LOCAL SELF-GOVERNMENT.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 492, 17 April 1869, Page 3

LOCAL SELF-GOVERNMENT.

The following remarks which occur in an article in the London Times are rather pertinent to the question which is now interesting the inhabitants of this district: — They who govern themselves may he as liable to make blunders and to faults as they who govern others ; but, upon the whole, they will be more likely to govern with a view to their own benefit and improvement. Utility has become the . test of all measures and of expenditure more than it used to be, and the utility thus recognised has been of the higher quality. A G-overnment really representing the whole people will hardly fail to insist that assistance shall be given to the whole people and not confined to any favoured classes. Such has been the tendency of popularised Governments and institutions, and such it will continue to be. They who are in high places may please to think they can govern the people better than it can govern itself; and that ignorance or folly is less likely to be found in the privileged and trained than in the simple sons of industry. But the laws of nature are irrepressible, and assert their sway everywhere. They who have power will use it for themselves more than for others ; and their very dreams will be shaped to their own taste and advantage. To govern for others, and to undertake any trust for others, is a task that demands a vigilance, a fairness, and distrust in self that is found in very few men. Upon the whole, the work is better done by people for themselves, even though it be effected with a somewhat lower aim.

For want of exercise, appetite fails—for want of exercise, comfortable bodily warmth is not sustained —for want of exercise, refreshing sleep is not obtained, and respiration is seriously affected. There are many persons who have what may almost be called a natural disinclination to bodily exertion, that is a disinclination to physical effort, a disinclination which, unless combated at the very outset, grows stronger by indulgence, and ends in miserable decay.