15 Jan y. 1810

Parl y. Reform

Ch.15. Electors Contin.

'.1. Mischief to State

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But if the power of a Elector be such as exposed his will to influence, bribery is the species of corruption of influence of will over will least detrimental to his dependence.

Beyond all question, the thing /state of things/ to be desired in the first place, is - that on the part of the Elector, the will should be what is called free - unexposed to the action of any kind of influence: of particular, and thence sinister, influence.

Why? because in that case, weak as /in comparison/ in the generality of men it can be - the love /the social affection/ of the community of the country at large - call it by what name you will - public spirit, patriotism, regard for the public interest, regard for the public welfare, having no motive of a stronger texture /complection/ /constitution/ to contend with, may give the law to conduct. /determination in the vote./

To the understanding it /in this case/ then belongs in case of a competition among candidates, to give information to /inform/ the will which of them it is from whose services, in the event of his being placed in the seat in question the state is likely to reap most advantage.

But, as between shape and shape, it has already been shewn that the least efficient shape in which it can happen to the matter of corruption alias the matter of sinister influence to present itself is that of a bribe.

It is even in the case of the Member of Parliament that this comparative innocence of bribery has been shewn to have place: and if there be any difference, in the case of the Elector the comparative innocence of it will be seen in a still stronger point of view. Why? - not only because the influence /power/ of the elector is but a fraction of that of the Member, but because if in the scandal there be any mischief, it is in the case of the Elector that there is least of it.