[clx. 253]

1822 July 9

Constitut Code Rationale

Securities

Factitious honor

?.2 Expository matter

??.2 Its mode of operation

A few points relative to this product /Relative to this product of government, /Here/ a few points there are which/ call for explanation

1. It operates as an order for respect, for respect to be for token of respect to be afforded and as it were paid by persons in general to him on whom the honor is said to be conferred. It operates therefore as a title to respect. In this particular It is in regard to respect that which an order for the payment of money a draught for example on a banker - is in regard to money: but with this difference that it is only on /at the hands of/ that one individual /person/ that the order for money calls for money, whereas it is at the hands of all persons in general that the title of honor - the order for respect - calls for respect.

On the each occasion of each such act It is an exercise of dominion over the many, for indeed in some sort over all, for the benefit of the one - over the many, indeed in some sort /with little exception/ over all. The means not being coercive, it produces not that sense of oppression which in general dominion exercised by coercive means /employing as usual /it must do/ coercion for its instrument/ can not when exercised /directed/ towards so unjustifiable an end, fail to produce. It is by delusion that the effect is produced not by force or intimidation. But the effect of it being as will be seen purely mischievous, the circumstance of their being one evil in [...?] which is not produced by it, will not suffice for turning /to turn/ the whole mass of evil into good.