FRAUDS.

Evening Star, Issue 8058, 7 November 1889, Page 3

FRAUDS.

I TO THE EDITOR. I Sill,—Clampett alias Sullivan's fraud may be termed a physical one, so far as tho man is concerned. The will-o'-the-wisp—Protec-tion—by which Parliament is entered in many instances may be tormed a metaphysical one. Many think a golden sovereign will purchase moro than its intrinsic value. Many think Protection makes our wages higher and food cheaper. Could there be greater folly ? As to a sovereign's value, let me illustrate what came under the writer's knowledge many years ago. Two whalers met in the North Pacific Ocean on excellent whaling ground—i.e., there wero plenty of whales. Now, everyone knows copper nails are used in boatbuilding, and whales cannot be caught without boats. One ship had unfortunately smashed all her boats, and was helpless. Her supply of copper nails was exhausted, but her captain had a good supply of gold. The other ship had plenty of nails, and her boats were sound. The two men traded. One well knew that his boats might be swamped any day, and copper nails would then bo valuable to him ; hence they agreed copper nails should go in one scale and sovereigns in the other. This they did, and sold to each other accordingly. Here was a practical lesson in what is known as political economy. Does America give her workmen shorter hours and better pay? Ask the New York tram-drivers and long shore men. What should be the duty of the directors which we call a Government ? Simply to make every necessary of life as cheap as possible, leaving to the labor organisation to say to capital, vide Mr i Punch, "I don't want to be unreasonable, but if in a general way you'd think less of your luxuries and more of my necessities, it would be better for trade all round." I honestly believe wo like fraud, even a spice of the creature Clampctt and his intended confessional,—l am, etc., Lumper. Dunedin, November 5.