The Waikato Argus GEORGE EDGECUMBE, Proprietor. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 1898.

Waikato Argus, Volume IV, Issue 249, 19 February 1898, Page 2

The Waikato Argus GEORGE EDGECUMBE, Proprietor. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 1898.

It is the recognised function of Her Majesty's Opposition to criticise the doings of the party in power, and it is well that this should be, otherwise the country would not be enlightened on matters which it is of importance that they should understand. It was to be anticipated, therefore, that such an important question as the policy which"has led to the fighting on the Indian frontier would come in for its share of criticism. This has been brought about by the movement of an amendment to the address. As is always to be expected, the Liberals favour a policy of drift rather than of at once tackling a difficulty and taking steps to adjust it. It was during their term of office that the advance was made upon Cbitral and a road constructed to that place. They now blame the Government for continuing to occupy the position. In dealing with half-civi-lized people, it is impossible to do a more silly thing than retreat from a position once taken up, as they always consider a retrogade movement a sure sign of weakness and fear of consequences. If blaina attaches to anybody, we don't say it does, it is at the door of the Liberals for having gone there in the first place. Britain is under engagement with the Ameer of Afghanistan to keep the trade routes open. Previous to commencing hostilities, the tribes became so troublesome that it was a matter of necessity to bring them into subjection. The country is a very difficult one, and circumstances compelled a winter campaign ; consequently the fighting which devolved upon the army has been most arduous—there has been a heavy loss in men —and to accomplish the object will necessitate another campaign in the spring. There can be no receding, or our prestige in Asia will have passed for ever. The tribes must be thoroughly convinced that the power of Britain is irresistible, and when this is accomplished they will with little doubt, as other tribes have done before, recognise that it is to their advantage to become our allies. The leaders of the Liberal party should recognise this position, and in place of condemning a policy which has become a necessity, should support those who have to carry it out. In any case the ameudment was defeated by 311 votes to 268.