You have too much sense
to travel through the country seeking for petty exceptions that may
sustain your aristocratical prejudices, or opinions, if you like that
better; but will be disposed to judge a nation, not according to
preconceived notions, but according to visible facts."
"They tell me there is a strong bias to aristocracy in America; at least
such is the report of most European travellers."
"The report of men who do not reflect closely on the meaning of words.
That there are real aristocrats in opinion in America is very true; there
are also a few monarchists, or those who fancy themselves monarchists."
"Can a man be deceived on such a point?"
"Nothing is more easy. He who would set up a king merely in name, for
instance, is not a monarchist, but a visionary, who confounds names
with things."
"I see you will not admit of a balance in the state."
"I shall contend that there must be a preponderating authority in every
government, from which it derives its character; and if this be not the
king, that government is not a real monarchy, let the laws be administered
in whose name they may. Calling an idol Jupiter does not convert it into a
god. I question if there be a real monarchist left in the English empire
at this very moment. They who make the loudest professions that way strike
me as being the rankest aristocrats, and a real political aristocrat is,
and always has been, the most efficient enemy of kings.
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