The Evening Star FRIDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1875.

Evening Star, Issue 3956, 29 October 1875, Page 2

The Evening Star FRIDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1875.

We have no wish to add to the mortification that all concerned must feel when reflecting upon the issue of their labors as displayed at the Opposition banquet on Wednesday. As a political demonstration it was calculated to produce precisely the opposite effect from what was intended. Both the advocates and opponents of Provincialism expected a fair outline of the future tactics of the party, but, instead of that, they were treated mainly with pretty speeches, well enough to listen to at a purely social gathering, but utterly unworthy of men who assume to be leaders of a great political movement. The whole affair bore the impress of a patched-up alliance of men opposed in opinion and interest, frightened of saying a word that might perchance disturb that appearance of tranquillity which was necessary to prevent the hollowness of the convention from becoming transparent. This will not do for Otago, The general election is at hand, and the electors want to know what the Opposition have to propose, as they object to the plan laid before the country by the Ministry. Provincialism is dead, and it would be waste of energy to attempt to revive it. The only hint as to the future was a suggestion by his Honor the Superintendent of separation from the North, and the division of the Colony into two Provinces. We shall have plenty of opportunity of discussing that question, so we shall not express an opinion on it now ; for we have other matters to deal with. Ordinnribr, an election mainly involves consideration of the Illness of candidates lor conducting the affairs o.f the country; but on that which is looming a reconstruction of the Constitution depends. Jl. is, therefore, nti vital importance that the constif nuncios throughout the country should have c-ear views ou the M'dqecos rum itted w them for consideration, so thi it they

may choose representatives capable of expressing them. John Stuart Mill wrote— The beliefs which we have most warrant for have no safeguard to rest on, but a standing invitation to the whole world to prove them unfounded. If the challenge be not accepted, and the attempt fails, we are far enough from certainty still; but we have clone the best that the existing state of human reason admits of; we have neglected nothing that could give the truth a chance of reaching us These ideas are precisely what we wish to see acted upon in reference to the coming struggle; but the circumstances of the country do not admit of the establishment of separate journals for the discussion of separate political opinions. It is evident that the three Dunedin journals are at one regarding Provincialism, and the political movement which has taken place shows that there is a section among us, sufficiently numerous to be called a party, not represented by the Press. As we have no party or clique to serve, but merely desire arrangements to be|adopted the best adapted to forward the welfare and good government of the country, we propose to place our leading columns at the service of this party two days a week for six weeks or two months—say Wednesday and Saturday—on the following conditions:—

Ist. that the articles published shall hear headings to distinguish them from those adopted by the Editor for expressing the opinions of the paper, 1 hey may be signed or not, as suits the writer or party. 2nd. That the substance matter shall not be of a mere party character, but shall bo a fair and reasonable discussion of the abstract heones advocated, avoiding personal allusions, and free jrom scurrilous declamation. hrd, lhat in order to secure a fair exposition of the views of the party, a committee shall be appointed by whom, or by an editor responsible to and employed by them, a selection of approved articles may be made for publication. The Editor of this journal would not undertake the task, and should not be asked to do so ; but every article selected must be submitted to him one day before the day of publication, that he may have opportunity of communicating with the responsible party should the conditions be infringed upon. 4th. That no article shall exceed one column and a half long. If continuity of argument is necessary, it may be pursued on the next authorised day. sth. In order that every opportunity may be afforded of avoiding error, and arriving at truth, any official documents in possession of the Editor of this paper may be used for reference, or illustration, by the writers. Our cDsire is that the electors may be placed in possession of what can be urged both for and against any theory that may be propounded, and |that thus they may be prepared to give an intelligent vote at the coming election. Party feeling has not yet destroyed popular reason, and, therefore, a standard may be raised by which a calm judgment may be foianed, and Dunedin made a centre of sound and wellconsidered public opinion. When the election movement begins it will be too late. We need not add that we reserve to ourselves the right of commenting upon, and expressing approval of or dissent from the opinions advocated, as seems best to our judgment.