![]() One which we will contrast either in quantity or quality with the best that has been done since the Commonwealth was constituted. The work we have done in the past two sessions establishes a marvellous record. We shall be judged, not by our professions, but by our performances. And we occupy the position of standing between these parties, and keep our hold upon the practical section of this community. The socialist extremists try to capture our radical members by terrifying them with the extreme toryism of our supporters. The freetrade reactionaries endeavour to deprive us of our moderate supporters by terrifying them with the imminent danger of socialism. What you call sitting on a fence is more politely called, in the language of the Continent, the party of the centre, for we stand between the freetrade reactionaries, on the one hand, and the socialistic extremists on the other. Both gentlemen are hopelessly and absolutely in error, although there is some justification for the misconception upon this point. I was not alluding to this particularly to this eminent person. You have also been told by an equally eminent critic that I am the greatest enemy of socialism to be found in the State. You have recently been told in this hall that I am a great socialist. The position of the Liberal Protectionists is not to be gathered, except by way of contradiction, from the criticism of our adversaries. Our arrangement with them lasted for the Parliament, and ends with the Parliament, and we now resume our original position as an absolute independent party, without engagement, public or private, expressed or implied, to anything else except the policy which I shall announce. ![]() Since then we have had the support, in a general sense, of the Labour party, and that has enabled us to accomplish the work which I shall detail to you. ![]() Reid and when he deserted and betrayed us we joined with those who supported us in undertaking a task that was not of our seeking, and which cast upon us the most serious responsibility. ![]() When, owing to the existence of the three independent parties, a time for choice came, there were some who with me consented, under the faith of a written pledge, to assist Mr. I appear before you as a Liberal Protectionist – a party which has had an honourable record in this and other States, which is now establishing an Australian authority and influence a party which has never lost its identity, although, during the recent Parliament, it has been subjected to a severe strain. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |