LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.
MISTRUST OF DESPOTISM.
[To tin Linos or tits “Srsersros."]
Sns,—Many years ago there appeared (in The Man v. the State) an acute aphorism by Herbert Spencer. It ran as follows : "The function of Liberalism in the past was that of putting a limit to the powers of Kings. The function of true Liberalism in the future will be that of putting a limit to the powers of Parliament." We have lived to see the implied forecast more than fulfilled. To-day we are in the control of a Parliamentary majority acting as the automatic register of a Ministerial tyranny. It is a serious thing to contemplate, for the end of tyranny is apt to be revolution. We do wisely to distrust the beginnings of despotism, even when masked beneath the conventions of Parliamentary procedure. I came across a passage of Demosthenes which seems to me a singularly apt commentary on certain recent events, and to afford perhaps some clue to their solution. Could you find room for it in your columns P- " You behold Philip—a dispenser of gifts and promises ; pray, if you be wise, that you may never know him for a cheat and a deceiver. There are manifold contrivances for guarding and defending cities—ramparts, walls, trenches, and the like : these are all made with hands, and are costly ; but there is one common safeguard in the nature of wise mon, which is a good security for all (but especially for free constitutions against despots). What do I mean? Idurrausr. Keep this, hold to this, preserve this, and you will never be injured. What do you desire ? Fazzoom. Do you not, then, see that Philip's titles are opposed to this Every despot is a foe to freedom. Will you not beware lest, seeking deliverance from war, you find a master ? "
And we, too, seeking peace at any price, instead of justice at any cost, may likewise find a "master" who will hold us in leash and rob us of our freedom. We, too, know of "dis- pensers of gifts," whose promisee have ended, not in action, but in further promises. And we, too, have a good security, "mistrust." Mistrust of despotism (whether that despotism be exercised by one man or a committee) is the beginning of political wisdom.—I am, Sir, &c., E. H. BLAXSNEY.
The .Ifing's School, Ely.
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