functions of Government were to him Asian mysteries. He only
felt that it ought to have a strong arm, like the brawny member
wherewith he preserved order in his domestic kingdom, and
therefore generally associated Government with the Police. In
his view these were to clear away evil-doers and leave every one
else alone. The higher objects of Government were, if at all,
outlined in the shadowiest form in his imagination. Government
imposed taxes--that he was obliged to know. Government
maintained the parks; for that he thanked it. Government made
laws, but what they were, or with what aim or effects made, he
knew not, save only that by them something was done to raise or
depress the prices of bread, tea, sugar, and other necessaries.
Why they should do so he never conceived--I am not sure that he
cared. Legislation sometimes pinched him, but darkness so hid
from him the persons and objects of the legislators that he could
not criticise the theories which those powerful beings were
subjecting to experiment at his cost. I must, at any risk, say
something about this in a separate chapter.



IV.--Digressive, and may be skipped without mutilating
the History.

I stop here to address any of the following characters, should he
perchance read these memoirs:
You, Mr. Statesman--if there be such;
Mr. Pseudo-Statesman, Placeman, Party Leader, Wirepuller;
Mr. Amateur Statesman, Dilettante Lord, Civil Servant;
Mr. Clubman, Litterateur, Newspaper Scribe;