C H A P T ER VI.
The Upper Classes in Jersey—Condition, and Character— The
Influence of Party Spirit, and its Bitterness—Society—Distinctions—
Language — Religious Differences — Formation of the
Upper Class—The Liberal Professions.
I have hitherto been speaking of the Jersey country
people,—the lower and middle classes,—among whom
also, I include a part of the town population. It
remains to speak briefly of the upper classes in Jersey,
—those, who in England, would occupy the middle
station.
I have already said, that there is a similitude in the
manners of the upper classes of all countries; but that
the insulated situation of Jersey, and several other
causes, have preserved some strong national traits
among all classes in Jersey. I should say, of the
upper ranks, that they possess all the characteristic
traits which I have enumerated, as belonging to the
inferior classes,—but in a milder form. It would be
absurd to expect generally, in an isolated community,
such as Jersey, those enlarged views, and that absolute
freedom from prejudice, which may be looked for in
larger communities. There is usually, in every small
district, and especially in one distinguished by exclusive
privileges, an overweening attachment to place,
and to all that belongs to it, which is too apt to interfere
with the correct exercise of judgment, in distinguishing
between good and evil. ■ This is the origin of
whatever defects may be observable in Jersey character.
That blind attachment to country, which, among
the uneducated classes, is nearly allied to patriotism,
and even to political independence, becomes, among
the higher ranks, a serious blemish, standing greatly
in the way of improvement, and impeding at every
step, the progress of civilization. It is certain, that
the number of Jerseymen who take any interest in
what passes elsewhere than in the island, is extremely
limited. The proceedings of the British legislature
are far less interesting, than the proceedings of their own
States. The procedure in a suit before the Jersey
court of justice, is a far more engrossing topic, than
would be, the impeachment of a king’s minister : the
politics of Europe at large, would have no^ chance,
weighed in the scale against some local political contention
: and if the same packet were expected to
bring the decision of kings and nations, upon peace or
war, or the disposal of crowns,—and also the decision
upon an appeal to the Privy Council upon some insular
dispute, the latter would be the subject of the first
and most eager questions by the crowds assembled^on
the quay.
There is one thing whicli has greatly contributed to
circumscribe the views of the people, and to foster the
too exclusive insular interest. It is, the existence of
a bitter party spirit. The whole inhabitants of Jersey
are divided into two factions, calling themselves laurel
and rose ; resembling in their mutual animosity, and
extreme blindness, the Guelfs and Guibbelines of the