23 Aug 1809

Parl y Reform

B.III Influence &c.

B.III Influence &c.

{Corruption}

8

3

3

The merely corrupt are not in this way: they are brought in Gratis by [...?] or opportunists.

It proves nothing one way or other to a /any/ certainty: but what indications it affords point rather to independence than to dependence, and thence to probity rather than to improbity. In so far as a man /Member/ owes his seat to his money he does not owe it to any human being. He is thus far, and bating /setting aside/ any possible ulterior possible prospects, independent and in so far upright. In so far as he owes his seat to any human being in so far is he dependent, if not by any coarser tie, at the base[?] by the tie of gratitude.

If so it be that he owed his seat to some human being in a word to a patron, that patron is himself either independent or dependent.

If independent, it is well and the dependence of the minimum, dependence as it is presents nothing formidable, nothing that is more likely to be adverse to the interests of the Country than favourable.

If the patron be dependent, then so far as the minister[?] is dependent upon the patron he is dependent in the same way as the patron himself is.

If the patron be dependent (to say nothing of the secret advisors of the Crown) he is so either under and with reference to the Minister or under and with reference to the leader of opposition.

If dependent on the Minister in possession, his situation as to probity is in the worst state. He stands immediately engaged to give his support to all bad measures to any amount the Minister pleases - his opposition to all good ones.

If dependent on the Minister in expectancy, his situation as to probity is not in quite so bad a state, but still it is in a state very unfair in that respect to independence.

Against good measures his opposition will be but occasional, nor even then will it be of any avail: against bad measures the opposition of him and those with whom he acts affords the only check, the only palliative and restraint[?] the nature of the case admitts of.