These things are superabundantly evident in the case of a monarchy
or an aristocracy; but it is sometimes rather gratuitously assumed
that the same kind of injurious influences do not operate in a
democracy. Looking at democracy in the way in which it is commonly
conceived, as the rule of the numerical majority, it is surely
possible that the ruling power may be under the dominion of
sectional or class interests, pointing to conduct different from
that which would be dictated by impartial regard for the interest of
all. Suppose the majority to be whites, the minority negroes, or
vice versa: is it likely that the majority would allow equal justice
to the minority? Suppose the majority Catholics, the minority
Protestants, or the reverse; will there not be the same danger? Or let
the majority be English, the minority Irish, or the contrary: is there
not a great probability of similar evil? In all countries there is a
majority of poor, a minority who, in contradistinction, may be
called rich. Between these two classes, on many questions, there is
complete opposition of apparent interest. We will suppose the majority
sufficiently intelligent to be aware that it is not for their
advantage to weaken the security of property, and that it would be
weakened by any act of arbitrary spoliation. But is there not a
considerable danger lest they should throw upon the possessors of what
is called realised property, and upon the larger incomes, an unfair
share, or even the whole, of the burden of taxation; and having done
so, add to the amount without scruple, expending the proceeds in modes
supposed to conduce to the profit and advantage of the labouring
class? Suppose, again, a minority of skilled labourers, a majority
of unskilled: the experience of many trade unions, unless they are
greatly calumniated, justifies the apprehension that equality of
earnings might be imposed as an obligation, and that piecework,
payment by the hour, and all practices which enable superior
industry or abilities to gain a superior reward might be put down.
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