TARIFF PROPOSALS.

Waikato Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 2376, 1 October 1887, Page 1 (Supplement)

TARIFF PROPOSALS.

The Protectionists’ Catechism, (By Theoi’iiujlis Stumper.) Tin! following short catechism, for tho use of those who are determined, “at all hazards,” to again place in p nver the taxation Government, will bo found useful at the present juncture ;—. Q, —What is your name? A.—Judas Protection. Q. Who gave you that name ? A.—As taxation is my idol, and tho present Government got my money, they gave me that name in the time of my tribulation, wherein I was made a member of strife, a child of woo, and an inheritor of a bundle of rags. Q. —What did your paternal Government then do for yon? A.—They did vow three things in my name. First, that I should renounce the teachings of all in opposition to their policy ; secondly, starve my wife and hunger my children ; thirdly, walk in rags and tatters, with my shoes going flip-flap all tho days of my life. Q.—R-hearse the articles of thy belief. A. —I believe in the existence ot the present Ministry, the head and chief of all our financial woes, the source of ninetenths of tho depression which is hanging over ns like a thunder cloud. And lastly, I not only believe, but am sure, that if their ruinous policy is continued that our credit will be stopped, and devastation and misery will reign supreme. Q. —How many commandments have you, Judas, to keep ? A.—Ten Q. What are they? A.—The same that the Premier and Colonial Treasurer spoke in tho House, saying—“ We are your rulers who have brought thee out of the path of happiness, placed thee in the way of future misery, and placed thy feet on the high road that leads to certain starvation.” Ist. Thou shalt have no other Ministry but ours. 2nd. Thou shalt not make to thyself any substitute for taxation such as retrenchment and economy, for I, the Premier, am a jealous man, drawing a fair allowance of travelling expenses, stumping the country with my “ fads” and endeavouring to impose upon you extra taxation for the purpose of perpetuating our extravagance. 3rd, Thou shalt not use our House in vain : thou .shalt not appeal to ns for mercy; for we will not thank thee, so soon as our seats are secure, for using our House in vain. ■lth. Remember that thou oat but one meal on the Sabbath day, for by onr system of taxation thou wilt not be able to obtain more than one meal a week for thyself and family, Six days shalt thou roam the country in search of tmployment in order to raise snllHeut to pay thy taxes, but on tho seventh day thou must return to the bosom of thy family and share their poverty and unhappiness. oth. Honor the Ministry and their supporters with thy votes, that thy days may be few and miserable in the land wherein thou livest. Gth. Thou shalt commit murder by hungering and starving thy wife and family.

7th. Thou shalt commit a great and lasting wrong to those who have made this country I heir adopted home. fith. Thou shall steal away the libcity and independence of all men, and at the same time rob thyself of every comfort. Oth Thou shalt bear faLe witness when speaking of the benefits of protection, taxation and misery, and say that it will not mean ruin to the country wln-n thou art suffering from protection fever. 1 Oth. Thou shall covet nil that thy neighbour is posse-sr-d of ; thou shalt covet hi" wealth, and his iand?, and all hi- belongings, that thou .shall. Still further b-el the pangs of starvation which thou !n-r brought upon thyself through thy adherence to the advocates of that destniVT of human happiness and prosperity I’ ROT HOT 10 X.