THE WELLINGTON ELECTION.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XX, Issue 11, 1 January 1892, Page 17

THE WELLINGTON ELECTION.

f^ F we are to believe the reports in the Wellington )L papers, there appears to be a fierce contest for the *, vacant Parliamentary seat of this city; and U further it appears that both parties are making it a test election, from which the state oi public r opinion in the Colony may be judged. On the result, therefore, the fate of the Ministry is made, in some quarters, at least, to depend. Whether this is wise or not, we do not stop to enquire. This is a question principally for party managers to decide. But, be this as it may, one thing is certain, that it is a most important election, and that either the strength or weakness of the party in power will be known. Under these circumstances, it is greatly to be regretted that the Catholics of Wellington have been unable to see their opportunity and to act accordingly unanimously. There can be no doubt that in their hands lits the decisive vote. In this conflict of parties the Catholic voters are numeious enough to turn the scale for or against the return of either of the candidates. But as neither of these candidates is worthy of the Catholic vote, the abstention of Catholics from voting would decide against one of them and in favour of the other. From this it follows that both parties would have reason to regret their injustice in the education question, and hasten next time

to make terms with the Catholic vote. But instead of abstaining in this instance, as wisdom and prudence dictate, Catholics in Wellington have, it appears, thrown themselves with impetuosity into the conflict, to the surprise and pity of men and angels, and reduced themselves from the position of arbiters to that of mere party hacks, with the result of nullifying their influence, and securing by active co-operation the return of an enemy, to slap his Catholic supporters in th c face, and to kick and buffet them. We must allow that this kicking and buffeting and slapping in the face, when it shall come, as most assuredly it will, will be only what has been richly deserved. To us it is little less than insanity on the part of Catholic voters to huzzah and canvass for the return of a candidate who declares that he will refuse a simple act of justice to his Catholic fellow-subjects, and continue to inflict upon them pains and penalties because they are Catholics, and possess consciences. Why, if Catholics were men they would turn with scorn and loathing from the advocacy and support of such a man ; and as both the Wellington candidates are such men, Catholics should have nothing whatever to do with the election. The only effect their interference can have will be to rivet more securely the chains that now bar the obtaining of justice and fair play for their children. No mere political question should be per* mitted to override the school question, which is a moral and religious one. But we may ask : What political principle is involved in this election ? We see none except the choice of the personnel of the Executive. The two candidates for the Wellington seat are agreed on all vital political principles. This is evident from their speeches to the electors. And yet Catholic voters find themselves in the midst of a turmoil which has really no political interest further than a mere change of Ministry, and to effect this they must make of themselves mere political hacks, traitors to the cause of justice and fair play, and mere tools of men who, in their political capacity, are not worth a straw. We must confess we feel humbled and ashamed at the want of intelligence and pluck displayed in the action of some of our fellow-Catholics.