internecine warfare. To them mankind are therefore indebted for the
preservation of whatever civilization was then extant, and for
stopping the retrogressive course of the human race. This was
particularly observable in their conquest of Greece and the kingdoms
of Asia Minor, where incessant quarrels between rival cities and
principalities had checked the progress of the arts, sciences, and
literature. Content to conquer in battle, and, as the just reward of
their superior prowess, to impose tribute and a governor, they seldom
interfered with local customs and usages. Perhaps one great secret of
their marvellous success was this systematic abstinence from
intermeddling with the local administrations. The principle of
self-government was never more fully appreciated than by this
remarkable people, who, sending forth consuls, vice-consuls, and
prefects, yet left to the conquered the management of their own
affairs and the guardianship of their own interests. Not even in the
most corrupt days of the empire was it attempted to absorb the
patronage of every department and province for the benefit of a few,
under the pretext of imparting greater vigour to the administration of
public affairs by centralization. It was not deemed wise or necessary
to constitute central boards for the direction of matters with which
not a single member might, possibly, be acquainted. They did not aim
at an ideal perfection, but were satisfied with doing what was
practicable, and with a large average of general prosperity. To each
civitas--corresponding to our phrase of "city and county"--was
assigned the regulation of its own domestic policy, by means of annual
magistrates, a chosen senate, and the general assembly of the free
inhabitants. Through this wise policy of non-interference, the City of
London rapidly acquired wealth and importance, and before the
evacuation of the island by the Romans, had attained a position of
considerable grandeur. The civic institutions of the Saxons were,