date

21 Jan y. 1810 Parl y. Reform
21 Jan y. 1810

Parl y. Reform

Ch.2.

'. Influence why used

2

To apply to the particular case here in question let us now apply /apply now/ this general direction to the particular case here in question.

The sort of influence here in question having as above been shewn to be sinister, corruption the term commonly applied to it is properly applied to it /ordinary appellation given to it, is accordingly a /the/ proper one/. But so generally is the mischievousness of the thing felt at least, if not to an equal extent clearly and distinctly understood, that to the idea of the thing itself the ideas of disapprobation and censure are /have/ by this its denomination been attached to it and are presented along with it.

If the thing in question be any thing that you are defending Corruption is therefore not a word /an appellation/ by which at the time you are defending it you can consistently with the rules of common precedence /consistently with such design/ think of designating it, nor consequently by which you are ever disposed to designate it.

You therefore look out for some appellation which though capable and without any impropriety of being employed to designate this pernicious and indefensible practice, is also applicable and without impropriety if possible to the designation of another /some other/ practice which so far from being indefensible shall be is[?] to the view of every body salutary and even necessary.

In the present instance fortunately for this your purpose in the present instance a word that fits your purpose /it/ to a hairs breadth is /craves your acceptance, viz./ the word influence.
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  • Title: [20 Jan y. 1810 + '. Parl y. Reform]
    Description: 20 Jan y. 1810 + '.

    Parl y. Reform

    Influence

    Ch.2.

    '.3 "Influence" why used

    1

     Add " Influence" why better, why worse than preventive[?].

    It inspires no terror: but experience provokes no resistance: is therefore more efficient.

    '. Use of the word influence: purpose for which it was invented /thus applied/.

    '. The word influence why employed.

    ' Cloak afforded to corruption by the word influence.

    Of the various fallacies which are in use among politicians there is one which is in use to be applied to this subject, and that to such effect as to be the basis of whatsoever by the influence of understanding on understanding has been done towards the upholding of the influence of will over will.

    {Of the fallacy here spoken of The description may be given in the form of a directive or recipe.}

    When you have got a thing to defend which by its proper name is indefensible, to its proper name, viz that which expresses /a name which presents to view/ that thing and nothing else, substitute another which along with that is capable of expressing something else which nobody can avoid approving of. (a)

    This done, so long as you call it by the /its/ ambiguous name you may say what you will in favour of it, and nobody cares /without fear of contradiction from any body/. To encrease your credit while you are defending and even commanding it under this its ambiguous name you may even join in the condemnation /[...?]/ passed upon it in its proper and unambiguous one.

    Note (a)

    (a) In this note shew the logical nature of this contrivance.
  • Title: [21 Jan y. 1810 Parl y. Reform]
    Description: 21 Jan y. 1810

    Parl y. Reform

    Ch.2.

    '.2 Influence why

    3

    Your object The /An/ object you have in view being to reconcile men to the practice of corruption influence is accordingly the name /appellation/ you take always to employ in speaking of it.

    Under the name of corruption it would be hazardous and unecessary to speak any good of it, to say any thing betokening /that betokened/ approbation of it.

    Under the name of influence you may say as much in defence and approbation of it as you please.

    {Should an adversary should he take you up and say /ask/ to you -} What? Corruption? You do not mean to defend corruption, do you? Should any such question come across you, your answer is ready - Oh no: that is undue influence: what is undue it never is any purpose to defend. What? defend it the use not the abuse of influence. "the legitimate rights of influence." +

    Should the question be - {Is it in any instance your meaning to defend} the conduct of him who being a Member of Parliament or a parliamentary Elector suffers in the exercise of such his function his will to be influenced by any other will - is this a conduct which in any instance you approve of and mean to defend? to a question put in those terms it might not be altogether so easy to you to find an answer. But in any such terms nobody has ever yet put it to you, and it is not any business of yours to put it to yourself.

    + Speaker p.867.
  • Title: [9 July 1810 + ' 1 X. ad Juperbriam]
    Description: 9 July 1810 + '

    1 X. ad Juperbriam

    Fallacies Ch | | Exposition or Exposure

    1. Influence. 2. Gallantry

    Ch. | | Cloud-climber's, or Logical-Highfliers device

    ' 1. Exposition and Exposure.

    When presented under its /any of its/ proper and peculiar name /denominations/ the thing /a thing which/ you have to defend is plainly indefensible, look out for /this device consists in devising/ some word - appellative of more extensive signification some word or appellative which in its signification included the signification of which has by accident or design been so constructed as to comprehend along with the indefensible object some other object which is generally /by the public eye/ /justly or unjustly/ /with or without reason/ regarded with favour or at any rate with indifference.

    By this means the terms /any marks/ of approbation which if bestowed upon the object under that name which is peculiar to it, would, instead of congenial approbation, be apt to excite on the part /throw /call/ forth from the breast/ of the auditor or reader sentiments of disapprobation, and aversion directed towards to the object in question and from thence also toward as it were by reflection yourself, may take their chance for being productive of the desired effect of the effect proposed to be accomplished.