Self Defence.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume III, Issue 386, 5 December 1889, Page 2

Self Defence.

[to the BniTon..]

Sir,—lf I have been extinguished, yet there rise a thousand beacons from the spark I bore. I feel flattered by the attention some of your correspondents devbte to me, but why my political opinions should bo called into question I cannot conceive. 1 beg leave to say that I am not a candidate for electoral honors, nor have I the vanity to presume that my opinions reflect or influence many votes. Now for my reasons for the apparent inconsistencies some people are pleased to consider I labor under. X formerly supported Mr Rees because he claimed to be a supporter of the “Grey Party.” That Party no logger exists, and I further consider the people have no just causa to feel any gratitude or affection for that faction. The Party Mr Rees now Claims to support, largely consists of 11 Number One.” By a streteh of imagination he includes all those former supporters on his list. When pr by what right has he acquired a vested interest in their votes ? I claim the privilege of a free man, Because, principally, he ia a lawyer,” and raised the question of “ class ” privileges I am now opposed to him. My contention is that a “ sheepfarmer ” is infinitely preferable to a ’* lawyer," The sheepfarmer has never attemped to set up '< a Government within a Government," but is content to be ruled by equal laws. The abuse of the same does not invalidate the fact, but this is vastly different to putting oneself above the roach of those laws, which ought to recognise no distinction.—l am, etc,, W. L. File.

I And this is all the erstwhile President of the Working Men’s Political Association has to say in explanation I A.n Association whose sole object, we believe, was to endeavor to secure legislation for the benefit of the industrial classes, aa against the influence which the large landholders can briaa to bear. The “explanation" is too weak tn be considered seriously. “ Measures, not men," used to be Mr File s cry ; now he oOMidera men preferable to mBaaureBi«*ED.j