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Vol. 5-No. 54.
Fix this textSYDNEY, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1881.
Fix this textPrice—3d.
Fix this textBulletin
Fix this textThe Conference.
Fix this textSATURDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1881.
Fix this textNot much has been effected by the Conference ;
Fix this textbut we do not see in the circumstances anything
Fix this textto gird at. We did not expect that much would
Fix this textbe effected. Blessed are they who expect little—
Fix this textprovided they keep their temper. It has been
Fix this textpositively ludicrous to notice how some, who threw
Fix this textridicule upon the Conference scheme from the out-
Fix this textset, on the grounds that very little could come of
Fix this textt, now effect an agony of surprise and indignation
Fix this textbecause not much has resulted. On the whole, it
Fix this textshould be regarded as a very good thing that this
Fix this textConference has been held. Each of the colonies
Fix this texthas been cultivating a miserable parochial system
Fix this textf political range. There has been a growing dis-
Fix this textposition to regard in each its peculiar geese as
Fix this textswans, —even as black swans in some instances.
Fix this textBy bringing together leading men from all the
Fix this textcolonies, it has been possible to guage the actual
Fix this textstature of the different leaders by larger compari-
Fix this textsons than the restricted range of separate com-
Fix this textmunities permitted. The public has been enabled
Fix this textto look at the different men without the embarrass-
Fix this textment of varied prospective, and with their own
Fix this texteyes, instead of through the spectacles of pre-
Fix this textjudiced journalists. There has been something
Fix this textabsolutely diverting as well as enlightening in the
Fix this textfashion in which sundry individuals regarded as
Fix this textgiants have been dwarfed by others heretofore
Fix this textconsidered as distorted pigmies. The public of
Fix this textNew South Wales, accustomed as it has been
Fix this textto see Sir Henbt Paekes towering above
Fix this texthis surrounding attendants and rivals by
Fix this texta head and shoulders, and overbearing all
Fix this textopposition by the apparent irresistibleness of
Fix this texthis strength, have seen with amusement the
Fix this textcool ease with which the leading men of the
Fix this textother colonies disposed of his pretensions and
Fix this textderided his attempt to assume in his dealings with
Fix this textthem his favorite role of Dictator. Again, there
Fix this texthas been a great enlightenment in the opportunity
Fix this textafforded of seeing with their own eyes, as it were,
Fix this textthat Geaham Beebt, the arqh-apostle of Protec-
Fix this texttion, whom they had been taught to regard as a
Fix this textsort of chance-begot abortion, compounded of
Fix this textmischief and idiocy, and distorted out of all
Fix this textsemblance to a statesman. Instead of the reality
Fix this texttallying with this description, so long and so sedu.
Fix this textlously inculcated by prejudiced teachers, they have
Fix this textdiscovered that the individual took without
Fix this textapparent effort the most distinguished place among
Fix this textall the representative men assembled, and towered
Fix this textobviously and nnmistakeably above every one of
Fix this textthem in intellectual stature. Among them all
Fix this textthere has not been one whose utterances and
Fix this textdeliverances, whether in the Conference itself, or
Fix this texton the social occasions which relieved its more
Fix this textserious labors, carried so strong an impression of
Fix this textability, earnestness, and individuality. While the
Fix this textrest, as a general thing, conveyed the idea that
Fix this textthey had no larger claim upon attention than
Fix this textbelonged to men competent to discuss common-
Fix this textplace in a conversational way, Mr. Beebt
Fix this textconveyed the impression that he was a man with
Fix this textideas and purposes distinctively his own. It is
Fix this textsomething, undoubtedly, that the public of the
Fix this textcolonies should have learned that a Protectionist
Fix this textMinister is not necessarily a sort of illogical wind-
Fix this textbag, inflated by a multitude of bad breaths, and
Fix this textonly needing the pin-prick of different conditions
Fix this textto collapse. The merits of the opposed system of
Fix this textcolonial economics will be all the more justly
Fix this textand truly weighed now that the false and
Fix this textartificially raised idea is got rid of,
Fix this textthat every protectionist is a fool, according
Fix this textto his degree, and that, as a Freetrader is an in-
Fix this textspired individual, whatever his condition, a Free-
Fix this texttrade Minister must of necessity be able to twirl
Fix this texteven the greatest Protectionist statesman round
Fix this texthis fore-finger. The Conference has not suc-
Fix this textceeded in coming to any agreement respecting a
Fix this textFederal Council. Its resolution as to a Court of
Fix this textAppeal will probably come to nothing for the im-
Fix this textmediate present. It has exhibited the sordid
Fix this textpettiness that even the Federal Council—which
Fix this textitself in some sort foreshadowed —might be cursed
Fix this textby, in its poor-spirited rejection of Mr. Moegan’s
Fix this textmanly proposition that the united coimies should
Fix this textjointly defray some part of the additional naval
Fix this textexpenses asked from the Imperial Government.
Fix this textIn all the points of agreement there has been a
Fix this textLittle-Pedlingtonian smallness, very disheartening
Fix this textto those who, like ourselves, long to see Australia
Fix this textgreat and united. But none the less, the small
Fix this textthings it has agreed upon are good things, and
Fix this textnone the leas likely to have practical issue because
Fix this textthey are small. It has to be remembered always
Fix this textthat the calibre of the men who participated in
Fix this textthe Conference is necessarily greater than that of
Fix this textthe average Parliamentary representative. Grand
Fix this textor masterful conceptions would have little chance
Fix this textof being understood or accepted by the legisla-
Fix this texttors, even had they been adopted by the Con-
Fix this textference. They would have been blocked by nar-
Fix this textrowness, ignorance, or timidity, and a common
Fix this textconsent would not have been attained. The Par-
Fix this textliaments have to be educated up to the higher
Fix this textstandards of statesmanlike conception. It has,
Fix this textfor the present, been sufficient, to stir
Fix this textup large airy ideals, in order that they may
Fix this textferment in people’s minds. The little jobs which
Fix this textthe Conference planned out are not the less likely
Fix this textto be wrought out because they are small. The
Fix this textbest work done is, strangely enough, that which
Fix this textis most likely to retard Federation. The bold
Fix this textassault upon the Chinese Immigration scheme of
Fix this textthe Crown Colony of Western Australia is little
Fix this textlikely to be palatable to the Colonial Office, and
Fix this textseems calculated to make the very idea of Federa-
Fix this texttion taste bitter in official mouths. This is not a
Fix this textbad thing. Nothing stimulates an idea so much
Fix this textas opposition. Were it once felt that the Imperial
Fix this textauthorities would object, the craving for union
Fix this textwould become enormously stimulated, and as re-
Fix this textsistance would merely defer matters long enough
Fix this textto afford time for fully discussing all feasible
Fix this textplana, there would be a clear gain in the end.
Fix this textWhen the point was gained, a start would be
Fix this textmade with a matured plan, and with a publio
Fix this textfamiliarized with every detail by earnest and
Fix this textminute discussion.
Fix this textThe Hon. Graham Berry, Chief Secretary
Fix this textof Victoria.
Fix this textThe public life of this gentleman, although a
Fix this textsuccess in a qualified sense, cannot be justly
Fix this textcalled a surprise. His real abilities have, like
Fix this textwater, found their level— but without high pres-
Fix this textsure. He is the natural outcome of democratic
Fix this textprinciples, founded or based on a selfish theory of
Fix this textisolation, and is just the man to give some show
Fix this textof compactness to such a party—some gloss of
Fix this textcommon sense to their tenets. Clever, adroit,
Fix this textresolute, and apparently seldom troubled with the
Fix this textqualms of a supersensitive conscience, it is not
Fix this textsurprising that he should come to be captain of
Fix this textthose turbulent political forces in Victoria, .whose
Fix this textanimating principle of action is more Yankee than
Fix this textEnglish. A premature go-a-headism and a free-
Fix this textand-easy self-assertiveness began to distinguish
Fix this textthat colony several years ago, which could hardly
Fix this textbe designated British either in its inception or its
Fix this textdevelopment. Rich as the Victorian territory is
Fix this textin splendid industrial resources—in minerals,
Fix this texttimber, pastures, and magnificent expanses of
Fix this textagricultural country, such as Gippsland—it is
Fix this textstrange that a majority of the people could not
Fix this textbe found to protect its import trade with the
Fix this textrest of the world, instead of protecting a few
Fix this textsickly industries. Even if those experiments
Fix this textbloomed like the aloe (at the end of half-a-century),
Fix this textit is curious that men, originally attracted to the
Fix this textland by its raw products, should not have exhausted
Fix this textthose obvious means of easily-gotten wealth, before
Fix this textattempting to force their few manufactures. Mr.
Fix this textBerry rapidly rose to be field-marshal of the Pro-
Fix this texttectionists, because he has versatile talents, is
Fix this textnaturally eloquent, unyielding except under
Fix this textextrema pressure, prompt in action, and good at
Fix this textdriving a bargain. A certain ungainly gauntness
Fix this textof physique only serves to stamp his individuality,
Fix this textand renders him distinct in the same way that a
Fix this textcertain peculiarity of face and feature gives Sir
Fix this textHenry Parkes the fine Socratio look he is said to
Fix this textbe proud of. Mr. Berry soon sounded, with the
Fix this textdivining rod of an active intelligence, the depths
Fix this textand quality of the patriotism concentrated in the
Fix this textVictorian Assembly, and found out the exact
Fix this textnumber, constituting a working majority, which
Fix this textwould be loyal to him at a coat of ,£3OO a year each
Fix this textto the State. Having been brought up in a hard,
Fix this textpractical school as a tradesman, he must, as a
Fix this textyoung man, have thrilled (so far as an individual
Fix this textof his temperament can vibrate to any emotional
Fix this textprocess) with the loud and angry cries of the
Fix this textBritish nation for a repeal of the Corn Laws and
Fix this textthe Reform of Parliament. That he lost, or
Fix this textforgot in after years, the key-note of that national
Fix this textstrain is not ttvbe wondered at when we consider
Fix this textthat there for a long time a lively party on the
Fix this textlookout for a champion to lead them to glorious
Fix this textvictory or political death. Mr. Berry was the
Fix this textman for the occasion. He seized the golden
Fix this textopportunity ; he took the tide at the flow, and has
Fix this textbeen carried buoyant (for a time at least) to
Fix this textthe height of his ambition. His educational
Fix this textordeal is worthy of note. Born at memorable
Fix this textTwickenham, on the 28th August, 1822, his infan-
Fix this texttile eyes opened on some of the loveliest scenery
Fix this textin England. At the age of seven he was sent to
Fix this textschool at Chelsea, whore he remained with credit till
Fix this texthis apprenticeship to business, when he was about
Fix this textfifteen years old. The first gold news from Vic-
Fix this texttoria attracted him thither, towards the close of
Fix this text1852. He started in Melbourne as a wine and spirit
Fix this textmerchant, and soon expanded his business widely.
Fix this textAfter a short visit to England in 1856, he returned
Fix this textto the land of his adoption, and in 1857 entered as
Fix this textprincipal athh te on the political arena. In 1860
Fix this texthe was returned for East Melbourne, and, in 1861,
Fix this textfor Colling wood, where he secured the favour of
Fix this textthe electors till 1865, when he was rejected.
Fix this textNothing daunted, he took to newspaper literature,
Fix this textas the.next best medium, after the House of As-
Fix this textsembly, of stamping his views on large sections of
Fix this textthe people. While editing the Geelong Regis-
Fix this texttee, his extreme fiscal opinions became popular,
Fix this textas well as intelligible, because he wrote with vigour
Fix this textand perspecuity—two qualities in a journalist
Fix this textthe general public very much admire. Mr.
Fix this textBerry was looked upon as “ the coming man” in
Fix this text1868, when he was elected for Geelong West, and
Fix this texthad his first beatification as Treasurer and Com-
Fix this textmissioner of Customs in the third M'Cullocb
Fix this textMinistry (1871). which succumbed to the Francis’
Fix this textcoup-de-maia after a struggle of a few months’
Fix this textduration. Next year he returned to power—also
Fix this textas Treasurer and Commissioner of Customs—and
Fix this textsucceeded in carrying, notwithstanding much
Fix this textopposition, his Protectionist tariff of 20 per cent.
Fix this textad valorem duties. Reaction followed, and Mr.
Fix this textBerry and his colleagues suffered a second defeat;
Fix this textbut the hour of his crowning victory came at last.
Fix this textOn the defeat of Mr. Service, Mr. Berry formed
Fix this texthis first Administration ; but it had neither much
Fix this textcoherency nor vitality, as it was defeated on the
Fix this textLand Tax, and being refused a dissolution, its
Fix this textmembers in a fit of chargrin resigned. Fortune
Fix this text(fickle as some of his thick-and-thin supporters)
Fix this textseemed to have deserted him, wh-m a sudden
Fix this textreaction came, which carried him to the Premie ;
Fix this textplace once more, and thus gave him an opportunity
Fix this textof entering on that “vigorous policy’’ which
Fix this textcaused a deadlock of more than a year’s duratior
Fix this textbetween the two Houses of Legislator
Fix this textin Melbourne, and produced a volcanic
Fix this textdisruption in the Civil Service. Full of resources
Fix this texteven to the trial of daring experiments, he went tc
Fix this textEngland on that notable embassy, accompanied by
Fix this textMr. Pearson, which would have proved a miser-
Fix this textable burlesque if Mr. Berry’s real abilities had not
Fix this textsaved it from absolute ignominy. He and his
Fix this textliterary man Friday returned to the neighbouring
Fix this textoolony somewhat sobered in mind, but, on the
Fix this textwhole, looking a'l the better for their “ cheap”
Fix this textholiday. His presence at the late sessions of the
Fix this textIntercolonial Conference in Melbourne and Sydney
Fix this textgave dignity and apparent cohesion to the diplo-
Fix this textmatic muster, although the results of the dele-
Fix this textgates’ deliberations are not of much moment.
Fix this textMr. Berry, however, during his visit to this city,
Fix this textgained many admirers—not of his financial theories
Fix this textbut of his sterling ability, especially his intellectual
Fix this textsuppleness and moral courage. He made the best
Fix this textpossible defence of his policy at the Exchange
Fix this textbanquet, and certainly proved that a political
Fix this textsophist, if he only believe boldly in his own infal-
Fix this textlibility, is sure to arrive at rhe truth circuitously
Fix this textat last. It is merely necessary to assume as a
Fix this textcardinal dogma that Victoria is intended by nature
Fix this textto be the great manufacturing colony of the Aus-
Fix this texttralias, and thn of the programme follows as
Fix this texta matter of course; but others will deny the
Fix this textpremises. Mr. Berry is said to be genial, humor-
Fix this textous, and affectionate in private life.
Fix this textTHE HON. GRAHAM BEERY, CHIEF SECRETARY OF VICTORIA.—[Photo, by Boyd.]
Fix this textIt's easy and takes two shakes of a lamb's tail!
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http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-128330549
(1880). The bulletin Retrieved August 5, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-128330549
The bulletin Sydney, N.S.W: John Haynes and J.F. Archibald, 1880. Web. 5 August 2025 <http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-128330549>
1880, The bulletin John Haynes and J.F. Archibald, Sydney, N.S.W viewed 5 August 2025 http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-128330549
{{Citation
|
| title=The bulletin.
| year=1880
| section=105 volumes : illustrations (chiefly coloured), portraits (chiefly coloured) ; 30-40 cm.
| issn=0007-4039
| series=John Ryan Comic Collection (Specific issues).
| issue=Vol. 5 No. 54 (5 Feb 1881)
| location=Sydney, N.S.W
| publisher=John Haynes and J.F. Archibald
| url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-128330549
| id=nla.obj-128330549
| access-date=5 August 2025
| via=Trove
}}
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