Page:A Few Plain Observations Upon the End and Means of Political Reform.djvu/35

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I no longer feel uneasiness upon this point; but that my fears rather tend toward a different object—and I almost entertain apprehension lest the numbers of such men should become so formidable as to endanger the existence of a respectable and countervailing opposition.

I do not mean to deny that some sort of influence, beyond the mere wisdom and justice of their conduct, may be requisite at all times to secure to any Administration that preponderance in the House of Commons which is necessary to the success of their measures, and the duration of their power.—There is certainly a species of influence inseparable from Human Nature; the result of education, connexions, attachment, prejudice, and habits of association—to which may be added such motives of interest as are perhaps too impalpable to be distinctly recognized