"TAMMANYISM."

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 901, 22 August 1910, Page 9

"TAMMANYISM."

Sir,—Much has. been said lately of | the "Tammany" ; mothods employed by our Government in its administration of the country's affairs. For and against have we heard members of the House blurting; one side regarding the use of tlio word as a reflection-on the personal integrity of individual members of the Cabinet, whereas the attack made by the Leader of tlie Opposition was directed at- the adminis-. tration of the various' Departments. It is hard, in dealing with such matters, to refrain from indulging in. references to persons occupying high. positions in the country, for they form the substance of attack, ,and, therefore, in naming such .individuals one can hardly oe accuscd of personalities. If names .ire' not to be used in a cuse like this then the logical conclusion is that "Tammany'' methods .will proceed "along the even tenor of their way.". Now, members' of the Government and their supporters have resented tho referenco to "Tamanyism" niado by Mr. Massey, and liavo suggested, sarcastically, that Mr. Massey is ignorant of tho meaning of the word." I am certain the Leader of the Opposition does not wish to infer that "Tammany" as pertains in- America obtains in a liko manner in this country, but wishes to convey that all is not well in the Government administration. Undoubtedly is it that the word, conveys an ugly meaning to the average person, but let mo take halt for a few moments and glance back at some of tho strange methods employed 'by the party in 'power—Liberals, ye gods 1 ■ ; Does not the country ring with tlie cry of "spoils to tho victors"? Is not the fact that all Mr. Masscy's opponents at tho poll receive retribution consistent with the principles of "Tammanyism"? What of, the action of the Ward Ministry in refusing advertisements to The Dominion, and, perhaps, more important, to tho like treatmentof numerous other journals throughout the land that find it impossible to support the Government?' Is the famous statement made by tho late Mr. Seddou at Whangarci to be forgotten? Is not public money used for party purposes in instances when Ministers travel, accompanied by their staff, in all sorts of luxury, obtaining 30s. a day, from one end of the Dominion to the other to attend political dinners, open bridges, and the like petty tilings'? (They are undoubtedly navigated for party purposes.) Does not the huge oxptnditure, of public money that occurs immediately preceding a general election go hand in band wit.lv tho ideals of "Tammanyism" ? Shall I mention the appointments of-; Messrs. Taylor, Dyer, Giles, Seddon, ' Dinnio, and tho rest?. Is it above-board for men aspiring for Parliamentary honours on behalf of the present Government to be in a position to obtain grants and concessions for a particular county when tho Opposition representative in Parliament could not bring tho necessary pressure to bear?. I shall ha.

personal and say that such'was the way in which Mr. Greenslado got his scat in the 1905 election, and in such manner was it hoped .Mr. Napier would defeat Mr. Phillips. Sir, I do think it would ho an easy matter to mention more cases, but I have only endeavoured to show, in a degree, that the ■ Leader of the Opposition had just causo in. so referring to the methods ■ of administration this Government deemed fit to use. The accusation levelled at Mr. Massey to the effect that ho cast a stigma 011 the personal character' of individual members of the Cabinet was made, I believe, in the endeavour to shift the question on to a point where those- members concerned might defend themselves. The question of personal charactcr was never entertained, and is purely a matter for another court.' Thanking you. —I am, etc., J, H. BEALE. Auckland, August 11, 1910.