The Evening Star TUESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1875.

Evening Star, Issue 3941, 12 October 1875, Page 2

The Evening Star TUESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1875.

On Saturday we published a letter signed _" Reflector," which contains a suggestion worthy of being entertained, not only because of the absence of those objectionable features which have been introduced into the proposed dinner to Mr Macandrkw, but becuuse it proposes to confer a lasting benefit upon one who so richly deserves a token of gratitude from the Province, and points to the means by which the pleasure of publicly recognising his services can be enjoyed by the greatest number of the population. No doubt both propositions will be carried out, and we see no reason why " R< factor's" should not; but unfortunately the promoters of the dinner have, as we think unwisely, deternnined to make it rather a political deii,on.stiMli-on than a welcome to our Superintendent. When the project was announced with such * rtytorwal flourish by the 'Daily

Times, we hardly expected that ro illtimfid a movement as a demonstration in iavor of Provincialism would have been seriously entertained. A moment's thought must prove that, whatever respect may be entertained for Mr Macandrew, Mr. Reid, and Mr Stout, men who value their characters for consistency cannot sink their political convictions to assist in an anti-abo-lition demonstration; for the dinner must be that, in accordance with the resolution passed at the meeting appointing a committee to make arrangements. The inevitable consequence must be that everyone who approves of the abolition of Provinces must absent himself. The most damaging feature in the matter is that the demonstration is too late. We know there are enthusiasts who imagine it is yet in time to reverse the decision of the General Assembly. Just as it was predicted by our astute contemporary the * Daily Times' that the Legislative Council would not pass the Bill, it is now endeavoring to act the part of Marplot, and to prevent its coming into operation. That journal has foolishly led many to imagine that the Miuistry of the time have been defeated, because of the postponement of the day on which Provincialism is to cease. We will make the 'Daily Times ' a present of an idea by which to realise its prediction. Let that paper advocate the sitting of the Assembly en permanence, and Provincialism, although shorn of its power, will continue to exist. By no other' possible process can its lifetime be prolonged. We know there are those who say that the power decreeing its demise may roverse its decision. Very true it can, but it will not. If the matter rested with the House of Representatives only, it is just within the boundaries of possibility that a political tramp by able men might secure a majority in favor of the retention of Provincialism; but the chances of success are so remote that we look upon it no one would serve on such a forlorn hope. And suppose it done, and a small majority vote in its favor—what next? Two things must be borne in miud : if the present Ministry continue in office the Bill, whatever its nature, will have to be introduced by a private member in opposition to them, of itself a circumstance almost certain to secure its defeat; and secondly, the Bill was carried in the Legislative Council, only four being dissentient. Now the Ministers may not be re-elected, and the House of Representatives may be in favor of Provincialism—they may be changed ; but in the course of nature the majority of the Council will continue to hold their seats, and they will not swerve from an Act passed after a debate so exhaustive and protracted by majorities so overwhelming of both Houses. If our political experience has taught us to unravel mysteries we conclude that the Government have attained what they sought, and are not sorry to remit to another session arrangements for local self-government. Since then a demonstration in favor of Provincialism is practically useless, why should Mr Macandrew and our representatives be paraded before the world as heroes in a fallen cause ? If those gentlemen who passed the resolution on Thursday evening had convictions so strong as it expresses, Mr Macandrew" will have very good reason to say, "My friends, I fully appreciate your zeal and admiration, but I wish it had shown itself a little sooner. Had you moved when the battle was in progress you might have strengthened my position and changed the votes of some who opposed me; bat you neither spoke nor petitioned, You may have prayed for mv success, but work is needed as well as prayer. The one costs neither time nor effort: the other was required if you designed to help me. I am glad to meet you, but should have been better pleased had you helped me actively in the contest." For these reasons we should be glad if Mr Macandrew's dinnei could be placed on grounds that would enable every friend to meet him without feeling that to be present gives personal sanction to party proceedings. Sir George Grey and Mr Rolleston, according to the ' Daily Times," are to be present. Now this must be plain : so far as Sir George is concerned, Mr Macandrew and he have very little in common. United on one subject only, their ideas are wide apart on most others, and next session must see them opposed to each other, if both are in Parliament and act according to the light that is in them. Excepting on the abolition question, Mr Macandrew's sympathies are mainly with the Ministry, and as that is settled we think his friends injudicious in thrusting him into a position in which he is made to appear opposed to them. His wide experience and political sagacity are of too much value to be wasted in the futile efforts of a weak Opposition. The.battle is decided ; all fadingshould subside, and victor and vanquished should now shake hands and unite in a common effort to make our future institutions perfect. The proposed dinner might have been a peacemaker, but we fear it will act as a sword. We had far rather see " Reflector's " idea carried out ; it would meet more general approval.