Australian Politics.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XXXVII, Issue 11902, 9 December 1893, Page 2

Australian Politics.

[Br Electric Telkgbaph— Copybiqht.] (Pee Press Association.) Sydney, December 8. The Government deciding to take Mr. LeV motion in reference to Mr. Barton ■ hoi linpr a brief on behalf of the trustees in the Proudfoot estate in the ordinary vr*y, Mr. Leo sought to gain his end by moving the adjournment of the House last night to discuss the matter. A long debate followed, resulting in a severe defeat for the Government by 69 to 48. Sir G. R. Dibbs, Premier. Bttid the attack was not upon Mr, Barton, but upon the wliolo Government, and declared that they were prepared to abide by the result. The situation is to be considered by the Cabinet to-day, and the Premier will probably meet the House with a statement of the Government intentions this afternoon. Aftor the House adjourned, Mr. Reid expressed tho opinion to an interviewer that the Government would remain in office until the electors repeated last night's dose. | Mr. McMillan thinks the beßt course I the Government can pursue is to Dass the estimates and go to the country as soon as the electoral machinery can bo put in order. Tho debate, which was rather tame, ended with an unexpectedly large majority against the Government. The Herald says tho decision of the House shows that Mr. Barton, in accepting a brief in an action against the Government of which he is a member, admits of no argument, but disapprobation of his action should not have involved the downfall of the Ministry. The Herald attributoa the result more to the tactics of the Government in seeking to bank discussion, than to Mr. Lee's motion. Tho Telegraph says that, when Mr. Lea by, a sort of coup de etat placed himself suddenly and inexplicably in command of the Opposition, he scored aa admitted success, but proved himself dismally unequal to the responsibility he undertook. He had plunged the country into n condition of political chaos, imprecedented in its history, and the way out was impossible at the present time to forsee. A vote of confidence in the Government if moved immediately, would however, show whether the real object of the House was to vindicate principle, or precipatate a crisis. Later. Speaking iv the Legislative Assembly this afternoon, Sir 6. I ilibs said he regarded last night's vote aa a snatch one. He announced that shottly after the crucial division was taken he received the resignations of Messrs Barton and O'Connor of their respective portfolios in the Ministry.and had he (SirG. Dibbs) consulted his own personal desires he would also have resigned immediately, but he feJfc that a change of Government at the present time would bring about confusion, and a cbnos. Catinet had not yet decided what notion they would tako with regard lo the two resignations. At the close of his speech Sir Q. Dibbs placed the proclamation proroguing Parliament till 16fch of January in the hands of the Speaker, and remarked that they would then see whether the country wua for orajainst the Government. Mr G. Eeid, loader of Opposition, speaking on the subject aftor Mr Dibbs announcement, said that a trick bad been played upon tho Gov'orncr and an insult offered to tho Spniker, because the Legislative Assembly had prorogued bofore the Speaker took tbeohair, nnd consequently the Housa had no right to meet us hud been done. At the Opposition caucus to-day, genoral satisfaction was expressed that tho Govornmonl, had decided to go to tho country rather than placo tho responsibility of forming a Government on tho shoulders of tho Opposition, but oxcoption was taken lo tho mannor in wliicli the Gfovornmout bad noted. Some of the members present btomod the Governor for showing a partixnn spirit.