22 Aug 1809

Parl y Reform

Corruption

3 Electors

Candidates

12?

 Held[?] J.B.'s opinion of such bribery - he thinks well of every body that committs it - he himself would have committed it.

Such being the species and degree of guilt if guilt it be to be called, on the part of the Elector by whom a bribe has been received in return for his vote, we are now in a condition /situation/ to view in its correct and proper point of view the guilt if such it be to be called, of the candidate the successful /successful or unsuccessful/ candidate by whom the bribe has been administered.

Whatsoever be the guilt of the bribed elector, the bribing candidate is let it be said apprized of that guilt: he is the procurer and in that sense the author, one /an/ author at least of that guilt. Whatsoever mischief is done by that vote, of the electors the candidate the procurer /purchaser/ of that vote is the author of that mischief. Whatever mischief is in his belief and opinion the consequence of that vote, he in that his belief and opinion is the author of that mischief.

But, except in the case where in placing himself in such seat his design is to place himself in a state of dependence under the Minister, in the opinion and belief the Member the /this bribing/ Candidate no mischief at all is done or can be done by such vote. No mischief but on the contrary /contrarywise/ good. Thus if in this case there be any thing to which the name of guilt can be with any propriety be applied - how [...?] and evanescent, at the utmost, must it not be?