THE TORIES AND THE DEMOCRACY.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXXIV, Issue 12941, 4 December 1909, Page 4

THE TORIES AND THE DEMOCRACY.

Yesterday's cables threw ' some little light on the present situation at Home, in regard to problems which Mr Lloyd George's Budget intended to deal with. The Liberals have issued a manifesto asking tho electors to decide whether they wish to govern themselves, or whether they will submit to a few hundred people who have been lucky enoueh to be born in the purple. What the ' Tory party thinks of ne situation is shown by various Unionists writing to Lord Landsowne, promising to support the House of Lords against the people. But already the ancient and hoary trick of throwing du^t in the people's eyes is commencing. Mr. Chamberlain is attempting to divert their attention from the Budget to Tariff Reform, and ingenuously announces that he is counting on the democracy of the East End of London (of all places) to helphim. The idea of a democracy kow-tow-ing to men who happen to possess handles to their names, and of the povertystricken East End helping the aristocracy to live in luxury while they starve, would be ludicrous if it were not for its insensate folly. What the condition of the East End democracy is, no one needs to be told : their condition has passed into a proverb to describe all that is squalid and wretched. As to tie democracy of the rest of England, some little li^ht is shed upon their condition by the following cable : — The Lord Mayor of Newrastle-o'n-T^ne has inaugurated a fxmd for the relief of the unemployed. He states that there are 40,000 sufferers (presumably at Newcastle) from the present depression.

And with the democracy in reed of relief funds, the Tory leaders imagine that they will be supported in the attempt to retain their riches, and their class rrivileges. Their fanatical attitude of mind is nreciselv the same as that of the nobles in France just prior to 1789.

The piano was invented in Italy some 400 years ago and was then a very crude affair, not at all like— either in tone, touch, or appearance — the beautiful instrumer ea with which we are now familiar It is difficult to say where the best pianos are made; indeed, there is not much td choose between the productions of the best German or English manufacturers. The selection of a piano is pretty much a question of individual taste and requirement. There are so many makers, so many prices and qualities which a purchaser must consider, that it is always advisable to consult a reliable firm of specialists,- preferably a firm with a good reputation, a thorough knowledge of the business, and a large stock to select from. Purcnase your piano from the Dresden Piano Company, Ltd; They are to be depended upon in all these respects. Time payments from 20s monthly. Local representative— L. W. W. Brown, Salefs Buildings, Guyton St.