The Liberal, Volume I, Number 39, 25 January 1893 — WHAT IS THEIR ERRAND? [ARTICLE]

WHAT IS THEIR ERRAND?

The public is still in the dark as to the specific character of the errand upon which the commission was sent to Washington. We merely know that Messrs L.A. Thurston, W.C. Wilder, Joseph Marsden, W. R. Castle and C.L. Carter have been sent by the P.G. to Washington to secure - what? Nobody outside the Executive Council seems to know. As far as the dear people are concerned, theymight as well be in the moon as here, so far as opportunities for information upon this vital point are concerned. The sending of a commission so constituted, under circumstances of secrecy such as attended their despatch cannot be otherwise than the reverse of reassuring to the bulk of our people. We know now, cannot know, whether they have been sent to secure and enlarge our liberties and privileges, by obtaining for us the boon of statehood, or to barter what liberties remain to us for an extra cent-a-pound on sugar, with the incidental feature of a government by carpet-baggers, bummers etc., thrown in. It is extremely unfortunate both for the government and the people, that the former has not seen fit to break the seal of silence upon this subject, and take the people into its confidence in this particular; that they have not published at least an outline of

the program which was placed in the hands of the Commissioners, with their instructions in the premises. It is a most uncongenial task to THE LIBERAL to criticize the actions of its friends in the government, but the sending of the Commission in reference, in the manner and under the conditions of secrecy in which it was sent, so openly invite criticism that it would treachery to our own and the people's interests should we remain silent. The secrecy involved, or necessity breeds suspicion of the purposes in view by the P.G. If those purposes were such as the peoole could and would approve, why did not, why does not the P.G., show its hand, announce its policy, and receive the approbation and support of the people. If the purposes were such as the people cannot and do not approve, why did or does the P.G., entertain them. Gentlemen of the Provisional Government, whom do you represent in this matter? Do you represent the people at large, or only your own ideas, desires and ambitions? If the former, why do you not like faithful agents, keep your principles, the people, informed of your actions? If, on the other hand, you represent merely your own interests, irrespective of the public wishes or welfare, what is your claim to the respect or obedience of the people? Gentlemen of the Provisional Government, the columns of THE LIBERAL are at your disposal to explain your policy in general, and your instructions to the Washington Commission in particular. The people are waiting and anxious to hear from you upon those topics.