The Westport Times. FRIDAY, JULY 10. 1874.

Westport Times, Volume VIII, Issue 1192, 10 July 1874, Page 2

The Westport Times. FRIDAY, JULY 10. 1874.

Tiieue is no mistaking tho purport of tlio telegram signed " Eugene J. O'Conor," received by tho Borough Council. Ho tells them as plainly as words can express his meaning that ho will not, either as member for the district or as Provincial Secretary, support the memorial of "Westport section-holders, that coutrol of the Coal Reserve may be vested in the Municipal Council. It was perhaps a wise precaution to aslc the question of the Provincial Secretaiy, previous to forwarding the document, although tho reply might have been anticipated. The members of the Borough Council probably know full well that tho Provincial Secretary dues not, as a rule, even in his most conciliatory moods, concede a single point to either friend or foe in matters wherein any attempt is made to thwart his own individual wishes, Especially in this case, where the Borough Council has the temerity to attempt intrusion on tho powers and dignities of hit) new found office, it is hoping against hope to suppose that he will give way. This impression has been generally prevalent i:t Westport since the Provincial Secretary held his famous meeting, and the Borough Council now have proof conclusive of tho correctness of that opinion, and that any temporising efforts they may attempt to make will be but as vanity and vexation of spirit. It is a hard matter to impress on some minds in Westport that Mr o : Conor's ideas of the privileges of office, whether pertaining to the Provincial Council, the House of Representatives, or the Provincial 7*!xeeutive, are absolute, and admitting no qualifying degree. Elected, as lie has often proclaimed, by the people, he not only is, in his own esteem, of the people and for the people, but typifies the people themselves, and taking upon himself all authority on their behalf, brooks no interference. This kind of petty dictatorship ba3 been humoured to its full bent, the ambition of the man has been nattered for the sake of the possible benefits to follow the full play of an energetic and impetuousdi (position*, .pampered political pet now politely kicks away the steps up which he has straddled into office, aud disregards all expression of wishes, remonstrances, or appeals from those who fancied they had tho best right to claim his attention. In the nature of things human, as of things political, there is nothing strange in this ; "Westport has to face a contingency that, long since, might have been anticipated. The co-operation of the Provincial Secretary having been bluntly denied, the hope seems very faint iudeed that the Superintendent of the Province will ait in opposition to the dictates, or at least wishes, of his Grand Vizier, aud it really looks as if tho West port sec-tion-holders in appealing to the General Government will have to contend against strong adverse influence. Strong in persistency, as in opportunity for personal argument aud covert onposition. There is a very apparent necessity for securing the services of a personal advocate, to ensure consideration of the memorial on its owu merits, either from among members iu the House or professionally. It is not uuusual to hear of matters of great weight and moment being effectually burked by the tactics of those versed in the strategy of politics, aud the memorial of Westport section-holders will not start on its travels entirely free from such danger, unless under staunch convoy. Perhaps the Borough Council may concur in the opinion that sueh fear is not unfounded.