The Political Struggle.

Wairarapa Standard, Volume XX, Issue 2073, 27 May 1887, Page 2

The Political Struggle.

Major Atkinson has moved an amendment to tbo proposal for the second reading of “ The Customs Duties Bill ” which declares plainly “ that the tariff and other financial proposals of the Government are unsatisfactory to the House.” This decided action on the paid of tlie Leader of the Opposition has brought things to a crisis, and now the whole financial |X)licy of the Government is being subjected to the keenest criticism and the severest condemnation. The debate at present going on is well sustained, but the greater amount of force and argumentative power is decidedly on the side of the Opposition. Sir Julius Vogel made only a weak speech in moving the second reading of the Bill, while Major Atkinson, who followed, clearly proved that the proposed new Tariff was of so oppressive a character that the people of this colony would never allow it to become law. Major Atkinson also criticised in detail the action of the Governmontiu dealing with the finances of the colony, and proved beyond all doubt, that though their “ meddling and muddling, then- blundering and plundering,” they had brought about a state of affau's which was of a most serious and dangerous character. Sir Robert Stout, the Premier, strove to do away with the damaging effect of the speech made by the Leaner of the Opposition, but his eloquence was used aJI in vain. The facts were all against him and on the side of Major Atkinson. The latter, in truth, was giving utterance to the views held by the great majority of the colonists, who have no confidence in the financial proposals of the Government, and who regard the Tariff as being a thing utterly iniquitous and abominable But what will bo the outcome of the debate P Well, we feel very confident that Major Atkinson’s amendment will be carried, the Tariff rejected, and the Government beaten. All sorts of rumors are in circulation in Wellington as to how the division will go, but the general opinion is that the Opposition will gain the day by a small majority. What would follow that result is not yet quite certain. Thu Government may accept the hostile vote of a majority of the House and resign, in which case a new Ministry would be formed to take their place on the Treasury benches. On the other hand, the Government may decline to resign, but instead apply to his Excellency the Oovcrnor for a dissolution of Parliament, so that they may appeal to the country. We are firmly convinced that should there be a dissolution of Parliament and a general election, the great majority of the electors would declare dead against the new Tariff and the heavy additional taxation which itimposcs.