SIR JULIUS VOGEL ON THE POLICY OF VICTORIA.

Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3173, 21 April 1879, Page 3

SIR JULIUS VOGEL ON THE POLICY OF VICTORIA.

Sir Julius Vogel in an article contributed by him to an American review (the Princeton), traces the baneful effects of the Protectionist policy in Victoria. We quote a passage: "In lieu of deriving a proper revenue from their land, the people of Victoria were persuaded by some of those who were greedy to obtain the lands for less than their value to have recourse to their protective duties. They fell into the trap. The landowners appeared to reluctantly sanction these duties. They however did sanction them, and obtained for themselves renewed leases of pastoral lands, and the opportunities of acquiring in one way or another extensive freeholds. The commercial classes protested against protective duties, and thus three distinct parties grew into existence —the protection, the free trade, and the landed. Gradually, as the last had no more to gain from the first, it made common cause with the second ; but in the meantime the protection classes were fortified by the: alliance of those who had been previously acquiring and holding small homesteads. Thus the tyro last, the poorer in wealth, have become.t]igpbost numerous and influential party.' - Tne small holders and the small manufacturers have possession of power to the exclusion of the wealthy landed arid commercial classes. As between the opposing parties the unprejudiced onlooker may find it difficult to apportion his sympathy. But he cannot fail to feel how unfortunate it is that class divisions have been allowed to grow up under conditions utterly incongruous and unsound. For a long while it has been, and it is to be feared for a long while it will be, impossible for the Victorians to legislate for their own benefit. The opposition to a Government which is based on comprehensive even though false principles may exercise a healthy influence. But when the several parties in the State are moved by clisir^jealousies,, of the narrowest of whieb-. ; they jthemselyes are unconscious ; when each"sees in the.other the representative only of low, personal, and selfish motives—what chance is there- o£ any combination for. mutual good ? If the Victorians could calmly consider what was best for a Victoria to which they : and their mutual suspicions, wrongs, and[jealousies did not belong, no , doubt they would have intelligence amply sufficient to promote the .benefit of their highly-favoured country. But because it is for themselves they have worked they have failed in. their*, efforts. They have allowed the colony which was firat'Jin the race, and which possessed in some respects unequalled advantages, to lag behind until other colonies have fast been making up the distance which separated them. They have brought themselves to a condition which is truly pitiable. They do little or nothing to encourage immigration. They believe in keeping the country fcr them* selves; they suspect each other, and they depend too much on the Government for the success of their schemes of life." '