WARDISM AND LIBERALISM

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1379, 4 March 1912, Page 6

WARDISM AND LIBERALISM

Sir,—Will you kindly allow me space in your valuable columns that I may voice an opinion on the results of the late no-coniidence motion? I would like all papers desirous of having tho present Administration removed from oliico to ventilate through their columns the cowlardly manner the Liberal papers adopted in classifying Mr. Massey and his party as Tory Conservatives, in their endeavour to try and inlluenco doubtful members to cast their votes for Sir Joseph Ward. Now, to classify and condemn the Opposition party for what the old Conservatives did would be like assassinating our present King George in case he should follow the example of his ancestor King George 111, .who really brought about tho loss of the American colonies. What has our present noble King to do with what his name-sake ancestor did? Well then, what has our noble Mr. Massey to do with what tho old Conservatives ilid? Nothing, of course. All I can eay is that Mr. Massoy and his party are the truo Liberals. But the present party that have so lowered tho principles of their wouldbo Liberalism in their endeavour to cling to office are the' true stamp of Wardism. That's what they are. Their principles and policies are no more Liberal than "tho man who had two bottles of beerdrank one, and kept the other for hiniself." No, Wardism is no more like Liberalism than chalk is like cheese. True Liberalism denounces aristocracy to no limited degree; where Wardism gives millions of our money, away in Dreadnoughts and gets titles. So now the citizens can understand the difference between true Liberalism and Wardism.

I honestly believe it to be a most outrageous affair that Messrs. Payne and Robertson should so lower their, principles to vote for the party that turned heaven and , earth upsido down to havo them defeated at the last elections. I haveno doubt the whole Opposition press of New Zealand will ring out a chorus of praises for Mr. Vciteli, who so nobly stuck to his pledge. I most heartily congratulate him for his honesty, which will no doubt impress Sir Joseph Ward with tho fact that there is at least one member outside the Reform ranks who cun bravely uphold his honour and his pledgo to turn the aristocratic Wardism out of power. It really does seem such a pity that such a man as Mr. Massey should be barred from our Premiership. No matter, I have no doubt with tho great reputation ho has for real honesty that he will havo tho greatest respect and support of all good citizens who uphold honesty and good democratic Liberal principles. True democracy is what New Zealand citizens should force their leaders to adopt; but not the ginger-bread aristocratic principles adopted by our Liberalism. Note Mr. DordenV (Premier of Canada) straightout refusal of the same title our Sir Joseph Ward selfishly secured for himself. That's proof that true Opposition-Liberal principles are far and away more preferable to our aristocratic Wardism principles. Trusting that somo broad-minded journal will more deftly deal with this important question I have been trying. to ventilate through your widely-read journal, and thanking you for your valuable space and trouble,—l am, L. J. STRATFORD.