1819 May 26

Disfranchising

Disfranchising

§.6. 5. Producing misplaced confidence

2

{Supposing him to regard himself as forced to say something, this would the anti-reformist say to theory.} /Anti-Reformist. Theory then nothing better:/ a theory about the constitution of the human nature.

Reformist. True: and /but/ if you deny it, it is also upon theory that you deny it. Man is not governed by interest: this is your theory: man is governed by interest: this is mine.

Well call this theory if you please. But what I say is – 1 The measure in question is opposite /pernicious/ /unfavourable/ /prejudicial/ to the universal interest. 2 It is conducive /favourable/ to the particular interest of those by whom it has been introduced and is supported. In /By/ this measure there is furnished a practical proof of this my theory; a practical disproof of your’s

In this state of things on the occasion of the measures in question the object of the ruling few /powers that be/ is to propagate and keep up either[?] in the minds of the subject many one or other of two opinions: 1. that the interest of the ruling few is in all points the same with that of the subject many: or 2. that if there exists a /any/ real incompatibility, in so much that let what will be done, a sacrifice of the one interest must, to a greater or less amount /to the amount /extent/ of the incompatibility/ be made of the one interest to the other, it is their own particular interest that the ruling few are disposed and determined to sacrifice.