22 Aug 1809

Parl y Reform

Corruption

Electors

12

 Add why.

Whatsoever may the opinion entertained concerning the absolute degree of guilt on the part of the acceptor, and the giver of such bribes the Candidate /Member/ and his Elector - on the subject of relative or comparative degree of guilt in each instance [...?] relation being had to the guilt of him who for a bribe given whether in the shape of office or any other shape by the Minister sells /gives/ his vote to the Minister there can surely be but one opinion in any reflecting and impartial mind.

Yet the two species of guilt are perpetually and most unhappily confounded under the same name! and of this unity of name /identity of denomination/ advantage is taken to represent them as being in effect upon a par - as being in effect the same.

And how and to what end are two objects so widely distant and dissimilar thus confounded? Why? but that under favour of the confusion the partakers[?] of /character [...?] by/ the real the only tangible and ponderable guilt may escape: may escape not only from the preventive operation of remedial law, but even from censure and ill repute /if possible from the very breath of censure[?]/.