gets to know the men on whom it must rely to carry out its will, and to these men it attaches the honour of success or the blame of failure. For the more speedy formation of public opinion, and for the swifter execution of the national will, party divisions are a great necessity. There will occasionally be subjects of such supreme, vital, and universal importance that all differences will melt away; but, for the most part, the common duties of patriotism will have to be performed in combination with those who share the same opinions and aspirations as ourselves. In the brave days of old we are told that "None was for a party, This is a little bit of poetical romance. Looking at the practical exigencies of our country, we must say that "All are for a party Who work for the State." One word more. We are profoundly convinced that the moral and religious condition of the people is the main thing. Many who are not eager politicians are, however, indirectly doing most important political work by raising the intellectual and spiritual condition of the population. Labour like this does not make a noise like that which often accompanies elections and public meetings, but its silence is mighty for good. It is a happy thing when these lines of influence, moral, religious, and political, combine in one man. But if we must choose, give us as the type of a true patriot one who spends his time and strength in the social and spiritual elevation of his country men. |