1818 Dec r 16

Parl Reform Bill

Dialogue 1

Preliminary View

2

2

Anti / Non/-Reformist. By calling it /the Government as it

stands/ a system of Misrule {you must /can not but/ be aware that all you express

amounts to /is/ no more than this, to wit that} /that is to say/ you do not like it.

May I beg to know /be informed/ in a few words why it is that you do not like it?

Reformist. Yes: in a very few words. /With pleasure – in as far as possible./ It is

because through the whole field of government it appears to me that the interest the

happiness, the felicity, the prosperity, the interest, the good, the welfare – take

what /which/ word or words you please – of the subject many is sacrificed –

universally and constantly and systematically sacrificed – to the happiness

/interest/ &c /and so forth/ (you will excuse my repeating the list of

synonyms) of the ruling few – the universal interest to that particular, partial, and

because partial sinister interest

Anti / Non/ Reformist. This is soon said: and the number of the

words in which it is said, though there are more of them than I looked for is not

very great. But the proof – if {so it be that you can produce any thing that shall be

entitled to that name} /any such thing there be/ - the proof, I was sensible /aware/,

can not be comprised in any such small /moderate/ compass. What say you to this?

Reformist. Assuredly not. Yet /But/ such as it is, you are welcome to it if your

patience will carry you through with it.

Anti / Non/-Reformist. It will endeavour so to do.