the reason
why Englishmen rule the world, is because they know how to obey. On the
other hand, the gipsies have no laws; hence they become fewer and less
powerful. What is the condition of all tribes and nations which are not
governed by laws? They invariably remain poor and miserable. They are in
want of a directrix; and if we could supplement the gift with foci and
centre, they would soon emerge from their savage condition, and become
more civilized.

I have omitted to mention the hyperbolic form of government. The curve
formed by the intersection of the surface of a cone with a plane will be
a hyperbola, when the inclination of the cutting plane to the axis of
the cone is less than the constant angle which the generating line forms
with the axis. It is manifest that the plane will thus intersect the
higher cone, and produce the figure which is known to mathematicians as
the hyperbola.

We may hence deduce the following property of the corresponding
hyperbolic State. We take cognizance of that higher cone with which the
mundane affairs of the lower cone are closely connected. As an example
of this system we may mention the vast temporal rule and power of the
Papal Throne, which formerly exercised such marvellous sway over the
nations of Europe. By an appeal to a Higher Authority than that of
earthly kings and potentates was this rule exercised; but its hyperbolic
form is fast passing away, and degenerating into that of a circle with
indefinitely small radius. We shall not, therefore, discuss the complex
polemical problems which a hyperbolic State suggests.

I will now mention a few problems which are easily capable of proof, and
deduce from them the necessary conclusions which must follow when we
apply our newly discovered principles of polemical science.

1. 'If from any point in a straight line a pair of tangents be drawn to
an ellipse, the chords of contact will pass through a fixed point.'

I will not trouble you with the proof of this proposition, as it is
evident to all mathematicians, and can easily be demonstrated. But mark
well the deductions, when we interpret this mathematical language in
correct polemical terms. A State, through various convulsions of its
own, has merged into a condition represented by a straight line, having
lost its symmetry, its beauty, its curvilinear proportion. An individual
unhappily situated in this unfortunate community regards with longing
eyes the prosperous condition of th