1820 Feb. 17

Radicalism not dangerous

III. Experience

II. Ireland

Radicalism origin of

Instruments of felicity

3. Factitious Dignity its evil effects

6

In this case the least bad purpose and effect that can /could/ belong to it would be - its being bestowed upon no other individuals than the companions and instruments of the private pleasures of the Prince /Monarch and his family/: to buts[?], buffoons and procurers, and no others: indeed could its application be attached exclusively to such characters its effect would be nearly harmless.

But the serious bad purpose and effect belonging to it is the application made of it in the character of an instrument of corruption.

In the case /situation/ of a Duke were it possible for a member of the aristocracy in that highest or any other order of it to become with zeal and sincerity a supporter of the cause of the subject many /people/, an instrument of factitious dignity with a visible symbol to it in the shape of a blue ribbon would be sufficient /suffice/ to draw him off and render him an adversary to that cause and when a man has not as yet a place in the aristocratic body, an instrument of factitious dignity without any such visible symbol - a mere name such as a barronetcy or even a knighthood /hereditary or even non-hereditary/, is continually productive of the same effect.

Money and power are the bones and muscles of the body politic: factitious dignity in all its shapes is but a wen upon the neck of it.