POLITICAL TRIMMERS.

Colonist, Volume LI, Issue 12397, 12 November 1908, Page 4

POLITICAL TRIMMERS.

The Christcliurck "Truth" says :— ■ When a politician trims his sails to catch every wind that blows, the oporation is- invariably attended with dangor. It requires niuch more skill and ingenuity to be a successful trimmer than to bo a fearless exponent 'of political principles regardless of their popularity. The trimmer is besot with pbrpatual fears that if ho succeeds in placarding one section of his supporters, it probably meajis the alienation of another, and' he is filled with misgivings .at every stop lest ho should compromise ; himself with/ people whose votes will be .useful. If he stays in politics '..long enough ho becomes like a man with crime on his conscience — afraid ;to open his mouth and commit himself to a definite statement, in case it should be caught up and twisted into evidence of guilt. On the other hand the politician 'who is blunt and outspoken in his views ; who has espoused definite- opinions, and has the courage to advocate them in" the face of _ violent opposition, if necessary, at least has the satisfaction of knowing that ho is not imposing on the ignorance of his supporters, that he is obtaining no votes by misrepresentation, and that ho goes to Parliament on his merits or stays at .home. Unfortunately, politics in this country have drifted into such a condition that there is every temptation to candidates of weak and indecisive character to angle for the 'support "of contending factions at the expense of their reputation for political straightforwardness. -