The principal danger lies in the attempt often made to convert into
crimes acts regarded by large numbers, perhaps a majority, as
innocent --that is to practise what is, in fact, tyranny. While all
are ready to agree that tyranny is a very mischievous thing, there
is not a right understanding equally general of what tyranny is.
Some think that tyranny is a fault only of despots, and cannot be
committed under a republican form of government; they think that
the maxim that the majority must govern justifies the majority in
governing as it pleases, and requires the minority to acquiesce
with cheerfulness in legislation of any character, as if what is
called self-government were a scheme by which different parts of
the community may alternately enjoy the privilege of tyrannizing
over each other. (p. 246)

Speaking in particular of the evil effects of that particular "species
of criminal legislation to which sumptuary laws belong," Mr. Carter,
after dwelling upon the subject in detail, says:

An especially pernicious effect is that society becomes divided
between the friends and the foes of repressive laws, and the
opposing parties become animated with hostility which prevents
united action for purposes considered beneficial by both. Perhaps.
the worst of all is that the general regard and reverence for law
are impaired, a consequence the mischief of which can scarcely be
estimated (p. 247).

To prevent consequences like these, springing as they do from the most
deep-seated qualities of human nature, by pious exhortations is a
hopeless undertaking. But if it be so in general--if the consequences
of majority tyranny in the shape of repressive laws governing personal