The record-union., 1897-05-22

costume, of which they are proud, Dut
they are fast developing a distinct pa
tois, that is particularly rich in perver-
sions, vulgarity mad a profanity that
would shock the soul of the most con-
firmed religious skeptic.
The larrikin works by fits. In a land
where every village has its race track,
and racing so occupies the thoughts of
the people as to seem like a great ma
tonal industry, this outlaw tiourishes
in the vicinity of stables, and is strik-
ingly in evidence at all the race courses,
from the private run at Bondi, to the
great annual event of 1.-The Melbourne
cup" which comes off every November,
and ranks next to the English Derby
and the French Grand Prix, in the
worlds races.
About the 'publics" or bars, the lar
rlkin and his yulgar-yoiced conSOrt are
often to be found. AT times he rises to
the dignity of a landlord or a jockey.
In the nrst instance he is ever at odds
with the law, and in the last he is al
ways regarded as a purchasable factor
If not in open defiance the larrikin GER
tainly lives in undisguised contempt for
the law and its servants. If the Jail
even meant a degradation to him the
day is past. His education is not COM
plete till he has worn a prison garb
He fills the jails and penitentiaries of
the colonies while he is in health, and
he crowds the hospitals and almhouses
in disease and old age.
Unlike the American tough, hoodlum,
or desperado, the Iarrikin never carries
concealed weapons, but he is none the
less reckless of life and cruel in his in
stincts. Although descended from a
brave and virile race, this creature is
essentially cowardly. If he attacks a
peaceful citizen to secure booty or to
crafty malice, he fights by surprise,
gives no chance for resistance and in
variably has the backing of associates.
He viii not shoot or stab, but he will
use a sandbag from behind, OF slay a
man by means of stone in the toe of
a stocking.
The larrikin's contempt for the moral
laws passes all belief. The stories told
of his offenseS may not be true, but
they could not have been coined with
out a good foundation in fact, nor con-
tinued with disgusting variations if his
life did not justify them.
Degraded though the American ruff
fan is, the meanest of them has chival
ric impulses where women are con-
cerned. and the lowest Bowery tough
will give his seat, render a favor or
raise his hat to one of the other sex,
but of this redeeming feature the larri-
kin is entirely incapable
Three years ago whipping was intro
duced into the jails of New South
Wales, and for a While this form of
punishment served as a deterrent, but
after time the released larrikins came
out to exhibit the tracks of the whip on
their backs with the pride of the vet
eran showing his scars, and now, it is
said, the larrikin's standing among his
fellows is measured by the lashing he
has endured
If the larrikins We're decreasing in
Australia the people of that favored
land might well rejoice in it as a hope
full sign, but, unfortunately, they are
on the increase, and the conditions ia
vor their growth. With the larrikin,
who swarms ia the cities and is a grow
ing element of danger, not only TO good
government but 10 civilization, there is
spreading through the rural districts
variety of tramp known as the sun
the land as the urban outlaw.
In the early colonial days-and the
custom is not yet obsolete-every trav-
eler reaching a mining camp, farm or
sheep station by sundown was entitled
to meals and a bed till the following
sunrise These men came to be known
as 'sundowners." At first they were
honest workingmen, seeking employ
ment, but through fights between capi-
tai and labor, and reinforced by fugi-
tive larrikins from the cities, these sun
downers have SO multiplied as to be-
ccme a growing curse to the honest set
tiers and an increasing menace TO law
and order. Bounties that We're at first
received thankfully as a favor are now
roughly demanded a. a right In a land
where sheep and cattle are abundant
these fellows will not go without meat,
and where they can live in plenty with
out honest effort the incentive to work
decreases.
In one days drive in the Blue Mount
aims of New South Wales the writer
counted in different bands twenty-nine
of these sundowners. Without excep-
ton, they were strong, sturdy, desper
ate-looking fellows. Each carried
rolled blanket over his shoulders. a lit
tie black tea kettle, known as a billy"
fastened TO his leather belt. for tea is
to them what coffee is TO the American.
In addition. each man carries flour in
his haversack. With this mixed with
water they make an unleavened cake,
known as a "damper," baked in the
ashes.
These sundowners did not hesitate to
beg. with an unmistakable demand in
their tones that made compliance the
| part of prudence. Money, tobacco and
"sperrets'' were the three things asked
for and accepted without thanks. All
claimed to be looking for work. With
out exception they were disgustingly
profane, and they took no pains to ex
press their defiance of law, their hatred
Of the capitalist and their hope for a
| bloody revolution.
Heaven has blessed Australasia. It is
a grand empire, as large in area as the
| United States. and nearly as varied in
its great natural resources. 1t is set
tied by a race distinguished as colon
| izers. and although more than 100
years since settlement began it has to-
day barely 100000 inhabitants, and