12 Aug 1809

Parl y Reform

B.II. Influence

Ch.1. Explanations

'. Influence on understand g innocent

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Such being the distinction (and by the name of practical wisdom let it if they please be called the theoretical distinction a theory) - now for /come we now to/ the practical application and result.

As to the influence of understanding on understanding, {in a country at least in the constitution of which there is any the least spark of liberty} that it should not be exercised is alike impossible and undesirable. The influence of understanding over understanding is no other /neither nor more less/ than the influence of reason over reasonable creatures /creatures endowed with reason or susceptible of it/. It is by this that (with the exception of that influence which by means of reward is exercised by and according to him) all the good in matters of government that is ever done by influence is done. In this may be seen all the chances that the people have of seeing the influence of will over will where exercised by persons constitutionally subordinate over their constitutional subordinates {has to trust to for its extirpation} /of being extirpated/.

In this then may be seen a species of influence which by the very nature of things /the case/ is attached to office. In this may be seen a species of influence which with or without votes, with or without /having in their hands any portion of/ the matter of wealth in the character /applicable in the direction/ of the matter and instrument of corruption in their hands, the ministers of the crown the members of the executive branch of the Government can never fail either to possess or exercise.

In /To/ the persons /individuals/ invested with each respective office - in the individuals who alone are habitually exercised in the business of that office belong means at least of information - naturally efficient causes of aptitude - such as no other individuals can either have or pretend to have the possession of: there are the understandings that by all others will naturally be looked to as the seats of superior and peculiar information, fitting them as far at least as depends upon superior opportunities and means of information for serving as guides to all others: exercising accordingly by their understandings, (and that as well without as with any exertion on their parts specially directed to the production of that effect) over all other understandings not alike favourably situated.