'Passive Resistence'

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXI, Issue 39, 24 September 1903, Page 18

'Passive Resistence '

Some weeks ago we made a remark to the effect that if New Zealand Catholics adopted an attitude of 4 passive resistance ' by withholding their quota of taxation that goes to the support of the godless system of State instruction, the Protestant press and pulpit of the Colony would probably order us to step off the earth and take up permanent quarters in another and mere distressful clime. We note, however, that some of our

Protestant clerical friends in New Zealand are still passing resolutions in commendation of the violent and too often riotous opposition with which the Nonconformist 4 passive resisters ' in England oppose the payment of their share of the burden of education. One man may steal a sheep, while another may not look over the fence. The 4 passive resistance ' movement (says the Dublin • Freeman ') ' is a widespread conspiracy against the enforcement of the law. Its object is to defeat the Education Act of last year by refusal to pay the rates levied in pursuance of that statute, which was carried by large majorities in tooth Houses of Parliament, after full discussion by representatives of the people elected on a register approaching the ideal of manhood suffrage. The passive resisters have not been proclaimed. No Coercion Act has been proposed to bring them within closer meshes of conspiracy and intimidation. A passive movement of the character of the United Irish League has the monopoly of that kind of exceptional legislation in the Three Kingdoms. The United Irish League, by its passive action, effectually prevented disorders and promoted the just administration of the land code and the necessary reform of its abuses. Passiveness in the public was met with police provocation in Ireland. In England passiveness is translated into riot, and the Prime Minister contents himself with the writing of long and persuasive epistles addressed to the reasonable people who indulge in what he would call in Ireland organised disorder and resistance to the law and its agents.'