' If Hob, Nob, and Chittabob happen to be
in opposition to the politics of the newspaper which he adorns, he
will perhaps tell the truth about their respective performances. But
he will tell it without believing it. All his geese are swans--bless
him!--even when he won't admit it. The moral is that no man should be
employed as graphic reporter for more than one session. Then the
public would begin to learn the truth about St. Stephen's. Nor need
the editors flinch from such a consummation. They used to entertain a
theory that it was safest to have the productions at every theatre
praised, in case any manager should withdraw his advertisements. But
there need be no such fear in regard to St. Stephen's. That
establishment does not advertise itself in the press as a place of
amusement. Why should the press advertise it gratuitously?
For utility's sake, as well as for truth's, I would have the public
enlightened. Exposed to ruthless criticism, our Commons might be
shamed into an attempt at proficiency in the art of speaking. Then the
sessions would be comparatively brief. After all, it is on the nation
itself that falls the cost of lighting, warming, and ventilating St.
Stephen's during the session. All the aforesaid dufferdom, therefore,
increases the burden of the taxpayer.
Pages:
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173