This system subordinated even the church.
The question is legitimate: Have we nothing to fear from the leaven of
political fragmentarism in Europe? Is there not vitality enough in the
little-monarchy and balance-of-power system of Middle and Western Europe
to extend its influence into this country, contributing effectually to
the overthrow of American unity; and, by the operation of this political
'induction,' making the political system of America like the political
system of Europe? Or, has the time come for the more permanent
inauguration of the policy of continental unity--a system of very
different genius from that which prevails in the former centres of
civilization? We believe that there are the most rational grounds for
encouragement.
Political fragmentarism is comparatively a primitive condition. Europe
has bean growing out of it for hundreds of years. The grasp of political
unity has gradually taken hold of the nations, and brought them
organization and order out of isolation and anarchy. Even European
diplomacy is an expression of the unitizing tendency, since it seeks to
bind the nations together in leagues, making them as completely a unit
as may be consistent with the pride and interests of separate and
distinct sovereignties. Unitization is therefore in the line of
political development; it has gained strength with the march of
civilization and the growth of intelligence and freedom among the
people.
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