re the cases in which the
quantities of the objects concerned in acts entirely vary the qualities of
the acts. The law itself, which professedly neglects trifles, [_de minimis
nor curat lex_,] and which, in criminal cases, will not entertain a charge
where the injury is below a certain money amount, shows how essential to
the moral estimate of acts is the quantity of the value in issue. Money
being power, quite as much as ever knowledge was power, and much less
restrictedly so, there arises with the variations of the sum the largest
range of variations in the interpretation of the understanding between the
parties as to the intention of giver and receiver. That sum is a bribe,
which, divided by ten, is a fair acknowledgment of services performed.
That sum in other cases is an insult, which, being centupled, would be an
honourable expression of distinguished merit. Nine thousand pounds might
have been given, and (if we go back to the facts) really _was_ given as a
donation to an abject pauper; whilst an addition of seventeen thousand
more may be accepted--and (if we consult the facts) _will_ be accepted--in
the haughty spirit of one who affects to regard as a testimony to his own
merit what secretly he believes to be offered in trembling propitiation.
It was Burke who suggested the first endowment of a Popish College; but
how different are acts nominally the same! _His_ motives were the motives
of a reflecting patriot; Sir Robert Peel's are the motives of a
compromiser between adverse interests, whose heart, though honourable as
regards intentions, does not prompt him to give a preponderating weight to
either side, however opposed in principle. The _motives_, however, belong
to our next head. At present, we are dealing with the money amount. It is
alleged that seventeen thousand added to nine thousand can make no
difference as to principle, and that all we, who reverence Burke and Pitt,
are bound by their precedent. Now to that point the distinct answer
is--that the nine thousand of Burke and Pitt was given as an eleemosynary
dole to a body too poor, and at that time too abject, in political
consideration, to move jealousy in any quarter. But the sum now asked is
very nearly threefold of that fixed by Mr Pitt, and (if we add the
interest of the outfit for the new furniture, appointments, &c.) is _more_
than threefold. The small sum was given as charity; was given as an
_annual_ vote; and the large one will be given (if it _