Daily gazette and comet. (Baton Rouge, La.) 1856-186?, 1860-08-23
THE SPIRIT OF FACTION.


expressive word, with his handling,
which has not as yet, found its
way 20 the lexicons. "Tbe Shews
of things" ir not, their spirit or es-
sence, as we understand il but
that material part not seen by the
material eye, but which may yet
be arrived at, by logical induction
and explained. 1t is the unseen,
though not less certain, cause of
effect, which may, not only be ana
lyzed but syntbetzed. Until we
can raise of the top Of the head of
humanity and correct the rebel
lious and brutal organs whilst at
work, the shews of things deserve
attention. Let us discover, il we
can rhy 10 is, if we cannot under.
stand how IL is. that oil people who
have the wit TO do it, prefer play
ing the Knave's part, to that of the
true and honest man. Let this be
done, and II may serve very pow.
eriul and potent purpose. az aux.
iliary 10 tho spiritual influence,
which the church seeks to exercise.
Let us analyze the spirit of faction
and take the mob TO pieces TO see
how and why 1t is that IL becomes,
the powerIul--and controlling in
auence in the republic, and breaks
out now and then like smothcred
volcanoes, in the monarchy. A
writer in the Century. thus dis
courses on this interesting subject:
The exact nature and true spirit Of fac
ton have not, so far M | know. been fully
analysed. Perhaps the venerable author
of the Natural History OF Enthusiasm"
might find in the Natural History of Fac
tiou topic very well worthy of his mature
powers.
What il faction What IL its essential
character and what are its necessary con-
ditonsi Party, faction, aud mobs are oil
kindred In nature. and exhibitions of one
and the same thing. The term Of a mob,
TIA true motive, aud method of proceed
ing, or want ofmethod, would ifanslyzed,
afford curious results. Party, also, for q
definite purpose aud single day blends to-
gether opposites in a very strange manner.
In a similar way faction IL most singular
In the combinations IL works, and the uni
que in its ways and doings, without at
tempting n definition. ! think L. may be
said generally that ambition and passion
are the sonl Of faction. II casts a sinister
look on authority, and has more or less a
direct purpose to modify law or thwsrt its
operation. Corporations which are tho
creations Of law, are said to have no soul,
aud factions are still more british, mas
much rs they are lawless by the very terms
of their existence. Faction II also destruc-
tive In its temper, and wells itself in some
degree of secrecy, but cannot conceal en-
urely q certain ierocity Of nature.
But when any ciass Of men assume the
purpose of breaking through established
Institutions. and reforming existing meth.
ods, they Of course, lay their designs so as
TO show we'll, and color them with fair col
ors. They show an ostensible outrage
against justice or righteousness NJ their
apology for violence.
II IL truth, or equality, or mercy that
fres the heart and nerves the hand Of fac
ton always, II you believe it. The mobs
- l. L..
exceedingly cruel, had in their mouths
tho sounding words, Liberty and equal
ity ~ And though soon going on to de-
capitate mulutudes, they did II in the
name Of justice. Faction indeed IL the
helpless child Of concentrated and exag-
gerated human passion, and 10 like wave
Of the ocean which IL tosned wither soever
the wind chooses. Of course, however, IL
is never without its apology offered TO the
reason. But IL Ia important for us to OBJ
serve that passion and not reason, caprice
alone aud not equity, are the ruling infiu-
ences which II ever oboye.
Hence, II the history Of faction teaches
Mt all, IL might be expected to show Us the
folly Of committing to its keeping priuci-
plcs of truth and of morality. Liberty and
equality disappeared, and wero destroyed
in tho embrace OF faction, which constitu-
ted itself their special guardian. Profess
ing friendship, and shouting benedctions,
faction was the INSTRUMENT by which both
these universal principles fell IN France.
An so, from the nature Of the case, II must
always be. Faction Is altogether ruthless,
and without a soul, does not know the
meaning Of innocence, yields itself to tho
impulse Of enragsd appetite, snd, there
fore, to commit to its keeping anything
sacred or true, is to lose sight and posses
siou Of IL