KHAKI POLITICS

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 8, 4 October 1918, Page 6

KHAKI POLITICS

IN AUSTRALIA.

Lieutenant E. Cortis, organising secretary of the Returned (soldiers' and Citizens 1 Political Federation, writes in reply to certain comments on the federation :—

"Tho object of the. federation is to establish and build up a political party whoso supporters shall consist- of men who have s.-i'ved their country abroad and citizens wlio are in favour of a policy which shall lift Australia out of the slough of stagnation, '.vrangling, and continuous bickering into which the 'present party system' has landed it. 'i'here is no question nor could there be of 'an assertion by any class to sweep aside ail other classes and govern thu country exclusively in its own interests,' as stated. No ono knows better Than the soldier that progress must be constructive, and that demolition is only carried out in retieat. Also it is not necessary, in cleansing the Augean stables, to pull iliem down. The federation is out for a policy of room comprehensive repatriation of the soldier by advocating' various tonus of progress, which are set forth ill the federation's manifesto.

"Tlio objects of the federation .are to secure to Australian national honour, solvency, and progress. The most important measures in the fighting plotform arc immediate war measures to secure voluntary reinforcements for tlio A.I.F. and to utilise to the utmost the business brains of tlio community iu tile solution of war and. repatriation problems and other .measures that havo a bearing upon the paramount problem of reinforcement. The only political measure of importance at tins hour is the introduction • of _ electoral reforms which w'ill ensure legislation 111 the interests of the' cwmnunily as a wliolo and tend fo eli-r.mate .the paralysis of party strife. ' We, with many other powerful organisations, consider that proportional, representation the first' progressive step towards that ideal, and next to winning Iho war it is the most vital issue to-day. It is not intended to run riot through ■ the electorates oil a seat-grabbing expedition, but. the federation will most certainly contest overy seat that it is capable of doing so if the oxistiiiK members fail to clearly show that they can,see the great requirement of the time or if for other considerations such members are adjudged of 110 farther value-to the whole community."