xm.) CONDITIONS OF POLITIOAL LIFE. 815

are, I think, nearly over; I have no confidence in my voice
Serving me much in future. I suffer no inconvenience now ;
but a hoarseness interposes if I talk much, and I feel as if
half an hour’s public speaking would render me inaudible.
However, I shall go to Cannes as soon as this business is
decided one way or another, which must be within a fort-Night.
 When I speak of being held eligible for office, I
Merely refer to the power which that gives us in the House.
Ihave no intention to take office under any circumstances,
because I think I could do more good out of office. Besides,
t is too late even if I liked it. I am in my fifty-sixth year,
ud do not come of a long-lived parentage.
“I thought of saying a few words about the state
of opinion here [Paris], the designs of the Emperor,
Stcetera. I have no prejudice against a voluntary armed
force like the riflemen of Switzerland, or the militia of
America, though it is open to question whether Joseph
Hume was right in preferring a regular armed profession,
On the principle of the division of labour. But the origin
of our rifle corps, just after we had voted twenty-six
illions for our armed professions, as a means of defence,
and instigated by real or pretended fear of France, is such
8 to make the movement a disgraceful act of folly—speaking
 of the nation, and not of all the individuals who have
been drawn into it.”

18680.
Xz, 56,

(3.) To William Hargreaves.

Remarks on the writings of Louis Napoleon

“Oannes, March 14, 1860.—I have been amusing myself
With reading very carefully the works of Louis Napoleon.
They are published under his own auspices, in four splendid
Volumes, and are said to be without the alteration of a word.
They have been lent to me, but if you were in an extravagant