date

[lxxxiv. 116] 1822 Jany 22
[lxxxiv. 116]

1822 Jany 22

ult¼o

?5

If by any Government professing liberal opinions professing the taking for the end©in©view of its measures the greatest happiness of the greatest number ie the object /end/ to the attainment of which its measures are directed © if by any such Government after the notice given by this paper has come under its eye this measure of universal invitation be omitted to be employed © if instead of it the close mode of legislation be employed the omission will be a certificate that the greatest happiness of the greatest number is not taken by such Government for the end in view to the attainment of which its measures are directed: that its professions in that particular are not sincere: that it is not by regard for universal interest that its measures are determined, but by a regard for an interest opposite to that universal interest © by a regard for the particular and sinister interest of the majority /greater/ or the most influential portion of those among whom the powers of government are shared.

That, antecedently to the receipt of such notice, the close mode should have been pursued, is /was/ altogether natural: for whatsoever after having been continues to be customary, can not be otherwise than natural: natural and in so far as custom excuses /absolves/ /covers/ from blame, unblamable /blameless/. But customariness is not the same thing with contributoriness to the greatest happiness of the greatest number: and when notice of this has been received, the apology /plea/ which custom makes is gone: and the proof of insincerity and of a disposition demonstrative of a breach of trust on the part of the Governors if not of inaptitude in the form of government with reference to the greatest happiness of the greatest number, remains /is/ conclusiveÁÁ
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