Such a judge is unattainable, however, in the matter of the interests of a state, for the simple reason that power of this sort, permanently wielded, would be perverted on a principle which, after a most scrupulous analysis, we have been compelled to admit is incorporated with the very monikin nature--viz., selfishness.

I make no manner of doubt that you men, however, are altogether superior to an influence so unworthy ?" Here I could only borrow the use of the brigadier's "Hum!" "Having ascertained that it would not do to submit the control of our affairs to utter strangers, or to those whose interests are not identified with our own, we set about seeing what could be done with a selection from among ourselves.

Here we were again met by that same obstinate principle of selfishness; and we were finally driven to take shelter in the experiment of intrusting the interests of all to the management of all." "And, sir, are these the opinions of Leaphigh ?" "Very far from it.

The difference between Leaphigh and Leaplow is just this: the Leaphighers, being an ancient people, with a thousand vested interests, are induced, as time improves the mind, to seek reasons for their facts; while we Leaplowers, being unshackled by any such restraints, have been able to make an effort to form our facts on our reasons." "Why do you, then, so much prize Leaphigh opinions on Leaplow facts ?" "Why does every little monikin believe his own father and mother to be just the two wisest, best, most virtuous, and discreetest old monikins in the whole world, until time, opportunity, and experience show him his error ?" "Do you make no exceptions, then, in your franchise, but admit every citizen who, as you say, has a nose, ears, bob, and wants, to the exercise of the suffrage ?" "Perhaps we are less scrupulous on this head than we ought to be, since we do not make ignorance and want of character bars to the privilege.
Qualifications beyond mere birth and existence may be useful, but they are badly chosen when they are brought to the test of purely material possessions.

This practice has arisen in the world from the fact that they who had property had power, and not because they ought to have it." "My dear brigadier, this is flying in the face of all experience." "For the reason just given, and because all experience has hitherto commenced at the wrong end.