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THE BULLETIN
Fix this textVol. 3.—No. 38.
Fix this textSYDNEY, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1880.
Fix this textPrice—3d
Fix this textt §wMin.
Fix this textSATUEDAT. OCTOBEE 16, 1880.
Fix this text“Come si fa.”
Fix this textIt is an axiom in the science of sociology that
Fix this textprecisely in the ratio that a people interests
Fix this textitself, by taking practical action in any matter
Fix this textwhich concerns it, will that matter resolve itself
Fix this textin a manner that will either contribute to its
Fix this textadvantage or to its prejudice. The people of
Fix this textSydney would appear never to have met with
Fix this textthis axiom, or, if having done so, to have failed
Fix this textto appraise it at anything like its real value and
Fix this textimportance. History is good for nothing, and
Fix this textsociology is a barren field of research, if the les-
Fix this textson is not learned that what a people desires must
Fix this textbe clamoured for; and if clamour is of no avail,
Fix this textstill more active measures must he taken. The
Fix this textpolicy of come si fa, as Colonel Quackenboss
Fix this textcalled it, never gave any community a single one
Fix this textof the amenities which it can lay claim to, never-
Fix this texttheless come si fa would seem to bo the chosen
Fix this textpolicy of Sydneyites. Come si fa means, in
Fix this texteffect, “ Oh, I can’t be bothered but all history
Fix this texttells us that people who “can’t be bothered”
Fix this texteventually get bothered in a way they little care
Fix this textabout. Come si fa did not win the “ battle of
Fix this textEunnymede,” as our good friend O’Connor
Fix this textcalled it last week at the Masonic Hall; nor did
Fix this textit effect American Independence; nor pass the
Fix this textReform Bill of ’32; nor establish Italian Unity;
Fix this textnor emancipate the French from the thralls of a
Fix this textcorrupt and tyrannical Court. But what come
Fix this textsi fa always has done is to breed the conditions
Fix this textthat lead to these explosions; and it can never do
Fix this textany more or any less. If the people concerned
Fix this texthad “bothered” themselves a little more about
Fix this textaffairs that directly affected themselves in pre-
Fix this textvipus times, precisely similar results might have
Fix this textbeen gradually arrived at without any such vio-
Fix this textlent explosions ; and the people of those previous
Fix this texttimes would, of course, have been also them-
Fix this textselves much better off than they were. Come si fa
Fix this textis simply a hot-bed for the forcing of tyrants,
Fix this textand the trade of a tyrant is to tyrannise over
Fix this textthose whom he dare oppress —over those, in short,
Fix this textwho profess the doctrine of come si fa. Now it is
Fix this textnot in the least desirable that there should be
Fix this textany explosion in Sydney, either in the near or in
Fix this textthe remote future ; and therefore those who for
Fix this textthemselves are content to let things “ slide,”
Fix this textshould remember that they owe a duty to pos-
Fix this textterity as well as to themselves. “A stitch in
Fix this texttime saves nine,” and even if there is a little
Fix this text“bother” in making it, still the claims of our
Fix this textrising generation emphatically demand the en-
Fix this textdurance of the necessary “ bother.” These con-
Fix this textsiderations are of course suggested by the
Fix this textremarkable apathy displayed by the people of
Fix this textSydney anent the encroachments of late attempted,
Fix this textin various directions, on their liberties. Liberty
Fix this textof speech was attacked by an attempt to gag all
Fix this textpublic lectures not personally approved of by the
Fix this textColonial Secretary, and though a public meeting
Fix this textwas held and a few speeches made, the matter
Fix this textwas allowed to drop, for people could not be
Fix this text“bothered” any further; and it was only the
Fix this textgood sense of ' the House that stifled it. Then
Fix this textthere was the miserable Proctor bussiness, and
Fix this textagain people could not be and, to
Fix this textthe disgrace of Sydney, actually was
Fix this textdone. Now we have the Supreme Court claiming
Fix this textirresponsible power over the Press ; and what is
Fix this textdone ? True, a public meeting was held; but
Fix this textwhere were the leaders, the representatives of the
Fix this textpeople, who should have taken part in it ? They
Fix this textcould not be “bothered”; come si fa had taken
Fix this textpossession of them. This is not as it should be.
Fix this textIf a firm and united stand is not made against
Fix this textthese encroachments they will take root and
Fix this textgrow, and put out yet further ramifications, and
Fix this texteventually defy eradication to any but the most
Fix this textviolent measures. Those who refuse to take part
Fix this textin active opposition to them are sycophants, who
Fix this texttruckle to those in power, and tacitly proclaim
Fix this texttheir approval of these encroachments. Thus
Fix this textthey are themselves in training for the exercise of
Fix this texttyrannical rule, when it shall fall to them to use
Fix this textit. Let, therefore, the electors of Sydney care-
Fix this textfully take note of those who, having been chosen
Fix this textto protect their liberties from infringement,
Fix this texttraitorously shirk their duties, prefering rather
Fix this textthe smiles of the great, the sweets of golden
Fix this textpromises, and the ease of the doctrine of come
Fix this textfa.
Fix this textBeatified at Last!
Fix this textIt may be accepted as a canon in social ethics
Fix this textthat “ man wants but little here belowand, if
Fix this texthe is of a hopeful temperament, he will not want
Fix this text“that little long” —including Sir George Long
Fix this textInnes and other small blessings. It has been for
Fix this textyears an amiable weakness of our present Premier
Fix this textto desire the autographs of illustrious individuals
Fix this textsent to him expressly, and we believe his collec-
Fix this texttion is pretty extensive. He has had letters (to
Fix this textomit lesser stars) from Bright, Carnarvon, and
Fix this textThomas Carlyle, and doubtless their receipt
Fix this textadded considerably to his felicity; but, in the
Fix this textwildest flight of his imagination as a collector, he
Fix this textcould hardly have dreamt of receiving an epis-
Fix this texttolary “favour” from a live Duke. 'lhe Fates
Fix this textare often benign in their dispensations to ambi-
Fix this texttious mortals; and that which Sir Henry Parkes
Fix this textwould, a few months ago, have looked upon as the
Fix this textmost improbable of occurrences, has actually come
Fix this textto pass—he is in possession of a letter from his
Fix this textGrace the Duke of Manchester, who doubtless
Fix this textbegan the billet with the usual term of endear-
Fix this textment. This may seem to some persons a small
Fix this textmatter, and not one worthy of much (if any)
Fix this textnotice; but we look upon it in a very different
Fix this textlight. We think it will—it certainly should —
Fix this texthave the effect of energising the Premier to
Fix this texthigher flights of ambition. If he can manage
Fix this textto manipulate the “fickle mob” during the
Fix this textGeneral Election, and return to Parliament
Fix this textwith a large majority of “ backers,” he will be in
Fix this texta position to dictate to the minority in the
Fix this textAssembly with hauteur and Dutch courage.
Fix this textThe result of his dictatorship may be a
Fix this textbaronetcy, or a baronage, under the hand of
Fix this textthe Queen ! The hope of such a distinction
Fix this textmust be perfectly dazzling; and as the word
Fix this textfailure, or its cognate phrase —“never say die" —
Fix this textdoes not occur in the bright lexicon Sir Heney
Fix this textpolitically uses, he may yet attain the last stage
Fix this textof beatification —an autograph letter from his
Fix this textmost gracious Sovereign. If the missive of his
Fix this textGrace of Manchester has made our Premier
Fix this textcomparatively happy, and justifies him in keeping
Fix this textHis nose amorphous high in air,
Fix this textor, in other words, snubbing meaner mortals, we
Fix this textcannot blame him. He makes use of them to
Fix this textascend the ladder of fame, and they should rejoice
Fix this textin his ascension, particularly as he works hard in
Fix this texttheir (as well as in his own) interests. To those
Fix this textwho irreverently look upon him as the “veiled
Fix this textprophet" of Botany Bay, he may turn the eye of
Fix this textscorn, and remind them that he is a historic
Fix this textfigure “in the foremost files of time," and
Fix this textnumbers among his friends nobles, poets, philo-
Fix this textsophers, and divines (of the M'Guven type).
Fix this textHe must be —he is —happy.
Fix this textThe Sabbatarians and the Working Men.
Fix this textOf all the flabby, weak-kneed gatherings ever
Fix this textheld in Sydney, that which was got together in
Fix this textthe Protestant Hall on Monday evening to back
Fix this textup Sabbatarianism was the flabbiest and weakest-
Fix this textkneed. If the extent and earnestness of public
Fix this textopinion in opposition to Sunday “ railways, tram-
Fix this textways, steamboats, omnibuses, cabs, harbour-
Fix this textexcursions, libraries, museums, and lectures ” are
Fix this textto be gauged by the speeches and attendance at
Fix this textthis meeting, then may we be assured that
Fix this textcommon sense and freedom are not likely to be
Fix this textseriously obstructed in this community. All the
Fix this textbig guns of the clerical platform were conspicuous
Fix this textby their absence. The “ M'Guven ” was other-
Fix this textwise occupied and could not appear. That highly
Fix this textrespectable “gun,” or rather “ Canon,” Stephen
Fix this textsent an apology. The Eev. Dr. Kelynack
Fix this textfollowed suit. The Bishop of Sydney “ had
Fix this textmarried a wife and therefore could not come”
Fix this text(Luke xxv, v. 20), or something of that kind.
Fix this textUnder the circumstances, the Very Eeverend the
Fix this textDean was the piece de resistance, and hence the
Fix this textsubstantiality of the rest of the oratorical menu
Fix this textmay easily be estimated. The Hon. John
Fix this textFrazer had to pose as a friend of the working
Fix this textclasses, and to become oracular concerning that
Fix this textvenerable institution, “ the thin edge of the
Fix this textwedge,” as if the “edge” was not becoming
Fix this texttolerably thick by this time. The Hon. W. J-
Fix this textFoster had to try and convince a sceptical
Fix this textpeople that the only “free” nations in the world
Fix this textare those which are prohibited from enjoying
Fix this textSunday railways, vehicles, boats, libraries, picture
Fix this textgalleries, tea-gardens and lecture halls. As for
Fix this textthe rest of the speakers, they consisted of fifth-
Fix this textrate pulpiteers who contented themselves with
Fix this textrinsing out the dregs of their several Sabbath
Fix this textsermon dishes. The result was a wishy-washy
Fix this textconcoction, but it was their best, and ought not
Fix this textto bo severely criticised. The audience was
Fix this textcomposed of the ordinary Sunday-school and
Fix this textpious “ tea and muffin ” variety, and the working
Fix this textmen who were so persuasively invited and
Fix this textentreated to be present were, like the heads of the
Fix this textchurches, more profitably engaged. This was as
Fix this textit should be, for had they come, they would have
Fix this textbeen compelled to hear themselves profusely
Fix this textpatronised, and at the same time insulted by
Fix this textbeing told that in this democratic community
Fix this textthey will infallibly bo robbed of their one day s
Fix this textrest in seven if they fail to cling to the feeble
Fix this textskirts of the sanctified Sabbatarians. Heaven help
Fix this textthe bone and sinew of the colony, say we, if this
Fix this textrotten remnant of ancient Pharisaism is to be their
Fix this textonly buckler against the rapacity of those selfish,
Fix this textcruel capitalists who count “cash” as superior
Fix this textto social well-being and advancement. Happily
Fix this textthe working classes are beginning to rise superior
Fix this textto “buncombe” of this description, and to know
Fix this textthat if they want to be efficiently served, they
Fix this textmust serve themselves.
Fix this text“'Man’ the Life-boat!”
Fix this textThe life-boaters of Newcastle are justly blamed
Fix this textfor want of spirit and energy in the matter of
Fix this textthe Susanne Godeffroy, but what would have
Fix this texthappened if the ill-fated ship had been thrown
Fix this textupon the coast in the neighbourhood of Port
Fix this textJackson ? There is a life-boat at Watson’s Bay,
Fix this textbut it has no crew—and it has actually been out
Fix this textfor practice once in three years with a catch crew
Fix this textof youths. The steamer Captain Cook would
Fix this texthave been useless in such weather. The life-
Fix this textsaving apparatus at the lighthouse might have
Fix this textbeen rigged within three hours, and the signal
Fix this textman would probably have seen two ensigns flying
Fix this textinstead of one —both decidedly upside down. On
Fix this textall accounts we think it very judicious of her to
Fix this texthave selected Newcastle in preference. A wreck
Fix this texthere would give enough work for a dozen Boards
Fix this textand Eoyal Commissions.
Fix this textCharles Janies Roberts, ex-Mayor of
Fix this textSydney.
Fix this textThe best gift Providence ever gave an individual
Fix this textis an equable temperament. One adept in phreno-
Fix this textlogic lore says it is the nervous, another the
Fix this textnervous-sanguine, a third the nervous-sanguine-
Fix this textlymphatic, and so on through sundry changes.
Fix this textLeaving aside this quasi-scientific jargon, it must
Fix this textbe admitted that the man who blends gravity
Fix this textwith hilarity, practical common sense in the con-
Fix this textcerns of every-day life with a genial admixture of
Fix this textthe social virtues —who, in a word, can pass from
Fix this text“ grave to gay, from lively to severe ” without
Fix this textdifficulty—may be said to possess, in an eminent
Fix this textdegree, “a sound mind in a sound body.” This
Fix this textmens sana in corpore sano will not suffice to form
Fix this texta character which posses a distinct individuality.
Fix this textIt requires some animating principle, such as love
Fix this textof Art, a pure Ambition, Patriotism, or some
Fix this textother ennobling virtue to give the finishing touches
Fix this textto Nature’s gifts. The Promethean fire is not all
Fix this texta myth; it still inspires men to make heroic
Fix this textstruggles, and gives a chaste glow to the self-
Fix this textsacrificing energies of women. These thoughts
Fix this textflash before us, faster than we can dash them
Fix this textdown, as a meet introduction to the brief memoir
Fix this textwe are about to give of a distinguished citizen of
Fix this textSydney —a worthy native-born Australian. To a
Fix this textserene and practical mind Charles James Eoberts
Fix this textadds a genial disposition and a refined taste.
Fix this textHis modesty is not too sensitive to make him
Fix this textweak, but sufficiently evident to take away all
Fix this textsuspicion of presumption. His character would.
Fix this textMR. CHARLES JAMES ROBERTS, EX-MAYOR OF SYDNEY.
Fix this textIt's easy and takes two shakes of a lamb's tail!
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http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-242213994
(1880). The bulletin Retrieved June 14, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-242213994
The bulletin Sydney, N.S.W: John Haynes and J.F. Archibald, 1880. Web. 14 June 2025 <http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-242213994>
1880, The bulletin John Haynes and J.F. Archibald, Sydney, N.S.W viewed 14 June 2025 http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-242213994
{{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. 3 No. 38 (16 Oct 1880)
| location=Sydney, N.S.W
| publisher=John Haynes and J.F. Archibald
| url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-242213994
| id=nla.obj-242213994
| access-date=14 June 2025
| via=Trove
}}
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