1811 June 10 + 11

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Fallacies ad vericundum

Authority worshippers

4

. 6. Prevalence Cause

Power without responsibility - real and efficient responsibility - is power without obligation - real and efficient obligation. Power in so far as it is clear of obligation is property: power in so far as it is coupled and charged with obligation is a trust.

Obligation In every part of the field of action - and in every shape /exercise[?]/ obligation is in every shape a burthen, from which by the principle of self-preservation, by regard for his own case, by interest in that shape in which it may be termed the interest of the people, every man in proportion as be feels himself possessed by it feels himself urged and excited to endeavour to shake[?] off /[...?] himself/.

So happily have matters been mangaed so admirably in the /managing/ hands of the managers has public power been adjusted to the purposes of personal convenience, - the power which a man possesses /is in the enjoyment of/ by the possession /property/ of a box at the Opera is not less pure from obligation than the power which he is in the enjoyment of /put with/ by the possession of a seat in the House of Commons.

Power without obligation is the position of the Emperor of Morocco and /not to speak of/ the Emperor of France. Power without obligation is the position of the Members of the House of Commons, not to speak of the Member of the House of Lords.

The power of the Emperor is a whole: the power of the Member is but a part of a [.../]lar whole: in this lies all the difference.