+ 1819 Sept 30

Parl. Reform Bill.

Reasons

§.3. Eligible Who

Art 6. Recommendation

why thus particular

1

3 art. 6. (appropriate probity &c) Question 3. Why make the Certificate thus particular, in respect of the points or elements of appropriate aptitude?

Reasons

1. Avoidance of Miselection.

Suppose the choice would otherwise have fallen upon a person in any degree more apt: the Election of any person, how apt so ever, is, comparatively speaking, so far Miselection.

The more particular the account is, which is given of a person’s supposed fitness, the more clearly the attention of persons in general is thereby directed to the character of the individual, and to the question whether the aptitude thus ascribed to him be really possessed by him. In this or that particular point, suppose it clear that his character will not bear examination: men, who themselves enjoy a good reputation, will shrink from the task of delivering in his favour a false declaration, by the falsity of which their own reputation either in respect of sincerity or in respect of discernment, may in proportion to his deficiency in the particulars in question, be injured.