The Westport Times AND CHARLESTON ARGUS. In the cause of Truth and Justice we strive. THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 1871.

Westport Times, Volume V, Issue 798, 6 April 1871, Page 2

The Westport Times AND CHARLESTON ARGUS. In the cause of Truth and Justice we strive. THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 1871.

Native questions must inevitably attract a large share of attention during the next session, and it rs certain that the policy pursued by the Native Minister will prove a fruitful source of contention to members. If it can be shewn that since Mr M'Lean's tenure of office the Queen's authority is more widely recognised by the natives, and law and order respected, that the spirit of rebellion is weakened, and that the permanent pacification of the disturbed districts is being gradually assured, then the country must approve of the policy that has brought about this result. But this must be clearly proved if the policy is to escape condemnation. The colony is undoubtedly prepared to forego much in order to avert present and future hostilities, but it must feel satisfied that such is really the position of affairs, and that we are not staving off" the evil day merely for the storm to bursf,atany moment a«d unexpectedly, with increased fury. Jt is very certain that no course can be deemed a safe or prudent one that would favor a belief in the Native mind that crime and aggression were to pass unpunished. Any system of temporising must always be attended with very grave danger, and can only be justified by circumstances of an exceptional character. Certainly, if the colony wcro utterly unable to cope with the refractory natives from the fact of its being in a state of unpreparedness, a course of conciliation and the -concession of demands would be alike necessary and judicious, pending the organisation of a force that would enable matters to be placed on a safe and proper footing. But we see no indication on the part of the present Government to depart from the system of truckling to the Natives. The object to be aimed at is to enforce the law over the entire island, and that cannot be done by invariably giving way whenever an atrocity or aggressive and lawless act is perpetrated. A resolute policy is attended with risk, and, unfortunately, the risk is increased by the recent concessions, and humiliating negotiations with the hostile tribes, but it must be pursued in the interests of the entire colony and of the settlers who are exposed to terrible danger in the present unsettled state of affairs. Kepeated concessions may be made, but the demands will keep pace with them, and sooner or later the crisis will come when they can no longer be com-

plied with. We feel satisfied that our only safety is iu organising a system of defence that shall demonstrate beyond all doubt to the native mind a firm determination to uphold our authority throughout the entire island, and that punishment will follow speedily and surely upon any act of atrocity or rebellion.