2172. DELUSION, A policy of.—
Warring
against the principles of the great body
of the American people, the delusion of the
people is necessary to the dominant party.
I see the extent to which that delusion has
been already carried, and I see there is no
length to which it may not be pushed by a
party in possession of the revenues and the
legal authorities of the United States, for a
short time, indeed, but yet long enough to
admit much particular mischief. There is no
event, therefore, however atrocious, which
may not be expected.—
To Samuel Smith. Washington ed. iv, 254.
Ford ed., vii, 277.
(M.
1798)
See X. Y. Z. Plot.
