- That which maintains a political society is the mutual
respect of its members, especially the respect of the governed for its
rulers and of the rulers for the governed, and, therefore, habits of
mutual trust and confidence. On the part of the governed, a well-
grounded certainty that the rulers will not attack private rights,
and, on the part of the rulers, a well-founded certainty that the
governed will not attack public powers; both inwardly recognizing that
these rights, more or less broad or restricted, are inviolable; that
these powers, more or less ample or limited, are legitimate. Finally,
each being convinced that, in case of conflict, the trial will be
conducted according to forms which law or custom provide; that pending
the discussion, the strongest will not abuse his strength, and that,
when the discussion is over, the successful party will not wholly
sacrifice the loser. Only on this condition can there be harmony
between governors and the governed, participation of all in the common
work, internal tranquility, and, accordingly, stability, security,
well-being and force. Without this deep and persistent disposition of
minds and hearts, the bond of union among men is absent.
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