Patriotism.

Otago Witness, Issue 3085, 30 April 1913, Page 5

Patriotism.

TO THE EDITOB. y lß> —Beaten decisively in open con troversy, *'Civis” lias found it convenient to evade the issue, and has reverted to the use of Billingsgate. Timo-honouted custom is religiously .observed, and with this object of minimising the defeat sustained graceful references to “anti-militarists, little Englanders,” and “traitors” are floating around. His present attitude is that' of one who strikes a dastard’s blow, and when punishment is being meted out resorts to the pitiful whine that the coward stroke was dealt in kindness and good-fellowship. Your contributor cannot ho congratulated upon the fellow “patriot” whom he has partially unearthed from congenial obscurity. Nameless now, lie would also ho nameless in the day of conflict, and his apprehensions regarding foreign drill-ser-geants would bo abundantly justified did our freedom depend upon the ellorts of “patriots” of his Competent authorities arc now of opinion that the weapons and methods of warfare employed hv the pvgmies encountered by Stanley are antiquated. With prophetic instinct this brand of “patrot” real -r.s that, did the manhood of liic country fall in its defence, lie would remain in existence to receive' unwelcome attentions, and should tiis anticipations prove us false as his statements it requires no prophet to predict that none of his wounds will he, found in front. A reputation for “patriotism” is cheaply gained at the tankard’s mouth, hut the value of such “patriotism” is considerably discounted bv the knowledge that at the” whistle of a hostile bullet the windy jingoism would leave a track of dust for miles.— l am. etc., W. P. C'Ottkr. Hawea Flat, April 19. [We have omitted several abusive sentences from the above letter. —Ed. O.D.T.]