A FEW THOUGHTS ON CURRENT TOPICS.

Evening Star, Issue 3774, 30 March 1875, Page 2

A FEW THOUGHTS ON CURRENT TOPICS.

Attached I send an extract from the ‘World,’ Writings in that paper referring to City Magnates and to City Shams are said to be written by Mr Labouohere, late M.P., and author of the ‘Daily News’s’ “Besieged Resident in Pans. That lie has some knowledge of his subject events have proved, for some slight pricks from bis pungent pen have already burst a few Stock Exchange bladders. In the city tbe Rothschilds reign supreme: not so much because of their great wealth, bat because they are honest. When their name appears upon a security, it is stamped with a guarantee that tells the most cautious of investors that he may purchase it with safety. No high commissions from impecunious governments can tempt them to issue a loan which they believe to be worthless. No promoter with a scheme to defraud, the public ever darkens their doors; whilsttho city of London is yearly becoming more and more a sink of iniquity, whilst robberies are more openly plotted, and whilst the standard of commercial morality is «taniTainting itself to that of a pirates’ den, and men ofweaJth lish for the money of the poor and tho unwary with absolute impunity, the Rothschilds stand forward not only as the representatives of their race, but the representatives of the sterling integrity that once was the characteristic of the British merchant.

It will, perhaps, be conceded by our Colonial wise people that the opinion of such a man maybe of, say candidly, equal weight with theirs, and the opportunities within his reach may be even superior to those of our village Solomons. The fact that Mr Vogel has managed to negotiate the loan through such a house is a proof, were more needed, that the hou. gentleman has not wasted his time, and that the cost of his journey has not been thrown away. It is, I willingly admit, annoying to read of sunny Italy, express trains, and other luxuries. I must also add that, however public duty may call for the speaking or writing of outoursts for our benefit, I must in the most inoffensive manner humbly express my opinion that the least little touch of envy prompts some of the explosions. I would be to the end of my days sorry did I afterwards find that I wronged any* one by the thought. Is that libellous fiend who insinuated that the running short of the water supply something to do with the meeting or the milk merchants and laising the price of milk, prepared to come forward and substantiate his assertion ? Such scandalous inuendoes ought to be stopped. We constantly read of actions for libel about all sorts of nonsense that only shows the thinness of the hide of some people who are not alow in expressing opinions of others. But this is a damaging statement—almost as bad as hinting that Boniface watered his grog or‘ salted ins beer. 6 .

In the way of traps, the city has come out splendidly during the race days. That th« proprietors of such beauty and ornament could live contentedly during the year, with such ornamental equipages hidden in the depths, is to me puzzling. Were I the happy

possessor of some that I saw and admired, little rest would the old screws get.. They might object and observe that the hills were steep and the roads muddy, but go they should. But such bliss is not for me. That the inhabitants of the city and environs are the happy owners of these_ valuable relics, such an opportunity as gala time should not be allowed to pass without acquainting our visitors.

I have been made happy during the week, comparing the prophecies of the past weeks and the result of the facts. The agreement is something marvellous. Were the genius wasted on so doubtful an occupation devoted to foretelhng the average of next year’s harvest or the selling price ot beef—say six months hencethe services rendered to those interested would be invaluable.

Has not poor old Sir George passed into the sour grape age ? A Governorship was not at on ® “J® 1 ® thought so useless an office. It was pot then supposed that a Governor was penKoned out of sight for political purposes ; nor was it suggested that the Governor should be elected by the Colony. Rather, lam inclined to think, the reverse. But things have changed. Some people in office find out to their cost that they can be dispensed with, and that the world wags on. It is painful to those ignored, but to the mass it matters not. If people choose, in their fancied invincible positions, to read homilies to their employers, which said employers choose to think quite out of place, who is to blame ? But don’t let ns all be dragged into a misunderstanding that is merely personal. Sir George, no doubt, thinks that New Zealand will get on much better when he on the scene. I think, if the records of the wretched past” were referred to, traces would be found of a state of things that it is a relief to be freed from. Humility.