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 destiny. Thus I cannot find a hero who does not at the bottom rest upon a transcendental basis. I cannot imagine one's heart being deeply stirred by the eulogy, "He steadfastly pursued the greatest happiness of the greatest number". This would be an excellent tribute to the capable official, but would not constitute a hero. I know that there are many who would wish to see it otherwise, but I can only record our present sentiment in the matter. However, whatever view we take on this point, we find our hero inextricably involved in moral consideration. If he disastrously affected public morality, I do now see how the spirit of the age is to save him.

I admit that we are now dealing with a matter in which it is difficult to find a common standard or measurement. Supposing it is granted that territorial acquisition is desirable for a country's greatness and prosperity, I cannot determine the ratio between square miles of territory and moral elevation. Is a statesman who has annexed a province to be regarded as so great a benefactor that his proceedings in so doing are above criticism? If not, how is the question to be determined? I cannot tell how much bloodshed and how much lying are allowable per square mile. Either you must take the acquisition as justifying the means taken to acquire it, or, while you pocket the acquisition, you must gibbet sky-high the villain who won it for you, or you must lay down a principle that no acquisition is to be made by methods which are contrary to right principles or morality. The same considerations apply to all other objects of political endeavour, whether the