[131a-006]

1818 March 22 +

Parl Reform Answer to Antiballot Observations

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2. By the evils, which, in contradistinction to the above political evil, I would in conformity with the Antiballotists distinguish by the appellation of moral evils, I understand the morally evil effects of those causes, by which, under the open mode, the political evil abovementioned would as it seems to me be produced.

That which, for the purpose in question, I assume, and as above, can not but assume, is – that under the open mode the suffrages given would to an incalculable extent, be productive of an effect opposite to the wishes and thence to the interest of the voters. If not free the votes are not genuine[?], and if not secret, they can not in general be free.

1. But in so far, as it would be productive of an effect opposite to the wishes and interests of the voters themselves, it would thence be an injury done to the voters themselves: if on this occasion the word right is to be employed it would be productive of a violation of their rights.

2 Moreover, under the most extensive system capable of being included under the denomination of universal suffrage, each voter will, in respect of his vote, be acting in two distinguishable capacities: viz. that of a principal, possessor of a personal right of his own, directed and properly directed in its exercise to the advancement of his own personal interest; and that of the possessor of a trust-right; to which, as to every trust right, is attached a duty: a duty to be performed for the advancement of the interest of those for whom the trustee is in trust.