the act of shaking a body, or tossing it backwards and forwards.

in Politics, is the art of keeping the object to be obtained perpetually under discussion, so as to make a deep impression on the public mind. For this purpose a large number of co-operators is not at first absolutely requisite; the desired sensation may be produced by the well-directed efforts of a few, and it is not even necessary to succeed that the object of pursuit be important to the great mass of the people, or practically useful. The great agitator Daniel O'Connell was able to stir up the mass of the Irish nation, and keep them for years in a state of intense excitement, in the hopeless struggle for the attainment of his panacea for all their evils—a repeal of the Union. We have an instance of the beneficial effect of this principle, when wisely directed to a legitimate object, in the judicious and constitutional agitation which paved the way to the repeal of the corn-laws.

The effect of political agitation has long been recognised, and prompted the answer of the Marquis of Anglesey when lord-lieutenant of Ireland, to a deputation that waited on him with a petition. "If you really expect success, agitate, agitate, agitate." How heartily this advice has been followed, in that country especially, is too well known to all.

The ordinary course pursued by agitators is to hold public meetings, pass resolutions, get up petitions, employ popular lecturers, and procure frequent discussions in the newspapers on the subject; and though at first the public at large may take very little interest in the object proposed, yet, by the loud and constant agitation kept up, it may assume an aspect of the utmost importance. Thus, not only measures of great value have often been obtained, but, on the other hand, by the same means, objects of little or very doubtful advantage have too often acquired public favour. Agitation is a two-edged weapon that requires to be cautiously and prudently used; but when so employed in a good cause, it rarely fails to make an impression on the legislature, in countries blessed with a representative government. Under a despotism agitation cannot exist, but it is an invariable feature of free governments.