The Westport Times. TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 1869.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 454, 19 January 1869, Page 2

The Westport Times. TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 1869.

Tiie question of Separation lias been again prominently before the people of Westport. We publish to-day the proceedings of tbe Progress Committee upon the subject, and we would commend the speech of the Chairman to the calm consideration of the community at large. We have been indirectly, but we must admit, very gently, censured by the Chairman of the Progress Committee for reticence in this matter. Now, we cannot conscientiously plead guilty to that charge. Over and over again our pen has, more or less strongly, but always most heartily, impressed upon the community tbe necessity of some decisive action in order to secure for this district its legitimate share of the Provincial Revenues. More than once we have indicated the natural tendency of events, and bave pretty plainly, we think, suggested tbe remedy. If we have been less violent in our views than was anticipated, it can only be attributed to our reluctance to precipitate changes until men are prepared for their arising,, and, so to speak, educated up to the requirements of the occasion. There can be little doubt in tbe mind of anyone that the period has been reached when the question of Separation must be looked steadily in the face, and judged calmly upon its merits. We do not believe that any difference of opinion exists in the district as to the absolute necessity of some speedy escape from the impracticable and effete rulers who at present control our destinies. There is no danger of want of unanimity upon that point Rather have we to dread the operation of difficulties really beside the principle of the measure difficulties utterly insignificant in character, but eminently fatal in effect, unless good sense and liberal feeling render them harmleis. We allude, of course, to the local jealousies referred to elsewhere. Unfortunately it cannot be ■concealed that that mutual co-opera-tion and goodwill which should be conspicuous in our dealings with each other, does not very pronuuently characterise the relations existing between tbe different towns on this coast. Whilst, socially speaking, the best of feeling is evidenced amogst our people, there is ever recurring a feeling of irri-

tution upon little matters of progress or fancied points of precedence. It is to this difficulty we would most strenuously direct the attention of the whole population of the Nelson South-west assorted, and we think with reason, that [Separation is necessary for the more complete development of our rescources, is it not foolish—is it not almost criminal—to allow trifles to retard, if not imperil, a consummation so much to be desired ? We shall be false to our own iuterosts —traitors to the community—the laughing-stock of our neighbors, if wo suffer a question >f such magnitude to be dealt with in j any other than in a broad and magnanimous spirit, and under a proper impression of its eminent importance and ts pressing emergency. If good is to result from the movement—if the injustice, the dilatoriness or the want of sympathy of the Nelson Executive and Nelson Council are to be counteracted, there must be no local jealousies. Little matters it which town has the titular grandeur of being capital; little what set of men are elected to office, so long as they are able and honest. But it does matter, and fatally too, if through our senseless pride, and indulgence in unworthy vanities, we forge more firmly the chains which enthral us, but which we so inconsistently proclaim ought and can be at once a id for ever riven. The resolution adopted by the Pro-' gress Committee ought at once to be carried out in the fullest scope of its letter and spirit. The facts and figures would demonstrate the desirability of Separation can readilyjbe obtained. They should be submitted to the leading men of Charleston, Brighton, and Cobden. A candid statement of all the wants of our own immediate district, aud an equally candid consideration of the requirements and expectations of the other parts, should be a leading feature in the conferences to take place. Selfish ends will thus moro easily be subdued, and a unity, which is all essential to ensure success for the movement, will at once be secured. It may be thought that we are laboring truths which will be regarded as almost axiomatic. Our only excuse is that too often have we seen the irreparable mischief of local jealousy in cognate matters; too often have we seen " Enterprises of great pith and moment With this regard their currents turn away And lose the name of action." Upon this ground then, and upon this ground alone, have we hazarded so many observations upon this part of the subject. We leave it now to the great tribunal of public opinion. We shall be glad to give expression to the opinions of any intelligent correspondents resident here, and we invite those at a distance in the same way to give expression to their views. By such means the whole question will be thoroughly ventilated, and, let us hope, a sound and satisfactory scheme eliminated for further discussion and ultimate adoption.