THE INCUBUS OF TAXATION iii 



should be is amply manifested in the many evidences 

 around us of the unsatisfactory condition of the country. 

 Moreover, it is certain that this senseless political 

 antagonism, which is ceaselessly going on in the National p . • .• 

 Parliament, renders useful work impossible, and we, as a not_ 



Policy 



people, are sick and tired of it all. We want patriotism, 

 not policy, and we don't care one straw what Govern- 

 ment is in power. Radical or Conservative, so long as we 

 get it. 



Fundamentally, the party principle is right enough, 

 but in practice it has proved itself lacking in those 

 essentials to national prosperity which are indispensa- 

 ble in that general body conducting the business affairs 

 of the Nation. 



It is a bar to public business, a slayer of individual in- 

 dependence, a standing menace to the Empire and a 

 veritable curse to the people. Let the people see to it. 



A recent exemplification of this fact will be found in 

 the debate which took place on the second reading of 

 the Small Landholders (Scotland) Bill. 



This Bill, which is but one of those attempts, already 

 referred to, for the purpose of partially relieving the 

 deplorable condition of the people, was as fiercely 

 attacked as though it were a measure introduced into 

 Parliament for the avowed purpose of bringing about 

 the destruction of the commonwealth. 



Here is a specimen of the invective indulged in; and 

 if twaddle of this kind is all the Opposition have to urge 

 against the Government, they had, in their own in- 

 terests, best remain silent. 



Said one of the Party out of power (Mr Cochrane) : 



