1819 Aug. 22

Disfranchising or

Apology for the Borough mongers

5

But now on the other hand suppose that instead of being transferred to populous towns the seats are transferred to Country Districts, things in other respects continuing on the same footing as at present. What will be the consequence? Instead of opulent men of all /those of opulent or well connected or educated/ classes as it might happen, the hands these seats would pass into would be the hands of Country Gentlemen: Peers included: men who, as compared with opulent and well connected or educated men of other classes put together are in respect of all the several elements of appropriate aptitude taken together, in a peculiar degree, and for the reasons so often given, likely to be, not to say sure to be, in a high degree, and to a practically mischievous effect deficient.

☞ Subjoin here or draw up and insert elsewhere a statement of the particulars in respect of which the interest of Country Gentlemen Peers included is more decidedly adverse than that of other persons at large of equal opulence, viz

1. Interest in […?] cases dear[?]. Probity

2. Looking to Peerage, advancement in d o and Baronetage

3. Indolence thence None attendance as compared with men of business

4. Ignorance, the result of high education, fox hunting &c. Intellectual aptitude and active talent.

5. Habitual insolence by lording it over tenantry.

As to aversion to Income Tax, they would be on no better footing than other men of equal opulence: and for certain they would be more likely to be craving for provision for younger children and heir apparent by more wars & distant dependence, with officers, and commissioners &c.