The Evening Star WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23, 1876.

Evening Star, Issue 4209, 23 August 1876, Page 2

The Evening Star WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23, 1876.

If rumor is to be relied on a change of Ministry is inevitable. The work that Sir Julius Vogel, Sir Donald M ‘Lean, and the Hon. Mr Richardson setthemselves to do has been accomplished; the way is smoothed for another Ministry, and all that remains to be done is to develop successfully the measures initiated with so much labor and in the face of unreasoning and obstinate opposition. In the present uncertain state of matters it would be premature to say anything concerning those who are to follow, the present Executive. Although the affair seems ripe for execution it is by no means certain that rumor is strictly true. Thus far, however, it may be fairly assumed; the country is not likely to be harassed by wild and incapable statesmen of the Grey stamp. His party, united only on one point and defeated on it, is utterly broken up. It never possessed the elements of coherence, tor the two great sections comprising the Auckland and Otagan factions had different objects in view ; neither could have supported the other excepting for purposes of disunion. If the names of the coming Ministry are correctly reported, the change will be merely of men, not measures. The departments necessary to National development are organised, the impediments to it may be considered to be swept away : the work to be done now is that of consolidation—it can scarcely be denominated reconstruction. The retiring Ministers leave office victors, the principles of their measures approved, and with a large majority in their favor. They have triumphed over as malignant and bitter opposition as ever any men bad to encounter. We are not surprised that after so many years of turmoil in the public service, some of them should desire to be freed from the excitement and labor of administration. Notwithstanding the unscrupulous attacks upon Sir Julius Vogel and Sir Donald' M‘Lean by a class who have been largely benefited by their efforts they will retire from office honored and respected by every right thinking man in the Colony. They have led the way to prosperity through the assertion of peace and justice, and shown that those two principles are more powerful than the savagery and devastation of war. Retiring from office while strong in the confidence of Parliament and the country, Sir Julius Vogel may fairly accept the appointment of Agent General, which requires less strain upon his health than as Premier, but in which he can serve the interests of the Colony with equal efficiency.