10 May 1807

Scotch Reform

Letter VI

Letter VI

III. Review Chamber

What that state of things is which in the eyes of those learned Judges does not constitute a grievance to the subject since of the remedies they propose there is not one that bears any distinct reference to it, it may be a matter of curiosity at least to have from the Faculty of Advocates and their Committee, on the supposition that the picture they have drawn /drawn by their experienced peers[?]/ bear any resemblance to the original "The Court" (p. 20) within "these 20 years past, became confessedly incapable of executing the business of the country: - from the number of causes that remain undecided, an immense arrear incurred, unexampled at any former period, and from the continual accession of new business accumulating daily to such a degree, as the Court - in its present form, can ever discharge."

In such a state of things, what is /where to /wherever/ are we to look/ the object of anxiety of these ministers of justice? that justice shall cease to be denied? - No: but that none - no not the least disturbance be given to "that periodical repose" viz: if two partions of 3 months each out of the 12, "which the laborious functions, both of the Judges and Council, in the decided and concluding opinion of these salaried Ministers of justice absolutely request." And to what end? - to the end that such of them as find a pleasure in doing nothing may have nothing to do: and that such of them as contemplate pleasure or profit in the making of books, may make books, [...?] of the books that have been made by their predecessors. That accordingly any /every/ such oppressive provision of that "of the Bill which" enacts that the Chamber shall continue to sit from day to day till the cases before them are exhausted." may be supposed.

That