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Wellington Independent, Volume XXIII, Issue 2729, 8 September 1868, Page 4

If credence may be given to what appear to be well founded reports, dissension has shown itself in the Ministerial camp. The conspirators against the Constitution are quarrelling among themselves. The principle or spell which has hitherto held the " tail " together is losing its power, and the wily Stafford is now at his wits' end. The Opposition so promptly organised under the leadership of Mr Fox has already had this good effect, — it has checked the pretensions of the Ministerial party, and will force them to concede much, if not all, that the Constitutionalists claim. The Opposition may eveu exact more liberal terms from the present Government than could bo obtained were the position, of the contending parties changed, and Mr Pox sitting to the right of the Speaker's chair. The recent political conflicts in the House of Commons hare abundantly illustrated. what an intelligent and determined Opposition can effect. The Government party felt themselves to be in such jeopardy, that on Saturday they held a meeting, at which, we belief, certain hon. members were deputed to confer with Ministers. That conference was, it is stated, held yesterday morning, and it is believed that large concessions have been made in the direction indicated by Mr Fox's resolutions. TJp to a late hour the Staffordites were in solemn conclave. The whole vocabulary of political strategy and party intrigue was, doubtless, ransacked j and some novel plan of attack or defence agreed upon. We shall not be surprised if an attempt is inad# |o

steal a march, upon the Constitutionalists, and to outflank Mr Fox. If the Ministry bring on their series of resolutions, with which the Acting-Treasurer concluded his financial statement, for discussion on Tuesday (which is not unlikely), Mr Fox will simply have to put his resolutions into the form of an amendment. We cannot predict with certainty the ultimate result ; but a positive advantage has already _ been gained by tho Opposition. It is not impossible that before tho division bell rings many hon. members upon whom the Premier too confidently relies, may resolve to assert their personal and political independence.