THE WORLD'S HIGHWAY. FROM THE "CALCUTTA REVIEW," FOR MARCH, 1856. LONDON: JOHN WEALE, 59, HIGH HOLBORN. 1856. 226. f. 46. THE WORLD'S HIGHWAY. FOR an Englishman it is more dangerous to be before than behind the world. In the former case he has at least the advantage of sympathy. He is backed by onehalf his fellowmen, and that half the highest in position, in character, and in that indefinable something which Englishmen call respectability. He has with him all the old, all the timid, a moiety of the wealthy, and a majority of the official world. His opponent stands alone. He is resisted not only by that vis inertiæ, against which it is well that every projector should have to strive, but by some of the strongest peculiarities in the English character. His idea is apt to stand by itself, apparently unsupported by facts, and in ideas Englishmen profess to have but limited faith. He is usually deficient in practical details, for until the time for action has arrived, such details are simply burdensome, and the practical Englishman despises the deficiency. Above all, he is usually obscure. His own conviction is complete, and he forgets that he addresses men who are quoad his idea as ignorant as children. He makes up for his failure of expression by vehemence of language, and is fortunate if he is set down as a fanatic instead of a visionary. This indisposition to enthusiasm has doubtless its ad |