ULTRA RADICALISM. 35 



mishers of the radical subdivision, the ultras, with the conduct of 

 main operations. As a tangible instance of this cautiousness, he ap- 

 proves entirely of Attwood of Birmingham, who refuses to submit 

 the Union to democratic direction, in contradistinction to those who, 

 as represented by the True Sun, are for extending the union principle 

 without any allowances for the deliberative incapacity of the masses. 



The Radical recognizes junctures, though he knows they cannot 

 be constitutionally provided for, when the voice of reason and com- 

 mon sense must be obeyed as an instinct, in bold independence of, 

 and perhaps fierce hostility against, all laws, but those of religion and 

 humanity. He deems such junctures of very rare occurrence; and 

 that they never lawfully arive but when leading principles cannot be 

 maintained by means already instituted. He thinks the good and con- 

 scientious man cannot be subjected to a severer trial than in acting a 

 prominent part at such junctures; and he admires Attwood, more 

 than any English political citizen of the day, for having assumed the 

 independent position and attitude, at the right time, and with the 

 right spirit ; and for having promptly discountenanced the energy of 

 political union, of imperium in imperio, as soon as the leading principles 

 had been placed beyond reach of danger. 



The Radical loves to contemplate the progressive advancement of 

 the masses to a point of comfort, independent of the cruel and de- 

 testable tyranny of unjust taxation, and insufficient reward for ser- 

 vices. This advancement of his fellow creatures is the guiding star 

 of his political course. On this object his mind is intently fixed ; 

 towards it his hopes are bent. If his spirit is apt to be raised to the 

 contrary point, it is in hostility towards those who would keep the 

 masses in their present unworthy and suffering condition ; or in 

 jealousy of such as, like the ultra radicals, insist upon being the only 

 lovers of the people. Of these boastful pretenders to exclusive 

 humanity he exclaims with Hamlet 



" Why, I will fight with thee upon this theme 

 Until my eyelids will no longer wag." 



The Radical is for raising the people by gradually gaining upon, 

 not degrading their ignorant oppressors ; still he scruples not to 

 chastise the aristocratic spirit; to tell noblemen and gentlemen 

 plainly, if hinting will not suffice, that they are but the creatures of 

 society, and must behave themselves accordingly ; and if hinting and 

 plain speaking will neither of them answer the purpose, he will 

 gladly lend a hand to make them mind their p's and q's. 



He has not patience enough to wait for improvement as long as 

 old-fashioned politicians require ; dum defluat amnis ; but he is not 

 in the confounded hurry of ultra radicalism. He feels that what we 

 have to gain from the aristocratic party, must be gained for good and 

 all, when it is gained ; and not being aware of the exemption of the 

 radical party from the common weakness of human nature, the dispo- 

 sition, namely, to do number one a little more justice than may be quite 

 fair upon members two and three, he had rather wait in moderation 

 than run the risk of perpetrating an irreparable injury. He does not 

 give the workies, as the Americans call them, credit for the wisdom 



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