Brougham and Vaux, Henry Peter Broughams

1st baron

OPINIONS

OF

LORD BROUGHAM,

ON

POLITICS, THEOLOGY, LAW, SCIENCE,

EDUCATION, LITERATURE,

&c. &c.

AS EXHIBITED IN HIS

PARLIAMENTARY AND LEGAL. SPEECHES,

AND

MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS.

IN TWO VOLUMES.

VOL. II.

PHILADELPHIA:

LEA & BLANCHARD,

SUCCESSORS TO CAREY & CO.

1839.

WHAT Could the Roman Catholics do if they were in power? I admit that they would have additional weight and influence, if they were intrusted with political power. But have they no power at this moment? That is my question; and I entreat the House to consider the subject in this point of view. They have much power; as great in degree, as if they were admitted; but much worse than it could possibly be if they were received into the bosom of the Constitution. It is, at present, a dangerous, it may become a mischievous, a fatal, power. Let the Legislature, then, convert it into a regular, constitutional, proper power, and there is an end to the danger.

The door would then be effectually closed against any apprehended mischief. I will name no man; but this I will say, that greater natural abilities, more acquired talents, finer skill, and, what I should dread to encounter in an opponent, nicer discretion, I never saw displayed, in a more extensive degree, than I saw those qualities displayed by those who now conduct the affairs of the Roman Catholics. I repeat, that men of greater talents-men of more information-men of more practised skill-men possessing greater powers of self-command-men actuated by the dictates of a more sound judgment, or distinguished by a finer sense of discretion-I have never seen. I speak not merely from public report, but also from private conviction. These are the elements of public power. Men so accomplished-so

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