THE POLITICAL ISSUE

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 285, 28 August 1919, Page 4

THE POLITICAL ISSUE

Parliament is to meet to-day, and very soon the country will know how far its politicians are capable of rising to exacting and exceptional demands. The big issue immediately raised is whether the somewhat limited time available is to be devote'd to electioneering or to work in the public interest.. Members of all parties would be wise to recognise that this is the whole range of choice open to them and that there is no middle course. They must either co-operate heartily in forwarding a solution of the urgent problems that faco- the country or subordinate national welfare to personal and party tactics. At the moment, there are fair prospect's that an honest and resolute' attempt will be made during the session to devote to the business of the country the attention it urgently demands. Such hopes centre of necessity, mainly in the Reform Party, though their realisation is contingent upon its members taking up the broad and enlightened standpoint which is essential 'to effective action in thp present) emergency. Tfc is understood that at the ■.Reform caucus, which adjourned until to-day, frank discussion had the effect of largely eliminating such differences- as had arisen and that a united understanding was reached which involves the comprehensive reconstruction of the Cabinet. No half-measures ought to be considered in this matter; The leaders and members of the party are bound to recognise that they arc dealing with national concerns and not with a domestic adjustment within the party. Su cess will be .measured not_ by the extent to which party claims and ambitions are satisfied but by the approach made to meeting the imperative demand of the country for a strong and enterprising Government—a Government in which each Minister will bring ability and driving power to bear upon the affairs of his Department, and which as a whole will stand as a visible guarantee of vigour and enterprise in dealing with and developing all aspects of public policy.