Page:The Collected Works of Theodore Parker Politics volume 4 .djvu/296

284 her conquests all round the world. She owns a sixth part of the earth's surface,—controls a fifth part of the population. Besides that, this noble Anglo-Saxon nation is ruled by an hereditary aristocracy of kings, nobles, and priests, who, though the best perhaps in Europe, yet tread the people down, though far less than anywhere else in Europe. Certainly, for the last three hundred years, England has been the great bulwark of human freedom ; and, just now, she is the only European nation that allows liberty of speech on matters of religion, politics, science, everything. In Europe, freedom can only be defended in the English tongue.

Now, in common with Austria, Russia, and France," the English Government had longed for the spoils of Turkey,—also counting the Sultan a sick man, and wanting his inheritance. But these great powers could not agree as to the share that each should take; otherwise the Sultan had died twenty years ago. All Europe is ruled by an affiliated oligarchy of kings, nobles, and priests, who have unity of idea and aim, to develop the power of the strong and to keep the people down, and unity of action in all great matters. But in England there is such a mass of thoughtful men, men of property too, such a stern love of individual liberty, that the foot of despotism is never secure, nor its print is ever very deep, on that firm Saxon soil. Just now the Anglo-Saxon nation in Europe presents a very grand spectacle. She opens her arms to the exile from every land: despots find a home there, with none to molest nor make them afraid; and patriots are welcome to the generous bosom of England, which bore our fathers. Though she once, and wickedly, fought against us, she respects and loves her sons, perhaps not the least noble portion of herself.

The spirit of despotism in the other governments of Europe, kindred to the invasive despotism of Russia, was the next cause of that war,—the cause co-operative. The reputation of France and England for ancient mutual hate, led the Russian Emperor to believe they would not oppose his rapacity. Neither was strong enough alone; and they could not join. So he reached out his hand to snatch the glittering prize. Of course, he began the robbery with a pious pretence: he did not wish for