SOCIALISM.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 51, 23 November 1907, Page 3

SOCIALISM.

Sir, —Socialism is evidently a word to ooa ■ juro with,-, judging by the latest'adviccs of-F. \V. ; Burke.and J. L. Sievright. But we can safely say they -are issues to \vhich. the At-' torncy-Gehcral .'never'for •a: moment ■ contemplated adherence. But what is intended is that the poorest and meanest of his subjects shall bo entitled to a portion' of the "kind, sufficient food; and a degree of comfort.., - If Spencer's philosophy, " A system of individualism with equal rights and opportunities for all,' privileges for none," is right, how shall we treat old ag;o, tho weak, sick, and helpless poor with large families?. The plan of: this'unsentimental .savage woukl .be to knock 'them - on tiio 'head"when 'they' Bceorao unable to look after themselves. Another philosopher defines Socialism as the "pint that wants to be a quart aiid never can he. ' , Nobody that over desires contentment wishes t.i bo a quart. "They know the deceitfulness- of .riches, .they prefer . the golden moair" CJivo mo neither poverty nor riches," knowing that ";poverty takes away pith " nnd "richos"are like learning wherein our greater knowledge is a larger sight of 4 our waiits. Desires iulfilled teach us, to'desire more, ro we that at first were pleased are now grown insatiable." In a similar' way, whatever view wc take-of wealth it will bo found that greed, and discontent plays an overmastering part with tho average capitalist or'tiie hard > practical' business man of the world. Look at the number of deceased pefs6ns; estates' 1 reaching each into its thousands of pounds. By 'what insanity' or' fatality' I .know not, should men bo allowed to amass such .wealth, porfectly ignoring the divine command, "Feed my lambs." And hern 1 am prepared to contend that tho Government has no right to iriipose education on thp youth of this colouy ; unless it sees that every individual parent is provided with 'he means of properly feeding his children, tor, as I'pointed out in a former letter, if the child is underfed tho brain will not respond to the drafts put upon it. —I am, etc.,

A SUBSCRIBER. Picton. ,