1819 Sept. 22 +

Parl. Reform Bill

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§.4 Electors who

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In favour of virtually universal suffrage the ground in point of reason is not only /altogether/ simple, and uncontrovertible, but even universally acknowledged.

1. The only defensible end in view or object of government is the greatest happiness of the greatest number namely of the members of the community in question

2 The happiness of every member of the community is not only a part of the happiness of the whole community but as large a part, as is the happiness of any other member is.

3. The happiness of a community receives encrease by every lot of happiness possessed by any one of its members without the production of any equal or greater lot of unhappiness to that same member or any other.

On the occasion in question the possession of a right of suffrage is in several distinguishable points of view a means of happi-

1. It is a present source of enjoyment – a shield against contempt: a source of respect – of regard eventually of kindnesses and services in all imaginable shapes.

2. It is in itself and at any rate In the opinion of the individual it is with a view to the future a means of security against mischief in all shapes for the universal interest, and thence /thereby/ for his individual share in that universal interest. If by the misconduct of his representative for the time being that interest has in his opinion suffered or been in danger of suffering, at the next Election he may contribute his share towards the removal of the supposed unfit representative, and placing a fitter in his stead.