The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1887. THE CRISIS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 1730, 8 December 1887, Page 2

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1887. THE CRISIS.

Notwithstanding the deieat sustained by the Government yesterday morning, Major Atkinson has not, as far as we know, carried out his threat of resigning. When the telegraph office closed last night, or rather this morning the crucia* question — the rescinding of Mr Stewart's amendment— was just coming on. Major Atkinson had moved* that the Bill be recommitted with a view to the fun her c^nsidd uion of clause it, Mr Downie called upon those members who had voted for his amendment, to vote against the recommittal of the Bill as a matter of justice and honor. It is r.'ry evident, however, that there are too many of the weak-kneed class of politicians to be found among those who vote with the " ayes " on that occasion, to anticipate that any appeal founded on justice and honor will prevail over what they now consider party ties. If the Premier succeed m his attempts to have the obnoxious amendment rescended, it will be a matter for general and wide spread regret, for it will virtually abolish constitutional government, for the Act can then be brought into force at any time. And it will have this effect. Major Atkinson, who has intimated his intention of making great changes m m the electoral laws next year and has also stated that he intends next session, to bring down further policy Bills, will then be m a position to tell the House that if hon members refuse to pass the measures proposed he will appeal to the country, and m that case twenty-five of them will have to suffer political death. This is too formidable a weapon to put into the hands of any political leader. It is his anxiety to posssss himself of such a potent factor to his continuance m office which has caused the Premier to manifest such feverish eagerness to have the Bill passed without any limit as to the time of its coming into operation. We are afraid, however, that the despotic Major has drilled his weak-kneed followers too well for any to dare to disobey his high behests, and that we shall see the only safeguard of the House ruthlessly swept away at the word of command.