for that would be as the _punctum
saliens_ of a new vitality and just arrangement for all. Already, in
some European countries, in France, in Prussia, one traces some
beginnings of an arrangement for the Literary Class; indicating the
gradual possibility of such. I believe that it is possible; that it
will have to be possible.

By far the most interesting fact I hear about the Chinese is one on
which we cannot arrive at clearness, but which excites endless
curiosity even in the dim state: this namely, that they do attempt to
make their Men of Letters their Governors! It would be rash to say,
one understood how this was done, or with what degree of success it
was done. All such things must be very unsuccessful; yet a small
degree of success is precious; the very attempt how precious! There
does seem to be, all over China, a more or less active search
everywhere to discover the men of talent that grow up in the young
generation. Schools there are for every one: a foolish sort of
training, yet still a sort. The youths who distinguish themselves in
the lower school are promoted into favourable stations in the higher,
that they may still more distinguish themselves,--forward and forward:
it appears to be out of these that the Official Persons, and incipient
Governors, are taken. These are they whom they _try_ first, whether
they can govern or not. And surely with the best hope: for they are
the men that have already shown intellect. Try them: they have not
governed or administered as yet; perhaps they cannot; but there is no
doubt they _have_ some Understanding, without which no man can!
Neither is Understanding a _tool_, as we are too apt to figure; 'it is
a _hand_ which can handle any tool.' Try these men: they are of all
others the best worth trying.--Surely there is no kind of government,
constitution, revolution, social apparatus or arrangement, that I know
of in this world, so promising to one's scientific curiosity as this.
The man of intellect at the top of affairs: this is the aim of all
constitutions and revolutions, if they have any aim. For the man of
true intellect, as I assert and believe always, is the noblehearted
man withal, the true, just, humane and valiant man. Get _him_ for
governor, all is got; fail to get him, though you had Constitutions
plentiful as blackberries, and a Parliament in every village, there is
nothing yet got!--

These things look strange, truly; and are not such as we commonly
specul