THE POLITICAL QUESTION.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5714, 6 November 1896, Page 6 (Supplement)

THE POLITICAL QUESTION.

TO THE EDITOR,

Sir, — Knowing that your columns are open to the fair comment of your subscribers on all burning questions of the day, I trespass on your space as follows : — We have two distinct issues at stake, with many minor side issues in the forthcoming political struggle. I consider the fight must be Liberalism and Democracy or Conservatism and Monopoly. Having heard the opinions of Mr Collins and Mr Lewis on the one side and so far Mr T. E. Taylor on the , other, and Providence having 1 bestowed upon me a fair percentage of discernment in niontal powers, I think that many Liberals will be misled in this election through the cry of prohibition and liquor. Now, I consider the question of prohibition is too great a one tc cope with at this election, and I say that once elect men of Liberal, thoroughly democratic view?, and students of political economy, the solution of the difficulty can be overcome by the institution of the principle of the referendum and other advanced measures of democracy. And I would urge every true Liberal to vote for measures, not men, and I think that, apart from the liquor question Mr Taylor is worthy of your support for his outspoken and studied grasp of the vital questions of the political life of the day. Liberals, rally round and sink all these petty differences regarding religion and other vexed subjects, and combine, one and all, and vote solidly for the man or men who are straight out advocates of Liberal and progressive legislation. We have had many valuable Liberal measures passed during the Seddonian Government; let us have those measures made steadfast and go on advancing. On the one hand, we have Conservatism and stagnation, and on the other Liberalism . and progression. Let the electors decido with no uncertain sound which of the two policies shall govern our politics for the next three years. I would like to see Mr Taylor take a more decided stand as to whether he will support Mr Seddon or otherwise, as an " Independent Liboral " is hardly what is desirable at Wellington.— l am, &o: DEMOCRAT.