Fix this text
THE BULLETIN
Fix this textVol. 3.—No. 39.
Fix this textSYDNEY, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23. 1880.
Fix this textPrice—3d.
Fix this textSATURDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1880.
Fix this textA Leap in the Dark.
Fix this textThe elections for the new and enlarged Assembly
Fix this textcannot now be long delayed. Candidates are
Fix this textbestirring themselves in every direction, and the
Fix this textwire-pullers are busily preparing their under-
Fix this textground machinery. In many of the electorates
Fix this textrequisitions have been circulating for some time,
Fix this textand the good nature or business obligations ot
Fix this textvoters have been worked upon to induce them to
Fix this textpledge their suffrages in advance. Still the
Fix this textGovernment make no sign, announce no policy,
Fix this textpledge themselves to nothing, offer nothing to
Fix this textthe country. The Premier, apparently bitten with
Fix this textthe frenzy of imagining that he can successfully
Fix this textemulate Gladstone, has been discharging floods of
Fix this texttalk wherever he has wandered. But the effect
Fix this textof his garrulity has been the exact opposite of
Fix this textthat conveyed by Mr. Gladstone’s now famous
Fix this textoratorical tour; in the case of the British states-
Fix this textman each successive speech afforded additional
Fix this textevidence that the mind of the orator was animated
Fix this textby one supreme conviction and predominant
Fix this textpurpose. But as regards his would-be imitator,
Fix this textthe purport of the speech of yesterday has been
Fix this textcontradicted or qualified by the speech of to-day;
Fix this textand the vague and general skimming of a farrago
Fix this textof diverse subjects, generally trifling and often
Fix this texttrumpery, has served merely to engender a sus-
Fix this textpicion that Sir Henkx is floundering about in
Fix this textquest of a policy which will serve the purpose of
Fix this textkeeping himself in power. At Ashfield he was
Fix this textemphatic on the" prime necessity of the electors
Fix this textsubordinating every other consideration to that
Fix this textof returning representatives who would be sound
Fix this texton the Education question. But when next he
Fix this textaddressed the public he was just as emphatic in
Fix this textimpressing upon them that they should not allow
Fix this textthemselves to be swayed by the fact of candidates
Fix this textdeclaring their adherence to any single issue, but
Fix this textshould make their choice upon the broader ground
Fix this textof general fitness and ability, and of the capacity
Fix this textof the men who aspired to representative honors
Fix this textfor dealing with large questions. This latter
Fix this textadvice is first-rate so far as it goes. But it is
Fix this textpurposeless and incomplete in default of distinct
Fix this textand uncompromising declarations as to what are
Fix this textthe large and important questions which the
Fix this textGovernment intends to ask the next Parliament to
Fix this textdeal with. At present nobody has any idea that
Fix this textthe Cabinet of Sir Henbt Pashes is big with
Fix this textgrand conceptions. Naturally it might have
Fix this textbeen expected that the Premier would in later
Fix this textspeeches have followed up his handsome, but
Fix this textnon-committing, generalisations with important
Fix this textrevelations of the particular projects or principles
Fix this textwhich were present in his mind when he sought to
Fix this textimpress the public with the weighty responsibilities
Fix this textthey were about to be called upon to discharge.
Fix this textBut either he was merely mouthing big phrases,
Fix this textwithout having any particular meaning, or his
Fix this textcourage has since oozed away, like Bob Acres ,
Fix this textfrom his finger ends. His most recent deliverances
Fix this texthave dwindled down into childish drivel and
Fix this textmeaningless maundering. From rousing -the
Fix this textpeople to a sense of tremendous responsibilities
Fix this textrelating to something undefined, he sank, without
Fix this textapparent cause, to whining complaints that in the
Fix this textmetropolis, where he is best and most intimately
Fix this textknown, and where every phase of his kaleidos-
Fix this textcopic career has been noted, he is not understood
Fix this text°r so highly esteemed as his prodigious merits
Fix this textdeserve ; and, to saponaceous suggestions that,
Fix this textwhat the perversity of the citizens of Sydney
Fix this texthas prevented them from appreciating, the
Fix this textnatural penetration of the gifted people
Fix this text°f the hamlet of Cudal had enabled
Fix this textthem to comprehend. If it be really,
Fix this textthis line of inference would apparently
Fix this textBu ggest, sufficient consolation for being held in
Fix this textsome degree of contempt in Sydney, to believe
Fix this textthat one is esteemed in Cudal, political pilgrim-
Fix this textages to that remarkable village should become
Fix this texttolerably common. But, however consolatory
Fix this textsuch self-soothing proceedings and effusions may
Fix this texthe to the Premier, they are none the less worth-
Fix this textless to the public, and excessively aggravating at
Fix this textthis particular time, when throughout the con-
Fix this textstituencies electors are anxiously expecting some
Fix this textdeclarations which may serve to assist them in
Fix this texttaking their choice of persons to represent them
Fix this textio the next Parliament, and to assist in shaping
Fix this textthe course of legislation during a period likely
Fix this textenough to be protracted. What the public wants
Fix this textto know just now is not the valuation which Sir
Fix this textHenry Pabkes would like to believe he places
Fix this textupon the opinions prevalent regarding his merits
Fix this textin Sydney and in Cudal respectively. I hey are
Fix this textdesirous of having information as to what are the
Fix this textintentions and projects of their Premier for the
Fix this textgovernment of the colony, for lending impulse to
Fix this textits development, for rectifying defects in its
Fix this textlegislation, and for accelerating its progress in
Fix this textthe immediate future. It wants to know his
Fix this textintentions in order that it may make its own
Fix this textarrangements for electing representatives either
Fix this textto assist or to restrain him, as his purposes may
Fix this textfall in with its wishes and ideas. Prom a Premier
Fix this textit has a right not only to expect clear explanations
Fix this texton these heads, but to demand them. Perhaps
Fix this textSir Heney is merely reserving himself. If so,
Fix this texthe is reserving himself dangerously long. While
Fix this texthe remains mute, electors are being drawn into
Fix this textengagements to candidates who may not be the
Fix this textmen they would choose had they full information
Fix this textas to the work to be done by the next Parliament.
Fix this textIf, on the other hand, it be the Premier’s plan to
Fix this textleave the elections to be made on merely paro-
Fix this textchial and local likings and impulses, he abdicates
Fix this texthis high functions, and such a course would be
Fix this textto practically work against the spirit of his own
Fix this textrecommendation that men should be chosen in
Fix this textview of their fitness to deal with large themes.
Fix this textBut an Assembly of members without definite
Fix this textviews would be a very manageable Assembly for
Fix this textthe coalition Ministry of veteran politicians to
Fix this textdeal with; and whatever might be the opinion of
Fix this textthe gifted people of Cudal, the citizens of the
Fix this textmetropolis are likely to entertain the idea that
Fix this textsuch an outcome of the elections might be
Fix this textregarded by their old acquaintance, Sir Heney,
Fix this textas quite worth scheming to bring about.
Fix this textThe “Devil’s Advocate.”
Fix this textA proverb tells us that when we are in Rome we
Fix this textshould do as Rome does; and the reverse of this
Fix this textdoubtless holds good, that when we are away
Fix this textfrom Rome we need pay no attention to what is
Fix this textdone there. Were it otherwise, the above head-
Fix this texting would bear a very different interpretation to
Fix this textthat which has recently been attached to it in
Fix this textSydney. As is well known the Devil’s Advocate,
Fix this textin Rome, is a duly appointed and important
Fix this textofficial whenever the august authorities of that
Fix this textancient Christian church are contemplating an
Fix this textact of canonization. However strong, may be the
Fix this textclaims to sainthood of the individual about to
Fix this textbe honoured, however holy his life and astound-
Fix this texting the wonders performed at his grave, the
Fix this textAdvocatus Biaboli will have something to say
Fix this textagainst the proposed addition to the celestial
Fix this textcorps. Our local “ Devil’s Advocate,” however,
Fix this texthas more to do with sinners than saints, and in
Fix this textplace of appearing as a prosecutor on the part of
Fix this textSatan, has to accept a brief for the defence of
Fix this textthat maltreated potentate. Beelzebub, it seems,
Fix this textlike so many monarchs in these democratic days,
Fix this texthas fallen upon evil times ; and the extent of his
Fix this textdeclension may be conceived when we say that
Fix this textthe only clerical counsel who appears inclined to
Fix this textplead at the bar of public opinion on his behalf
Fix this textis Dr. Beg. One of the latest attacks upon poor
Fix this text“auld Nickie-Ben” came from the Jewish
Fix this textRabbi, who wants to shoulder the unlucky demon
Fix this textout of the Bible, even. Dr. Beg gallantly rushed
Fix this textto the rescue, and hence has been dubbed by the
Fix this textRabbi with the title of the “ Devil’s Advocate.”
Fix this textWhether the pugnacious cleric accepts the title
Fix this textor not is more than we know. Titles are falling
Fix this textsomewhat into disrepute just at present, and
Fix this textpossibly this one may go a-begging. But even if
Fix this textDr. Beg rejects the nominal honour which the
Fix this textRabbi would thrust upon him he has shown him-
Fix this textself eager to claim the position which the title
Fix this textindicates. There is a class of persons who are
Fix this textsaid to rush in where angels fear to tread, and
Fix this textcertainly most angels—if they are the clear-
Fix this textsighted beings they are commonly represented—
Fix this textwould be afraid of attempting to maintain his
Fix this textSatanic majesty and his sooty domain in the light
Fix this textof the nineteenth century and in the laughing
Fix this textface of sceptical science. But Dr. Beg is not an
Fix this textangel —at least, as Mark Twain would say, he
Fix this texthas none of the “points” of an angel about him
Fix this text—and so he is at it, hammer and “ tongues,” on
Fix this textbehalf of “ Hell and the Devil.” We can scarcely
Fix this textsay that he has our good wishes for his success,
Fix this textbut at all events we wish hrim all the success he
Fix this textdeserves. And so far are we from offering him
Fix this textopposition that we sincerely trust if he is fortu-
Fix this textnate in his temporary assumption of the role of
Fix this text“Devil’s Advocate,” he may have sufficient in-
Fix this textterest in that quarter to ensure his obtaining a
Fix this textpermanent appointment.
Fix this textThe Revenue Racket.
Fix this textThe state of our colonial finances is daily at-
Fix this texttracting more attention. An excellent way to
Fix this textgauge public opinion on any question is to con-
Fix this textsider what side the majority of Parliamentary
Fix this textcandidates take, and, following this rule, we can-
Fix this textnot fail to be struck with the general feeling of
Fix this textalarm on this subject, and the wide-spread pro-
Fix this textphecies of rocks ahead. Naturally enough
Fix this textpeople look to the land for the cause, and
Fix this textalso for the remedy, of the evil, knowing
Fix this textthat if injudicious management of the publio
Fix this textestate is to be the cause indirectly of our pros-
Fix this textpective impecuniosity, that it is also the one
Fix this textplank which, properly utilised, will enable us to
Fix this textweather the storm, and keep the head of the
Fix this textcolony above the figurative waters. It has of
Fix this textcourse been evident for some time that the crisis
Fix this textwas coming ; that our land revenue as at present
Fix this textderived could not last much longer ; and it has
Fix this textlong been currently believed that a system either
Fix this textof taxation or retrenchment, or both, would have
Fix this textto be devised to prevent a large balance accruing
Fix this texton the wrong side of the public accounts. Hence
Fix this textthe Stamp Act and the proposed wool and coal
Fix this texttaxes. Hence, too, were it not for the ju-
Fix this textdicious finessing of the Premier, the burning
Fix this textquestion of the coming general election would
Fix this textinevitably have been the one of finance. But by his
Fix this textdexterous flourishing of the Education Act in
Fix this textthe face of the country, and his careful use of
Fix this textthe present quarter’s increase ot revenue, per-
Fix this texthaps the matter will not now receive the attention
Fix this textits importance deserves. This quarterly increase,
Fix this texthowever, is in itself an effect of that mistaken
Fix this textlegislation which has been the primary agent in
Fix this textincurring all the mischief. Abnormal and
Fix this textmerely temporary as it is, it will, if not properly
Fix this textunderstood and guarded against, induce a false
Fix this textfeeling of security on this question of revenue,
Fix this textand postpone its consideration until the weight
Fix this textof the taxation which must necessarily, sooner or
Fix this textlater, be imposed, will be positively unendurable
Fix this textby reason of its excessive but necessary propor-
Fix this texttions. It may not have been generally observed
Fix this textthat one of the effects of the last amendment of
Fix this textthe Lauds Act has been to provide that free
Fix this textselectors who have already holdings of say 210
Fix this textacres, which they have improved in a proper and
Fix this textacknowledged manner at the rate of between
Fix this textfifteen and sixteen shillings per acre, are ipso
Fix this textfacto entitled to select a proportionate 110 acres of
Fix this textadjoining territory, without any further condi-
Fix this texttions as to improvements. Now, the statements
Fix this textof land sale returns during the last quarter show
Fix this textto what an extent this provision has been availed
Fix this textof; and while, by its intrinsic nature, the cir-
Fix this textcumstance speaks of itself for the short term of
Fix this textits possible continuance, it proffers a warning
Fix this textthat the obtaining a permanently reliable
Fix this textand legitimate revenue should be no longer
Fix this textdelayed. And while on this subject, let
Fix this textus say, it seems a particularly unfortu-
Fix this textnate juncture for the selectors to put forth
Fix this texttheir “repudiation” principle, as it is called
Fix this textby its opponents; since the Act by which the
Fix this textState’s claim to the interest on the purchase
Fix this textmoney of their holdings would be foregone,
Fix this textwould deprive the original Act of 1861 of the
Fix this textonly quality it had to recommend it, apart from
Fix this textthe benefits it conferred on the free selector him-
Fix this textself —namely, the revenue represented by the
Fix this textresidue of the income which was to be derived
Fix this textfrom the total alienation of so much of the pub-
Fix this textlic landed estate, the natural capital of the
Fix this textME. JAMES SQUIER EAENELL, M.P.
Fix this textIt's easy and takes two shakes of a lamb's tail!
With your Trove account you can:
http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-242221417
(1880). The bulletin Retrieved June 1, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-242221417
The bulletin Sydney, N.S.W: John Haynes and J.F. Archibald, 1880. Web. 1 June 2025 <http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-242221417>
1880, The bulletin John Haynes and J.F. Archibald, Sydney, N.S.W viewed 1 June 2025 http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-242221417
{{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. 39 (23 Oct 1880)
| location=Sydney, N.S.W
| publisher=John Haynes and J.F. Archibald
| url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-242221417
| id=nla.obj-242221417
| access-date=1 June 2025
| via=Trove
}}
Citations are automatically generated and may require some modification to conform to exact standards.
Select the images you want to download, or the whole document.
You can order a copy of this work from Copies Direct.
Copies Direct supplies reproductions of collection material for a fee. This service is offered by the National Library of Australia
Copyright varies by issue and article
Copyright varies with each issue and article. You may have full rights to copy, or may be able to copy only under some circumstances, for example a portion for research or study. Order a copy where circumstances allow or Contact us for further information.
Copyright status may not be correct if data in the record is incomplete or inaccurate. Other access conditions may also apply.
For more information please see: Copyright in library collections.
Copy and paste one of these options to share this book elsewhere.