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Evening Star, Issue 3557, 17 July 1874, Page 2

Wb have received “ Observer’s” letter, advising the rejection of the handsome donations of Messrs Clarke and Larnach towards the formation of a Mechanics’ and Workingmen’s Club, but must decline te insert it because of what we consider the mistaken views and uncalled-for expressions of the writer. It may do for the masses of Great Britain to feel indignant when one privileged by birth under institutions derived from feudal customs, assumes the patronoge of a club ; but our social state is very different in the Colonies. We are all working men, although some have been more fortu uate or skilful than others. When those who through their efforts have become rich feel strongly that certain institutions will prove beneficial to men who have their fortunes te make, and unasked offer handsome donations to carry out their ideas, we think their goodwill should be responded to in a free and generous spirit. They ask no service in retprn ; they seek no honor ; the sacrifice they make is through a desire to do good, and they have a right to state the conditions of their gifts. We believe that a club such as is recommended would prove exceedingly beneficial, if properly fworked, and is an instalment of the advantages that intelligent co-operation is capable of se curing. Our correspondent thinks differently, and treats the proposition as if

it were one from Lord j/.Tom Noldy to a Chartist gathering. Viewing it from the ultra-Ohartist he boils with indignation, and is betrayed into a course of invective that used to be peculiar to Chartists and extreme Radicals at Home, but is altogether out of place in the Colonies. Were there auy show of argument in his letter, we should have considered to that extent he had a right to be heard through the Press, however contrary his opinions to our own ; but in the absence of argument he gives blows in return for kisses, and sees insult where kindness only was intended. We cannot therefore permit the Star to be the vehicle of conveying the expression of his violent feelings to Messrs Clarke and Labkach ; and we believe a little quiet reflection will induce him to thank us for our decision.