STRAIGHT TALK

Fair Play, Volume I, Issue 25, 1 September 1894, Page 1

STRAIGHT TALK

Eugene, the spiritualised ex-publican and coal-porter, has -departed from our shores in a very orthodox and conventional manner. There is no doubt that a number of Wellingfconians were fully prepared to see him ascend heavenward—like Elijah —in a fiery chariot, or to make a dramatic descent to Hades, smoking a Dollar Cigarette, after the manner of John Wellington Wells in the “ Sorcerer.” But as this kind of an exit would have ,possibly been contingent to the fulfilment of his itheir disappointment is a matter highly satisfactory to the rest of the community.

We have yet a great deal to learn about psychical matters; and the exhibition of powers and conditions, such as have been manifested by Eugene and many others, in the successful diagnosis of disease, clearly indicate the.existence of “mow things on earth and under heaven than men dream of, 1 ' which, in the future, may be utilised to promote the health and welfare of the human race. So far—with the exception of hypnotism—no great advantage has accrued to medical science through these developments, and the possession of the veriest minimum of occult power has generally induced the practising of the maximum amount of fraud and deception.

It is to be regretted that thpse.so endowed cannot confine themselves to the cultivation of their faculty in combatting the woes [and ills of. men, without venturing into the realms of prophecy, where they always come to grief. With the unmistak* able evidence—afforded by. the telephone and phonograph—that sound is produced by minute and invisible vibrations, it is not logical to deny that a highly-organised human being, with the

aid of special nervous magnetic qualities, might, by actual contact, report on the “ state of our liver,” or toll us what we had for dinner; but when thoy predict earthquakes and the end of the world, we want to know why they cannot give a preliminary and substantial proof of their abilities by correotly “tipping”, the next winner of the Melbourne Cup, or describing the <Vhore abouts of the Hon. Mr. Ward’s much-disputed surplus.

The deplorable part of the business is that the vagaries and /sophisms of this spiritual crank have been the moans of produc* ing a miniature exodus, and of breaking up the homes of a few respectable but simple-minded citizens, who will probably live to regret their fatuous credulity. The Government’s crusade against laiaaez feme should certainly extend to special restrictive legislation against prophecy.

The country has certainly reason to bo thankful for tho alteration of the Standing Orders in respect to the “ timelimit/ otherwise the debate on the Budget would have outrivailed the longevity of the Mercantile Bank trial in Melbourne. The con. tinued “ harking back” and stirring-up of old party sores, which ought to be forgotten, is greatly to bo deprecated; and beyond satisfying the vanity of those members who wish to advertise their success in imposing themselves on a long-suffering country, we cannot see that any good is effected. Tho now members rise in our esteem. They have no political' antecedents.

Amongst other senseless twiddle, the accusation, and counter-accusation, of having brought Bfr Harry Atkinson to an untimely grave, formed an example of unwarranted perversion of truth and reason, which stands condemned and ridiculed by its very absurdity, They might as well ask “ Who killed Cock Robin?” ;

Apropos of Sir Harry. He was in many respects &fin de siecle statesman. He saw the necessity for compulsory life in. surance and old age pensions, which will yet be forced upon the notice of those who deem it of minor importance. Sir- Robert Stout has played with the question in a dilletante fashion, but apparently, is not able, or does not care to formulate anything practical.

The only practical method is the collecting premiums by taxation and paying death claims out of consolidated revenue. A “time residence clause” would prevent the influx of aged and indigent persons from the neighbouring "Colonies. It will have to come. The old people have assisted in creating the wealth of the country, and are possessed of—votes.

The lease in perpetuity, if persisted in, is likely to cost the Government the adherence of some of their most erstwhile devoted supporters. Many members have perceived unmistakeable indications that their constituents expect them to sacrifice party to principle in this instance.

The passing show moves on, and we shall soon have Eight Hours’ Demonstration Day with us again. It is always an interest, ing and pleasing spectacle, especially to those who realise that the social and economic changes of the present and future depend upon the desires, aspirations, and knowledge of that class who form the basis and foundation of society. Every period of civilization has had its distinct form of pageantry—which dumbly, or with martial music, poem, or song, illustrated the spirit of the age and asserted its right or pretence to existence. The trium'pha celebration of the earliest of Labour’s victories has a prophetic significance, which overshadows the nominal motive of the dis» play. It predicts the union of two great forces—lndustry and Democracy—and gives hope of future peace, goo lwilli social harmony, and human welfare, which Militarism, Bureau ocracy, Autocracy, or Plutocracy have signally failed to achieve

How soon the change will take place is hard to tell. Judging from the amount of enthusiasm and unity of purpose displayed in promoting this celebration—not long. But looking back at the history of the past' year, and dimly realising the vast amount of energy wasted in dealing with “ eflect,” to the utter neglect of “ cause”—it is hard- to say when, and is discouraging to all but the most sanguine. Tinkering, tinker ing, tinkering, is the order of the day. Governments, trade unions, c hurches, and almost every organisation which is sup posed to have the welfare of the people in their care, have been putting patch over patch on the social saucepan, till the origina bottom is almost hid from view.

Expediency and Opportunism reign almost supreme Human nature is being so bound up with legislative restrictions and economic olass disabilites, that the scientific anarchist who preaches the abolition of all Governments, laws, and classes is being regarded as x'easonable person. Education in economics is the people’s only hope. Their term of bondage depends upon themselves. '

The financial depression which has most undoubtedly been afflicting New Zealand for some time past, the recent Bank

legislation, the Cheap Money scheme, and the assurance of the Hon. J. G. Ward that “ the country must have a plentiful supply of money,” has been the means of giving the “ currency question’ ’ a prominence which it never previously occupied. The undeniable fact that we are about to enter on another era of borrowing, is, in many quarters, hailed with undisguised disapproval, and it is beginning to dawn on- the public mind that “ money” has a character and a power altogether distinct from “ capital.”

The borrowing of the past can be easily understood. In the early development of the colony, true capital,in the form of “ wealth for the production of wealth,” comprising, implements, materials, spate subsistence for labour employed in making our railways, roads, and harbours was necessary, and the greater part of the borrowed wealth which reached our shores did not consist of specie. But to-day—viewing our present facilities for production, transport, exchange, and distribution, and realizing the extent of our capiatlised wealth—it is only possible to reconcile the need for private or public borrowing with the want of a “ medium of exchange.”

The recent action for libel brought by eight Gisborne hotelkeepers against a Mrs. Dunlop for allegations made in a letter headed “ Revelations of the trade,” is an instance of the folly o relying on hearsay evidence, and rushing into print on a wave of inflamed and excited moral or religious enthusiasm. The case was given against her—with damages at .£so and it will probably serve as a warning to those ladies whose ignorance and zeal are likely to lead them into trouble. Actual fact, incontrovertible truth, drawn from personal knowledge, is far more necessary to form the base and frame of such denunciatory epistle, than the vivid imagination and boiling indignation which supplies the detail and colouring.

The case is interesting, as it exemplifies not only the weakness of the sex in allowing sentiment and zeal to overcome discretion, but shows an amount of “ grit” and “ backbone” which is quite an “ up-to-date,”. characteristic of the “New Woman.” She apparently made Mr. D. take a back seat, disregarded his advice not to publish it, and declined to express regret for havng done so.

The funny part of the business is that her husband holds a wholesale license, and the money to pay the damages will probably have to be derived from the very trade she condemns. This illustrates the prevailing irresponsibility felt by persons supported, but not directly connected, with questionable businesses. Even Lady Henry Somerset, the priestess of total abstinence, held two licensed houses. We consider that persons who live on rent, interest, or profits of wholesale supplies derived from public houses are as morally responsible as the much maligned hotelkeeper.

Unfortunately, the solidarity of society is not understood or thought of, so we shall for some time yet have to silently submit to the incongruity of seeing drunkenness, immorality, sweating, and other evil things denounced by those who indirectly thrive on them. As yet, the slum-owner, the ground landlord of the site on which a low publichouse or brothel held exempt from moral responsibility; but,the quickening of the public conscience will soon impugn their respectability and, treat them with the same aversion ana contempt as has hitherto been meted out to their meaner instruments. '

That the Chineseiri the Australasian Colonies are viewing the quarrel between their own- country and Japan with great interest, is seen by conversing with any member of the “ Flowery Land.” In their last war the Chinese were xinprepared, neither their troops nor vessels, being properly equipped. To-day it is different. Their navy is formidable. Machine guns and- the latest rifles are used and understood by their soldiers, while the Western mode of drill has been adopted throughout the land. With her vast population, China in 1894 stands a menace to the whole world.

Will the increasing importance of China as a Power iq‘ fluenoe these Colonies ? That is a question not easily answered. In New Zealand there, are some 7000 Chinese, and in Australia and the Islands nearly ten times that number. The wholo of Northern Australia is over-run by them, and a direct line of communication with China is kept open by means of the numerous stations on New Guinea, Java, Sumatra, &c.

The popular idea amongst the Celestials resident here is that China will some day own Australasia. They know that she has more soldiers than any other country in the world, and they think that it only requires a big European war to give her a chance to swoop upon us. The thing seems improbable, let us hope impossible; yet strange things have happened in history.

We are taught to despise the Chinese as a race. But no country bearing her population can be despised, especially when we know the latest improvements in warfare are known and practiced by them . When outnumbered, John Chinaman is a polite, harmless creature; give him the reins though, and his cruel nature asserts itself.

A Globe-trotter, of a distinctly Conservative type —who had been sojourning in the South—vehemently declaiming on the evils resulting from our extended franchise said:—“ You have given a vote to every tramp, drunkard, vagabond, and street-corner loafer, and look what they’ve done! Why, in Dunedin alone they’ve shut up twenty two hotels!” He has a number of equally interesting notes,- which will, be handed to Miss Shaw the Times correspondent, or published in book form.

Karl Pearson has been writing in the Fortnightly Review on “ Woman and Labour.” He anticipates—in the dim future —a “National Insurance against Motherhood.” We suppose the premium for old maids will be low. . What price twins ?