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are offered, unprincipled men make politics a trade. Radicalism does offer such incentives. It is the creed any adventurer does and will at once take up to make his way in the political world.
- Its false and deceptive professions.
When such a man wishes to start a political career, he must build upon the basis of superficial popularity, to which end be will adopt the most specious creed he can and the wider the better for his chances with the unthinking. His professions will be extensive. Brought face to face with realities at last, he finds that his ardour is cooled, and that the possibility of performance is not in proportion to his profuseness of profession. Frantic Radicals have often ripened into cautious Conservatives, and the effect of official life on political creed is so well known, that the comparative mildness and moderation of Mr. Bright's later effusions have been generally set down to his desire to prepare for the responsibilities of office.
The mode in which the Liberal party has all along dealt with Reform is an apt illustration.
Had sincerity been an ingredient in their professions, there is no excuse whatever for a party in office so long, with such a majority, not having realized this among others of their political aspirations. Odd enough, nearly all the great questions of importance, such as Catholic emancipation, Free trade, and Reform, which are claimed as Liberal triumphs have awaited their solution at the hands of Conservative administrations.[1]
- ↑ The theme of endless diatribes against the Conservative party, due to misconception as to the province and functions of Conservatism: as well charge with inconsistency the parent who plucks in August for an impulsive child the fruit which he refused in April!
