The Hokitika Guardian THURSDAY, APRIL 20th, 1922. TRUISMS OF STATECRAFT.

Hokitika Guardian, 20 April 1922, Page 2

The Hokitika Guardian THURSDAY, APRIL 20th, 1922. TRUISMS OF STATECRAFT.

In a recent publication from Langmans, Green and Coy., the well-known publishers of London, the Hon. Bruce Smith K.C. of Australia, has written of the truisms of statecraft. The desire of the writer was to define in general terms the origin, growth, purpose and possibilities of popular government, and he succeeds rather well in his object. That is, he has written a very readable treatise on the subject he has so much at heart. He restates facts interestingly, and presents the case generally in an arresting way. This is a work worthy of a vogue in any democracy, for it begins and ends with a study cf the human equation in the political arena. There is first the study of human nature, and the picture is very true to life. Next- follows human records and human needs, and fin. ally there are the aids and obstacles to human progress expounded. The reviews traverses the whole region of politics, and the survey is always i.liiiniiiiiting. Mr Smith pleads for a study of higher politics leading to a tnier statesmanship and this motif can be well understood when as is so often said, the politics of Australia ( are in such a bad way. But all countries have need to study their political failings, and an insight into human nature supplies the key to such study. Tho average citizen takes but a dull interest in political economy. Often na not the individual ia swftyed, I),v PHkllP pi; pM'ty IOfIHHWW 08$ fb#

virtues of the candidates, or the lack of virtues, are not material to electors who may have the personal sway just mentioned. Men of education and experience, well tried in their every day spheres; men of repute and attached to principle; from such ranks the best legislators should come. But it is just as essential to look for the higher qualities in the electors as well as the candidates. Tf men an<j women of moral n orth are exercising the franchise, their choice will not be far wrong. They will have their political bents, of course, but they will chose only men of repute and good understanding in whom the safety of the Stale will bo assured. And electors must not be petty and local in tiled- outlook. Their vision must be higher and nobler in ••very way. Aim high in the choice of the statesmen to he, and look forward to national rather than provincial results. The trend of public opinion is of great importance, for it may make or mar the fortunes of a country. Fo k therefore, should seek always to improve their minds with knowledge lithe outside world. Political economy should not he ignored, but its study fostered, aml so aim at securing a moi'e Intelligent vote of the people. The franchise is so wide how that all may vote, and tlu* privilege should not he lightly cast. On the decision of the people primarily iests the welfare of the State, and the fortunes of the individuals are wrapped up in the out-

come. The truisms of Statecraft in

their right application bring home to the mind a study of those axioms of everyday life which arc self-evident. That if we are to have the greatest

good for the greatest number, we must .have the best at the helm always. Too national life rests upon the individual who in the aggregate makes up the public, and who by the casting vote makes or mars the political fortunes of his country. So, too great ;l , study of political economy cannot he pressed upon the average elector.