THE DOWNFALL OF SEDDONISM.

West Coast Times, Issue 10427, 4 December 1896, Page 4

THE DOWNFALL OF SEDDONISM.

• ___ [FROM A COKBESPONDENI]. Wsllisgtox, Dec 3. The Pest to-night says : — From informr.ion that we have received from every electoral district in the colony, there seems to be iV.le doubt that donism will to-morrow receive its death blow. Prediction is alwr-ys risky, but the feeling has grown in all parts of the colony that the Mnistry will be defeated. We do not mean to say that a majority of the members elected will belong to what is called the old Opposition,, but those opposed to SeddonisTa — Opposition and Independent Liberals combined — will he in a majority. The feeling we have mentioned ha 3 been of slow growth, but it has been progressive, and but for splits in constituencies by two or more Opposition standing, the result would be a surprise to even the most s;iuguine opponent of Mr Seddon. J r or can this be wondered at. Tb* her.rl of the peoples sound. They wish true political honesty and though there are a few so biassed as to be blinded to the vices of their party, the great mass of the people do uot wish to see the fair fame ot the democratic institutions of the colony blighted with political'corruption. Districts that in 1893 were prepared to worship Seddonism have properly revo'iedjandwill uot longer bow the knee- to the party in power. No doubt there are some so blinded as not to see ■whither Seddonism leads, but the intelligent colonists have had their eyes opened and tbe autocracy in Parliament in de. dining to give the people's representatives information h ■ not been able out of the House to- cajole or dece:v« the elector*. We think, therefore, the outlook is hopeful for the colony. Seddonism is declining and true liberalism will take its place. With a return to power of men who will place the interests of the -colony first, we may- expect to see trade revive. new industries started, and employment more ditiiu?ed and more permanent in thy; colony. Tii3 blighting and paralysing influence of Seddonism being removed, tht people will have both more hope and more confidence, and those who will be most benefited by this new order of things will be the workers.