THE REMEDY. 719 



merits, more or less stifled, controlled or repressed; but in 

 those of the popular form it is seen in its greatest rankness, 

 and is truly their worst enemy. 



u The alternate domination of one faction over 

 another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge, natural to 

 party dissension, which, in different ages and countries, is 

 itself a frightful despotism. But this leads at length to 

 a more formal and permanent despotism. The disorders 

 and miseries which result gradually incline the minds of 

 men to seek security and repose in the absolute power of an 

 individual, and, sooner or later, the chief of some prevailing 

 faction, more able or more fortunate than his competitors, 

 turns this disposition to the purposes of his own elevation 

 on the ruins of the public liberty. 



" Without looking forward to an extremity of this 

 kind (which, nevertheless, ought not to be entirely out of 

 sight ), the common and continual mischiefs of the spirit 

 of party are sufficient to make it the interest and the duty 

 of a wise people to discourage and restrain it. It serves, 

 always, to distract the public councils, and enfeeble the 

 public administration.. It agitates the community with ill- 

 founded jealousies and false alarms; kindles the animosities 

 of one part against another; foments occasional riot and 

 insurrection. It opens the door to foreign influence and 

 corruption, which finds facilitated access to the govern- 

 ment itself, through the channels of party passion. Thus 

 the policy and will of one country are subject to the policy 

 and will of another. 



u There is an opinion that parties in free countries 

 are useful checks upon the administration of government, 

 and serve to keep alive the spirit of liberty. This, within 

 certain limits, is probably true ; and in governments of a 

 monarchial cast, patriotism may look with indulgence, if 

 not with favor, upon the spirit of party. But in those of 

 popular character, in governments purely elective, it is a 



