ABSTRACT
What then have the two politicians in common, that enables them to appeal, with equal sincerity to 'the common good'? Only this: each is denying that his prescription is prompted by a purely sectional concern. He is saying, in effect, that having considered the claims of all sections in a spirit of impartiality, the balance of advantage lies in the course he recommends. They may differ about the nature of the consequences to be expected from their respective policies; but they need not do so. They may simply attach different values to them. They agree, however, that the effects on all members of the community must be considered before the balance of advantage can be struck, and each will probably accuse his opponent (not necessarily justly) of attending only to the interests of a section or dass. When political parties are accused of being class parties, the imputation is that they care only for the welfare of one class, neglecting altogether the claims of others.
