date

[129b-417] 20 Feb. 1817 Plan
[129b-417]

20 Feb. 1817

Plan Cat

1 o {2 o}

Introd

§.5. Moderate Reform

II. Uselessness

4

Such may be seen to be the state /complection/ of moderate reform in all its faces

Upon this view of it, the objection is – that with the exception of the comparatively inconsiderable beneficial effects promised by the propositions belonging to Heads IV and V /V and under Head I article 3 just now abandoned by the proposer/, it leaves the existing mass of mischief unreduced.

The grand mischiefs are

1. In the situation of Elector, want of adequate extension /virtual universality/ of suffrage, 2. want of practical equality of suffrage, viz by inequality and thence excessive extent of electoral districts, in such sort that by expence produced by the distance from the plan of Election multitudes will either stand practically excluded from the right of suffrage, or what is worse thrown into the arms either of bribery or terrorism.

To the removal of these mischiefs, by no one alone if by so many of the above propositions and that with but one proposer for the support of it has any tolerably adequate approach been made.

3. In the situation of Elector, want of freedom /of suffrage/: the necessary result of want of secrecy of suffrage: general want of /absence of that/ freedom without which no approach to virtual universality or practical equality can be of any use

Of this want of freedom would you[?] behold the cause? Behold it /It has been seen there/ in the existence /unreduced existence and extent and power/ of terrorism, as well of the will[?]-compelling as of the competition-repelling and -excluding species: terrorism which the only possible remedy – and that a compleatly effectual one being refused to it, remains as to all existing votes untouched; so also as to the whole number of proposed additional votes: in so much that by this supposed instrument /remedy/ of reform /care/, the disorder so far from being diminished would be encreased.
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