They Would Like It.

Observer, Volume XI, Issue 780, 16 December 1893, Page 2

They Would Like It.

It is amusing to watch the anxiety of the Tory press to bring about hostile relations between Sir Bobert Stout and the Hon. Mr Seddon. Every day produces some fresh item of gossip to strengthen their predictions that the two great Liberal leaders will be at daggers drawn next session. One day, we have a cunning little article from the Wellington Post penned with the evident purpose of bringing about a controversy concerning the late Mr Ballance's wishes relative to the leadership. But there is no response. Then there oomes a diplomatic little announcement from Dunedin regarding the strength of the direct veto vote, and an assurance that Sir Bobert Stout will lead this party against the Government.

Then the irrepressible news gatherer in Wellington gleans the astounding fact that Mr Seddon and Sir "Robert Stout have accosted each other without the customary formality of shaking hands. Surely this must mean deadly political animosity. Then we have a host of rumours, all strongly speculative, concerning the chances of an alliance between Sir Robert Stout and the rem- j nant's o( the old Continuous Ministry. But in every instance, it is plainly apparent that the thought is son to the wish. The Tory press would like to see the temperance party and Sir Robert Stout ally their forces with the opposition, but the Tory press would not' like the legislation that would be the immediate outcome of Buoh an alliance if

the coalition commanded a majority. Absolute prohibition of the liquor traffic finds no place in the Tory policy. « * o

But the Tory press is worrying itself needlessly. It is quite apparent from the speeches of a large section of the direct vetoists in the Government ranks that they are not prepared to assist to overthrow the present administration^ They will do their best to endeavour to secure the reforms they have in view, but they will be no party to replacing the Conservatives in power again. Indications already are not wanting of the likelihood of Sir .Robert Stout co-operating heartily with the present Government. It must be remembered that Mr Seddon was one of the strongest supporters of the StoutYogel Government when it was in power, and Hon. John McKenzie, the present Minister for Lands, was the senior whip for the Government party in those days.