The Committee will judge of my Reasons when
they have heard them, and their judgment may possibly change mine. I
think I see Inconveniences in the Appointment of Salaries; I see none
in refusing them, but on the contrary great Advantages.
Sir, there are two Passions which have a powerful Influence in
the Affairs of Men. These are _Ambition_ and _Avarice_; the Love of
Power and the Love of Money. Separately, each of these has great
Force in prompting Men to Action; but when united in View of the same
Object, they have in many Minds the most violent Effects. Place
before the Eyes of such Men a Post of _Honour_, that shall at the
same time be a Place of _Profit_, and they will move Heaven and Earth
to obtain it. The vast Number of such Places it is that renders the
British Government so tempestuous. The Struggles for them are the
true Source of all those Factions which are perpetually dividing the
Nation, distracting its Councils, hurrying it sometimes into
fruitless and mischievous Wars, and often compelling a Submission to
dishonourable Terms of Peace.
And of what kind are the men that will strive for this
profitable Preeminence, thro' all the Bustle of Cabal, the Heat of
Contention, the infinite mutual Abuse of Parties, tearing to Pieces
the best of Characters? It will not be the wise and moderate, the
Lovers of Peace and good Order, the men fittest for the Trust.
Pages:
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41