The Southland Times. MONDAY, AUGUST 19, 1867

Southland Times, Issue 711, 19 August 1867, Page 4

The Southland Times. MONDAY, AUGUST 19, 1867

The election of members for the town is near at hand, and the list of candidates may be considered as filled up. There are four progress, and four anti-pro-gressive men on the list — Messrs W. H. Cahdeb, T. M. Macdonaxd, H. Abmstbong, and W. Wood; Dr Menzies, Messrs Q-. Lttmsden, J. Boss, and T. Pbatt. This is a fitting opportunity to briefly review their claims to the suffrages of the electors. Mr Oaldeb has come forward at the urgent request of the electors, and at a great jpersonal inconvenience. It has been, a matter for reproach that bur.leading 1 commercial citizens have been so backward in entering the arena of provincial politics. It is therefore especially a matter for congratulation that at this time, when able men are so imperativley required, that Mr Caldeb has entered the field. It is almost needless to state that he is a man of large capacity and liberal views, identified with the Province from its commencement ; and he has proved that he possesses a comprehensive mind, combined with untiring energy. He is an able thinker and clear sighted politician. He is thoroughly identified with the progress of this Province, having a considerable stake in it; and he has made it his home. His presence at this particular period in the Council will be invaluable, and he will no doubt be returned at the head of the poll. Mr T. ' M. Macdonald is also a man of mark. He was a member of the Council from almost' its first session until the middle of last year. He was remarkable for clearness of view and quickness in debate. His absence from the ' Council has been much felt, and had he been there at the time of the discussion on the Railway resolutions, it is probable- that from his j legal knowledge he would have so clearly elucidated their bearing upon the question, that the opposition to them would not have succeeded. A legal man, it is universally conceded, should be secured. No legislative body is complete without the aid of a representative of; the legal profession. It is essential that Mr Macdokald should be returned. Mr Wood has been some time before the public both as a member of the G-eneral Assembly and the Provincial Council. He is a gentleman whose independent position enables him to devote the whole of his time to politics. He is a painstaking and attentive representative, and evinces an earnest desire to promote the best interests of the province. And it cannot -'be questioned, that on the railway subject, his views are sound and determined. He is a staunch supporter of- the Railways, and the election of a; Superintendent, able and willing to obtain their construction. He is there- j fore a most desirable candidate. Mr H. Abmstbong may with justice be designated a rising politician. With- a refined education he combines liberal views, attention to business, and fluency of speech. He has a high sense of honor and confidence in his own integrity, During the last session he; maintained the confidence of not . only Ms own supporters, : ;but gamed, tljßt of bis

parties .■would regret the absence of "Mr/ Armstbo^g. at the next session of the Council. It is with reluctance that Tie has permitted himself to be brought forward, being desirous of retiring for a time from public life. He : cannot be spared. Such is a slight review of the four Railway candidates. They are all men 'of ability, position, and political knowledge, and. have a deep and permanent interest in the progress of the province. What are the credentials of the antirailway candidates— Dr Mjonzies, . and Messrs IjTj:m:sden/Rqss and Pbatt ? T)r .Menzies may be considered: one of the most prominent and well knowii men in the Province. He. was its first Superintendent,, and for a period was rather popular. But how did he repay the confidence, that, was -reposed in him? " Bydespising all constitutional restraint, . ; j and endeav.oring to plant -on a free soil an autocratic domination the most despotic. He attempted to rule with the iron hand of a Celtic Chief— a rule that might . have been legitimate in a country, in the sixteenth century, where serfdom was its chief characteristic, but entirely unadapted to the instincts of a free people in the nineteenth century. He refused the aid of constitutional advisers, and treated all his executive . as fuglemen bound to do his bidding. What was the consequence. The Government of Southland became despotic in the fullest sense, and with arrogant sway blunder upon blunder was committed until the province was into difficulties and . complications of so dark a character that years of toil and devoted assudity on the part of his successor has only at last succeeded in removing. It was simply by the unswerving fidelity of Mr Tayloe, '; to the cause of constitutional Govern- 7 ment, and progressive measures, that has enabled the Province to emerge from the state of humiliation and degradation into which the previously unconstitutional rule had plunged it. Therefore at the present juncture of affairs — when the stake at issue is so great and important— it is most desirable that Dr Menzees should not be returned as a member of the Provincial Council. His return would have an injurious effect upon the railway question. We. have no objection to his presence in the Council after this important subject is disposed of, but during the ensuing session his absence is highly ; desirable, nay, impera- ; tive-_-to the cause of progress. Mr litrMs- - den is the next candidate whose merits ■„ come under, discussion. It is - well known . that he is simply disguising his violent party feelings, under the . cloak of the Railway ticket. He ! is a real opponent of railways. He voted against their construction, and he will pursue a similar course if again elected. On other grounds.he should be rejected. His unfortunate infirmity of temper precludes him from taking part in a deliberative assembly, where decorum and gentlemanly conduct is essential, if the speaker is to have any weight or in- " fluence. His notions are narrow-minded, His disposition violent, his actions erratic, and his sayings reckless. A candidate, possessing all these drawbacks, is disqualified for filling the position of the elected representative of the chief constituency of the Province. He was the principal means of destroying the existence of the Town Board by similar conduct to that which has made him so notorious of late. : What can be expected from a gentleman who could so far forget himself as to lower his dignity as a member of the Government by such unseemly, intemperate, and violent behaviour : as he was guilty of at the late meeting at the Theatre. Certainly moderation or calmness — qualities most essential to a ne does not possess. Mr. Lumsden must be rejected, and the ' electors who signed his requisition will be conferring a real favor upon that gentleman by inducing him to retire ; from the contest. By seclusion he may obtain that serenity' and peace of mind that he is at present utterly devoid of. In. all kindness we would counsel Mr. ' Lttmsden to. retire from political excite-* ment, as it 'is evident, if he does not,, his nervous system will grievously suffer. Mr. Ross .we will deal with in a very few words. His political career — -as publicly announced to the electors — consisted in aiding to defeat the railway resolutions,' and supporting the selling of a block of' land known as the Tay-street Reserve in ' order that he might purchase a section for himself. If these are his only claims for -• political support, the electors will study; the interests of the Province by rejecting him for a better man. '. As to Mr. Pbatt we need say but little. He is a violent - anti-Railway man of the Kinboss stamp,7 yet cloaking his sentiments under the" guise of Railway extension. As there is \ no chance of his return we will simply; content ourselves by expressing a hope that the next time he enters the political arena he will.do so under more straight^ ' forward, and outspoken sentiments.