1818 Dec r. 15

Parl Reform Bill

Dialogue

Preliminary View

1

5

Anti / Non/-Reformist Well now then for your proof from theory.

Reformist. My proof from theory is shortly this: that whereas in every human breast

self-regarding affection is stronger than social affection, the /to/ sacrifice of

every others interest to his own, in so far /opposition/ as any competition and

incompatibility has place, is the endeavour of every /a/ man in power the endeavour,

and to the extent of that power the practice, and that accordingly in so far as the

whole power of a state is in the hands of a few, the sacrifice /habitual and constant

sacrifice/ of the interest of the subject many to the interest of those same ruling

few is a necessary consequence: and that if by misrule any thing be meant,

proportioned to the amount of such sacrifice is the degree of misrule – the extent to

which it is carried.

Anti / Non/-Reformist. In every human breast self-regarding

interest stronger than social? – Is not this a very uncomfortable picture /account/

of the state /compass[?]/ of the human mind? of the condition of human nature?

Reformist. Were it ever so uncomfortable an one that would be no reason for

forbearing to bring it /hold it up/ to view, supposing it a true one – Upon

examination of the /a patient’s/ constitution of a patient, suppose it the opinion of

his medical adviser that it were a weakly one, requiring precautions /much care/ to

keep it together, would that be a reason for concealing from him the truth for

telling /assuring/ him that it was strong one, and that he might accordingly do with

it whatever he liked?