1821 Nov r 19

Codification Proposal

Advertisement

Testimonials why

Upon the supposition that to a purpose /in a case/ such as the present, testimonials are capable of being of use, the reader when he sees the sources from which they come present themselves to his view will not be surprized at their not being left unemployed.

For true it is that to this same purpose, whether by support or any other any such acceptance as that in question be obtainable, is but too much exposed to doubt. For true it is that as interest is commonly understood, to give acceptance to any such proposal is altogether contrary to the interest of those on whom it depends from whom if it comes it must come. In the character of a bridle - of a bridle to political power in whatsoever hands lodged the efficiency of the characteristic feature /element/ of the plan has already been and will again be brought to view: and no man /to no hand/ that has power in it is any such sensation as that of a bridle a pleasant one.

Under these circumstances a perfectly willing acceptance at the hands of the constituted authorities /competent authority/ any where is rather too much to expect: reluctance is the only supposition consistent with the undeniable[?] constitution of human nature Of a set of observations of this sort the use, if any there be any is the contributing to form a pressure by which the reluctance shall be overpowered /surmounted/. Much too great /high/ to be counted upon with any strong assurance is the degree of magnanimity and self-denial necessary to the production of such an effect. If it be consistent with the nature of man in his ordinary state that any such willingness should have place it can only be in a country in which the effervescence produced course of the struggle /a combat/ by the result of which a more or less liberal government has been substituted.

Prudence would forbid the mention of this adverse interest if possible the existence of it could possibly be a secret to those over whom it is operating to whom the force of it is applying itself. How perfectly soever they /men in that situation/ themselves may be aware of it, it not only may but too naturally escape, but probably has in general escaped the observation of those whose interest they have in charge.