=Source.=--William Cobbett's _Rural Rides_, ed. by Mr. Pitt
Cobbett, 1885.
_Letter to Mr. Jabet of the "Birmingham Register," Nov., 1816._
The reformers have yet many and powerful foes; we have to contend
against a host, such as never existed before in the world.
Nine-tenths of the Press, all the channels of speedy communication
of sentiment; all the pulpits; all the associations of rich people;
all the taxing people; all the military and naval establishments;
all the yeomanry cavalry tribes. Your allies are endless in number
and mighty in influence. But we have _one ally_ worth the whole
of them put together, namely the DEBT! This is an ally whom no
honours or rewards can seduce from us. She is a steady, unrelaxing,
persevering, incorruptible ally. An ally that is proof against
all blandishments, all intrigues, all temptations, and all open
attacks. She sets at defiance all '_military_,' all '_yeomanry
cavalry_.' They may as well fire at a ghost. She cares no more for
the sabres of the yeomanry or the life guards than Milton's angels
did for the swords of Satan's myrmidons. This ally cares not a
straw about _spies_ and _informers_. She laughs at the employment
of _secret-service money_. She is always erect, day and night,
and is always firmly moving on in our cause, in spite of all the
terrors of gaols, dungeons, halters and axes. Therefore, Mr.
Jabet, be not so pert. The combat is not so unequal as you seem
to imagine; and, confident and insolent as you are now, the day of
your humiliation may not be far distant."