The Westport Times. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1869.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 558, 23 September 1869, Page 2

The Westport Times. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1869.

As the circumstances surrounding the Superintendency election accumulate in number, and increase in the element of extravagance, so must feelings of commiseration for the constituency accumulate and intensify. There is not as yet one solitary particular in reference to which candidates are to be complimented, or the constituency to be congratulated. The West Coast electors especially are the unfortunate creatures of circumstances. In viewing these circurnstauces there is but one source of satisfaction left. The "West Coast electors are cert linly not creatures of Curtis. Such, at least, they are not in spirit. Let them have a care that they do not become so in action. There is a possible fear of their becoming so through the exercise of goodnature on their own part, and through its exercise on the part of some whom (to modify the quotation slightly) we shall call their excellent "good-natured friends." To be generous and friendly to good men who live in their midst is, on the part of a coinmuuity, an admirable characteristic. It is refreshing to find some fallacy in such ancient proverbs as that with regard to a prophet's honor in his own country. But generosity in the domestic relations—or even, at a stretch, in a wider sphere—is misplaced and a practical mistake in connection with a political contest in which it is not personal friendship on the part of a minority, but an actual numerical majority, which is solely required. Viewed in this aspect, what can be thought of the gentle, generous, and gratifying soliciting of Mr Thomas Uwan to declare himself a candidate —what can be thought of his generous, grateful, gallant consenting to do so —but that it is politically and practically a sad mistake? AVhat but the same can be said of the as yet unacknowledged overtures to Mr Donne ? In the case of each of these gentlemen—both " honorable men " —the result could scarcely fail to be even less satisfactory than probably would be the result of a candidature on the part of the first gentleman who was named in connection withacontest emanating from the West Coast. And it was solely on account of such a candidate probably polling only a minority of votes that mere personal respect and favor were sunk, or left to occupy only their usual place in the public mind. Ecpresenting any one of the three candidates, nominal or actual, by the imaginary and vulgar name of "Barkis"—thcugh "Barkis" might be ever so willing, what chance is there of " Barkis " winning ? Can it be conceded that, in the most remote degree of slightness, there would be any chance ? It cannot; and thereby the candidature would in each case end in disappointing every consideration or feeling but those which, however amiable or admirable in themselves, would simply leave the participators out in the cold, and Mr Oswald Curtis in his already well-warmed seat in the Superintendent's chair. It is through having impressions such as these that ihe electors in Westport have preferred rather to ignore their own " village Hampdens," and to seduce into a contest some one who could command in Nelson a number of votes equal to the probable number polled upon the Coast. It is accepted as the alternative that, by force of eircumstances, the candidate must be a Nelson man to be successful; and it is success, not sentiment, that is on this occasion wanted. It was thus that Mr Barnicoat was suggested. It has thus been that after that gentleman's " irrevocable "declaration, theratherauthori tative report that Mr N. Edwards would, on receipt of a requisition, consent to stand was accepted as the next best, or an even better, alternative. And to advise our Charleston neighbours of what has been doing here in the matter, we may say that such a requisition to Mr Edwards has been here very numerously signed, and, so far as the canvass went, has been signed unanimously. Meantime it unfortunately happens that we are informed by telegram, and by Mr Edwards himself, that, while he thanks the West Coast he will not stand for the Superintendency. This has rather damped the enthusiasm excited by the first, and, it is fair to say, mere verbal

advices ; yet, notwithstanding, there is a disposition to give Mr Edwards's feelings something like a substantial trial, and the requisition, we understand, will still he forwarded. Upon the result will, of course, depend the feelings of the electors; but in the interval we may bespeak, at least, the " favorable consideration " by the people of Charleston and Brighton, of what must suggest itself to them in the familiar form of proverbial philosophy. E. g., " Union is strength." " You know not what a day may bring forth." "We've read that things inanimate have

moved, And, as with living souls, have been informed By magic numbers and persuasive sound."