This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1869 Excerpt: ...there was danger of bloodshed. A highly respectable manufacturer, of a rather exciteable temperament, but distinguished through life for unusual industry and devotion to business, was so eager for the carrying of the bill, and so enraged by the Tory opposition to it, that he resolved to take LIMITED DEMOCRACY. 145 part ...
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This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1869 Excerpt: ...there was danger of bloodshed. A highly respectable manufacturer, of a rather exciteable temperament, but distinguished through life for unusual industry and devotion to business, was so eager for the carrying of the bill, and so enraged by the Tory opposition to it, that he resolved to take LIMITED DEMOCRACY. 145 part in any popular rising which might occur; and actually purchased firearms, not to protect himself against insurgent workmen, but with the intention of fighting in their company. The year before, all classes had been found at the Paris barricades: all classes, I imagine, would have joined in an English insurrection. ' Happily, the bill was passed without violence. The Tories had a veteran soldier as their chief adviser; and veteran soldiers hate bloodshed: the Duke too, had seen on the Continent how fearful were the miseries of civil war. Being asked by a politician at an earlier period, I think about 1819, whether it would not be better to let the popular discontents come to a head that they might be put down by force, he peremptorily replied, no; for blood once shed would not be forgotten. It was not by such men as the Duke of lVellington that the "massacre of Peterloo" was perpetrated. In 1832 then, a reform bill was inevitable, unless the Tories had been prepared to use violence; and that would have only postponed, and probably aggravated, the organic change. The bill did not create a democratic sentiment in the country; it only adapted the political institutions to the democratic sentiments existing.. Since 1832 further democratic progress had taken place, and further changes in our political institutions had become needful. SINCE then, democracy advances whether we desire it or detest it, let us see what it is, and how far our...
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Add this copy of Essays of a Birmingham Manufacturer, Volume 1... to cart. $60.53, good condition, Sold by Bonita rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Newport Coast, CA, UNITED STATES, published 2012 by Nabu Press.