[xxxvi. 61]

1821 June 20

First Lines

Constitutional

Corruption Progress

1. As to the modes of nominating these Commissioners, there are two, by the Crown or by Parliament: by the Crown: is by the Ministry in his closet, or by the Parliament i.e. by the Ministry in the House of Commons, the result being equally at command in both instances, a question that naturally occurs is, wherein can consist the difference, what is it that should render it an object to either party, that either course should be chosen in preference to the other.

To give the answer, another distinction must be brought to view. In the number of these Commissioners it is thought or not thought advisable by Government to place a Member of Parliament: a Member of Parliament i.e. one who is already of the number of their own adherents, or one who by this means is to be made so. If there be no member of Parliament all they get by the business is the confirmation of the abuse the impunity of those concerned in it, the increase given to the quantity of the matter of corruption employed as such: if a Member of Parliament who was not before of the number of adherents is put into the Commission in that case they get the additional advantage of this addition to the list.

[sheet attached to xxxvi. 61]

18 June 1821

Instances

1. [...?] Church

2. Public Money[?]

3 Courts of Justice

4. Offices in general

Progress of corruption and Abuse

1 If no notice is taken and Abuse goes on perpetually encreasing

2. If notice is taken currency is given to it another way. After reluctance real or feigned a Commission is appointed to report. The Commers are appointed by those whose interest it is to keep up the abuse and who accordingly foster it. These Commissioners are paid: and thereby bribed: the addition thus added to the matter of corruption applied is certain: the lessening the abuse in any degree [...?]