The Waikato Times AND THAMES VALLEY GAZETTE. THURSDAY, DEC. 10, 1891.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 3028, 10 December 1891, Page 2

The Waikato Times AND THAMES VALLEY GAZETTE.

THURSDAY, DEC. 10, 1891.

Krjual and exact justice to all men. Of whatsoever state nr persuasion, religious or political.

Thk cable brings us rumours from time to time as to the date of the dissolution of the Imperial Parliament, and tho probable result of an appeal to the people. Mr Gladstone and his party express themselves as confident that victory will res* with them. The manifesto which was put forth at Newcastle contains so man}- promises that it is difficult to believe in the sincerity of the leaders who have put it forth. There can be no doubt whatever that the Gladstonian party look upon keeping Home Rule for Ireland considerably in the back ground as affording the only chance of victory. No indications of the lines on which it will be based and brought forward are given, there is the same utter vagueness as to detail which has characterised the speeches of Mr Gladstone since his defeat at the last general elections. The latest rumour to hand is that the election will take place early next year, consequent, the compiler tells us, on the objection of the Liberal-Unionists to theproposals for local Government for Ireland which Mr Balfour sketched during last session. The bond between the Conservative party and the Liberal Unionists is on the one question, that of Ireland, and as that question is gradually receding into the back-ground ; the fear is decreasing that it uin ever become an accomplished fact. The country is unquestionably auti-llome Rule, and if Mr Gladstone could disassociate himself from that project, he would probably return to power as the leader of the United Liberal Party. One member, addressing his constituents, said he did not believe in projects for the fusion of the Liberal Unionists and the Conservatives. Me thought the danger of Homo Rule being carried had past. This statement pretty elearly indicates the key to the political position, taken in conjunction with the fact that the Gladstouians have relegated Home Rule to a low position in the list ot' the measures they promise. To us in the colonies which party is in power is only of material consequence from the fact that our welfare depends to a degree 011 the foreign policy of the reigning party. In the present disturbed state of European relations, it would be a hazardous experiment to place the Foreign Office portfolio in the hands of any other man than Lord Salisbury, and for this reason the great majority of colonists sympathise with the Conservative party. The record of tke Salisbury administration is one that tliey can point to with satisfaction. During their term of office 72 vessels have been added to the navy. The capital of the national debt has been reduced by £37,000,000, and £1,000,000 per year has been saved by Mr Goschen's conversion scheme. They have taken 2d off the Income Tax, 2d off tea, 4d off tobacco, and 4d in the £ off duty on small houses. They havo put an extra tax on champagne, spirits and beer, and increased tho succession duty on estates over £10,000. Both parties are straining every nerve to ensure victory, the Gladstonians are prolific of promises, and the Conservatives and their allies point with pride to what they have done. It is to be soen whether gratitude for past services or expectation of securing the " birds in the bush " will have the greater weight with the electors.