THE PRINCIPLES of GOVERNMENT IN VICTORIA.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 2, Issue 129, 8 April 1879, Page 2

THE PRINCIPLES of GOVERNMENT IN VICTORIA.

(Melbourne Argus.)

Some revolutions are effected without beat of drum. A change of this nature, has occurred in the system of government under which we live in Victoria, and it is of the first importance that the alteration, unauthorised as it is, and highly improper as it is, should be plainly stated and clearly recognised. Hitherto Ministers, no matter to what party they belonged, have exercised their executive authority for the benefit of all. They have regarded their administrative powers as held in trust for the community as a whole, and upon this understanding .power has been largely conferred upon them and upon the Governor in Council. The majority has legislated according to' its views, but in the administration of public affairs under the law the majority and the minority have stood upon the same footing. This, is the rule which prevails in Great Britain and in all British colonies, and up to May 1877, it was observed here. Party goveiiiment has meant government by a . party for the community, which many parties, but party government under "the. present regime means government by a party for that party. Eor the party everything is to be done, for the minority nothing. • The men and the districts outside of the dominant section are to be injured, humiliated, and, if possible,, crushed. Every man, 'whether constitutionalist or ministerialist, pays his quota to the Treasury, and lias a right to share in the benefits which flow from the Treasury, but to-day the public Treasury and the public service are both used as machinery to coerce the one party and to consolidate the other.