Is it said that the era of such dangers is past—that civilization will modify the nature of oppressive castes? That is the most dangerous delusion of all. In all annals, a class, whether rough citizens as in Poland, or smooth gentlemen as in France, based on traditions or habits of oppression, has proved a reptile caste. Its coat may be mottled with romance, and smooth with sophistry, and glossy with civilization;—it may wind itself gracefully in chivalric courses; but its fangs will be found none the less venomous, its attacks none the less cruel, its skill in prolonging its reptile life, even after seeming death wounds, none the less deceitful.
Is it said that to grapple with such a reptile caste is dangerous? History shows not one example where the plain, hardy people have boldly faced it and throttled it and not conquered it.
The course is plain, and there it but one. Strike until the reptile caste spirit is scotched; then pile upon it a new fabric of civil and political rights until its whole organism of evil is crushed forever.
For this policy alone speaks the whole history of man,—to this policy alone stand pledged all the attributes of God.
FOOTNOTES:
[1] History of Civilization in Europe. Third Lecture.
[2] Sempere, Histoire des Cortes d'Espagne, Chap. 6.
[3] Prescott's Ferdinand and Isabella. Introduction, p. 48.
[4] Hallam's Hist. of Middle Ages, Vol. 2, p. 30.
[5] Robertson's Introduction to Life of Charles V., Section 3d; also Prescott.