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The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1803-1842) (about)
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Cite: http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2187084
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TO THE PUBLIC.
. WE have been turning our thoughts to the motto adopted by our young Australian Bara» namely, "Hopes and fears in equal balance laid;" and to this we were attracted on maturely considering the immense enterprise in which we are about to embark. Our Rea- ders Will readily perceive that we have in view the contemplated and approactiing Daily | Paper. We confess we tremble at the task
already do we feel the ponderosity of pub- lishing equal to four of the present large sized papers every week ; and, were it not for the circumstance of having determined on the project, and coolly calculated on the re- sults, together with a consciousness of our own energies in looking at the past, we should most certainly grow faint-hearted, and apolo- gise to the Public for having unintentionally deceived them. Though a DAILY PAPER must prove of the highest possible advantage to the Colonists, particularly the Agricultural and Commercial part of the Community, yet we have ever looked at it in another more attractive point of view ; we have conned over the gratifying sensation to which it will give birth in other parts of the world, when they j find, especially ihose who entertain ideas of
emigration to this interesting portion of the globe, that we have arrived at such a state of refinement in literature and politics, as to be able, to produce, not merely our weekly Journals-not merely Papers twjpe-a-week but also our DAILY PAPERS! It is for other Colonies to talk-it is OURS to perform. Difficulties we expect to encounter, on the onset of our tremendous enterprise, thick and three-fold. However, we have confidence in Public liberality-we have certainty in our mechanical powers-we have affiance in our | own humble talents-we have undaunted per-
severance-we are not to be deterred by tri- fles-in remembering the past we look to the future-and, in so doing, we feel inspirited to dash into the mighty expanse that approaches us, even whilst engaged in penning our thoughts, with velocity swifter than that of the proverbial weaver's shuttle. The sole ambition of our life, since we could lisp, has been to "ADVANCE AUSTRALIA." Of this fact and determination, the most solid proofs, we flat- ter ourselves, have been uniformly afforded. We challenge any one, and every one in
the Colony, to say that they have effected so much; though this probably may not have arisen from a want of inclination on their part, as it might from the absence of opportunity to demonstrate the sincerity of their desires. But we have had opportunities pouring in upon us from every quarter ; and we can, without fear of contradiction, assert, not one has gone unembraced. Whether, there- fore, our renewed efforts, which must soon, be in motion, will claim the usual distinguished patronage of a liberal, thinking, and respect- able Public, time alone is capable of accu- rately 'determining. Our confidence in our enlightened and numerous Patrons has been, as it ought to be, hitherto unbounded ; we shall not, therefore, hesitate to confide where we have never been deceived. Let' it not' be supposed we are begging for our subsistence; no, we are infinitely beyond that period of Colonial history when our paternal Predeces- sor had to linger out a wretched existence, and laboriously eke out a scanty maintenance for his infant family, and that too under the British Government: we have lived to see better, brighter days, and of course are thank- ful. Nevertheless, it cannot be expected that, whilst we continue in the prosecution of our present honourable and arduous career, that we can consider ourselves so far indepen- dent of the Public as not to require its pa- tronage-no, that we shall al ways, seek, and seek it too with confidence ; for the Public know too well how to appreciate the faithful and zealous services of those who can, fear- lessly make it their boast, that, in exerting themselves as they have done, they have
achieved so much for Australia.
We shall not intrude on the subject fur- ther, at present, than by merely observing, that the Price of our DAILY PAPER will only be Four-pence Halfpenny. Thus, our Sub- scribers, for the sake of Nine-pence more than that which they already pay, will obtain Six Papers instead of Two. Will any one ven- ture to say, then, that this is not much lower than could possibly be expected in a Country where labour and paper are so veiy high ?
In the event of regular Posts being estab- lished, which we confidently anticipate will be at an early period, and should the Papers to the interior be necessarily taxed, the Subscribers, as a matter of course, will be quite willing to pay the extra penny or half-penny, to en- sure an early delivery of the News.
There are three extraordinary cases expected to come on before the Supreme Court, namely, 1. Bannister, Esq. versus the Sydney Gazette ; 2. Bannister, Esq. versus the Australian ; and, 3. M*Arthur, E»q. versus the Monifor. So much for the cause of truth ; and if these trials could only be protracted till our Daily Paper carne out, we should be much.obliged to the "said SAX," und to
I the "said pair of ROBERTS," and, to the " said
1 EDWARD SMITH."
We regret to observe, tb*t> in the last Monitor, an intolerance of feeling is displayed, which could have been aroused only by contemplating the subject,on which he treats, with the most perverted views. We take to our own share, let who will question our right to do so, as much hatred of " fac- tions," and of " incendiary correspondence," as the Monitor, or any other of His MAJESTY'S loving subjects ih Australia-be he who he may ; but still, we cannot at present discover any reason- able grounds for the tone and temper of the article to which we allude. We would ask, are political feuds to be eternal ? Shall all things change around us- men-measures-principles-times-and ahull rancour and hostility alone survive ? We live to little purpose, if we do not live to benefit by expe- rience, and a city once besieged might as reasonably keep up its nocturnal watching«, and it* daily mus- ters after the. enemy had disappeared, as that we should continue to hedge ourselves round with all those stubborn unyielding feelings and animosities which the events of past times were calculated to produce, hut which, now that all parties evince a desire to unite in the great common cause of Civil Liberty, should cease to be remembered.
HUME thought the world had not had sufficient experience in political matters to be able to spe- culate with any chance of a satisfactory result. If we had not had experience, however, we have had abundance of writing ; of stupid factious writing ; loud railing against imaginary evils, while real evils were overlooked. It is upon this principle we condemn the article in the Monitor of Friday last ; it was uncalled for -it was ill-timed. Admirable consistency! At the very moment when unanimity was most needed, and in the teeth of his own de- clarations made scarce a fortnight since, this very brawler-who roars out till his lungs ache again who descants by the hour on the vital importance, towards obtaining those Civil Rights for which the Colonists so ardently burn, of a coalition of all ranks and parties ; yes, this very Monitor, who, whilst he one week urges'the people to approach Parliament with a petition imploring for themselves enfranchisement, and which, he proclaims, can never be obtained without an union of all ranks and classes, the very next sends forth into the world n publication whose only tendency is to enkindle animosity, and call forth vindict ve feelings. Such a system is subversive of all good order; it breaks up all friendly intercourse, while it jesuitically professes to keep in view the furtherance of the best interests of the people.
The-GOVERNOR, observes the Monitor, is com- plimented by the KINO'S Ministers on the loyalty of the people of New South Wales and Van Die men's Lund ; but, he continues, " we question if the loyalty of the people were put to the test noto, the present month of December, 1826, whether it would burst forth with equal zeal." This, we think, is pretty well for a beginning ; this sounds well from one who would be thought the advocate for Trial by Jury and a House of Assembly, and at the very time too, when this disloyal people are about petitioning for these Rights ! " Call you that backing of your friends," Mr. Monitor ? But let us see what is the basis upon which this continued ratler, at every public measure, dares to found the charge of disloyalty against the Colonists of New South Wales. Undaunted as he is by censure, unparalleled in impudence, what are the grounds on . which he raises this new cry, endeavouring to teach
a satisfied people disaffection and discontent, and to draw into the eddy of his sed tious politics every peaceful Colonist who feels disposed to live in quiet, .and assist in preserving concord, harmony, and alle- giance. " We had no cedar duty when Governor
DARMNG arrived-Sir THOMAS had taken off duties of all kinds, as well as fee» on the collection of indigenous and marine produce-we bad no rent-tax then, nor starving disappointed emigrants unable to find land, or to get it if perchance found." Upon the subject of the cedar duties, and the rent for .crown lands, we have already sufficiently proved the absolute right existing in the Government to lay a value on its own property. We have clearly shewn that, as the country increases in population, and in extent of cultivation, land becomes of considerably more value than it was in the early years of its set- tlement ; that emigrants, who now land on our shores, have not one-hundredth part of the pri valions to endure which then existed, and even on that ac- count new-comers, who arrive in a country ptepared in a manner for their reception, furnished at least with every necessary to enable them to enter upon the labour of establishing themselves, are not entitled to equal consideration with the old settler, who en- dured all the privations and hardships naturally attendant upon the foundation of a new Colony. But, after all, what are the disappointments to which emigrants to this Colony are subjected ? If persons intending to emigrate are possessed of the necessary qualifications, as prescribed in the instructions from the Colonial Office, do they not obtain a grant of land accordingly, as soon as the necessary arrange- ments can be completed ? Of what, then, is it they complain ; or do they, on their arrival here, expeit the Government to provide for wives, children, bro- thers, sisters, and all who accompany them in their migration Î The idea is preposterous. «. Every man," continues the sagacious writer, " might then (that iii before the arrival of Governor DARMNG) " walk into the convict barrack-yard, and pick out of whole gangs, as much rubbish (what a compliment this to the majority of the Monitor's readers !) as he had a fancy far-first come first serve." That a practice should be of long standing, no matter how absurd in itself, appears (independent of the uni- form desire to carp at existing regulations) to be quite enough for the Monitor to raise an outcry against any innovation, even though such should be .for the better. So in the matter to which he al- ludes. We admit that the manner of proceeding, under former Administrations, was as is stated by the Monitor; but to what evils did such a course lead ? Servants were jtaken away from the gaol yard by persons, who not only had not the means of supporting them, but who actually obtained Crown servants in order to their being themselves main- tained by them, and who, for this purpose, were allowed to go illegally at large to obtain a sub- sistence in whatsoever manner they could procure it, no matter how, or by what nefarious means, pro- vided something was forthcoming lo recompence the nominal musters for the cri in nal indulgence which they bestowed. Others there were who had prisoners assigned to them, but unable or unwil- ling to comply with the Government regula- tions with respect to them, as to rations and clothing, worked them upon an a'lowance barely sufficient lo keep soul and body together, solong only as the slops, with which they had been fur- nished by the Government, lasted ; but, no sooner were they worn to the last rag, than the unfortu- nate men were turned into Barracks, to be again clothed at the publicexpence, whilst many unfeeling masters, under these regulations, so much lamented by the Monitor, of "first come, first serve," walk into the Barrack-yard, at the very next disembark- ation of prisoners, and pick out of whole gang«, as many more of these unfortunate men (or rubbish as lie unfeelingly designates them) as he had occasion for, no questions were asked, and ,the new hatch was just dealt with like the former. These were the practices of the olden lime, and the ¿otal .aboli
lion of which, by the judicious rsfnldlshmeht of the Lund Board, whereby the ability of the applicant to maintain assigned servants is ascertained-this we say is one of the reasons for which, in the opinion of the Monitor, the'4' burning loyalty of His Majesty's subjects has somewhat abated ol' late." Ridiculous ! Disloyalty amongst this people ! We give the charge an indignant denial, and fling the calumny in his teeth; But it is not the loyalty of the people, it is the measures of the Government which the Monitor attacks -that is his crotchet ; and were we to look for the cause of this iuceswnt hostility, we might find it in the necessity, which his hard destiny ha« I imposed upon him, of catering for the morbid appe | tites of those who seem to be the alpha and omega of his adulatory praise. The justice, too, of our snarling contemporary shines pre-eminent, when In- observes, " let tile Governor take away a few of the scores of convicts from Mr. John M'Arthur, and other gentlemen who, like him, have grown fat on the Government indulgences for 30 years back, and distribute them in half and quarter dozens to every new-comer the moment he wants them." How, we would ask, would the Monitor feel, were some new- comer to say, " I am in want of men, take away some of those with which Mr. Edward Smith Hall, and another gentleman like bim, have been in- dulged by that very Government which he now em- ploys them in defaming ; let them be distributed throughout the Country ; there they will do more good service than in imparting their aid towards the dissemination of publications detrimental lo the in- terests of society, and injurious to every principle of social harmony!" What would the Monitor say to a requisition made to the Government after this fashion? And yet it contains not a whitmore of injustice than is shewn in the temperate, polished, and conciliatory attack on Mr. John M'Arthur. But the insiduous conclusion of the production which has thus been brought under our notice must not be forgotten; for in that . consists its very essence. «« Let the KING'S Ministers retrace their steps, and undo all that Governor DARLING has been, by their orders, compelled to do." The shuf- fling evasion of what would fain out, and the indi- rect attack upon the measures of His EXCELLENCY, contained in this short sentence, are too apparent to need a comment. Undo all that has been done, says the Monitor, and we will return to our pri- merai loyalty ; what sort of loyalty that is, we will not stop to enquire ; the tree is known by its fruits, and while we give full credit for the policy of th s agitator, we well know the value of his professions. But let the Monitor rail ; the measures which Go- vernor DARLING has been compelled to adopt, need uo defence from our pen; their justice and sound policy are every day developing themselves, whilst their practical effects read every calumniator a les- son, which says-"Cease, viper, thou bliest afile j"
Amongst other Periodicals which we are in the habit of receiving from England by every convey- ance, we have now to add that also of a little at- tractive work, called-.* The Spirit and Manners of the Age." The 23d number, of the lOili of June, has been forwarded to us, and, upon a cur- sory view, seems pregnant with articles of para- mount interest in reference to the Colonies. We were rather struck with the tille " AUSTRALIAN LITERATURE," which distinguished one of the pieces in this select and valuable Miscellany. Such articles tend most irrefutably to annihilate every unfavourable impression that might be sedulously disseminated through the medium of the Austra- lian and the Monitor; and the good people in Eu- rope will sooner or later open their eyes to the advantages which pre-eminently characterize Aus- tralia as a fit and proper p ace tor ali the purposes of EMIGRATION. We beg leave to present our intelligent Readers wuh the article itself, and leave them to pronounce on ils claims to truth :
AUSTRALIAN LITEBATOKE.-We have frequently been struck by remarking the rapid growth ol our colonial possession*, not only in a political, but in an intellectual, and moral point of view. To trace the progressive advancement of a co- lony, from its first settlement in a rude and bar- barous country, dependent on its parent stem lor all the comlorts and for most of the necessaries of life, to the period when it becomts a nation, guided by its own law«, and supplying not only the necessities of its own people, bul couiribu.ing, by us industry and commerce, to the necessities and luxuries of other kingdoms, is full ol' inter- est lo the politician, tbe philosopher, and the moralist. Who that looks on the uurtheru portion of the greet continent of America, and remem- bers thal scarcely two centuries have elapsed since its eines were mere iog-iiouses -Us ferule and highly-cultivated plains covered willi forests, and Us now populous state thinly scattered willi wigwans of the savage aborigines, but must per- ceive what a field lor inquiry and observation such .a country displays.
Our attention was called to this subject by perusing a file of newspapers published at Sydney, in thal rapidly improving colony, New South Wale.. It is now scarcely tlurly-eigln years since the first settlement was commenced by Governor Pniltp, and yet such has been the mareil of im- provement. Hist Ike colony contains a population ol 50,000 wbile persons. It will be remembered, that it was idfif . reproach to ide Americans, by persons whose only merit consists in their being ot gentle birth, and in aiBaenl circumstance», that they were a race of convicts. We presume lhere will no1 be waining persons who will speedily throw this taunt at our Australasian brethren, who, we perceive, by these papers, are anxious to have the ¡ree lustiiutions ot their native country introduced among them. For ourselves, we re- gard this immense island as the future q«een ol nie Pacific, and we rejoice that so many persons of talent and of commercial enterprise have been attracted to its shores as free settlers. These persons, carrying with them all their intelligence and activity, enter.on their various pur»uits wuh all the advantages of a favourable climate, and a fertile country; and the success which has at- tended their efforts has been proportionate. No- thing «atiífiís us so much, that this rising colony is in a highly prosperous condition, as the simple fact that ils numerous population are beginning to indulge in the pursuits of literature. While the spirit of its agriculturists and commercial men is adding lo its. wealth, títere are not wanting philanthropists who are aux ous to lay the bett toundalioii for its lulure security and permanent happiness, by cultivating an intellectual taste, and encouraging the establishment of institutions, which tend lo advan.ee knowledge and piety. We rejoice lo observe'that ibis population, with- out ever being compelled lo make allowances for ihe very detective materials of which the earlier proportion of it was chiefly composed, basa high tone of moral and religious feeling. In con- firmation of these remarks, we may add, thal lhere are three newspapers now published weekly, which have each a considerable circulation; and we perceive in them, the best proofs of the progress which we have noticed. Several advertisements appear which satisfy us that our Colonists are not inattentive loi he moral amd re- ligious wants of their fellow-subjects, nor lo those of other countries ; we select the following as
examples, convinced that they will highly intetcit
our reader».
[Here follow copious Extracts ]
To the Christian «o rapid a progress m civiltzt tioit and knowledge cannot fail to offer important subjects for reflection. Situated m the centre of ihe Pacific, surrounded by innumerable island«, (he inhabitants of some of which are just emer- ging from a savage slate, and have aboluhed their idolatry, and received the light of the Goxpel Australia may be regarded a« the nucUu« of
ivilizalion and Christianity in the Pacific. When »ve contemplate her present advance, in conjunc- tion with the wonderful change effected in the Society and Sandwich Islam)», by lue efforts 01 Christian Missionaries, we look forward at ne
listant period, to the whole of Australasia am' Polynesia, becoming as enlightened as the western
wotld.
The late rains have been exceedingly beneficial to the land. Citlle were so reduced for want ol herbage, that when they got into a water-hole it was with difficulty that they got out. Even in su few days, every thing begins to wear a much bettet appearance. Fat beasts, that were brought down the country for sale, and did not meet with a reddy market, caused both the grazier and the butcher no little loss-the one in the price of his animal, the other in the loss of his credit through inferior meat. The cattle fioin Argyleshire are fine meat, and have an evident superiority over the Bathurst kine. The reason is not very evident.
The unfnrttinple signal-ninti, tit Saulli-lirnil, puts ns in mind of the pnnihle of the unjust judge and importnII ite «idow. For two days nearly, und perhaps oil nifc'ht, namely, on Monday mid Tin «du \, ami the nijflit preening the lutter da«1, No. (Î was intide for ti pilot from town; tln> iippltcut on was continued until yesterday afternoon, when the intimlate wni rather Inidily obeyed, or the patience ni the jjood man at South-head exhausted. Very likely it ii important to answer these si^mils.-if so, why direct them to he made.--mid if made, why lint comply willi t lie III ' The whole IJnliUi Navy might lie lust, before telegiupluc exchanges occur.
We bear that Mr. James Atkinson, who was a Principal Clerk in the Colonial Office some few jeal s back, and subsequently an enterprising set- tler at Argyleshire, has written a pamphlet or book on this Colony since his return to longland. 01 course we can g ve no opinion on his essay, not hav- ing fallen in with a copy, though we should imagine it could not be over piegiiaut with mietest. In the mean time we are willing to give Mr. Atkinson full credit for his literaiy powers.
On Sunday morning ¡<nt, a Mrs. Jones had oc- casion to leave home, hating pteviously depo- sited 14 dollars between her two beds. On
returning, the money wa« missed, and -he charged Eleanor Schooler, who had been resident in i tie house, with the robbery, and put her in charge oi a constable. On searching Hie prisoner the dol- lars were lound secreted ID her hair under bei cap, She has been commuted for trial.
People should be cautious of those whom they leave in charge of their house«. On Sunday morning la»t, a prisoner of the crown, who bad been occasionally employed to cul lud for a Idinily, was lett in charge of the premises by the mistress ot the house, and III her absence he robbed her «jf a quantity ol sarsnel. The thiel', however, did not escape the vigilance of the police.
On Monday last a sailor, belonging to H. M. S. Success, had his pockets picked, by a mau named Paddock, of some coppeis, while asleep on the beach near iheGoverninent Domain. The mau was apprehended, and dealt with by the Police.
THE DERVISL'S ANSWER.-yin Eastern Story. A cet tain man went lo a dervise, and proposed linee questions: 1st, " Why do they say God is omnipotent ? I do not see bun in any place, shew me where he is ?" " 2d, Why is man punished tor his crime*, since whatever he does proceeds from God? Man has no free will for he cannot do any
thing contrary to the will ot God; audit' he had ! power he would do eveiy thing for lus own good." " 3d, How can God punish in hell fire, since he is formed of thai element; and what impiessiou can fire make upon itself?" The dervise took up a large clod of earth, and struck linn with it. The mau went lo the Cadi, and said, " 1 ptoposed three questions to a cerium Dei vise, who thiew a clod of earth at my head and made my headache?" The Cadi having sent for the dei vise asked, "Why did you throw a clod of earth at his head, instead of answering Ins questions ?" The dervise replied, " The clod of earth was an answer lo his speech. He says he has a pam in his head, let him shew me the pain and I will make Gut! visible to bun. And why does he exhibit a complaint against me? Whatever 1 did was the act of God ; I did not strike bun without the will of God. And what power I possess ? And as he is compounded of earth,
how can he suffer trotu that element ?"
Tiie man was confounded and the Cadi pleased
with the dervise's answer.
Formerly advertisers did not give their addresses, but the E'lttor did all that was necessary. He eu gaged to get places, to hire or let houses, to sell goods, and io make love for his customers. Tile principal newspaper published 100 years ago, has the following advertisement :-" I know of several men and women whose friends would gladly have them matched ; which I'll endeavour to do, as from time to t me I shall hear of such whose circum- stances are likely to agree; and I'll assure such as will come to me, it shall be done with all the honour and secrecy imaginable. Their own parents shall not manage it more to their satisfaction, and the more caines to me, the better 1 shall be able to
serve 'in."
Drunkenness.-There is scarcely any hope of a drunkard reforming in a hot climate : It is reported in Halts Columbia, that, of 3000 Europeans who went to Columbia a few years since, not more ihau 300 survive ; and three parts out of five of this mortality may be attributed to drinking.
LACONIC LETTERS.-Rector to the Farmer. I desire you would send mea fat pig, or else'
Farmer to the Rector. 1 have no fat pig, and if
1 had
Tlie late King George III. sent as a present lo the Emperor of China, a hindsome tovvn-buili chariot. On board the vessel which conveyed it (ii was packed in separate pieces) a mandarin at- tended, lo see it mounted and pul together, thal he might in I or in himself of the uses of ilie several parts.-He readily understood ali the rest but ihe iwo seals, the one wubin and the foachman's seal, covered of course wiih a superb hammer-cloth, perplexed him. " For whom is that seat?" said lie, pointing to the inside o.f the carriage. Ht was told it was for the Emperor. ** And that '" pointing to the coach-box. " For the man who guides the horses." " Do you think," said he, willi a sudden burst of indignation, " (hat our glorious sovereign, the son of the sun, Sec. will allow any one lo be placed higher than himself?"
A young savage had* been brought from Ame- rica lo France. After he had lived Hiere some time.his masler, who conceived him to be perfectly saltsfied with his condition, said lo him, " Well, do you still think your own country better than ours!" "Yes, I oV* ««And why?" « Be cause here I can .eat only when you eat, and sleep only when you sleep.''