THE COST OF GOVERNMENT.

Colonist, Volume IV, Issue 425, 19 November 1861, Page 2

THE COST OF GOVERNMENT.

Englishmen are proverbially, sensitive on all subjects having relation to the breeches pocket. Other topics, though of great interest to the enlightened and scientific are often but caviare to the multitude. Let, however a question be mooted which points at an appeal to that part of the person where it is understood the purse is usually deposited, and Englishmen of every degree are at once roused to the importance of the matter before them. And a knowledge of this peculiar idiosyncrasy of the English character has proved in former times, and probably still does prove, a powerful agent in the hands of the artful politician when endeavouring to rouse the feelings and bring into action the dormant passions of a British mob. How deficient of success would the careers of such men as Gobbett, Burden, Hume, or Bright, have probably proved, but for the successful use made by them of this powerful lever on public opinion! Of what use to their pnt pose would it have been for them to have discoursed, ever so wisely, on Magna Charta, the Bi'l of Rights, or even the Habeas Corpus Act ? But, let the orator make taxation his topic, and the attention and sympathy of his audience are instantly secured. Hear the successful demagogue —'Gentlemen, are you aware of the extent to which you are being robbed in the way of taxation ? Fifty millions annually are abstracted from your pockets to support a tyrannical government and a pampered aristocracy.' The word * pocket' acts like magic. The yellow weaver and ragged Irishman.put their hands instinctively into their own, and rinding no part of the fifty millions there, at once admit the fact, that they have been robbed to that extent, and are ready immediately to assist their enlightened instructor in any crusade he may recommend for redressing* the wrongs they have suffered at the hands of their oppressors. . ;

But, whilst it must be admitted that; a more than fair use* has often been made of the knowledge ot this peculiar feature. of John Bull's character,^ we thihk it must also be admitted that good has come of it. Indeed, though we are not now going to do so, we are not sure but that a very good article might be written on the' advantages