THE BATTLE OFLIFE, AT HOME.

Inangahua Times, Volume VII, Issue 1182, 13 October 1882, Page 2

THE BATTLE OFLIFE, AT HOME.

In an article; "on the number of human corpses found in the Thames," tlve "Scotsman " says : — These figures are terrible evidence of the severity of the struggle for existence in a city like London, and the misery and waste of life that it entails. It would be foolish, however, to look upon them as someseem inclined to do, as supplying answers to those twin conundrums, of modern pessimist speculation, "Is civilisation a failure 1 ?" and "Is life worth living ?" By fixing the mind on the seamy side of human nature, and having regard solely to the facts that illustrate its meanness and misery, it is, of course easy to accept the dismal creed" of tho Pessimists, that this is the worst of all possible worlds. By that method of pursuing truth it is easy to believe anything, and unfortunately the facts in support of the Pessimist case lie only too close at hand, and cannot be gainsaid. But anyone who is inclined to despair of the. tendencies of modern society should take comfort by the reflection that there are. other facts, I through statistics cannot be so conveniently quoted to confirm them, that indicate a substantial balance on the other side. No one has ever taken an inventory of the number of happy homes in London ;no one could. Yet it is no secret that there are many such in the great Metropolis. Tho pure fireside joys and rational pleasures that are found there cannot be presented in statistical form : but they may fairly be held to outweigh the sin and shame that seek oblivion in the Thames, or flaunt themsel ves in the streets. Scores, nay hundreds, of lives are it is seen annually wrecked through their own

fault or or the fault of others, but tens and hundreds of thousands remain reasonably useful and responsibly happy. The world may be no better than it should be — wo may at times be startled by figures and facts that seem to indicate that it is less safe and pleasant to dwell in than had been supposed — but it should not be forgotten that it is virtue and wisdom and happiness that seek peace and retirement ; while it is crime and discontent and misfortune that, as a rule, are trumpet tongued, and get their existence noted in the police books and other statistical records.