The Mecca of Democracy

Waipukurau Press, Issue 22, 27 February 1906, Page 2

The Mecca of Democracy

O (Australian paper.) As “ A Pilgrim to the Mecca of Democracy,” a Queensland Labor political! is visiting New Zealand. He insists on travelling steerage in, the steamers, and although sporting the gold pass of patriotism, which entitles him to first-class accommodation on the railways, he calls all men to- witness that he rides only in a second-class carriage. It is reported of Millionaire Tyson that once, when asked why he travelled second-class, he said it was “because there was no third.” Only first-class men can afford to wilfully travel in any other class, and Tyson had the rare privilege of always choosing whether he would make his train trip in a specially reserved Pullmann car or tip the guard to let him ride in a cattle truck. He could afford to ride on top of a ’bus to the races and go on the flat for a shilling, while his bank manager had to hire a cab and pay half-a-sovereign to mix with the elite in the grandstand. A man like Tyson can indulge in these luxuries because his millions make him absolutely his own master, and when he avails himself of his privilege it is just for the fun of the thing. But when a politician on a pilgrimage to the Mecca of Democrarcy ostentatiously affects the steerage and proclaims that there is no beastly pride about him it is usually done for business purposes. A man in New South Wales once popular hero, and has

live a life ease on a politician’s pay ever since, by publicly fore-swear-ing pot hats. And .the pilgrim to the Mecca of Democracy in the second-class carriage no doubt knows what he is doing equally well. But it is not “ good business ” to let these things get into the papers. Because some other fellow may go one net ter and make his pilgrimage on loot in busted boots. Democracy likes to be humbugged ; it is one of the few pleasures that it has, and those who have the secret of how to do it •would act prudently by keeping quiet and not giving the show away.