PARTY POLITICS & NATIONAL INTERESTS

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 205, 24 May 1919, Page 6

PARTY POLITICS & NATIONAL INTERESTS

Tub decision o£ the Liberal Party caucus to resume its separate existence prior to the next general election sounds like a voice from the past—a past it would have been wise not to resurrect. The Parliamentary section of the Liberal Party apparently do not realise that the political conditions which obtained before the war have been transformed, and that the party methods then in vogue arc obsolete. Ihe one outstanding desire on the part of all sections of the general public to-day is to s?e an end made of the old artificial party divisions and the cr'cation' of a new, live and progressive political, body unfettered by past prejudices and sectional interests. The immediate outlook is so uncertain and ill-defined that any political party or group is wise to abstain from any hasty move, and to retain its liberty of a-tion. Especially is it undesirable to oppose obstacles to that nnion of all progressive elements which, by most people, is considered essential in the national interests. "Whatever i those members of the Liberal Party who are moving in the direction of a reversion to old party lines may think of the matter they will find that they have no great body of opinion behind them desirous of dragging politics back into the old ruts ana grooves which have done so much in the past to hamper progress and social betterment. Thero is a widespread feeling that the time has come for all who- arc prepared to workfor the advancement of the Dominion to get together, and concentrate undividedly upon a policy of constructive reform. An attempt to _ reconstitute ' the old party lines is likely to be regarded as nothing else than what it would be in attempt to subordinate public welfare to selfish individual and party _ interests. . The decision of the Liberal caucus is one that will bear reconsideration. A party which at this time declares in somewhat uncompromising terms that it will stand alone is turning aside from tbe true path of political progress, and is inviting isolation. There is a rising demand for great reforms which cannot possibly be carried out otherwise than by a union of national forces. For this reason and others any party which elccts to' play a lone hand is. likely to find its action resented not only Tby the public generally, but also by a considerable proportion, of its former supporters.