A REPLY.

Evening Star, Issue 7189, 18 April 1887, Page 3

A REPLY.

TO THE KDITOB. Sir,— lf anything were needed to show the w ak position taken up by the extreme disciples of Cobdcn it would be found in the circumstance that when fenced in a corner hy an array of facts ami figures which are indisputable they have recourse to that last weapon of the vanquished—abuse. As zeal for a sect in religion often substitutes itself for faith in the Original of all religions Iqhtand life so servitude to a political party, with all _ its behests and devices, is fatal to patriotism. In your editorial note dealing with my address on Protection you, Mr, in the interests of your political sect, not only resort to quibbling, but also take upon yourself tho privilege of a common scold. I have no desire, nor have I the t me in fact, to enter upon a discussion in your columns over the relative merits of Protection and Freetrade. The cause of industrial progress has, however, several champions who are able to hold their own against you, sir, and your Freetrade correspondents, and I fancy it will take you all your time to defend your favorite fetish from the attacks of such writers as Mr Richardson, of North-east Valley, and other contributors to your pages. You refer to some of my remarks as “merely nonsense”; and in return let me assure you that your observation to the effect that “Freetraders would have all industries grown freely and spontaneously in tho open air ” is the most precious piece of nonsense that I have met with for many a long day. H»w does this coincide with your action in advocating the granting of a big annual subsidy to the New Zealand Shipping Company .some time ago ? How does it tally with the fact that the runners employed by you are banded together to protect themselves, and that they refuse to allow Freetrade in the sale of your paper? How does it fit in with your advocacy of State aid to secondary education? To be consistent you diould advrcite Freetrade in all tilings, and condemn State inteiference in anything that tends to crush out competition. Do try and make an effort to be lugica’. —I am, etc., Taos. Bbacken, Dunedin, April 18.