form an infallible whole; which is a doctrine almost as absurd as that which teaches us to believe “the people are their own worst enemies;” a doctrine, which, if true, ought to induce those who profess it, to forbid any man from managing his own affairs, but compel him to confide them to the management of others; since the elementary principle is the same in communities and individuals, and, as regards interests, neither would go wrong unless deceived.

I shall not conceal from you the mortification and regret I have felt at discovering, from this distance, and it is more easily discovered from a distance than when near by, how far, how very far, the educated classes of America are, in opinion, (in my poor judgment, at least), behind the fortunes of the country.  Notions are certainly still entertained at home, among this class, that are frankly abandoned here, by men of any capacity, let their political sect be what it may; and I have frequently seen assertions and arguments used, in Congress, that, I think, the dullest Tory would now hesitate about using in Parliament.  I do not say that certain great prejudices are not yet prevalent in England, that are exploded with us; but my remark applies to some of the old and cherished theories of government, which have been kept alive as theories in England, long after they have ceased to be recognised in practice, and some of which, indeed, like that of the doctrine of a balance between different powers in the state, never had any other than a theoretical existence, at all.  The absurd doctrine just mentioned has many devout believers, at this moment, in America, when a moment’s examination must show its fallacy.  The democracy of a country, in the nature of things, will possess its physical force.  Now give to the physical force of a community an equal political power, and the moment it finds itself gravely interested in supporting or defeating any measure, it will fall back on its strength, set the other estates at defiance, and blow your boasted balance of power to the winds!  There never has been an active democratical feature in the government of England; nor have the commons, since they have enjoyed anything like independence, been aught but an auxiliary to the aristocracy, in a modified form.  While the king was strong, the two bodies united to put him down, and, as he got to be weak, they gradually became identified, to reap the advantages.  What is to come remains to be seen.

LETTER XX.

The Equinox.—­Storm on the Lake.—­Chase of a little Boat.—­Chateau of
Blonay.—­Drive to Lausanne.—­Mont Benon.—­Trip to Geneva in the
Winkelried.—­Improvements in Geneva.—­Russian Travellers.—­M.  Pozzo di
Borgo.—­Table d’hote.—­Extravagant Affirmations of a
Frenchman.—­Conversation with a Scotchman.—­American Duels.—­Visit at a
Swiss Country-house.—­English Customs affected in America.—­Social
Intercourse in the United States.—­Difference