The Westport Times AND CHARLESTON ARGUS. In the cause of Truth and Justice we strive. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1871.

Westport Times, Volume V, Issue 867, 28 September 1871, Page 2

The Westport Times AND CHARLESTON ARGUS. In the cause of Truth and Justice we strive. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1871.

The result of the waut of confidence motion on Saturday last has proved an undoubted victory for the Government, the voting in a house composed of 58 members giving Ministers a majority of 28. The above numbers, however, cannot be accepted as conclusively showing the strength of the respective ! parties; as there remain a considerable number of members who did not vote at all. Comparing the ayes and noes with those recorded when the Stafford Ministry were defeated, we find that the division included 71 names on that occasion against the present 58. Although it i 8 probable that the Opposition wouldhave received some accession to its numbers had there been a fuller division, it could not have been such as to hazard the position of the Ministry. It may have been that the motion was premature, pending the unfolding of the details of the policy foreshadowed in the Treasurer's financial statement; but we think that the result is attributable to the organic change which parties have undergone since 1869. When it is borne in mind that the chief cause of Mr Stafford's defeat was his antagonism to provincialism, and that his successors, with certain modifications, hare adopted the same line of policy, thus breaking down the old barrier between the two parties, it will be understood that the strength of the Opposition is considerably weakened. There no longer exist two distinct lines of policy presented to members' upon which they may form an opinion. For has been substituted a competition of parties for the carrying out of the same objects. Referring to the remarks of a prominent member of the present Government, in support of the want of confidence motion of 1869, he says:—" He had no confidence in the present Government. Their policy for the last two or three years had been one constant attempt to destroy the local institutions which had been established under the Constitution Act." Mr Ormond, also, said: —" I believp. that I shall be confirmed in saying that the honourable gentlemen on the opposite benches have, by every means in their power, thrown every difficulty in the way of the useful working out of provincial institutions. They have endeavoured to degrade those institutions, and to make self-government contemptible in the eyes of the people." Such was the leading cry against the Government of Mr Stafford. No sooner, however, are his successors in office than they affirm the principle for which he was condemned. Strongly di Bapproving the financial partnership between the colony and tho provinces, a capitation allowance is substituted, which was to be permanently fixed at 30s per head. Now this is to be reduced to 15s, an additionil subsidy is tojbe given to the Road Boards, the colony is to assume the duty of introducing immigration, and the provinces are to be relieved from provincial charges.. In short, the existing system of provinces is to give way, and its functions performed by the colonial Government. The sole difference is, that Mr Stafford foresaw the evils of Provincialism four years ago, and boldly determined to grapple with the difE .

culty, whereas those who then most strongly opposed his views, now find safety alone in following in his footsteps. The reasons given, we think, may account for the lukewarmness of some members and the apparent strength of the present Ministry.