The Australian Labour party has kept its word. On Thursday
week, with some assistance from the regular Opposition, it succeeded in defeating Mr. Deakin's Govern- ment on the discussion of those central planks of the Minis- terial platform, the Arbitration and Navigation Bills. The Ministry at once resigned, and Mr. Watson, the Labour leader, has proceeded to form a Government, which, with the exception of the Attorney-General, is composed wholly of his own followers. The experiment will be watched with deep interest, and, we hope, with a certain sympathy. The Labour party has been given a chance of showing whether or not it is calm, imperii. It remains to be seen whether the practical duties of administration will sober its fancies, and whether, as Mr. Watson has promised, it will refrain from "reckless expenditure on dubious objects." Mr. Watson's task will not be an easy one, for he does not command a clear majority in either House ; and though the followers of Mr. Reid and Mr. Deakin are at present incensed with each other, a coalition may easily be effected.
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