Correspondence.

Thames Star, Volume XII, Issue 4034, 2 December 1881, Page 3

Correspondence.

Ladvkbtisement.] . EBSPECT FOE PEINCIPLE. (To the Editor of the Evening Star.) Sib, —I am an Orangeman, and a member of Mr Speight's Committee, but my sense of respect for Mr Sheehan for his action in the matter of education compels me to write this letter. I heard Mr Sheehan speak at the Academy last night, and I listened attentively to his defence of his vote on Education. I could not but contrast his action in this matter With that of Mr Speight at the Land League meeting. Mr Sheeban, in defence of his principles voted against his co-religionists. Mr Speight could not even be bound by obligation to keep to his principles. I am not one of those who were satisfied by Mr Speight's specious arguments given before the Orange Grand Lodge, and althongh I am bound by party ties to vote for him, I cannot respect him as much as I do his opponent Mr,-Sheehan, when I judge the men by the standard of principle.—lam, &c., Tbue Blue.

[advebtisbmekt. J (To the Editor of the Evening Star ) Sib,—Last evening I attended Mr Sheeban's meeting at the Academy, and I was agreeably surprised to find that the numerous supporters of Mr Speight, who w*re present evinced "such good feeling and behaved in such an orderly manner. When the vote of confidence in Mr Sbeeban was proposed by Mr Scott, and when that gentleman proceeded to state the truth in regard to Mr Speight's opposition, the adherents of the latter listened with that innate good breeding and attentiveness for which they are so universally famed. I am aware that Mr Sheehan showed a great disrespect to such an estimable man as Mr Speight, by even presuming to oppose him in this election. As to ability, truthfulness, and sterling worth, even the most bigotted supporter of Mr Sheehan will acknowledge his opponent's undoubted superiority, and why be should wish to represent us is a mystery. But, independently of this fact it showed such good taste on the part of Mr Speight, to prevent his people even attempting to upset the vote of confidence. Mr Speight, and his estimable band of influential supporters were perfectly right in refraining from such an unworthy act, and I need not say that in the introduction of a large posse of the Juvenile templars, and several resident Eechabites from Block 27, and the Waiotahi, he displayed that tact that makes him esteemed by all alike. As an observer, I noticed tbat many who voted against the confidence motion were non-electors, but of course that was a trivial consideration, and a fact that redounded to the credit of Mr Speight and his committee, and I can but trust that when Mr Speight meets the electors again, he will be accorded, the same courtesy as that extended to Mr Sheehan and his supporters last evening. — I am Sec, . ITHBIABSBD FIBCTOB.