PROVINCIALISM V. ABOLITION.

Bruce Herald, Volume IX, Issue 804, 19 May 1876, Page 5

PROVINCIALISM V. ABOLITION.

(To the Editor.) Sir, — I hope yon will allow me a small space to vindicate the political views which I hold in common with many others in thia Proviuce, views which, I regret to say, are most iutemperately and illogically assailed, and for the expression of which it is difficult to find a door of utterance in Dunedin. I am, I may say, a staunch Abolitionist, but I bave sufficient sense to see and admit tbat those who hold opinions on the points at issue different from mine may do so honestly, as I hold I do. All tbat I, and those who believe with me, wish from an opponent is credit for at leaat honesty of purpose. To tbis we are fairly entitled ; but it appears that in as far as some of tbe Dun- ! edin papers are concerned, we are not to be credited witb even the shadow of honestj'. It is well known, Sir, that a drum is capable of giving forth a great sound, and more — tbe cause of this is well known. Most men therefore who have read tbe leadingarticle in the Otago 'Guardian' of this morning, in reference to the late action ofthe Waste Lands Board, will immediately think of the drum theory. It has been suggested that the Hume and Co., from whom the Otago Harbor Board received an offer to deepen the channel up to Dunedin, have their habitat at the top of London-street. If so, it is more tban likely that they are extending their operations, and have in some way or other seized upon the tbe editorial chair of tbe ' Guardian.' /The writer is certainly entitled to no meau degree in tbe college of which Dr Hume holds the principalsbip. A more vulgar, ill-timed, and impertinent piece of bunkum tban tbe leader I have referred to bas not been permitted in this city for a long time. Even were the object of the writer to annihilate his influence, he could not adopt a more effectual plan than the course be bas taken. I have hitherto supported his paper, but I regret to say I cannot consistently do so auy longer. And what, Sir, I ask, is the meaning of all this abuse, so foul-mouthed and so undeserved from every point of view ? Tbe dirty linen wbich the Provincial maniac so publicly washes is his own, and does not belong to us who hold Abolitionist views. Tbe sale referred to had a most suspicious appearance of being projected in order to take the last possible drop of milk from the coav before she was banded over. J hold the sale would have been scandalous in any Government, Provincial or General, and hi qiioguc is altogether out of place. Tbe fact is. we have had too much ou both sides of this con tC'mptible tn quocjuc badinage. Tv quoque, forsooth ! let us not any more hear of a noble language profaned in this execrable fishwife brawl. The truth is, if this style of things is continued much longer, it will induce the belief wbich many perhaps unworthily maintain — viz., tbat the leaders of the Provincial party nre as unscrupulous as the most unscrupulous of the party they assail. I would be unwilling, ou my own part, to come to sucb a conclusion, but a few sucb rabid tirades as that under discussion may -well lead to that goal. In conclusion, let me add tbat his Honor may fervently pray, " Save me from my friends." I am, &c, Abolitionist, Dunedin, May 18, 1876.'