The Dominion. FRIDAY, JANUARY 26, 1917. THE POLITICAL OUTLOOK IN AUSTRALIA

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2987, 26 January 1917, Page 4

The Dominion. FRIDAY, JANUARY 26, 1917. THE POLITICAL OUTLOOK IN AUSTRALIA

Federal politics in Australia still 'remain in a very unsettled and unsatisfactory state, but out of. the confusion and uncertainty two move or less clearly-defined positions now seem to be emerging. Tho old lines of political demarcation havo been very largely altered as the result of the referendum campaign, and politicians and public arc gradually dividing themselves into two new groups. Every day. it is becoming plainer that the only thing ■that really matters in, Australian politics is a man's attitude towards the war. The man who is not with the Empire in this crisis—immeasurably the greatest crisis in its history—is against tho ' Empire There is room for legitimate difference, of opinion as regards th'e best methods of ensuring victory, but every Britisher worthy of the'name miisl be unwavering in his determination to continue the struggle until we win the war. In advocating the formation of a National Government, tho Sydney Morning Herald contends that the time has come when "all who believe in supporting the Empire to tho last man and the last shilling must stand together; and those who are critical of, indifferent, or directly opposed to; the Empire will then automatically. be placed on the other side." No other division of Australian citizenship is now possible. The man who puts the interests of his political party before the interests of tho Empire at this momentous juncture is a friend of the enemy. Circumstances have compelled the liberal Party to consider tho advisablcness of arriving at some understanding with Mr. Hughes and his followers on a basis of a win-the-war policy. The problem is beset with dfficulties, but, according to Tatest information at time of writing, there is good reason to believe that a plan of combined action will be devised. The Liberals aro disinclined to accept tho proposals for a coalition with the Hucihes party. The formation of a National Government seems to be the solution which they prefor. They aro in favour of a War Cabinet in which all political parties would be represented, but there is not much likelihood of inducing the anti-conscription section of the Labour Party to agreo to this suggestion. The anti-conscriptionrsts arc unwilling to co-operate with Sin. Hughes in any way whatever.' It is regrettable that they should take up this irreconcilable attitude; but without unity of mind, aim, and purpose no Government can do great things. A divided Cabinet, which is compelled to move uncertanly along tho line of least resistance, could not bo expected to give the people of Australia that dear, decisive, and courageous lead which in so urgently required at the present critical moment.

The Liberal Party and the followers of Mr. Hughes are now ondeavouring to devise a satisfactory plan of joint action without sacrifice of vital principles. The fusion of the two parties is not regarded as tho best solution of tho problem. Tho goncral _ opinion seems to be trending in tho direction of a mutual agreement to "■drop party strife until the war is over, and to co-operate whole-heartedly in the task of formulating and carrying out a patriotio war policy. _ With this object in view a National Federation has been formed, but tho latest information availablo docs not make it quite clear whether this new organisation will roaliso the hopes of its promoters. Its euccess depends upon the ability of its lcadors to convince tho general public that its ono and ionly object is to enable Australia to render the most effective help to the Empire in carrying the war to a victorious issue. Some people are of opinion that |, there is already too much political machinery at work, and that great things are not likely to be accomplished by the appearance of still another organisation. One politician sums up the position with the remark." There is too much harness and not enough , horse." To ensuro. success it is essential that all who believe that victory must be won at all costs shall be firmly resolved to make the new Federation a, powerful and effective fighting machine. If tho Liberals and the Hughes party are.to work together harmoniously' they must have a clear understanding as regards the basis and limits of cooperation, and they must trust each othor. In describing the objects of the National Federation, the Premier of South Australia (Me. Vauohan) said that it was not intended to form a new party. It was proposed to allow existing political bodies to remain intact. Party politics (he said) were simply to be quiescent during the period of the war. They would spring into activity again when tho object for which the Federation was established had been achieved. ' What is probably the attitude of tbe majority of the Liberals is explained in a statement recently made by Sib John Fokrest.

The new party must (he said), in order to succeed, work in unison with the great Liberal forces, and there does not seem any reason for its not doing so. They are both absolutely, in accord ae to the war policy, and nro both equally determined to do their best to aesist recruiting and to win the war. They are both opposed to the official Labour Party and its caucus domination. Their general policy will no doubt, be in accord, and in that policy will be electoral reform, so ae to allow the will of the people to be truthfully expressed. They wUlgain their strength and support from those of the Labour Party who still follow Mr. Hughes; but to a largor extent from patriotio Liberals. There can be no doubt that , the formation of a strong National Party by a combination between the Liberals'and the followers of Mr. Hughes would improve and simplify the political situation, but it must .not be supposed that two sections acting in concert would gain unchallengeable control over the whole political position. The attitude of the Senate has to be taken into consideration. Trie official Labour Party is stronger in that branch of the Legislature than tho combined Liberal and Hughes parties, and it is causing much trouble'to the Government by limiting supply. Tho Tudorite majority in the Senate may resort to tactics that may make an early election absolutely necessary. In the ordinary, course of events both Houses will soon have to go to tho country. At. present it is impossible to say what may happen, but there arc signs that loyal and patriotic men arid women of all political parties realise the wisdom of sinking all sectional interests and prejudices in order that they may work together with the object of'creating _ a National Government, which will concentrate its efforts upon the war. The results of tho negotiations now going on for the purpose of bring- : ing into existence a strong Cabinet with a vigorous win-the-war. policy will be awaited with interest in Now Zealand. Important developments may be announced within the next few days.