"Who made those laws?"
"The people—through their representatives," I added hastily, as I saw him preparing to combat it.
"The people, indeed! precious little part they have had in the making of the laws. Those laws were made, not by the people—who had no voice in their making, but by a small class—originally the Chief—the Emperor—the King—the Barons—the rich Burghers—the people had no part nor voice."
"They received the benefit of them."
"Only the crumbs which fell from their masters' tables. They got the gibbet, the dungeon, the rack, and the stick."
"Wolffert, you would destroy all property rights."
"My dear fellow, what nonsense you talk. I am only for changing the law to secure property rights for all, instead of for a class, the necessity for which no longer exists, if it ever did exist."
"Your own law-giver recognized it and inculcated it." I thought this a good thrust. He waved it aside.
"That was for a primitive people in a primitive age, as your laws were for your people in their primitive age. But do you suppose that Moses would make no modification now?"
"I have no idea that he would. For I believe they were divine."