This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1898. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... / THE GREAT FALSEHOOD OF OUR TIME I That which is founded on falsehood cannot be right Institutions founded on false principles cannot be other than false themselves. This truth has been demonstrated by the bitter experience of ages and generations. DEGREES-- DEGREESAmong the falsest of political principles is the . principle of the sovereignty of the people, the principle that all power issues from the people, and is based upon the national will--a principle which has unhappily become more firmly established since the time of the French Revolution. Thence proceeds the theory of Parliamentarism, which, up to DEGREES the present day, has deluded much of the so-called "intelligence," and unhappily infatuated certain foolish Russians. It continues to maintain its hold on many minds with the obstinacy of a narrow fanaticism, although every day its falsehood is exposed more clearly to the world. In what does the theory of Parliamentarism consist? It is supposed that the people in its assemblies 'makes its own laws, and elects responsible officers to execute its will. Such is the ideal co/iception. Its immediate realisation is impossible.* DEGREES The historical development of society necessitates that local communities increase in numbers and complexity; that separate races be assimilated, or, retaining their polities and languages, unite under a single flag, that territory extend indefinitely: under such conditions direct government by the people is impracticable. The people must, therefore, delegate its right of power to its representatives, and invest them with administrative autonomy. These representatives in turn cannot govern immediately, but are compelled to elect a still smaller number of trustworthy persons--ministers--to whom they entrust the preparation and execu