The Temuka Leader SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 1890. THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2008, 15 February 1890, Page 2

The Temuka Leader SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 1890. THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT.

A cablegram states that Mr Parnell accused the Government of incredible meanness and cowardice with regard to his own case. The result of the division on Sir "William Harcourt's motion proved that he spoke truly. Sir William moved that the publication of the fac simile letters was a breach of the privileges of Parliament, but the Government and their followers took the part of the Times, and he was defeated by 58 votes. One would think that after all that has occurred no one would be found to have the hardihood to stand up for the Times, but here we have the Conservatives as unblushing as ever in their championship of it. It is obvious from this that really the Government have all along been at the back of the Times, and that the whole affair was a foul conspiracy got up deliberately to destroy Mr Parnell's reputation. The whole history of the case proves it. In the whole history of the British Parliament no G-overn-ment has ever descended to such a low level, but apparently there is nothing too bad for the present team to do. For instance, the other day when the West End scandal came out they prevented the police from prosecuting the parties interested. Habitues of the West End Club were guilty of the most disgusting conduct it would be possible to conceive, but they were all noble men, and aristocrats, and of course Lord Salisbury did not like to prosecute them. Instead of doing so he gave them notice to leave the country. Only two have been prosecuted: one a newspaper editor for exposing the matter, and the other a lawyer, who assisted the criminals to escape. The Government gave the criminals notice to leave, and prosecuted the poor lawyer who assisted them in leaving. This is really disgraceful. It is disgraceful that men in the position of Ministers of the Crown should act in such a manner, and the fact that they are tolerated by the people of England indicates a very low moral condition. The day is coming which will put an end to them, however; a few years at the most will hurl them from power, and we feel certain that never again will a Conservative Government rule England, the disposition of Conservatism is shown in the fact that they will stop at nothing to retain power. There is no meanness to which they will not descend. The present Government have assisted the Times in its disgraceful action towards Mi Parnell; they have also assisted the noble ruffians of the West End to escape from justice, and yet the Conservative members of the House support them as well as ever. This shows that the present race of Conservatives are impervious to shame, and that they have none of the v nobler instincts of their forefathers. Men who think nothing of the national honor and have no higher motives than self are not fit to govern a nation, and doubtless this is the last occasion on which they will bo entrusted with such responsibilities. FEDERATION. New Zealand will not federate with the other Australian colonies at present, but perhaps on some future occasion she may see her way to do so. That is the text of the speeches delivered by Captain Russell and Sir John Hall at the conference now held in Melbourne to discuss the Federation question. So far that is very satisfactory. Our interest in the project ceases therewith, and we begin to breath easier. We are to retain the freedom we now possess ; our destiny is to remain in our own hands, and if we make proper use of the splendid provisions made by a bountiful Providence for us in this colony we may confidently look forward to prosperity and contentment. There is, however, one point deserving of notice. Why did the Government send Sir John Hall and Captain Eussell tj attend this conference when they had already deliberately made up their minds not to entertain the question of Federation ? What object shall be gained ? None whatsoever, except to give these two gentlemen a holiday trip on the cheap. ihe trip will cost several hundred pound ; these gentlemen will have a nice outing; and the people must pay for it. This is retrenchment ! With regard to the Federation of the other colonies, it may perhaps suit them. They are already federated, inasmuch as that they are not sea-divided. With New Zealand it is different. The Great Creator intends her evidently to stand alone in the middle of the ocean; she is too far away from the others, and Federation would not suit her at all. We feel I sure also that there is a good deal of work before the promoters of the •scheme before they carry their project into effect, and if they do carry it then their troubles will commence. However, that is their own business. We are not m it, and we are satisfied. Our o bje C t now should be to make IN ew Zealand what she ought to be—trie Britain, of the *outh.

_ '.Ut'lKO CLUB. —A( , t 11J( ,., inKot.l.o,, war,!, of U,i„ „•„. h(illj ; Monday |,,„ fj lt WUH docMetl to hold -m Auiumn ltuco Mating extoodin" 0 ' March 27 and 28. The prizo money; bo given amounts to £250. '