TOWN EDITION.

THE OUTSIDE WOULD.

If Mr Varnoy Parkes is well-informed in the matter of the charges he has 'brought against the Public Works -„ Department of iS'ew South Wales he lias unearthed a shocking scandal. It is to be hoped this business will be probed to the bottom. Many circumstances of late years, in many countries, seem to point to the conclusion that Democracy must necessarily involve swindling and corruption, We do not take that view, but we do say that it is absolutely necessary fcf the peoples of all countries to bo more insistant upon purity of administration if they wish to gave the character of manhood suffrage as a working system for governing States.

There was much corruption in "France under the Empire, but there has been more since, and it has been anore open and shameless. In the United States manhood suffrage has given us one of the most far-reaching and comprehensive organisations for blackmailing, swindling, and trafficking in crime that the world has even seen, in the infamous Tammany Eing, Newfoundland is corrupt to the core, and most of her politicians ought to ht l ia gaol. It is biifc tho other <Jay that! gigantic frauds in connection with the Canadian Public Works Department were revealed. \n Australia the banking frauds tjommitted by politicians during the last few years have made the whole world stand aghast. In New .Zealand we have our banking iniquity, forced through the House by politicians whose names are now called in question by allegations as to an immense mocey gift from the banks interested.

Must we, then, conclude that Democracy and corrupt administration are synonymous terms ? Not at nil. The curße 0" modern politics is not 'tire broad basis upon which they are reared, but Party Government. This divides those who ought to be united. The voters are cleverly coaxed or driven into camps, and are then put upon 'their metal to fight for the camp they happen to be in, whether it be composed chiefly of rogues or not. What happens when a party are charged with corruption is not so much a desire by that party to court enquiry and nurge themselves of the accusation, but "a determination to resist enquiry and to shield their leaders. That is not because the rank and file are corrupt, bat because they bavc allowed themselves to be beguiled by a false standard of honor. What Democracy has yet to learn is that allegiance to party is frequently treason to the people,

Democracy must at least be respectable, or the inevitable reaction will come. Corruption sickens the great body'of the people, and prepares them to welcome even adventurers of the Due d'Orleans type. Let it not be forgotten that the Third Empire, although nominally the result of the wicked crime known to history as the coup d'etat, was preceded by manhood suffrage, and later wag supported by 'it. The Due d'Orleans even now thinks <thafc the time has come to tempt those in France who are apprehensive because Democracy has permitted corruption, and who therefore make the mistake of 'supposing that Democracy wishes corruption. The Democracy is honest enough, but is not energetic enough. It is not only that " The price of liberty is eternal vigilance," but that to ensure cleanliness of administration the Democracy needs to keep its weather eye open, and to resolutely refuse to have anything to do with leaders whose honesty 13 not above suspicion.

The other member of the Orleans •family mentioned in the cable message just incidentally alluded to is Prince Henry, recently decorated by France in consequence of his geographical discoveries in Asia. His father was the Due de Ohartres, who as member of one o£ the families that had reigned in s'rance was banished. In 1870 he desired to fight for his country, and to evade the law of banishment he entered France under the assumed name oE 'Robert le Fort and volunteered into the army. He served under General Chanzy, and displayed great bravery. His daring was noticed, and later he received a decoration at the hands of Gambetta. The decoration, which was credited to " Robert le Fort," was left by the Due de Ohartres to his son.

The latter was entertained at a grand dinner shortly after his return to Paris from Asia—the dinner was exactly two months ago —and he made a shrewd electioneering speech. Here is an extract from it:—" 1 hare endeavored to remember two counsels given by my grandfather, the Duke of Orleans, in his admirable will — 'Be passionate servants of the Eevolution and manage to get forgiven for being Princes.' I think I have obtained that pardon. In bestowing on me the cross which my father received from Gambetta the Government of the Republic has given me, if not a complete absolution—for wo are still deprived of the rights of citizen3 —at least a partial one. You have kindly honored tho presentation to me of this decoration, which I highly value. In receiving me you have said to yourselves that there was one Frenchman more among you, and you have clasped the hand of a fellow-countryman who has done his best to deserve well of the Fatherland."

Reference wag made in this column yesterday to the backward condition of education in Russia. Japan affords a striking contrast, taking into account that the latter country is only just emerging from a feudal system akin to semibarbarism. The Japanese system of education is one of universal schools under popular control. Attendance is compulsory from six to fourteen years ~ oE age, and there are excellent kinderv garten schools for children between three and six years, to instruct them in such branches as " foster moral virtues, promote physical development, train in wood habits, and unfold the intellectual faculties." There are 12,383 school districts in Japan, and the local authorities have under their control 26,017 elementary schools, of which 25,277 are public schools. There are also under the local authorities 94 training colleges for teachers, 02 secondary schools, 81 higher schools for females, 55 special schools, and 16,050 miscellaneous schools.

The British Government intend to force through the House of Commons their Voluntary Schools Bill by limiting discussion. Tho cable informs us that there are already fifteen hundred proposed amendments to various clauses of this unjust measure, but as the Government have a big majority they can apply the guillotine to debate and by sheer power of numbers carry their Bill. We shall no doubc see plenty of " dumb dog " voting. That is one of the great evils of largo majorities behind a Government. They feel themselves above criticism, and do not care for expressions of opinion. That misfortune has been weighing heavily upon New Zealand since 18!)o. If oar own Government had possessed a majority of only ten or twelve they would have been compelled to justify their actions instead of forcing them through by wooden majorities.

The construction oE tlio Akashuh railway, we arc told, is proceeding at the rate of a mile and a hall a day. But this rapid rate can be easily discounted. The line, or a great part of it, is already in exigence so far as the metals are concerned, for it was laid down when the last Soudan trouble was being: fought out. When it was abandoned tho natives stolo all the sleepers for lirowood, niul found them much better producers oil caloric on cold nights than the usual fuel of dried camel duDg,

But they could not well steal the metals, so that tho troops now working under Colonel Kitchener at railway building have little to do beyond replacing the sleepers for a considerable part of the distance. For the rest, the country is flat, and offers few obstacles to fast plate-laying.

Captain Xldwin wired at 12.35 thia afternoon ':—" Indications of eaetorly wind, and increasing eoa on coaat; glass full." It has boon repotted to the police that a shepherd named Charles Bridge was drq> n pfl whilst crossing the river near Oraahn. Hia body has been takou to Mf V. Broughton'g residence, a<s iht) banks ia ]3awlrs'fl Bay will be I 'closed on Monflfey aaiA Tttesday next, Tb'3 \wual fortnightly meeting of tha Muaioipal Council will he held this evening. Detective Kirby was taken to Wellington by the express traiu to-day in onstody of Constable Miller to stand hie trial on the oharges npon whioh he was arrested. The Premier will deliver a political address ia jNapier on Tuesday evening next. Mr J. J. Konnody, the well known actor, ia at present & patient in the Auckland Hospital. On Thursday last he Underwent a success!wl operation, »nd is showing , signe of improvement, although his oonaition is ecill serions. Writes a London correspondent—"lho fact that Sir Westby Perceval has, in ed- \ dition to joining the board of tlae Oonsolidated .ioldfiolds o£ New Zealand Company, allowed himself to bo placed on tho direoterfite of tho Colonial OonHgnniont; and .Oistributiou Company, is taken by some to signify tha!; he doe') rut raaan to re-enter public life =." Slew Zealund." £& W. T. Sharp gave hia tenth .organ reoitol at tho Cathedral last evening oefore a Jsrgo aadienfe. Tlio programme of sekotiona wss G'3 vuried'as it was pleasing, and each Itera was executed with a oaref nlJiesa and preoiaion that displayod to great Rdvautago the skill of the organist. The vocalists wero Mrs Einoh, and Mieses Marett and Chegwiddea. The two first named coag tho duet preceding the ohorna from Mendelssohn's *• Lobgoaeng," and " 0 JHest iv the Lord " from " Elijah."

iho Haval Astillory Corps mastered well for ocmpßny parada last evening. The arms ami accoutrements wore inspected by Oaptain Emith, but owing to tha preparationa ia progress for to-night's ball, the usual drill was dispensed tiiili. At the conclusiofl of the parade thiee years' efficiency badweb were presented ns follows: — F&sVciasaP.O. Wlmo; Second-class P.O.'s Saarfe and Andrews, Grs. Bull, Qiaraburt, E&. Frp.nklic, Young, J. Franklin, Gilding, and Long. OE thia number, P.O.'s White and iicarfe, and Gre. Bull and M Franklin are also in possession of efficiency badges for tho BeEvieo during tho yerjrs vß9o s 1891, and 1892

A p'aseant surprise awaits visitors to tho military ball at tbo drill ahod to-night. The comrnittes, assisted I ye, bnud oJ willing helpers, bavo been working nifjfat and day, decorating tha interka , or the building end inakinj? all necessary pL'sparatieas, '.the monotony of the graeuery embellishments has bsea b'oisen by picturae, company trophies, and photographs liung round the room, and a plentiful array of bunting gryea the whole h very pleasing efleot. The band stand has been placed in the centre of the room, an arrangement which always finds favor with dancers. 'Ihe refresh • meats will ba dispensed cv a very methodical scale. Viaitora on arriving will be furniehad with tickets ior the first or seoond supper aa the caso may be, aud it will be notified on tho programme at what part of tha proceedings refreshments will be available, By this arrangement it is hoped the rush and disagreeablenesa usually attending such f unctions will be gseatly minimised if not doss away wittt altogether. Tha music wfll be supplied by J&Fewboald'e string band, whilst the Garrison Band will ploy the opeaing march and several extras. |

DatiDg from Monday last a maximum rate of 30a per truote will be charged for firewood from stations between Woodville and Kopus, inclusive to stations between Hastings and Spit This rate will operate for six months in order to toat whether an increased firewood traffic can be worked up. Amongst tile passengers from Auokland for 'Frisco by the Alameda on Saturday were Messrs L. D. Wathan, James and W. Kussell, C. A. Harris, Jamea Stewart, Douglas M'Lean (of Napier), Mr and Mis Hicel Markham, and Mr Bobins, of the New Zealand Government Produce Department. The names of Mesers J. P. Hamlin and J. T. Oarr wero published in the Court civil liat in error yesterday, they haying previously settled up with the Income Tax Uotamioaioner. Tho committee of the H.B. Coursing Club have decided to oomplete one event, the Maiden Stakes, on Saturday, instead of the practioe followed at the inaugural meeting, whon the fiaals were all arranged to finish on the last day of tho gathering. This arrangement will be more satisfactory to visitors.

A private letter received at LytteUon from .Shanghai mentions that about a dozen New Zealanders are doing well there in different employs. Mr 3S. i , . S. Maundrell, who was for ov«r eight years in the Union Company's employment, is now chief officer of the s.B Mgankin. Mr B. Stringer, of Christchurch, is second offioer of tho Saakin; Messrs l! , . Crocs and H. Ooe, oi Ohristchurch, second officers ia a Japanese Company; Mr J. Hinton, of Dunedio, second officer of a O.N. Company's steamer; aud Mr i'atoa, of Taranaki, second ofiioer in Jardiae M. and Company's fleet.