The Wairarapa Daily. TUESDAY, JANUARY 5, 1886. POLITICAL COMPLICATIONS.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume VIII, Issue 2185, 5 January 1886, Page 2

The Wairarapa Daily. TUESDAY, JANUARY 5, 1886. POLITICAL COMPLICATIONS.

If, as is generally supposed, Protection, is to form the platform of the StoutVoqel party .at the next general elections, some very curious complica-, tions will arise. Sir Julius Vogel, it is generally understood, is not in favor of imposing a very heavy tariff (though if he could, see his way to increasing the revenue with it he would undoubtedly impose the most crushing burden without the slightest hesitation), and if so, he and Major Atkinson, the leader of the Opposition, would find themselves on the same ground, Would they agree upon the general principle, or would the Iree Trade party be championed by one who is really a protectionist at heart? The question is an interesting one, and it would not have been araiiw on Jhe part of Major Atkinson if lie had given fche .electors of the colony a little more insight into his views on the subject. He may take up a position and argue that the pEcsent time is a very unsuitable one for making any attempt to revolutionize the trade of the country, Judging by the slight references he made to the subject in ; the course of his recent speech at Hawera, we are inclined to think that if he .has not already made up his mind on the ques-; tion tie is seriously considering the advisablenesa of taking such a. course. If so, we think fee Opposition would have a very weak ani half-hearted leader. If, on the other hand, he gjves a general' support to the Government,. the Freetrade party will have to. look for another leader. Major Atkinson does not standalone ,in this singular position, for there are ; uiany .of the House who have been,most consistent ;in their .opposition to the Government, butwhohave nevertheless declared themselves .protectionists •. to the back hone, whiie, ,on the other hand, many of the, Ministerial pgjfcy are avowed freetraders, a large■'number' of whom would prefer measures to men. A considerable number of .ihem.bers.of both sections would thus find -themselves riding on a rail, and in doubt as

to which would bo tho proper side to get off. It is also highly probable that during the"election piany, candidates will find themselves on the ground between two atdbls. What applies to the House applies with equal' force' to tho Press of the colony. We have only to look at the New Zealand Times and Evening Post in Wellington. The former opposes the Government, but is at times inclined to nibble at the bait of Protection, The latter supports the present Administration, but condemns Protection as a delusion and a snare. Will the one continue its opposition and the other its support if the question is raised at the next elections? We venture to say that their respective editors have asked themselves question more than once, and that they are in as great a quandary as many members of the House, and like them, they probably solace themselves with the old adage that "sufficient for the day is the evil thereof." Under the circumstances we think that it behaves all freetraders, of whatever opinion they might otherwise be, to make sure of one object—put their foot on Protection, no matter from what side it may come. When that question has been settled they will be at liberty, with the consciousness that that they have performed an important public duty.