[Editor: A tongue-in-cheek letter regarding Australia’s military contribution to Great Britain’s war in the Sudan. Published in The South Australian Advertiser, 17 February 1885.]
An unkind suggestion.
To the Editor.
Sir — The burning patriotism of Australia is worthy of all praise, but let us be discreet.
While we are paying for immigration why should we lose our able-bodied volunteers in the Soudan? Let us send the unemployed. This would be a practical settlement of a grave difficulty.
The Salvation Army and Christian Crusaders, too, would be of much assistance. Their brass bands would clear the Soudan in a month, and leave the unfortunate Mahdi a howling maniac in no time.
The faith-healer might also be found of use in connection with the medical department — send him.
— I am, &c.,
Public Spirit.
Source:
The South Australian Advertiser (Adelaide, SA), 17 February 1885, p. 6
[Editor: The original text has been separated into paragraphs.]
The Institute of Australian Culture
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