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TO THE EDITOR OF THE AUSTRALIAN.
SIR,
As you have distinctly disclaimed the particu-
lar application which the generality of your Rea-
ders, I believe, attached to your observations on
valedictory addresses, I have little to add on that
subject ; but I wish to offer a few comments on
your supplementary remarks.
That you are desirous to promote the interests
of this Colony, I will not question, because you
affirm it, and because you have voyaged such an
immeasurable tract of ocean, avowedly for that
philanthropic purpose ; and I am really of opinion, that
some of your animated animadversions on existing
abuses may ultimately lead to its proposed result.
But I would beg to suggest, with perfect good will,
that zeal, unguarded by discretion and sound
judgment, not infrequently defeats its own pur-
pose. Is there not too large a quantum of acri-
mony mixed up with your lucubrations, and oc-
casionally of personal inuendo, to allow their dis-
interestedness to pass entirely unsuspected ..
Such has been my impression ; but, perhaps, I
have not yet learned to understand you ! Whether
your observation that your Readers have not yet
learned to understand your language (the lan-
guage of a gentlemen and a scholar) be more
highly complimentary to their brilliancy of intel-
lect, or to your own perspicuity of style and ar-
gument, I will not take upon me to decide : yet, I
cannot but consider the expression which involves
such an awkward dilemma, rather an unfortunate
and inconsiderate one. If, however, your writings
be unintelligible by your Readers, it should ap-
pear that the language of the address, which gave
rise to this discussion, is equally so by you ; other-
wise you would not have insinuated it to be “ the
assumed address of the inhabitants in general,”
when its very exordium, “ we, the undersigned,
free and emancipated inhabitants, &c.” completely
saps the basis of your attack. Let me recommend
your adoption of your own advice to others,
“ peruse, and re-peruse with calmness and cool-
ness, &c.”
I am sorry, you did not insert in your impar-
tial Journal, the Subscriber’s letter ;—because it has
appeared in the “ Sydney Gazette ;” and I rather
apprehend its publication will render the justice
of your critique upon it extremely questionable.
It is certainly written with that manly warmth,
and indignant feeling, which his application of
your animadversions was calculated to excite ; but
which, originating in a misfortune, common to the
writer, and to myself,—that “ of not having yet
learned to understand your writings,” should, I
conceive, have elicited other feelings, than those
of wrathful resentment ! I am not a Lawyer,
yet I dare maintain, “ that the Subscriber’s letter
includes not one particle of libellous matter.”
However, should it do so, its publication by your
“ contemporary” affords a glorious opportunity
of gratifying that revenge, by which you very
erroneously represent me to be actuated—I sup-
pose from my assumed signature—which implies,
merely, a “ Vindicator.”
I am, Sir, your obedient humble Servant,
Sydney, 27th Jan. 1825.---------------------------TIMOROO.
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