The Feilding Star. TUESDAY. JUNE 19, 1883. The Session.

Feilding Star, Volume IV, Issue 4, 19 June 1883, Page 2

The Feilding Star. TUESDAY. JUNE 19, 1883. The Session.

The peculiar action of the two leaders of the Opposition is very unfavorably commented on by a large section of the Pre?s. Each one of them has given notice of a motion that is tantamount to one of want of confidence, tho first bein<r for a repeal of :he property tax, and the second a substitution of a land tax for a property tax ; and although it is almost admitted by them that it is ou these questions the strength of the relative parties will be tested, yet they display the utmost timidity and exhibit a tendency to take advantage of the lorms of the House to put iff the evil day. A pretended desire to further the business of the session has been evinced by them, and quite a cloud ol Bills are proposed to be introduced. Their anxiety to have the Estimates brought down in order to supply them with additional weapons to attack the Government is an evidence of weakness, or at least of a very undecided plan of attack. '1 he Government appears to be quite conscious of its strength, for Major Atkinson announced in effect that the first business of the Government would be to contest Sir George Grky's motion on the land tax Sir George Grey did not accept the challenge, stating that he would bring on his motion at his own convenience. It is evident that the policy of the Opposition will be, on the whole, obstructive. They will pndeavor to keep back all business as long as possible in order to take, advantage of some opening that may be made for them to avail themselves of, either by fair means or foul. A fair fight is what they evidently intend to avoid, and the weakness of their numbers, with the incapacity of their lead ers, makes such a line of action explainable, if unjustifiable. Members who are undecided as to which side to join should remember that they are sent to the House to assist in the practical working of the Government, and arebound to take one of two courses — either to a&sist the Government with practical assistance or judicious criticism that may improve their measures, or if they are honestly convinced that there are better men in the House more capable of filling the Treasury Benches, then support such men, and oust the present occupiers — but let this only be done aft or full knowledge has been gained jf such capacity and talent for government evinced in an unmistakeable manner. As far as concerns the Grey-Mont-gomery party, the House is yet in ignorance of thoir powers in this connection. Sir George Grey, when in office before, did not display either talent or judgment as a leader, and it is not likely that any chaujje has occurred in his morale since his involuntary retirement. He had a splendid Ministry, composed of some of the most talented men in the House, yet from his want of tact and consideration for their feelings by his attempted exercise of almost autocratic power he drove them from his side, and was never after able to recall, or at least to make them unquestioning and faithful followers. These things will no doubt be remembered by the older members, and communicatL'd to waverers whose allegiance is not yet declared to ' either side, an J will doubtless have due weight. It must not be understood that we are blin.i supporters of the Government ; on the contrary, we disagree with them on many very import; 'nt points, a.d will during the session oppose as much as in our pewer lies certain of their measures, but we support ttiem because we believe them to be honest Liberals, not even tainted with a flavor of shoddy Democracy.