“Yes; and you know you believe that to, Hardy, just as firmly as I do.”
“I hope so. But then, how about our universal democracy, and every man having a share in the government of his country?”
Tom felt that his flank was turned; in fact, the contrast of his two beliefs had never struck him vividly before, and he was consequently much confused. But Hardy went on tapping a big coal gently with the poker, and gave him time to recover himself and collect his thoughts.
“I don't mean, of course, that every man is to have an actual share in the government,” he said at last.
“But every man is somehow to have a share; and, if not an actual one, I can't see what the proposition comes to.”
“I call it having a share in the government when a man has share in saying who shall govern him.”
“Well, you'll own that's a very different thing. But let's see; will that find our wisest governor for us—letting all the most foolish men in the nation have a say as to who he is to be?”
“Come now, Hardy, I've heard you say that you are for manhood suffrage.”
“That's another question; you let in another idea there. At present we are considering whether the vox populi is the best test for finding your best man. I'm afraid all history is against you.”
“That's a good joke. Now, there I defy you, Hardy.”