The New Zealand Tablet. Fiat Justitia. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1877. THE CRISIS.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume v, Issue 232, 12 October 1877, Page 11

The New Zealand Tablet. Fiat Justitia. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1877. THE CRISIS.

FTER a long tenure of office the Vogel party, at first Provincialist, latterly distinctively anti-Pro-vincialist, has fallen from power. Few, we /ancy, will regret this ; not because people forget the prosperity brought to their doors by the Public Works and Immigration policy, but because men entertain a repugnance to a wanton dissolution of party ties and a breach of pledges. The Vogel Ministry obtained place and power as supporters of Provincialism, and the Parliamentary strength on which they relied for years was that of the Provincialist party. But a time came when, to use a vulgarism, the Ministry sold that party, and went over bodily to the Centralists. This was a political treason which could not be forgotten by tlieir old friends and allies, and was sure some day to meet with merited chastisement. That day has come at last, and the late Ministry has fallen mainly by the adverse votes of the leading members of the old Provincialist party. This is a retribution that was to be expected sooner or later ; and our only surprise is that the day of punishment was delayed so long. But the attentive observer of public men and events will readily concede that tinder the circxunstances, though surprising, the delay has not been altogether unnatural. The Ministry having resolved to change its policy, desert its party, and to a great extent rely on the support of its former enemies, became very strong for a season. Supported by a remnant of its own party, and the entire body of Centralists, it could not but succeed in destroying the Provinces, and must necessarily on the morrow of the change have many good things to bestow either directly, or indirectly through the operation of the new system. But as there is on end to. all things, so there is an end to the ability of the Government to provide for all needy hangers-

on. When this end came it was only what was to be expected that the old Provincial party, always bitter against those who deserted and sold them, always watching for an opportunity of punishing their leaders who had deserted them, would avail themselves of the aid of the discontented amongst the occupants of the seats on the right of the Speaker, and uniting with them, oust the Ministry. Still we are a little surprised at the defeat of the Ministry at the present moment. The Ministry was particularly complaisant to the House, did its bidding with almost childlike submission, changed its Bills, or even abandoned them, at its bidding ; in fact, had ceased to belong to party to a greai extent, and had assumed the role, not of guiding the House, but of registering the will of the majority no matter how composed. One would be disposed to fancy that such a Ministry Avould have exactly suited a House of Representatives anxious to promote the special interests of the several localities represented by hon. members. But, as it now appears, politicians at length grew weary of the too great deference shown them, and sighed for a strong and virile government that would have a definite policy, and be prepared to stand by it. After all there is that in human nature, fallen though it be, that admires pluck, esteems principle, and in the end abandons pure selfishness for a grand policy and the public good. There is that in human nature which abhors and despises trickery, sneaking cowardice, and weak yielding to the under-pressure which petty private interests sometimes bring to bear successfully on public men. There are times when these qualities, inherent in man, ceasing to slumber, assert themselves with a rapidity and vigour which astonish and alarm. This, as the late Ministry must now be convinced, is one of these times. It is to be hoped the lesson will not be lost on their successors, whoever they may be. It is not improbable that there may be soon a general election, and, in anticipation of such an event, We, Catholics, ought to be prepared. In mere politics we feel no very particular interest ; but, in reference to the question of education, we must be particularly watchful. This is our most urgent and solemn duty. On this subject there can be no surrender on our part. No Catholic will, of course, vote for any man who, during last Session, either voted or paired against granting aid to Catholic schools. And as to new aspirants for seats in the House of Representatives, the greatest care, no doubt, will be taken not to incur any responsibility by voting for enemies or doubtful friends, so far as this question is concerned. Nothing is more important than that Catholics should be united in punishing all candidates who have either voted or paired in the last Session against us, or who pledge themselves to support a sectarian or purely secular system of education. If Catholics act unanimously on this policy throughout all New Zealand, they cannot fail to make themselves felt ; and a perseverance in such a course will ultimately compel party politicians to consult our wishes, respect our principles, and so guide their party as, at least, to disarm our ' determined opposition by agreeing to concede us justice.