfuls may, not improbably, range themselves mostly with the Ministerialists, indeed; the weight d! evidence in in favor of their doing to ;

.the Maori vote is far from sure to go as set down; while as to_ those assigned to the Opposition, there is much reason to believe that some Government support will be found even there, and it needs ao argument to convince anyone that Sir George Grey will never vote to keep either Sir John Hall or Major Atkinson in. office, vehemently ats the onoe Liberal Premier may inveigh against his former colleagues for allying themselves with his pet aversion, Sir Julius Yogel. The rancor developed in the course of a protracted conflict will ere long die away. Political life is too short and fleeting for any considerable proportion of it to be spent in seeking, vengeance for the sarcasm and abuse of election times, especially when it is remembered that all who have votes in the House are tinder the mollifying influence of success. There is too a significant and potent fact that is not even indicated in the lists, and that is, a decided majority of those returned declared for Protection, or what comes to exactly the same thing, the adjustment of the Tariff so as to foster and stimulate Local Industries. The real question asked of tho electors undoubtedly was, whether they preferred Free Trade or Protection. No one can deny that it was certain financial Free Traders who gave Major Atkinson his transient victory; nor can it now be disputed that the votes reoorded id the elections show the determination of the great majority of the people to have protection against the foreign workmen, whether European or Asiatic, American, or Chinese. The end ii certain, though on this occasion some constituencies have been deluded into returning Oppositionists by professions of a resolution to uphold the very policy Ministers were beaten for proposing. Lastly, tjjere is the Railway Party, which if judiciously led holds in its hands the fate of any' Government. It if to the full as strong as ever, and in it alone our Ministerial friends have a following strong enough to match, nay, to overmatch the section led by any one of the Opposition chiefs. Thus there is no ground for losing heart on account of the result of the battle, speaking in the broadest sense. No party has a right to consider itself beaten when there has been an unmistakable expression of approval ot the principles it maintains. Neither can our adversaries safely assume that though a combination of discordant elements might in the early day* of the Session give them temporary success, they will reach the Prorogation without being turned out. The Liberal party would be false to its convictions if despair were suffered to prevail one hour. Though the folly of some and the dishonesty of others has for the present deprived us of the aid of Sir Kobert Stout's distinguished abilities in the House, the unworthy treatment he has experienced will be everywhere resented, and our cause will gain strength from the indignation every man must feel who is capable of appreciating his great gifts, untiring labors in the people's cause, and spotless public and private life. Sir .Robert's resignation, however, is now in the hands of the Governor, and this, as a matter of course, puts an end to the Ministry flis Excellency has taken counsel with Major Atkinson, who has undertaken the task of forming a Government. The chaos of 1884 seems likely to be repeated, and it would be no eurprise to any clear sighted politician if the confusion ended in ft coalition. Should such be the solution of the Parliamentary problem there need be no fear that Toryism will prevail nor that our Railway will be puehed aside. For Jibe §ake of place and power there are men among the Opposition, who can command some votes, who are now, as they have always been, open to conviction. The genuine old Tories cannot coitrol many votes, and are only formidable when combined with the waiters on providence. At the same time there is a strong compact body of unflinching Liberals, who would,scorn to tolerate a time serving Government. The protection of native industries cannot be postponed, and just as little will it be possible to delay our Railway with so powerful a phalanx resolved on having it carried out. Thus, there is little ground for apprehending any prolonged tenure of office by tools of the monopolists. Their early success i may be. a necessary stage in our march to complete and permanent victory.