68 the president's address. 



I. Because it lias a very strong tendency to warp your judg- 

 ment; your inclinations leaning ever in the direction of the theory 

 all that supports it receive exaggeration, and all that militates 

 against it is apologised for, or sophistically explained away. 



II. Because it depreciates all your work within the circle of the 

 theory. Record never so many investigations, vouch for ever so 

 many facts, and your reward will be to see them received with 

 doubt, or suspicion, not because you are naturally untrustworthy, 

 but because you are a prejudiced witness. Need anyone be 

 reminded of the broad difference of result that is produced in men's 

 minds by the evidence of an independent witness, and the evidence 

 of a friend of the culprit ? 



III. Because it converts one who should be sound in judgment, 

 unfettered by antecedents, unbiassed by what may follow, into a 

 mere partisan, deaf to all that may be urged on the contrary, not 

 because it is true or false, but simply because it affects his side of 

 the question. In season, and out of season, advocating the party 

 side, ever and anon seeking to make converts to his own views, 

 not being content to permit truth to work its own way, but, above 

 all, anxious that his interpretation of the truth, and that alone, 

 shall prevail, and all who dissent shall be branded as heretics. 



IV. Because it leads to dishonesty. This is an almost inevit- 

 able associate of partisanship. A little gloss is put upon all 

 that favours one's own side, a little exaggeration, even when least 

 intended, gives a tone to the views we hold. Opposite opinions 

 are never quoted at all, or with corresponding exaggeration. The 

 partisan may attempt to be honest, may flatter himself that he 

 really is honest, and yet never does justice to his opponent, because 

 he lacks the feeling and sympathy of the opposition. Hence the 

 best of partisans are unconsciously, and the worst of them 

 habitually, dishonest. 



V. Because it favours intolerance, bigotry, and all uncharit- 

 ableness. Being satisfied themselves that they are the only 

 depositaries of the truth, they utterly contemn those who fail to 

 appreciate their conclusions. Such unfortunates are looked upon 

 as inferior animals, only partially gifted with the faculty of reason, 

 and no opportunity is allowed to slip of bestowing upon them a 

 fraternal sneer. 



VI. Because it is prejudicial to friendship. No one would con- 

 tend that personal friendships can survive an aggressive conflict of 



