[xxxvi. 79]

1822 July 21

Constitut. Code

Introduction

Preface

Rationale

Thus much as to legislature and legislative draughts In regard to /the situation/ expositive and commentative the absence of every thing in the shape of a rationale has not been thus entire. In Fragments of the sort of work have been seen in abundance. Of a rationale yes? but of what sort? Of a sort which perhaps not altogether without truth may be pronounced worse than useless. Instead of giving existence to the arrangements, the rationale has derived its existence from them. In the breast of the ruler self interest has given birth /existence/ to the arrangements: in the breast of the commentator self interest has again given birth to the rationale. To the only right and proper problem which the case admitts of has been substituted a sinister /an opposite/ one. Right and proper problem - To ascertain in each case that arrangement which is in the highest degree contributory to the greatest happiness of the greatest number. Sinister problem which has almost infinitely been substituted. The arrangements in each case being given, what is required is to prove them to approach in the highest degree to what they ought to be: to be in the highest degree contributory to the greatest happiness of the greatest number, as to any other object or end in view which under existing circumstances has in the highest degree the approbation of those whose hands is in the greatest quantity the disposal of the matter of reward in all its branches