The thing, in many points, contained better principles than those upon which the Government had hitherto been administered; but with respect to the Cour Pleniere, it was no other than a medium through which despotism was to pass, without appearing to act directly from itself.
Paine critiques a proposed governmental reform, identifying it as a veiled attempt to perpetuate despotic rule.
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It was Government dethroning Government; and the old one, by attempting to make a new one, made a chasm.
They form a common policy throughout Europe, detached and separate from the interest of Nations: and while they appear to quarrel, they agree to plunder.
They had a cause at stake, on which depended their freedom or their slavery.
A knowledge of the practice was then joined to the theory; and all that was wanting to give it real existence was opportunity.