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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 62

Australia and her Critics. — A Governor's Plea

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Australia and her Critics.

A Governor's Plea.

Sydney, Septetnber 15th 1891.

The Earl of Jersey, the Governor, speaking at Albury a few days ago, referred to certain recent publications on the subject of Australia. His Excellency said:—"A great deal has been written lately about Australia—in fact it would seem as if Australia had become the happy hunting ground of the scribbling globe-trotter. When I open my morning paper I almost expect to read that some new volunteer has opened fire. It is said that there is in Australia too much borrowing, too much drinking, too much swearing, and so along the whole gamut of vices, till one wonders whether there is any room left for virtues in what is a British race. I would not defend such faults where they exist A great speaker, however, once said it was impossible to draw an indictment against a whole nation, and it will be as well for the critics of Australia sometimes to remember this. No one can object to fair criticism which draws attention to facts deserving of consideration, but remarks in violent language meant to wound must be condemned, and I cannot help thinking that the separator of the article, finding no cream in it, sent out the sour milk instead. It is, nevertheless, unfortunate that such an effusion should gain so much publicity. Some people may carry away the idea that this style of writing represents the views of people at home. I do not believe that for a moment. The people of the Old Country know and value their Australian kinsmen far too well to mistake petulant sarcasm for intelligent reasoning. Critical misrepresentation has become one of the fine arts of the present day in all parts of the world. Nothing but sheer folly can nullify the splendid resources of this Colony, and why should we imagine that an educated and intelligent race should ever be guilty of such folly? No doubt there has been a deal of borrowing in the past, and there will probably be more in the future. Our credit will not be impaired as long as the money is well spent, and the investor is not alarmed by wild Schemes or ill-considered legislation. It must be remembered also that Australians form part of a mighty Empire, and they naturally share the characteristics of the race to which they belong. As we are a modest people, we do not claim to be absolute paragons of perfection, though we prefer to dwell on our better qualities. Chief amongst these characteristics have been regard for justice, love of freedom, respect for religious truths, and the desire to promote the social advancement of mankind. Surely no one will have the hardihood to say that these have become only dead bones in Australia."