28 

 ULTRA RADICALISM. 



Est huic diversum vitio vitium prope majus 



* * * * 



Bum vult libertas dici mera, veraque virtus. 



IT is always of great importance to the formation of sound poli- 

 tical characters, to possess clear and -well-defined knowledge of the 

 existing divisions of the political world. This would not be the 

 case, if the ends of politics were abstract and speculative if political 

 inquiry and reflection were to be entered upon with the sole view of 

 establishing just principles, to be arranged and composed into a 

 sound and complete theory. But, regarding political ends, in com- 

 mon with those of all other departments of the business of life, as 

 based upon social utility, and as utterly unattainable without social 

 activity and conduct ; it is impossible to separate the real question of 

 politics from its close connection with the principles and proceedings 

 of the various parties in a state. No one, however distinguished by 

 talent and acquirements, can attain a political end by himself. A 

 man may collect his own materials for reflection, and pursue his 

 thoughts to just conclusions, without aid from the co-operative prin- 

 ciple ; but here individual power in politics ends. No good result 

 can ensue from just political opinions, but through the combined 

 activity of party; party, not, of course, in the invidious sense of the 

 term, as meaning a set of men with no other views than their own 

 collective advantage ; but as meaning a body of men brought toge- 

 ther by the sole necessity of our social condition, which renders co- 

 operation essential to all practical public good. 



A sound politician must, therefore, be always attached to some 

 party, in the sense we have attributed to the word. It were as fea- 

 sible an attempt to navigate a ship without a crew, as obtain a lawful 

 political end without a party. No man of sense, when he disclaims 

 party connection, can mean any other than the unholy and detestable 

 union above alluded to, and which it would be as well, by the bye, in 

 order to avoid equivocation, to agree to call, not party, but conspiracy; 

 as denoting a combination of selfish men for an anti-social purpose. 



Our opening proposition is, we think, indisputable : and, if a ra- 

 tional and practical politician must attach himself to some party, it is 

 of first-rate importance for every man enlightened enough to be inte- 

 rested in politics, to be thoroughly acquainted with the political 

 parties of his day. 



And what then seems to be the state of our country in this respect? 

 The existence of a great quantity of political opinion at the present 

 juncture, greater by far than at any earlier period of our history, 

 being unquestionable, is this aggregate mass of opinion still in the 

 chaotic state ? or has it developed itself into the distinct properties 

 of its constitution ? May we quote concerning it from the poet ? 







