PRIVATE

9 Dec r 1807

+ A

Scotch Reform

Letter V

Ch.3. Bonâ fide Appeals

Superseded in general, but consultable, to see whether exhausted

If on the score of utility there were no particular demand for the continuing to extend to Scotland the appellate jurisdiction of the House of Lords - of utility either national, in respect of the interest of that one of the three kingdoms, or imperial, in respect of the interests of the whole United Kingdom - the simplest as well as in every respect the most eligible course would be to withdraw from Scottish judicature in causes of all sorts that paramount judicature of which, in so many sorts of causes that are apparent, not to speak of so many others of which no account seems ever to have been made, English judicature, not to speak of Irish, has never enjoyed the benefit.

Of the causes which come to a hearing - the only causes by which any draught is made upon the House of Lords for any of its time, so large is the proportion of those that come from Scotland, that supposing this part of the burthen removed, the ability of the House to discharge the draughts that would in that case continue to be made for + the present at least - would not I suppose be matter of doubt to any body.

+ (setting aside that unfashionable tense the future)