THE POPE AND THE QUEEN.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume X, Issue 37, 12 February 1875, Page 2

THE POPE AND THE QUEEN.

To THE EDlTon OV THE 'EVENING MAIL.' Sir, — In selecting the three gentlemen (o whom 1 specially referred as the principal objects of my strictures in connection with the proceedings at the Hibernian Society's recent dinner, I was actuated by two motives. One wae, (hat they all occupy high positions in our community, and are, consequently, more likely to influeuce others by their example, whether for good or for ovil, than men of lesser note; the other, that they are men of known ability, aud well able to take their own part. But they huve made no sign. Mr Bunny, Hie Secretary of the Society, however, with a keener sense of loyalty to hie pueste than they displayed to their Queen, -has come forward in their defence to the extent of assuring us that they were " not answerable for the order in which the toasts were proposed." May 1 indicate the interpretation of which such a kindly meant but weak defence is capable ? They were not the originators of the wrong of which they are accused, but only committed it upon being asked by others to do so ! Such was poor, weak, sinniug Adam's miserable excuse when — confronted with an offended God— he en^ deuvoured to shift hie responsibilities on to anothei's shoulderp, "The woman whom tbou gayest to be with me, she gave tne of the tree and I did eat." Similar to this will be the position taken up by cur Resident Magistrate, the Principal of our College, und the other gentleman to whom allusion has been made, if, by their silence, they sanction the line of defence adopted by their special pleader. Are they willing to accept so humiliating a position ? If they are prepared to defend their action, it is due to themselves to do so ; if they acted thoughtlessly and without consideration, as the best of men may do at times, it is only just and fair to the community, whose sense of loyalty they have unintentionally outraged, thatthey should admit their error, and express their regret for having, under the circumstances of the moment, permitted thorny selves to be led astray. / I am, &o , / Englishman.