Correspondence.

Evening Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2514, 8 March 1871, Page 2

Correspondence.

[We are not responsible for the opinions expressed by our correspondents.]

To the Editor

Sin, —I am not a politician, and therefore perhaps am not fairly entitled to be considered a patriot. Of course I ani aware—no one could be mqra so—of the incalculable loss inflicted upon humanity by my retb cence. Of course, I desire the greatest pos : sible good to the greatest po rsible number, and all that sort of thing ; but I cannot persuade myself to enter the political arena, and as a free-lance carry off, as my abilities would certainly warrant, all the political prizes. And why? Because the political atmosphere is decidedly too peppery and excitable for my constitution. But though wanting in this kind of ambition, I have the next best gift: I can look on and enjoy the fun of these electioneering contests immensely. Look at the addresses with which the papers are already besprinkled ! Look how adroitly the shop apron is doffed and the true-blue patriotic dress is donned! Look how the candidates try to say pretty things—telling things with a view to entrap this class and that class—and what glorious “ mulls ” they make of it ! And then listen to the enchanting melody ! How sweetly and in unison they play on that one string that old, old song of “Progress” ! These are some of the tit-hits of a contested election, which a kind providence does not even deny me, an utter outsider, the privilege of thoroughly enjoying ! But what means this song of “Progress”? That’s the point. I fear some modern (Edipus will be sorely needed to solve this sphinx-like riddle. Perhaps the candidates themselves hardly know what is meant. But it’s a good word ; sounds full and rich to the ear, is pleasing to the eye, and perhaps then has done its duty. Certan it is that one-half of the candidates say that “prozress” is their motto, and that the other half say they will implicitly follow that motto. Well, this looks like agreement with a vengeance. But what then ? 1 remember that Mr Macandrew and Mr Keid both had emblazoned on their banners the word “Progress,” and yet no one will be disposed to say that they were both pulling in the same boat. Hence it is that my mind has become confused as to the real meaning of this word “ Progress.” If it is a good thing, how is it to be secured ? The candidates for the honor of representing us in the Provincial Council should shift their stand-point, and, instead of dangling before us the motto “ Progress,” should say “ Macandrew and Progress ” or “ Reid and Progress. ” This would greatly simplify matters and give us some clearer idea of their future intention. One of our drapers tells us his motto is “ Terms Cash,” and this is intelligible enough There is nothing ambiguous in that—there is no mistaking it. The thin? speaks for itself. Why do not our would-be politicians adopt—if it is necessary to adopt a motto at all—one that is intelligible to all minds ? I am, Am., Toby Veck.JJ