Synopsis
Book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1836. Excerpt: ... MONTHLY COMMENTARY. Liberality of Sir Robert Peel -- Middlesex Justice--The Postmen and their Grievances--Popular Journals suspended. Likerality Of Sir Rokert Peel.--It is not very easy to define "liberality,' as it regards political sentiment or political conduct; he who is most liberal in his opinions is often least so in his actions; and, on the other hand, the illiberal in theory is as often a model of generosity in practice. The philanthropist of public life is sometimes a misanthrope at home; while the advocate of arbitrary government is the unaffected, unassuming, amiable centre of a peaceful family-circle--of a little " liberty hall," where everybody is happy after his own plan. These anomalies have ever been, and must ever be, until Mr. Owen shall succeed in landing us all in safety in his far-floating Millennium, the political paradise. But politics apart, liberality is easy of definition. A gentleman could scarcely define it better than by allowing the line of a railroad, from which he cannot possibly derive individual advantage or influence, to traverse his own estate. It is an instance of this species of liberality, most freely and unostentatiously offered in the conduct of Sir Robert Peel, that, amidst the political conflict and turmoil of the time, calls for a few words of unaffected praise. The railway, among other great purposes that it has served, has helped us to understand human character, and to weigh the value of liberal professions. The fast friend to commercial enterprise, the most disinterested champion of the general weal, flinches from the proposition of a railroad, however beneficial to the public, if it threatens to trench, in the remotest degree, upon his exclusive enjoyments. It is not merely when his park is threatened with invasion--when a private ro...
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