The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1885-12-22 00:00:00

Xfirset Conniti Exprtso.

DORCHESTER, DECEMBER Mx!). 1885.

Rotes.

LOCAL ADMINISTRATION.

It is not unlikely that in order to facilitate the
proem of giving Home Rule to Ireland • similarity
will be attempted between whatever @ream is estab-
lished there and the Local Government which is now
deemed necessary in other parts of the United
Kingdom. We almost wish there was a want in
Scotland for separate Parliamentary action, as then
a method something like that which works satisfac-
torily in the Austro-Hungarian Empire might be
introduced. Although Scotland, however, sees no
necessity for exercising • separate control over her
affairs, she has long been conscious of the desirability
of poisoning • minister of her own; oonsequently last
year • member of the Cabinet' was appointed
exclusively to look after Scotch affairs. The office of
Minister for Scotland is to some extent perhaps a
sinecure; yet it may not only be well for the Scotch
people but for the Government itself that there
should be an individual closely identified with matters
which English or Irish repreeentatives ean only
be expected vaguely to understand. The principle on
which Local Government is bestowed, whether it be
in the Sister Island, in Seotland, or in Wales, ahoidd
consist solely of aims to relieve the Imperial Parlia-
ment. Reform in procedure is greatly needed; but
this should not stop at the mere attenipt to prevent
obstruction. What is demanded is the relegation of
at least half the work which now occupier! the House
of Commons to bodies adininisteriug the minor
affairs of their own localities. Owing to the present
arrangement, legislation is both tardy and hasty. It
I. slow because of the stress of work it is called
upon to perform; it is inconsiderate because of the
little time left for details after preliminary ditficolties
have been overcome. It is obvious that if the mein
points of questions could be discussed before reaching
the House of Commons, much time would be saved,
soda far more careful consideration of them ensured.
But, then, whet wiudd there be for the Upper House
to do? Would DM that branch of the Legislature be
restricted more than ever to mere regietration duties!
Probably it would, and thus fall into the state of
disuetude which many predict for it. What is more
important for immediate consideration is the methiel
by which Load Government should be carried out.
It is to be hoped that whoever is to pit at Gitinty
Bawds will be elected, and not appointed i 4 at
present. The Committee or Councils 014.6 be repre-
emulative, and the several district, be composed of
such men as are well acquainted with the business
they will be called upon to administer. Why all
parts of the United Kingdom should not be treated
alike, or, in other words, why one part should
demand exceptionsl treatment, it is difficult
to may, and we minuet help hoping that such a request
will not be acceded to. We will suppose that the
local Councils are composed of these who are at
prawn% magistrates, of farmers, and of tradesmen ;
there will understand completely all the requirements
of coriety and division, and could settle business
which for • great part the Imperial Parliament would
only have to jetilv. it adesinistriutiums, being
nnaltened by party influencer, would be free from
that pecialiar obstruction to which it is now exposed,
and legialation would be relieved of much reproach
and difficulty. Lord Salisbury has nit yet announced
his plans, nor has Mr. Gladstone revealed the remedy
which his followers believe he has in store. Let us
hops that one or the other is prepared with a really
practical scheme for divelling —so far as one; part
of the United Kingdom iv concerned—ill-feeling, and
producing permanent reconciliation.