LIBERALISM.

Feilding Star, Volume XII, Issue 55, 25 October 1890, Page 2

LIBERALISM.

TO THE KTUTOR OF THE STAR. Sir, — One© upon a time the above was a fairly respectable term, and he who chose to apply to himself the appellation of Liberal was really bo by nature, as well as by name, in the proportion of about three to one ; but of late that term might compete for championship, as the greatest abused name in the English language, with Protectionist second, and that sort of charity proclaimed from the housetops and public places, to stem tha current of a waning popularity, namely, philanthropy, would have a chance of being placed third. Of late years the numerous political parasites who take to themselves the title of Liberal viewed in the probable increase in- enlightenment of the present age should have the effect on those who who have the misfortune of being so named to retire to some outlandish part and there to live quietly for some time, before starting on a fresh career with a change of name. I have heard it argued that Liberalism ib a slang term, and I sincerely hope for the credit and simplicity of the English language that it is so. An alliance of Liberalism, Protection, and Philanthropy would have become a complex problem had it not been for that comprehensive slang term " Bham" when affixed explaining matters. When the working men and others comprehend that tlie political spouter aid pie- cm H promisor is their greatest enemy (their real friend promising little but doing much), and that he would tux the necessaries of life, and then preach philanthropy is a political hypocrite, then the day of the sham Liberal will be numbered. I have been led to understand that when the abolition of the Corn Laws (or duty taken off grain) took place in England, that Liberalism had some hand in that beneficent act, which gaye to the needy a whole loaf where they had only the husks or half a leaf before ; if si the Liberals must have heartily repented of their action since that time, because, although a direct tax on the staff of life would probably cause a rising among the people, y .: the Liberal has helped to impose a tax on other i 'dispensille necessaries, which amounts touju ■ht'iesamething.oran equivalent in lieu of that tax. Lirera'iaui, when linked on to Protection, consists of being liberal to one's own purse and protecting that purse well afterwards, and this is exactly what the Stotit-Vogel-Ballance Government did in attempting to oling to their enormous salaries while catting down. the moderate pay of the civil servant, aild the working man's wages. No doubt the latter had to be reduced sooner or later, but the act showed great selfishness when Ministers made no reduction to their unproportionate high salaries ; and the working men of this colony should remember this act of the Opposition when they record their votes. I may further assert that this action of Ministers contributed towards the alleged necessity of taxing necessaries imposed by the present Ministry. At a meeting near Wellington some of the Opposition spouters held forth, favored by the oratorical powers of Sir George Grey, to draw an audience, Mr Fish implored the electors, at the ensuing election, to unite and vote for a liberal ticket, but if there is any genuine Liberalism still afloat it might as well be in the depths of the ocean as in the hands of ?uch an advocate. Some time back it was reported that a paper in Liberal interests was to be started within 100 miles from Feilding. If this had been carried out, I thought of beci ming one of a company iv starting a rival paper to be termed The Illiberal, and on the same plea as the fishmonger who professed to have stale fish for sale. I belieye it would have proved a succesful venture. To conclude, I would advise any surviving true Liberal to alter that term, and all young political aspirants not to take any steps in that direction until an act granting the privilege of voting to females becomes lawful, in order that they may obtain some wholesome and enlightened advice upon the subject before applying to themselves such an abused and degrading an appellation as Liberal. — I am, &c, A Colonist. Feilding, October 24, 1890.