Page:Thomas Hare - The Election of Representatives, parliamentary and municipal.djvu/134

 in the open air, and under more favoured skies. With us it is unquestionable, that much of the time which the lower classes can spare from daily toil and necessary rest is spent in seeking ease and enjoyment in the houses which are thus provided for their use. It is there that they meet society of congenial habits and tastes. Another feature of English life, especially, is its domestic character. This feature is predominant in the classes somewhat above the lower, and is more and more brought out as the depressing conditions of existence are removed. As a man advances in his pecuniary circumstances, he gradually becomes less gregarious, his house assumes an air of comfort,—furniture of mean appearance is exchanged for what is more elegant,—his rooms are embellished with engravings or paintings that bring before his eyes some scene or tale touching a hidden chord, and awakening thoughts, deeper and higher than the counter, the workshop, or the desk has ever prompted; he loves his home, as his home becomes lovely,—his enjoyments, though intensified, are brought more within the narrow circle of his family and select friends. The refining process of society thus proceeds, and the coarser elements are left behind. They are left behind, because their capacity for better enjoyments has not been cultivated, and perhaps even the desire for them has in many been chilled and extinguished by adverse circumstances.

There are also many clubs and associations. Of these are the numerous benefit clubs—the Odd Fellows, Foresters, and other societies, embodied under various names and rules, and having many good purposes. In all these bodies there are some men who have gained an influence over others, to which they consciously or unconsciously, more or less, submit. The multitude thus form innumerable knots, linked and tied by the countless affinities and tastes which attract men to their fellows.

In every borough, in every electoral district, in every community, some men will be found with penetration enough to