Page:The Psychology of Jingoism.djvu/17

by it almost to enlisting point had, or even desired to have, the faintest notion of the Eastern Question, or even of the grounds of our immediate quarrel with Russia? A suggestion of national animus, with a vague assertion attached to it, is quite sufficient at this stage in the manufacture of Jingo spirit. We shall perceive later what detailed definiteness of conviction and assertion Jingoism is able to assume in its more developed forms.

It might appear that a sentiment thus born amid the fumes of the music-hall was unsubstantial, and would quickly evaporate. But this rude instrument of public feeling, though representing in a peculiar way the uprising of popular passions, does not stand alone; its work of suggestion and information is aided by many other instruments of instruction more reputable in appearance, and often more insidious in their appeal.

The object of the diagnosis in these chapters is to point, by a recent and most convincing illustration, the modus operandi of the various forces of public opinion, which are most active in the making and the maintenance of Jingoism, and to investigate the unexplored psychology of this powerful popular passion.