ABSTRACT
There is no style of parliamentary language that seems so much at first blush to carry its own evidence along with it, as that which affirms that measures and not men will be the object of attention to a true patriot: and there is no reasoning that at different times has been more fatal to the reputation of a party, than that which infers from the uniformity of their conduct, the interestedness of their views. And even should we suppose them to persevere in spite of every unfavourable circumstance, still a parliamentary opposition is not a constitutional opposition. There are two ways in which the proposition, that the question respecting the possessors of power is a legitimate object of constitutional opposition, may be considered. Various suppositions may undoubtedly be made respecting the ineligibleness of one or another set of men, for the conduct of the affairs of government; for the requisites of a good administration are various and important.
