498 PUBLIC OPINION. 



brought into use, the advantages arising from the latter are extended. 

 The requisites for public opinion are augmented by these advantages. In 

 proportion, therefore, to the extent of public opinion, seems to be the 

 civilization and happiness of communities. The creation of wealth and 

 the industry of a people, with a middle class of civilization, all extend 

 together. This seems the case in every country throughout the world. 



We think that we are fully borne out in our stated opinions by all the 

 eminent writers, who have treated on the question namely, that the 

 " government" in a civilized community, possessed of the requisites for 

 public opinion, is influenced by the same sentiment. This has been 

 demonstrated in every country, both of maritime and continental 

 Europe. Should we be induced to say more on the subject than may 

 seem necessary, we seek to be excused on the score that we feel in 

 common with some of our contemporary writers an anxiety to remove 

 a common mistake, which is to substitute the effect for the cause, in sup- 

 posing that the form of government in a country gives freedom and 

 security ; whereas it is the strength and prevalence of the requisites for 

 public opinion that establish a liberal government and constitution, by 

 which security of person and property are obtained. In this respect 

 England and France little resemble each other we are bound to confess 

 the fearful truth, however abhorrent and terrible to our political mag- 

 nanimity not to say tenderness. A liberal form of government is, un- 

 questionably, most desirable, even when the requisites for public opinion 

 are not spread through the people ; but its continuance, and the benefits 

 from it in such a case, must be precarious. 



The sudden establishment of liberal institutions in a community where 

 the requisites for public opinion were not general, necessarily originated 

 in a few persons only ; it cannot therefore rest on a secure foundation, 

 as it may require some time for the necessary requisites to spread through 

 the people. Such an event, however, is always satisfactory, as evidence 

 that some, at least, are desirous to possess a liberal form of government. 

 That PUBLIC OPINION renders the government liberal, and established 

 freedom seems to follow from the state of every community as a matter 

 of consequence. 



Hence we may, as patriot Englishmen and true, safely infer that, in 

 proportion as the requisites for public opinion become prevalent, and 

 civilization is extended, individuals and communities are enabled to ob- 

 tain and secure institutions that establish freedom, but also to apply the 

 " materials" placed by an indulgent Providence under their control, so 



