But, in a _new-born_ arbitrary and military Government (especially if, like that of France, it have been immediately preceded by a popular Constitution), not only this weakness is not found; but it possesses, for the purposes of external annoyance, a preternatural vigour.

Many causes contribute to this: we need only mention that, fitness--real or supposed--being necessarily the chief (and almost sole) recommendation to offices of trust, it is clear that such offices will in general be ably filled; and their duties, comparatively, well executed: and that, from the conjunction of absolute civil and military authority in a single Person, there naturally follows promptness of decision; concentration of effort; rapidity of motion; and confidence that the movements made will be regularly supported.

This is all which need now be said upon the subject of this first basis of French Tyranny.
For the second--namely, the personal character of the Chief; I shall at present content myself with noting (to prevent misconception) that this basis is not laid in any superiority of talents in him, but in his utter rejection of the restraints of morality--in wickedness which acknowledges no limit but the extent of its own power.

Let any one reflect a moment; and he will feel that a new world of forces is opened to a Being who has made this desperate leap.

It is a tremendous principle to be adopted, and steadily adhered to, by a man in the station which Buonaparte occupies; and he has taken the full benefit of it.