THE LESSON OF THE ARGENTINE DISASTER.

Auckland Star, Volume XXI, Issue 185, 7 August 1890, Page 2

THE LESSON OF THE ARGENTINE DISASTER.

' '■ (To the Editor.) g IKj The horrible events that have been enacted within these last few days in the '•Argentine Republic will,have boen enacted . in vain unless they act as a warning to the rulers of those countries whose'future prosperity has been discounted by the reckloaa ' (extravagance which distinguishes not only the kindred South American Republics, but, ' unfortunately, these antipodean colonies, and above all others, this, our New Zealand. ■ In comparing theae Australasian colonies with the South American Republics, the comparison will only hold good in both being: ' alike overwhelmed in debt for borrowed ; millions, wasted in non-productive worke, i •' as well as having been flung right and left ' for the purchase of political support by •. . those who happened to be in office for the jj ' time feeing. ii . The people of the Argentine Republic i ■ have a more speedy way and a more pro- " nouncod one of giving y«nfc to their die- ■ satisfaction with their rulers than the mliabitants of these colonies. Lead and ' Btecl are their arguments ; here grumbling firet, then follow petitions, and there the matter has generally ended. But can we elwaye be sure if our grievances remain enredressed that the people will always ■ remain quiet like whipped hounds? Do our rulers think "the descendants of those who compelled the tyrant John to sign our Ma<niaCharta,andof those whoabrnptly termioafedthelineof the Stuarts," will submit to have their last penny wrung from them ? ■that the servants of the moat ponderous Government in proportion to population in thfc civilised world may wear tine .hneirand fare sumptuously, while those from whom the necessary funds are extracted a™ glad to obtain a sufficiency of the coarsest of food and wear the rags of indigence? or do they think that they will be held guiltless or the ! oppression they inflict upon the people by I the excessive burdens heaped upon them, tecause it is done with the sanction of men ' tyhofcave falsified their pledges, and misrepresent those who in their innocence be"'■lieved'these men worthy their confidence? .- . Gan it be doubted that the re-imposition of the property tax ia in direct opposition :tb the express" wish of the whole country from the North Cape to Invercarg.il? *S ''there' not been daring last throe years one continuous howl ot in-,

dignation against) the impoet, and yeb our masters turn a deaf ear to our appeal, and refuse to release us from the obnoxious burden and ita disastrous effects. Do they think to drown the voice of the people by the senseless clatter of their harangues in Parliament House ; or do they think that by a system of political intrigue they will render the people powerless ? Cannot they realise the fact thab there is a point of suffering to which people can and do submit, bub which, when passed, involves all alike in disaster (see Argentine Republic) ? Cannot they see thab that limit has almosb been reached in this country ? But well our masters know that such scenes as Buenos Ayrea has witnessed will nob happen here, toence their indifference to our cries; but the effect of not lightening our burdens can be none the leaa disastrous to the country. The hope thab the Government would be forced into drastic retrenchment, which buoyed up thousands in the country, has fled. There is nothing further to be done by those who have anything loft, but to gather together the remnanbs as quick as possible and lice the country. The exodus has been going on during: these last three yearsv Wo may now expect an increase in the stream ; nobbing will chock it bub an entire change in tho Government, coupled with economy of tho severest type in all its departments. Our hope of such a change taking place has died within us ; jast ac well ■expect oranges to grow upon apple tree*, or a leopard to change his spots, as , expect such a change in the men now in power, or those who are likely to succeed them.—-I am, etc.,

Si'AIITAN.