ELECTIONEERING AT HOME.

Colonist, Volume LII, Issue 12753, 28 March 1910, Page 1

ELECTIONEERING AT HOME.

"The Times" (London) discusses the 1 ethics Nof modem electioneering methods, and its dignified protest against their unscrupulousness is very significant as a sign of a, reaction. "Puncli," with its usual wit and aptness, has a' cartoon on the subject. This represents John Bull looking down ""The Poisoned Well," which has evidently been fed by a hose filled with "election lies." Voice of Truth (from bottom of well) : "Is this going on much longer?" John Bull: "No: it's nearly over. "Voice of Truth ;• "Thank Heaven." Apropos <jf canvassing and election speeches an amusing anecdote is related of John Stuart Mill. When that famous logician stood for Westminster in 1860, he declined altogether to conduct a personal canvass, but spared no pains to inform the electors exactly what his views were. He had in a pamphlet expressed the opinion that the working clases, though differing from those of other countries in being ashamed of lying, were yet generally liars. At a meeting composed mainly of working men this outspoken philosopher was asked if he had used such words, and he at onco paid "Yes." Much to his surprise, his answer was greeted with vehement applause. It was evident that his hearers were so accustomed to evasion and subterfuge in candidates that they appreciated a direct reply when they got it, however unpalatable it might l>e, and instead of being affronted, tbev at once concluded Mill was a man to be trusted. He- secured the seat. "The Times" indulges in a wish that such incidents were more common on modern political platforms, and that methods such is Mill's were more in vogue at modern elections. The flysheets issued during the recent election and the wosters placarded on walls come in for special condemnation on account of tho lies they disseroinated. The late Bishop Creighton made a sweeping denouncement of the demoralising effect of electioneering, when in writing to a friend lie said : "I am convinced that every time tho moral and cultivated man exercises bis right to vote lie seriously impairs his morality and his culture. The wrath one feels against opponents, tho contempt for their intelligence, and the doubt about their honesty — this destroys that charity which is tho highest aim of morality."