harmony. Over the two historical forces, _Nationalism_ and _Localism_, the federative principle asserts its supremacy, and gives them simultaneous, correlated, and adequate expression. Under confederation, both _Nationalism_ and _Localism_ by different processes increase each its original determinative strength; and the danger arises that either alone might force a union of but partial means and incapable of the highest end. The federative principle by its own creative energy chooses the time and method of its complete self-assertion, and brings its factors to the work of “forming the more perfect union.” Thus _Nationalism_ and _Localism_, though their methods are in constant warfare, their aim is one,--the good of the individual, who in his dual relation is an epitome of the controlling principle. A complete harmony of the two elements of the federative principle can never be realized; but the tendency is ever towards harmony, thus placing before our hopes an ideal state. In constructing his ideal republic, Plato rejects discordant powers and forces which would bring false harmony, and leaves but two essential elements: “These two harmonies I ask you to leave,--the strain of necessity and the strain of freedom, the strain of courage and the strain of temperance.” In a republic, national will and local self-rule--the one federative principle--constitute true harmony.[28] The question of government is a question of the application of means to an end; that end being, in general terms, the happiness and prosperity of the people. Government considered as comprehending those laws and principles which regulate the conduct of the individual in his relative capacity to the state, being continually present to his mind, must invariably influence his habits of thinking and acting. The genius of the organic law, the Constitution, is transfused into the national mind, and in the character of the citizens we recognize the congenial spirit of the laws. The history of the Swiss Constitution is the history of a confederation of free Cantons, uniting city and rural communities in a common league; providing at once for separate autonomies, and for confederate union and government; insuring mutual protection and a national policy. It represents a wise and politic union; a union constituting an honorable European state in the full enjoyment of its ancient franchises; a union of strength and national life and enduring liberty. Times and circumstances taught their own lesson; civil and religious establishments were imperfectly produced, roughly moulded, and slowly improved, but they were adequate to dispense the blessings of a free government to a brave and artless people, in a state of great comparative independence and honor, security and happiness.