John Douglas stands for East Moreton in the 1868 Queensland election

In August 1868, the Queensland opposition forced Sir James Mackenzie to the polls following a successful no-confidence notion.[1]  The Brisbane Courier found little to lament in this decision, noting that the government was moribund and “walking about merely to save funeral expenses.”[2]

John Douglas decided not to stand for office due to a planned vacation to England.[3]  The Brisbane Courier observed that his decision was “almost calamitous at a time like the present.”[4]  However, Douglas’s trip to England did not eventuate, and he was successfully persuaded by members of the East Moreton electorate to contest that seat.[5]  This despite the other candidates, Robert Cribb and Arthur Morley Francis, being not only the former and sitting members respectively, also aligned with the liberal side of politics.[6]  Macalister, the titular head of the opposition, then personally endorsed the sitting members ahead of Douglas.[7]

Macalister encouraged Douglas to nominate for West Moreton instead and informed him that if he did so, “he should be brought in with flying colours.”[8]  However, Douglas declined.[9]  The opposition was not the only one wooing Douglas, the Brisbane Courier disclosing that the government was prepared to give him the lands ministry in exchange for his support.[10]  Douglas was astonished at this brazen offer, because he had vigorously opposed almost all their land measures.[11]

Douglas, although having a “personal regard for Mackenzie, [12] would never forsake his principles for the baubles of office, as his morality was not of the ‘fair weather’ kind.  Given the choice, he chose to remain in opposition rather than be compromised by accepting a ministerial position, especially one responsible for land matters.[13]  Being principled was what made Douglas so popular in the electorate and such a thorn in the side of his political opponents.  His commitment to principle was unusual for politicians of his time.  Although it was acceptable that men “held ideas that were very much their own,” party politics was in its infancy and members frequently changed sides.[14]  Douglas’s refusal to accept a ministerial post in exchange for his support was especially unusual given that he desperately needed the accompanying ministerial salary.

Having decided to stand for East Moreton, Douglas did his prospects no favours by being the only candidate absent at the nomination meeting.[15]  At a subsequent meeting in the Brisbane Town Hall, with the mayor chairing proceedings, [16] Douglas set out his opposition to the government over land and the issue of representation.  He pointed out that East Moreton, with a population of 14,000, returned two members to parliament, the same as Western Downs, whose population was only 2,284 people, while West Moreton, with half the population of East Moreton, returned three.[17]  As he explained, “it was ridiculous to say that property, income, and revenue could be made the test.”[18]

In rejecting representation based on privilege, Douglas demonstrated his liberal convictions.  Not for him the conservative argument that representation based on population would result “in all sorts of anarchy.”[19]  He concluded with a prophetic warning that although he supported Macalister, he reserved the right to oppose any measures as he saw fit.[20]  In its editorial on polling day, the Brisbane Courier soundly endorsed him, reminding its readership that if Douglas was not returned then he would once again be lost to parliament altogether, which would be a “national loss.”[21]

East Moreton returned two candidates, with Douglas winning the second seat.[22]  Yet again, he had been returned to parliament, this time vowing to put the public welfare before the “ties of party or the ties of personal obligation.”[23]   

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[1] De Satge, p. 238; Brisbane Courier, 27 August 1868, p. 3

[2] Brisbane Courier, 27 August 1868, p. 3

[3] Brisbane Courier, 21 September 1868, p. 2

[4] Brisbane Courier, 1 September 1868, p. 2

[5] Brisbane Courier, 21 September 1868, p. 2.  What the trip to England was for and why it did not eventuate is unknown, the Courier merely informing its readers that:  “Douglas would probably have been elected for eastern Downs without opposition, if he had not declined to stand because of his having to visit England.  A day or two ago it became known that his arrangements in this respect were changed, and that he is not leaving the colony.”

[6] Queensland Parliamentary Library.  Queensland Parliamentary Handbook:  The 48th Parliament.  Brisbane, Queensland Parliamentary Library, 1997, p. 287, 302 & 402

[7] “East Moreton Election.”  Brisbane Courier, 22 September 1868, p. 2.  , Macalister believed that to do otherwise “was to play into the hands of the enemy.”

[8] “Mr. Douglas at the Town Hall.”  Brisbane Courier, 23 September 1868, p. 2; Brisbane Courier, 28 September 1868, p. 2

[9] Brisbane Courier, 23 September 1868, p. 2

[10] Brisbane Courier, 22 September 1868, p. 2; See also, The Colonial Treasurer.  “Address in Reply to Opening Speech.”  Queensland Parliamentary Debates, vol 8, 1868-69, p. 46

[11] “Mr. Douglas at the Town Hall.”  Brisbane Courier, 23 September 1868, p. 2: Mr. Douglas.  “Address in Reply to Opening Speech.”  Queensland Parliamentary Debates, vol 8, 1868-69, p. 23

[12] “Mr. Douglas at the Town Hall.”  Brisbane Courier, 23 September 1868, p. 2

[13] John Douglas to Arthur Palmer, undated.  McIlwraith / Palmer Papers, John Oxley Library, Queensland State Library, OM 64-19/160

[14] Morrison (1961), p. 557

[15] Despite his absence, Douglas was successfully nominated by A. J. Hockings, the mayor of Brisbane, and seconded by George Grimes.

[16] “Mr. Douglas at the Town Hall.”  Brisbane Courier, 23 September 1868, p. 2

[17] Ibid.

[18] Ibid.

[19] Ibid.  Douglas rejected these fears, having “great faith in the people,” who responded with loud cheering.

[20] Brisbane Courier, 26 September 1868, p. 4

[21] Brisbane Courier, 28 September 1868, p. 2

[22] “East Moreton Election.”  Brisbane Courier, 30 September 1868, p. 3.  For a breakdown of the returns, see “East Moreton Election.”  Brisbane Courier, 29 September 1868, p. 3.  The election was held on 28 September 1868, with two candidates to be elected.  Francis received 460 votes, Douglas 393 and Cribb 287.

[23] “East Moreton Election.”  Brisbane Courier, 30 September 1868, p. 3