Reformation of human nature by mere statute was a failure!
But mere political disaster did not daunt the stern old man who held his
commissioners to their task. The people themselves began to complain of
the cost of the new system of enforcement--the money paid to make them
obey their own laws. When their complaints were loudest the Governor
allowed himself the luxury of a smile.
Reform for the mass. Admirable!
Reform for the individual. Atrocious infringement of personal liberty!
"I cannot make them good," he said to Harlan. "But I can give them such
a picture of their own iniquity that perhaps they'll realize it and make
themselves good. You can't reform folks in this world on much of any
basis except that!"
It was late summer and they were in the garden of the brick house at
Burnside.
Harlan had been at his chief's side day after day, shielding him as much
as possible from those who came to solicit, to threaten, to complain. In
the opportunity given him to meet every man of importance in the State
he had won respect, even regard.
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