1821. April 14

Codification Offer

'7 Foreigner why

If, in respect of intellectual aptitude and active talent, the advantage may be on the side of the foreigner, in respect of moral

appropriate aptitude it can not fail to be so.

Let there be but one draughtsman, and he a native, if his situation be an

independent one, the interest by which, in preference to the universal interest, his

conduct in the drawing up of the work - his conduct will, from first to last, be

guided and determined, will be his own particular interest. If his situation be a

subordinate one, his operations in it being subject to the direction of a superior or

superiors, those operations will, according to the relations that have place between

himself and such superior or superiors, and the respective dispositions and temper of

each, be determined, in so far as he feels himself at liberty, by his own interest,

and, as to the rest, by their respective interests: for the several quantities of the

sweets of government in his and their hands respectively - viz. money, power,

factitious dignity, incidental vengeance, together with ease, to whatsoever amount

may be compatible with the enjoyment of those other sweets, he will embrace every

occasion that presents itself as favourable for giving encrease: and at any rate for

securing them against decrease.

Let the Draught have now for its authors persons more than one, and with co-ordinate

authority: the members of a Board - a Commission - a Committee. Of plurality of

members as compared with unity, the mischievous effects, in public offices in

general, and in this office in particular, have already been brought to view. {See

'.4. Draughtsman single.}