[copyist’s hand]

1819 Oct. 3. 1819 Nov 4 Not now

§.3. Eligible who

Art 3. No fewer than 6.

( ) (Six Certifiers – twelve) Art 3.

Question 2. Why limit the signatures to so small a number as twelve.

Reasons.

1. Avoidance of Miselection

The greater the number, of those among whom, in case of a recommendation given in favour of a proposed Member more or less conspicuously deficient in respect of any of the elements of appropriate aptitude, the reproach is shared, the less sensibly it is felt by any one: suppose them to mount for example, to hundreds – and amongst them in a large proportion men of distinction, man will be apt to feel little solicitude on this point, and may concur in giving a recommendation in favour of a proposed Member who in his (the Recommenders) own opinion possesses no place. By secrecy of suffrage, as per §.8. Voters themselves are it is true preserved from all sinister influence: but be the case of Recommenders | | that security can not be extended.

If, in favour of the person in question, Recommenders in so small a number as six can not be procured[?], in the first place, scarcely can there be much probability of appropriate aptitude on his part; in the next place what is still more decisive – still less can there be any probability of his obtaining a majority of the Votes.

So, if neither from his own Stock, nor that of all his unheeded supporters put together, he can obtain, in lieu of all Election expenses on the part of Individuals, so small a sum – say as £120.