WISDOM'S FOLLY.

Colonist, Volume LVI, Issue 13391, 12 February 1914, Page 2

WISDOM'S FOLLY.

It was the Tron Chancellor who on a well known occasion classed newspapers and newspaper men with vermin and reptiles and other unpleasant objects. So fixed was the view taken by Bismarck that even the subtleties of Bn.seh, his "tame journalist," failed to soften the asperity of his dictum. At the time there is no doubt that the Chancellor was annoyed, though the reason for his outburst has never been disclosed. .Tt is beyond question that at times most of us, even the seared and callous veteran of the pen himself, are rather inclined to agree with Bismarck. The most ardent manufacturer of ephemeral literature, prone though is bis class to take a 'busman's holiday, yearns at times for a desert island, or a world where printer's ink has been, forgotten and the tape machine abolished. In these days of stress it has been refreshing to reflect that somewhere oa the earth's surface there exists an oasis or two where the crisis bf tho moment may be forgotten and the share market be at rest. Such have been the Union-Cas-tle boats of the past (says the "Natal "Witness"). Now, alas, those happy days are over, and in future the mailboats will produce a news issue ten times in the course of each voyage. The current prices will, with deck sports, be equally the theme of discussion, and the mental lacuna obtainable only 'by a number of a small self-con-tained community Will be no longer available. Tt is doubtless a step in advance, but there will certainly be those who will yearn ungratefully for the old, peaceful days of oblivion, for the relaxation and refreshment of complete and admirable ignorance,.