POLITICAL CALUMNY.

Bush Advocate, Volume XXI, Issue 290, 11 June 1909, Page 4

POLITICAL CALUMNY.

Men who give up their brains and time to the service of the public very often receive a large share of abuse and misrepresentation for their trouble. Possibly, by some of his own side the efforts of a leader may be appreciated, but what of those who are opposed to him? There is, of course, nothing new in a reflection of this nature, we admit. History has supplied many instances in illustration of the statement, and as the years roll onward human nature remains just' as itjvas centuries back^ In New Zealand, from the time the constitution was first granted, the calumny of public men by their opponents has been a subject of adverse comment . Sir George Grey, patriot though he was, had his detractors, and men of the Fox and Featherstone stamp did not escape the bitter misrepresentations of their political enemies. Sir Julius Yogel virtually lived in an atmosphere full of implied and openly-stated charges of corruption and veniality. John Ballance escaped not the lago-like inuendoes of his 'opponents, and the late Mr Seddon experienced ii full share of ungenerous reflections. It is no wonder, then, that the present Prime Minister, Sir Joseph Ward, is not escaping this form of mental torture, and the latest instance is supplied in the attitude adopted by some of his opponents in regard to his forthcoming visit' to England to take part in the Naval Conference. It is openly printed that the Premier is in a feverish state of anxiety to make the trip in order that he may secure some special mark of his sovereign's favor. It is covertly hinted that he hopes to obtain a baronetcy, a dukedom, or a distinction of some nature far in advance of anything of the kind yet granted to a New Zealand colonist. No thought is given to the fact that the Premior is called upon to act as the representative of the dominion — that the position is iiot one of his own personal seeking, and that the Conference is of such a strikingly important nature that it would "bo most difficult, even if he felt inclined, to I refuse the call. The continued per- ! sona] abuse and misrepresentation ! showered upon loading politicians is a most regrettable feature of public life in this colony. xl great deal more is uttered at street corners than is ever given publication in the daily, newspapers, but. quite sufficient reaches the eye of the public to illus-

trato tho truth of these remarks. The lowering effect of all this in political matters is painfully apparent. It tends to make men who are well fitted to adorn our legislature refrain from dealing in politics, and it must assist to make a man absolutely callous who finds himself continuously assailed with charges of political tergiversation. But it seems unfortunately to be so strongly associated with the Party system as to be tin- ! avoidable, and there is every reason to fear that it will remain as a blight upon political life until that system is abolished.