THE FOLITICAL POSITION.

Manawatu Standard, Volume IV, Issue 167, 12 June 1884, Page 2

THE FOLITICAL POSITION.

Tiie news of the Want of Confidence vote being carried, which was made public m a Standard Extra this forenoon, naturally qaused considerable excitement. It waa not generally anticipate.! that the vote would have been taken so noon, and a protracted debate was expected. Tho voting, 41 to 32, may be considered a decisive victory for the Opposition, though it yd) list be borne m mind that Messrs Wilson, Stevens, and many other members who would probably have voted with the Government had not put m an appeavance--»-ab least their names do not apponr m the division list. The Opposition camp also was not np to its full strength. It is evident that the Opposition forced the hand of the Ministerial Party and gained the day. It will be seen by our telegrams that, if constitutional, the Governor w ill probably be asked to dissolve the House. On the other hand a new Ministry may bo formed, which, however, we think improbable. We consider it more likely that a dissolution will be granted, and an appeal to the country made. It is doubtful if a Ministry of any strength could be formed from the ranks of the Opposition, as the leaders are evidently j.'ulous of, and lack confidence m, oaoh other. Jt is equally

palpable that the Ministry are not so united or strong 1 as their organs would m.<ke out. We .should prefer to .see a compromise effected, and a coalition Ministry formed to carry on the business of the country till the end of the present ' Parliament no\v m. its final session.