The National Review (Volume 6, Nos. 31-33) (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1885. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... palaces we see on the margin of these waters shall I apply for support and influence ? or what official would be most likely, if properly approached, to forward my interests?" "My dear Sir," replies the other, "it is evident, as you talk like that, that you know nothing of the ways of Stamboul. Go to no palace; keep aloof from every mansion; the people who live there are uninfluential, and of no account. Go to an obscure address which I will give you. There you will find an individual not distinguishable from the rest of mankind. Stick to that man, ingratiate yourself with him, conciliate him. If he smiles upon you, the day is your own. No sultan, grand vizier, pasha, or other official can prevail against his far-reaching influence." ""Well, but," says the first speaker, "this is topsy-turveydom." "No," replies the other, "it is not topsy-turveydom. It is the glorious result of Caucus principles applied to the empire city of the east." The imaginary topsyturveydom of Constantinople has its actual analogue in Birmingham. We do not enter into a description of the Conservative party in Birmingham. They perhaps comprise one-third of the electors, and their influence, generally speaking, has to be reckoned with to some extent. But that extent is, owing to their numbers, necessarily limited. Those numbers, nevertheless, are increasing, and their local newspaper has been greatly improved; but we can hardly suppose they will manage, within a reasonable period, to get on terms of equality with their numerous, active, and not over scrupulous opponents; the more especially as, without actual bribery, they cannot go farther than the Caucus in material bidding for popular support. Hope, however, never leaves them, and they continue with unabated courage the one-sided struggl...