A Century
of
Birmingham Life.
Chapter 1.—1791–1801.
§ 1.Appearance of the Town.
The consequences of the riots were most disastrous to the town, and, for a time, nearly destroyed the public spirit which, during the previous decade, had produced such great results. The pecuniary loss was the least of the evils which they entailed. The bigotry and tyranny of the majority overawed the minority, and utterly crushed that opposition without which no healthy public life is possible. In a country like England the absolute predominance of any sect in religion, or of any party in politics, is destructive of the best interests of the nation, and fatally injurious to the progress and well-being of the people. This is especially true of the life of towns. Whenever one party is overwhelmingly numerous and strong, true liberty is impossible. Wholesome competition for public honours is one of the best signs of health in a people, and is as necessary for the development of the higher life of a nation, as is competition in trade for the production of the best manufactures, the development of mechanical skill, and the attainment of commercial success. This lesson was taught by the bitter experience of 1791. The Church-and-King party were so powerful, and had used power so unscrupulously, that, for years and years afterwards, the town did not recover from the injury inflicted. The large-minded leaders of the liberal party retired from public life, and left an arena in their which defeat, insult, and ruin were their certain reward. Unfortunately, the possession of unlimited power is almost always accompanied
