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MODERN ELECTION METHODS.

The recent general election in Britain was a very bitter contest, and some candidates—or their supporters—were not particular as to the methods employed to defeat an opponent. "The Times'" discusses the ethics of modern electioneering methods, and its dignified protest against their unscrupulousness is very significant as a sign of a reaction. "Punch," with its usual wit and aptness, has a cartoon on the subject. This represents John Bull looking down "The Poisoned Well," which has evidently been fed by a hose filled with "election lies." Voice of Truth (from bottom of well): "3s this going on much longer?" John Bull: "No; it's nearly over." Voice of Truth "Thank Heaven." Apropos of canvassing and election speeches, an amusing anecdote isi related of John Stuart Mill. When that famous logician stood for Westminster in 1865, he declined altogether to conduct a personal canvas, hut spared n» pains to inform the electors exactly what his views <"ere. He had a pamphlet expressive; the opinion that the working t lasses, though differing from those of other countries in being ashamed of lying, were yet generally liars. At a meeting composed mainly of working men this outspoken philosopher was asked if he had uaed such words, and he at once said "Ye 3." Much to his surprise, his answer was greeted with vehement applause. It was evident that his hearers were so accustomed to evasion and subterfuge in candidates that they appreciated a direct reply

when they got it,however unpalatable it might be, and instead of being affronted, tJhey at once concluded Mill was man to be trusted. He secured the seat. "The Times" indules in a wish that such incidents were more common on modern political platforms, and that methods such as ft'MH'r"were more in vogue, it modern elect.oils. The fly-sheets issued dur

ing the recent election and the postera placaded on walls come in for special condemnation on account of the lies they disseminated. The late Bishop Creighton made a sweeping denouncement of the demoralising effect of electioneering, when in writing to a friend he said "I am convinced that every time the moral and culivated man exercises his right to vote he seriously impairs his molality and his culture. The wrath one ft els aganist opponents, the c n tempt for their intelligence, and u e doubt about their honesty—this destroys that charity which is the highest aim of morality." It is, after all, a question how much effect on voters is produced by the expedients resorted to in elections, and whether the result to parties would not be much the same if both sides adopted the methods of Mill and neither resorted to metods of which the higher conscience cannot really approve.

Permanent link to this item
Hononga pūmau ki tēnei tūemi

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WAG19100405.2.8.1

Bibliographic details
Ngā taipitopito pukapuka

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10010, 5 April 1910, Page 4

Word count
Tapeke kupu
455

MODERN ELECTION METHODS. Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10010, 5 April 1910, Page 4

MODERN ELECTION METHODS. Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10010, 5 April 1910, Page 4

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