The Evening Star THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1873

Evening Star, Issue 3128, 27 February 1873, Page 2

The Evening Star THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1873

It has been known for some time back that there was a probability of a reconstruction of the Cabinet, but the exact position of affairs was not disclosed, and even now that some light has been throw n upon the matter, it is hardly conceivable that the Hon. Mr Waterhouse should have taken the step he has adopted, on suck jdcrulor gf<mn<L as are put forth. Whether he know of Mr Hall’s intention to go Home or not we cannot say: we believe almost all the Colony did know that it was at least probable. If he did not, we do not see that such a circumstance is sufficient justification for a man in his responsible position giving way to feelings of personal pique. This is the second time ho has exhibited a vacillation of purpose that stamps him as unreliable in any crisis. His retirement is at a time above all the least opportune that could have been chosen for such a political freak. The Governor is about to leave the Colony; the Treasurer is in such delicate health as to render withdrawal from active political life almost imperative ; several very important questions arc yet to be determined; and Parliament is in recess, so that no immediate action can be taken to place the affairs of the country in the hands of men in whom confidence can be placed. The erratic conduct of Mr Waterhouse is aggravated through there being, apparently, no political difference among Ministers giving warrant for such a proceeding. He seems not to have a correct idea ot the onerous duties he lias undertaken, and to think that a Premiership can be accepted or resigned at a week’s notice, justlike a junior clerkship in a counting-house. In the present position of affairs, extended comment ought lead to erroneous conclusions, but it is plain from the obstinacy shown by Mr Waterhouse that his place Mould be better tilled by one more capable of that self-sacrifice, which forms a leading characteristic of true statesmen. Dr. Hearn, in his very valuable work on the Constitution of England, says

A servant of the Crown must control the impulses of wounded self-love and offended dignity. He must not hastily abandon the duty he has undertaken because his counsels may not always bo acceptable to Royalty, or because in Parliament bis projects of law sometimes miscarry, or because out of doors some senseless cry is raised against him. * J * % * * * *

In our days of political combinations and ministerial crises, men are too ready to forget thoir duty to their sovereign and their obligations to the public. In the Colonies, if not in England, office is sometimes heedlessly accepted, and as heedlessly abandoned. But it was urged by Sir Robert Peel that, “ when a public man at a crisis of great importance undertakes the public trust of administering the affairs of this country, he incurs an obligation to persevere in the administration of these affairs, as long as it is possible for him to do so consistently with kis,honor No indifference to public life, no disgust with the labors which it imposes, no personal mortifications, no deference to private feeling, could sanction a public man in withdrawing on light grounds from the post in which the confidence of the Sovereign had placed him. According to the telegraphic despatches, Mr W.vTEßirousEholds different views, and has placed the Governor and his own colleagues in a very unpleasant dilemma by his impracticability. With regard to the rumored necessity for the retirement of Mr Vookl from political life, there will bo hut one opinion—both political opponents and adherents will alike regret it, and the occasion of it. The differences between him and the Opposition are mere questions of degree, and when it is considered that to his energy and genius many social charges arc due. that are working most heneliciajly to the country ; that by him, jointly with Mr Fox and Mr M'Lean', peace has been established with the Natives, an efficient defence force organised, Post Office Savings Banks anti Government Life Assurance established, the credit of the Colony strengthened, a railway system initiated, a system ol general immigration commenced, and direct commercial relations with the United States opened up—and glI this within four years of office—should he i\qw retire, and leave to others ,to continue and complele the wojrk be fr? begun, be

will do so regretted and respected by all. Not a man will be found who will not fervently wish that a life so useful will be spared, so that with renewed energy he at a future time resume his efforts for the public weal.