THE ELECTION—A CRITICISM.

Colonist, Volume LIV, Issue 13286, 11 December 1911, Page 1

THE ELECTION—A CRITICISM.

Uu cue i^uuur vi '.no ikuoiUbl.' ) air, —iije excitement- oi: tiie iirst buiiui, iitts gone ami ivc a:e now preX'Uiin^, uui&uitt'ii ior tiie muio acute IU-ucuK'ut ot tiiie sciaanig ballot. Hum parties in the contest are' bui»y wuippmg up all iuitt suiiury to piace tiium at tli« Jioatl of tiio poll, D'roiu the causes which actuaied many peopJe in voting at tlio rirst ballot, 1 nave come to tiie conclusion, with many others, that tho politics of the country generally p.ny a very small part in influencing such electors as to the way they should vote. I am satisfied a large percentage do not consider politics at all being satisfied to vote tor the candidate who can make the best impression on them, either by appearance, talk, caressing the last born of the family, or from the "give him a show" sympathy. I hose are quite sufficient reasons to decide the destiny of the country as tar as some are concerned. Of course this wnl ever bo so, but we should make every effort to help those who "•-0 trying to think, to come to a ngiu c-orjojiuiou ;I .s to nou to \uu and thus avoid their vote boinc thrown away. It is hardly necessary to state there wi.l always be two tides in fJie House—Government and Opposition—with a fair sprinkling of labour members. Tho percentage of those wuo are sent to Parliament branded "to vote as you like," will bo very small, so small as to be of no use to any party or thoir constituency. Probably tho last named may bo "also branded as Hie fourth party, notably "rail-sitters," the reward for the constituency being marked by tno very ugly word "disfranchised." No party in tho House can possibly take them seriously or into thoir confidence .llmrsday next will be tm; da\ of judgment for this elector- ' ate Many electors have already made up their minds which way they will vote, but there are hundreds who haven't. Now, are wo satisfied with the Government of the country or not. [f we are satisfied, are we going to take the slightest risk to turn a certain good thing out for an uncertainty. Fellow electors tho risk at this juncture of- the Dominion's aiiairs is too great, therefore, mv straight tip and advice is to keep the Government in. We have now much to be thankful for, if wo make a false step wo will assuredly have much to !T gJCt ij Can w<! for Sot tlle great boon the old ago pension has been; the npening up of the land for settleiiK'iit;- the improved labour conditions ; advances to settlors and workers; opening up the country by rail-

way communication; help' to the struggling back-blocks settler; tho training of the youth for tho defence of this country; and tho flourishing condition tho Dominion and its credit is in under the present regime.' Lot us show our gratitude by Bonding to Parliament men who will help "the good work to bo continued. To. do this there is no other way than to vote for the Government candidate. Now, Mr. Editor, permit mo to eon- . gratulate you upon the temperate yet roroetul way you have can-Wl our your part for the benefit of this electorate, and the words of good advico that jinn? issued from your pen. All bodies raiscl wore completely knocked do« n, and you did it without Mustering find inflammatory language .Insr nn'l-o facts that count with the thinking person. In conclusion let me finish with a sentence full of wtedom and sound reasoning: "In the interests of Nelson, send Moffatt to Parliament."

I am, etc., PRO 13ONO PUBLICO.