Page:History of the Radical Party in Parliament.djvu/67

Rh was so angry with them—then there has never been in the English Parliament a democratic party. But if by a democrat we mean a person who wishes to extend the principle of self-government among the people; to give them a more direct constitutional influence, as well as to recognize in their independence, progress, and welfare the true end of government;—then every Liberal must of necessity be a democrat, and the Radical especially may accept the name. What may be the effect upon the social future of the continual increase of popular power, it may not be possible to predict. Philosophers have drawn conflicting pictures of that future; for us it is enough to trust that, if it is the result not of violent artificial change, but of natural growth and development, we may, whilst doing the duty which lies nearest to us, possess our souls in patience. It was different, however, at the time when Burke and Fox were separated. Then efforts were being made in Europe to overthrow established institutions by violence, which, however well deserved, seemed incapable of replacing the forms it destroyed by others suited for the permanent service of society. It was indeed a great thing that Fox and the remnant of the Whigs—the Radicals they may well be called—who adhered to him in spite of the outcry which was being raised, had faith enough in their principles, and belief enough in the character and morale of their countrymen, to keep true to their old professions, and still to advocate the cause of reform. They are to be judged not as politicians desirous of undertaking the actual conduct of affairs, but as men recognizing great principles, and willing to abandon present power for their sake.

It was here that Fox and the Radicals were brought into contact with Burke's fundamental principle of civil government, its authority, and its function. His desire to separate the experimental and practical from the abstract in the theory of government, and expediency from legality in its practice, are well described by Mr. Pollock as the essence of his contribution to the theory of politics. It is to be noticed that