THE PRESENT IN POLITICS.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XI, Issue 33, 14 December 1883, Page 15

THE PRESENT IN POLITICS.

OTHING can be clearer to the observer of public opinion as expressed in the Press and by casual conversation than that there prevails profound dissatisfaction with public men and measures. But what is more remarkable still is the tone of diffidence, andj indeed, of almost despair, with which men speak of our future prospects; Few, perhaps, would be found to assert that the colony does not possess men wise enough and courageous enough to extiicate the country from the dangers that threaten her, and the difficult position in which she finds herself involved. But there are many who think it is in vain to hope that such men will be afforded an opportunity of devoting their experience and talents to the promotion of the best interests of Kew Zealaml. It is only through Parliament anything efficacious in this direction can be dono ; and such is the state of the franchise that our best and wisest and most disinterested men have not the

least chance of a seat in that assembly,-— at least in sufficient numbers to produce an efficacious impression upon it. Jobbers and partizans and strong party men may hope to win a seat in our Legislature, but a man who is above seeking to serve himself and his friends, as his primary object, and looks solely to the good of the country as such, has no chance. Electors generally permit themselves to be guided in their choice of representatives by merely local considerations, or by prejudice, or national antipathies, or religious rancour, or not unfrequently by a mere cry— the suggestion of men whose only object is to defeat an opponent. For example, the majority of electors are prepared to reject any man, no matter how high his abilities, how stainless his character, how wide his" experience, how accurate and profound his knowledge, how statesmanlike his views, or how disinterested his purposes who declares he is prepared to act justly and equitably towards Catholics on the education question. In order to secure the defeat of a candidate, all that is necessary is to raise the cry, whether truly or untruly, that he wishes.to do justice to Catholics. This is the state of the case, and a very discreditable state it is. But as ong as constituencies are swayed by such considerations so long will the condition of the political and social state of New Zealand be unsatisfactory and threatening. Again, this bigotry on the education question really accounts for the clouds that overcast the polit'cal horizon. The financial condition of the country is exceedingly unsatisfactory. Tbe revenue is decreasing, but the public annual burdens are increasing. Under these circumstances one of two things is inevitable, either increased taxation, or a diminution of the grant for education purposes. It is in Tain to look for any appreciable relief from economy in the Civil Service. Possibly a few thousands might be saved by some changes and modifications in this service, but to economise to the extent of three hundred thousand a year in the Civil Service Department is out of the question. And it is absolutely necessary either to save by econotay this amount or to provide such a sum by new taxes. But who will propose to cut down the vote for education to the moderate and reasonable sum of about two hundred thousand a year ? There are many who see this ought to be done,— many who would do it,— were they not afraid of losing their seats in Parliament for a time, and unwilling to forego present triumphs and emoluments, and humbly devote themselves for a time to educate the people in the principles of true statesmanship. Tuat the public will ultimately be driven by sheer necessity to see that what we now advance is inevitable, we entertain no doubt whatever. — Meantime, what is to be done ? This is the great question,