27 Dec r 1809 +

Parl. Reform

Necessity

Ch. 17. Opposition no security

'.2. Despotism only changed hands

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Quere where to place this?

'.2. Changes in administration prevent not the despotism - only cause it to change hands.

Under the present order of things though the management of affairs is by this or that accident forced now and then to change hands, yet in each set of hands it is while it lasts a despotism. It is understood that unless Parliament be absolutely and constantly at his command, the situation of Minister is too troublesome to be worth holding. So long then as a man continues Minister, Parliament is under him: over him there is nothing: meaning always the secret advisors[?] of the crown to whose will be given effect.

It is not every measure that he can carry: and in this particular the sort of indirect and imperfect despotism differs from pure and compleat despotism.

But there is no parliamentary measure that he can not prevent: and in this consists the sort of despotism actually established.

In the exercise of what is called his executive authority, viz that branch of his power for the exercise of which the concurrence of parliament is not necessary, his agents misconduct themselves in all manner of ways: imprudence is committed in all its shapes injustice in all its shape.

Parliament, so long as a man is Minister being but a tool in his hands, appeal from the Minister to Parliament is appeal from the Minister to the Minister.

[Marginal notes:]

abroad[?] at home[?] every other

Board[?] abuses and mismanagements.