[114-012v]

1821 June 14

Codification Offer

'. Draughtsman gratuitous

Instead of one patron to the four offices, now suppose two patrons, each appointing to two offices. In this case, it is not easy to say how the matter is mended: it might be at least as easy to say how it is made worse.

Let three be now the number of the patrons. Suppose these to agree, here then will be one appointment for each: remains one other which they will have to settle among themselves as they can agree. If they can not agree, thereupon, either the fourth office remains unfilled, or a sort of election takes place: by something which is accepted as an equivalent, the most influential satisfies the two others, and it is thus by his choice that the fourth office is filled.

Thus far the matter is seen at its utmost pitch of simplicity. The number of the offices to be filled being as above but four, let now the number of applicants be five. The plot now thickens: and a complicated election with all its intrigues takes place.

On every such occasion, be this position kept in mind. Wheresoever there is a public function to be performed, & a mass of emolument is attached to the exercise of that function,- more particularly where the appointment is in the hands of one patron or a small number of patrons - and no power of removal is in the hands of the body of the people, or of persons removable by them, the emolument is the primary object of attention & solicitude: the aptitude, of the service rendered by the exercise of the function, being at best, but a secondary object. To the truth of this position, an exception suppose is here and there to be found: still such exceptions are rare: under the English Government at any rate - (and except that of the Anglo-American United States no other full settled Government so good is as yet to be found any where) - at the best extremely rare. If the existence of any such exceptions be admitted, still no difference would result as to the practical conclusion:- as to the course of proceeding most proper to be adopted.