Mr. Dickens, and others. I, for my part, cannot conscientiously modify what I have said. These gentlemen have publicly assumed a ground which, in the opinion of sound statesmen, cannot he maintained; and I believe my article proves that they have supported their position by inaccurate statements, and in a temper and by language which convey their own condemnation. In a matter of literary judgment or taste, one may soften one's tone of criticism and opposition to the gentlest breath of dissent; but in a matter of political morality so vital as this, there must be no compromise and no mistake. Mr. Horner and Mr. Dickens, as Inspector and Editor, have taken up a ground which they do not pretend to establish on any principle; and they hold it in an objectionable temper, and by indefensible means. It seems to me, therefore, necessary to meet them unflinchingly, and expose, with all possible plainness, the mischief they are doing. They cannot complain, with any appearance of reason, of any plainness of speech. I have judged them by their own published statements; and the language of Mr. Horner's Reports, and of Mr. Dickens's periodical, in regard to the Factory Occupiers of England, leaves them no ground of remonstrance on the score of courtesy. I like courtesy as well as anybody can do; but when vicious legislation and social oppression are upheld by men in high places, the vindication of principle and exposure of the mischief must come before considerations of private feeling. These gentlemen have offered a challenge to society,—and certainly in no spirit or tone of courtesy; and they will not, if they claim to be rational men, object to a fair encounter of
