398 CELEBES. [chap. xvij. 



despotism — we hate the name and the thing, and we would 

 rather see people ignorant, lazy, and vicious, than use any 

 but moral force to make them wise, industrious, and good. 

 And we are right when we are dealing with men of our own 

 race, and of similar ideas and equal capacities with our- 

 selves. Example and precept, the force of public opinion, 

 and the slow, but sure spread of education, will do every- 

 thing in time; without engendering any of those bitter 

 feelings, or producing any of that servility, hypocrisy, and 

 dependence, which are the sure residts of despotic govern- 

 ment. But what should we think of a man who should 

 advocate these principles of perfect freedom in a family or 

 a school? We should say that he was applying a good 

 general principle to a case in which the conditions ren- 

 dered it inapplicable — the case in which the governed are 

 in an admitted state of mental inferiority to those who 

 govern them, and are unable to decide what is best for their 

 permanent welfare. Children must be subjected to some 

 degree of authority, and guidance ; and if properly managed 

 they will cheerfully submit to it, because they know their 

 own inferiority, and believe their elders are acting solely 

 for their good. They learn many things the use of which 

 they cannot comprehend, and which they would never 

 learn without some moral and social if not physical 

 pressure. Habits of order, of industry, of cleanliness, of 

 respect and obedience, are inculcated by similar means. 



