to insist upon an error so palpable, and yet it is
one of which nearly every capital of Europe affords example; and the
same council-chamber that would treat a popular movement with disdain
would tremble at the epigram launched by some "elegant" of society. The
theory is, "that the masses _act_, but never _think_; the higher ranks
_think_, and set the rest in motion." Whether well or ill founded, one
consequence of the system is to inundate the world with a number of
persons who, no matter what their station or pretensions, are no other
than spies. If it be observed that, generally speaking, there is
nothing worth recording; that society, too much engaged with its own
vicissitudes, troubles itself little with those of the state,--let it
be remembered that the governments which employ these agencies are in
a position to judge of the value of what they receive; and as they
persevere in maintaining them, they are, doubtless, in some degree,
remunerated.

To hold this high detective employ, a variety of conditions are
essential. The individual must have birth and breeding to gain access
to the highest circles; conciliating manners and ample means. If a lady,
she is usually young and a beauty, or has the fame of having once been
such. The strangest part of all is, that her position is thoroughly
appreciated. She is recognized everywhere for what she is; and yet her
presence never seems to impose a restraint or suggest a caution. She
becomes, in reality, less a discoverer than a depositary of secrets.
Many have something to communicate, and are only at a loss as to the
channel. They have found out a political puzzle, hit a state blot, or
unravelled a cabinet mystery. Others are in possession of some personal
knowledge of royalty. They have marked the displeasure of the Queen
Dowager, or seen the anger of the Crown Prince. Profitable as such facts
are, they are nothing without a market. Thus it is that these characters
exercise a wider sphere of influence than might be naturally ascribed
to them, and possess besides a terrorizing power over society, the chief
members of which are at their mercy.

It is, doubtless, not a little humiliating that such should be the
instruments of a government, and that royalty should avail itself of
such agencies; but the fact is so, and perhaps an inquiry into the
secret working of democratic institutions might not make one a whit more
proud of Popular Sovereignty.

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