Current Comment.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXIV, Issue XXII, 2 June 1900, Page 1018

Current Comment.

THE NEWSPAPER AND ITS EDITOR.

The globe. as has been said, is one vast whispering’ gallery, and the editor lias the telephone in his hands. The connecting stations are really the newspaper offices, which obtain intelligence of events earlier than the statesmen, and can manipulate news in such a way as to affect the public mind with ease and certainty. The average man does not wait for the official statement in Parliament; he reads his paper and believes what it says—“he saw it in print,” and that is enough for him. Now the power of such an organ is great enough when what is presented to the reader flows from an impersonal source and is supported by the impersonal editorial utterance which only a minority reads. But. given a newspaper with a million circulation and a powerful, audacious, well-known, and well-ad-vert ised figure behind it as editor, and the effect it might easily produce on public opinion would lx l dangerous to what we regard as the safeguard of politics—the ascendency of responsible statesmen. Jefferson said that if he had to choose between a country with a government and no newspapers, and a country with newspapers and no government, he would choose the latter: but Jefferson had no belief that multitudes require at once leadership and restraint. That leadership we are convinced they must have, but it must be a responsible leadership. hedged round by responsibilities, and not the leadership of a ‘■chartered libertine” of discussion and recrimination. Mr Delane as editor of the “Times” for many -years had more than the power of any Cabinet Minister except the Premier: but Mr Delane as recognised chief of the “Times” would under a £lO suffrage have overshadowed the whole Administration. That very thing- happened in America when Horace Greeley imposed himself on his jiarty as its only possible candidate for the Presidency. We cannot believe that this would be :rn improvement on the present state of affairs, though the present state leaves distinctly too much power over opinion to the capitalist.

FACILIS DESCENSUS AVERNO

The totalisator is an initial step to allure inexperienced lads towards that sulphurous region, when it tempts them to take that which belongs to another to invest thereon. Therefore, the machine should be correspondingly taxed, so as to provide a fund for the purpose of restitution to the rightful owner of the embezzlements of the unguarded transgressors. Not that they should go scot free, but that sufficient punishment should be meted out to them in order to restrain the weak youths from evil temptation. The lessees of the machines in Wellington have apparently a perpetual lease of them, and make a very comfortable living out of them by travelling with them all over the colony, to victimise and entrap the unwary. They. too. should be heavily handicapped by special license, as the use of the machine is legalised. so nnich so that a fund maybe raised for the support of those who have become incurable victims. In that wny. out of evil might come good.—“ Flying Fox” in Christchurch “Press.”

THE END OF THE TURK.

it is wonderful, as Carlyle said, how long a rotten fabric will last. We suppose that Providence permits this mystery for large ends unperceived by our finite minds, and we accept the fact. Hut it .is certainly strange that Turkey, menaced all round, honeycombed by internal rottenness and discontent, plundered by a gang of maiaudiug rulers, and treated as no longer a really sovereign Power, should yet continue to endure—a great barbarism in the very midst of civilisation, .and occupying the central part of tlie habitable glob,*. Since- the battle of Lepanto Turkey has declined, she has seen slice after slice of her territory annexed by her great Northern foe within half a ceutury she has lost half of her

population and most of her European dominions, and to-day her most vital material interests are threatened by two great European Powers. A writer in Tuesday’s “Standard” has described her bankrupt Treasury, and the povertystricken families of her unpaid soldiers and officials. Yet Turkey continues. and it may be that, taking into consideration the mutual jealousies of European Powers, she will continue to endure as a tolerated State for some years to come, especially when we remember her (theocratic character, which binds her people together in a bond stronger than that of mere politics, and her brave and powerful army. We cannot teil, but one thing- we do know, and that is the Turkish Power will end as it began, in a torrent of blood and an avalanche of ruin. The Ottoman horde will be consistent throughout its history, and will, in vulgar language, “die game.”—‘‘Spectator.”

4* 4* 4* MAUSERS FOR NEW ZEALAND.

The suggestion has been made that the New Zealand Government should endeavour to obtain a supply of Mausers from South Africa when the war is over, and although some may deem it ridiculous, to our mind there is nothing absurd in the idea. Whether the Imperial Government should make us a present of rifles in return for our services is quite another question; those services were given spontaneously, and we certainly 'look for no reward. Rut there will surely be a superfluity of weapons at the Cape, and the colonial Governments should at least have an opportunity of obtaining a supply at a reasonable cost. The war has shown us which is the most useful rifle, and we would be wise to profit by the experience of the British troops. We trust that Mt- Laurenson will not be alone in urging the Government to re-arm the volunteei's, and that there will be no delay in carrying out thework.

+ d* + SIR ROBERT STOUT SNUBBED.

The real point, however, at issue between the contending parties is not as to the strength of the popular Australian feeling on the subject of appeals to the Privy Council. It may be quite true, as Sir Robert says, that the limitation of the right will not tend to the disruption of the Empire. Why, indeed, should tlie Australians be perturbed at all by the two or three cases a year which the full right of appeal brings forth? The real pofnf is as to the British feeling on the subject. The right of appeal to the Privy Council now exists, and many people who do business with Australia regard that right as a safeguard to their interests. They may be right or they may be wrong —that is a question of theory. That they hold the opinion strongly is a matter of fact. The fact is all the more significant because the Imperial connection is a partnership of two sides, to one of which the upholders of the appeal belong. The terms of that partnership cannot be altered at the bidding of one of the parties. They can only be altered by the agreement of both, and agreement will come all the sooner if they are left to themselves. When the question of reforming the New Zealand Constitution on this or any similar point comes up for settlement. it ought not to do so on the motion of the Chief Justice of the Colony. His wide knowledge, ripe experience, and undoubted patriotism are such as to give importance to his utterances on subjects affecting the efficiency of the Judicature and the liberties of the people. But it would be more correct, more becoming and more dignified for him to wait until the Parliament or the Executive asked him for his opinion. instead of “rushing into print” with all the eagerness of his debating club days.

t- -iTWO SORTS OF LADY BIKE—ISTS.

It is a matter of surprise to me, says “Theta” iu the “N.Z. Wheelman,” that ao many cyclistes.consider it infra dig to clean their own bicycles. There is no better nmuKement for a wet morning than to protect one's hands with u pair of loose-fitting gloves,

arm oneself with some pieces of soft rag and piece of wash-leather or.selvyt, and tackle a bicycle which looks “sad for the want of a wash.” It is no good being in a hurry over this task; and, if possible, find a friend who will stand by and sympathise if you pinch your finger iu the wheel or nearly knock your eve ont with the handle-bar. Do not devote all your time to polishing the plated parts; the appearance of a cycle is much improved by the rims of the wheels being kept clean. A welleared for mount never has dusty hubs, a matter which the hired bo\- very often overlooks. When one has the whole and sole care of a machine, there is such a satisfaction in knowing that whenever the clouds clear and the roads dry, there is nothing to do but to don a cycling skirt and be off—no need to look over what von have done yourselves—and enjoy 'the satisfaction of a smart-looking mount. There are other wheelwomen who are slaves to their bicycles. They do not seem to realise that bicycles are to serve them, but they to serve their bicycles. Ail their time is spent either in the saddle or in caring for their machines; their strength, health, and leisurehour is made to bow before the bicycle. A good cleaning and oiling occasionally, and once in a while a thorough overlooking, is much better for both rider and machine than an eternal round of riding, rubbing, ami oiling. The woman who is a slave to her bicycle thinks and talks of little else .but her beloved machine, and she is apt to prove a tiresome conversationalist and companion. While cycling is the best of pastimes in which a woman may indulge, yet it should not be allowed to consume all of her time, and her bicycle should be out of sight and out of mind for a time each day.

IRAII LING IN TASMAN BAY

It is very satisfactory to be asSl,r cd by such a competent authority as Mr Ayson, the Curator of Fisheries, that Tasman Bay contains a greater variety of marketable fishes than any other of the coastal waters of New Zealand so far subjected to experimental trawling. The visit of ike Boto trawler to Nelson -is theix?fore of considerable importance, and it is hoped that as a result capital may be forthcoming to equip an efficient local trawling vessel. Some time ago one of the Nelson fishermen started the industry; but he had the misfortune to lack experience and to begin with a boat not strong enough to haul the nets at sufficient speed. Ihe consequence was that he lost money, and the little launch that was intended to do duty as a trawler is now used for other purposes. The venture, however, was plucky, and the fisherman in question has the sympathy of all in his non-success, more especially as his undertaking might lie the forerunner of one which may be successful and lasting.—Nelson “Mail.”

QUEEN AND EMPIRE.

Like the children of a good mother, the Queen’s subjects rise up and call her blessed (says the “N.Z. Times”). They sound her praises in the National Anthem, which may be taken as the expression of their appreciation of a well-spent and beneficent life. In the crisis now reached in British affairs, her statesmen have borne themselvese with credit and lionour, and the Queen has shown’ rare wisdom and good judgment in unwaveringly supporting her responsible advisers. Relying upon the courage of her troops and the determination of their leaders, she has maintained a calmness and dignity that must appeal to everyone. It is known that Her Majesty is strongly averse to war, and favours encouraging the arts of peace and strengthening the bonds of union between every portion of the Empire; but she is doubtless able to realise that even out of the present deplorable conflict in South Africa much good to her people will emanate. As to the Queen’s life, it is untouched by any suspicion and unblemished by any reproach. The “fierce light that beats upon a throne” has served to reveal to her people the beauty and dignity of a well-kept life. She is now past the “allotted span,” and under ordinary circumstances Her Majesty may not see many more years; but that thought will only add to the ItrTOu. with whieh Britons on every occa-

sion, at the festive board, in the theatre, or in the church, will raise their voices in the loyal and affectionate cry of "God Save me Queen.” ♦ + ♦

A EOTTEN SYSTEM.

Teaching in the main is the antithesis of education; yet that is a fact that has not impressed itself upon the minds of teachers generally. In this colony the syllabus has been the incubus about the necks of the teachers, who have had to sink their aspirations in the daily tale of work exacted by hard taskmasters. The didactic method under such conditions was the only plan by which the volume of memory work could be overtaken. Human minds have been treated after the manner of the wax cylinder of Edison’s talking machine, and we expect each record taken down to be accurately reproduced when the examiner sets the machine in motion. The picture we have presented is not bizarre, neither is it a caricature of the actual facts. For long enough the teachers have groaned under the irksome burden they have been forced to bear, and while some have chafed sorely, others have been content to go on grinding out passes as though the casting of young minds in one mould were a light matter. When the powers that be were at length awakened to the enormity of their crime, they promised to abolish the bad old way and to inaugurate a new way of better things, with higher ideals, and the teachers were inspired with hope. But alas! so far it is hope deferred, for the syllabus which has crushed all aspirations out of the teachers, and to a large extent the wellsprings of intellectual life out of their pupils, still remains to stultify the system of national education. — Otago “Daily Times.”

THE NECESSITY OF IDEALS.

It is often said of an individual that he is too full of ideals, and one hears those intangibilities mentioned as if there was no need in the world of today for ideals. Did you ever know any really good thing done which was not the outcome of an ideal? What man ever has reached any height without having been an idealist in some respect? In art, literature and music of the present, ideals and our reaching to or falling below them form the most important part. Man’s one characteristic which makes him man instead of mere animal is his possession of ideals, and he can trace his degeneration by noticing how his ideals have changed. The thing that hurts most when one loses a friend by the unkindness of life is the destruction of all the ideals of loyalty, love and truth that wrapped themselves about that friend. In spite of all the demand for realism which is one of the features of the day, there is a greater call for such realisms as those of the soul and heart than was ever known before. The book or picture which makes no appeal to the spiritual, which is the ideal, side of humanity, fails when presented to the public. It is a good thing that this is true.

THE FOOL-KILLER.

The fool-killer has no call to live now. Instead we have a. benevolent government which treats the fools with the greatest tenderness and looks out for them with more care than it docs for those who have not come under that head. For the fool with his money there is growing less chance yearly. Once he could spend it in sweep tickets. Occasionally now-a-days he has a ehance for a little while to invest it at art unions, but the fool never steps in, and there is no more wasted until some other schemer arises and gathers in more dollars. I do not see just why any one has not a right to spend his money like a fool if he wishes to do so, and there are ways in which he may without any interference whatever from outside control. The only point on which the objection comes is where there are false pretenses openly, but there ought to be some provision to cover some of the other cases where one does not willingly act the part of one light in brains.

+ + + THE DEATH PENALTY.

Propositions to abolish the death penalty have been under discussion again. The advocates of the ehango insist that capital punishment is brutalising; that it does not act as n deterrent to crime; and that it defeats

the end of justice by making juries reluctant to convict when they kru>w that a verdiet of guilty will carry with it the death sentence. Such a case as that which recently occurred in New York, where a convict, sentenced to life imprisonment for murder, was proved innocent and pardoned after serving twenty-two years, is cited as evidence of the irreparable wrong which would have been done if the death sentence at first imposed upon him had been carried out. On the other hand, it is argued that the death penalty really does deter from crime; that statistics show that through the abuse of the pardoning power the average term of life imprisonment has been reduced to confinement for only ten or twelve years; that the increased prison population where the death penalty is abolished puts a. heavy burden on the public; and that convicts under a life sentence are a dangerous charge, because they ean murder their keepers without incurring any heavier penalty than that which they are already undergoing. While the 'movement to do away with capital punishment makes slow progress. humanising influences are gaining ground and the scandal of public executions has been abolished.

A PLEA FOR THE NEW WOMAN. One of these changes, for good or for evil, is the much greater freedom claimed by and allowed to women, especially to young women. I am not one of those who take a censorious view of this inevitable change of manners, or think the worse of it because it may 'have been imported from America. Before it came in I used ask what Christianity and civilisation could be worth if two young people of opposite sexes must not take a friendly walk together on pain of incurring suspicion or scandal. I welcome the discovery that girls, no less than boys, are gifted with muscular powers, to be developed by exercise with benefit to their health, and the remarkable increase of strength and stature among young ladies which has been the fruit of this discovery. I regard with pleasure the assimilation of studies and tastes which has corrected the flimsiness of female education and encouraged boys to cultivate “accomplishments” without being ashamed of it, which,has thus enriched the common stock of ideas and interests between young men and young women, and which enables them to share an innocent camaraderie formerly monopolised by one sex only in England, though not in America. I like to see young women manly, in tha best sense, without being masculine, and young men as gentle and selfrestrained as girls, without being effeminate; and I am satisfied that, on the whole, happier marriages will result from a relaxation of the old code of cha-peronage. Nor do I wholly blame the extraordinary diminution of reserve which enables young people to exchange opinions on all possible subjects, no longer through whispers in the secret chambers, but through open talk in drawing-rooms, and even ballrooms. —The Warden of Merton College, Oxford.