d its commerce, I mean its _temper and
character_.

EDMUND BURKE: _Conciliation with America_, 1775

Reconstructing the Outline. In the preliminary arrangement Burke knew
that he was going to give his reasons against the use of military
force. In his first plan he may not have decided just where he was
going to place his four arguments. So they very likely appeared as
four topic entries:

Against use of force.
1. temporary
2. uncertain
3. damages America
4. no experience

Notice that these are jottings to suggest the germs of the arguments.
When Burke revised this section he may have changed the expression to
indicate more certainty.

Force should not be used against the colonies, because:
1. it is only temporary
2. it is uncertain in its results
3. it would damage the wealth of the colonies
4. it is based on no experience of Great Britain with
colonies

Of course, a practised statesman would not have to analyze farther,
perhaps not so far, but to illustrate for a student how he might build
up his outline, let us analyze one degree farther. Just what is meant
by such terms as _temporary, uncertain?_ Under each statement, then,
might be added a detailed explanation. The finished part of the
outline would then appear somewhat like this.

Force should not be used against the colonies, because:
1. it is only temporary, for
_a._ though it subdue for a time, it would have to
be used again.

2. it is uncertain in its results, for
_a._ Great Britain might not subdue the colonies.

3. it would damage the wealth of the colonies, for
_a._ we would fight to retain a wealthy land, yet
after the war we should have a ruined one.

4. it is based on no experience of Great Britain with
colonies, for
_a._ Great Britain has always been indulgent
rather than severely strict.

Speaking or writing from such a detailed outline as this, consider how
much thinking has already been done. With these entries under his eye
the speaker need think only of the phrasing of his remarks. He would
feel perfectly certain that he would not wander from his theme. Notice
how the ideas can be emphasized. The suggestion of damage can be
expressed in _impair the object_, and in _depreciated, sunk, wasted,
consumed_.

So far this outline--though it covers all its own material--does not
indicate the place at which it shall be used in the spee