1819 Jan. 2

Parl Reform Bill

Dialogue III

{Preliminary View}

Evils & Remedies

II Remedies

1. Miselection

2. Electors

{13}

{8}

Anti Reformist. Well – now I understand how, according to you, the possibility of

obtaining the fittest representatives that are to be had is raised to the greatest

height by leaving to all persons, almost without exception the capacity of being

elected into that office. It remains for you to explain to me on what ground it is

that you expect that same result to be promoted, by leaving to all persons with

almost as little exception, the capacity of acting with reference to that same

offence in the character of Electors: - to shew in a word how the probability of

obtaining the worthiest man possible for representative is encreased is raised to its

maximum by imparting the faculty of choi to /placing the choice in the hands of/ the

most worthless of mankind.

Reformist Your language is strong and pointed: if it were equally clear, I know not

what I should have to say for myself.

In the first place, here as before let me observe to you, so far as regards voting,

the most worthless of mankind will be harmless so long as they are outvoted by others

to whom no incompetence[?] can be objected. In every district, out of 4000 voters

give /allow/ me 2001 unexceptionable men, I allow you 1999 most worthless men, or if

you please /it be any advantage to you/ the same number of devils.

Anti-Reformist. Your liberality is most exemplary. But the devils – what assurance

can you have /produce/, that instead of the 1999, they may not, and even in the

greatest number of districts amount to the 2001?

Reformist. None at all /Very little/. But, have the goodness to observe that it was

only for your accommodation, that I made you so liberal an allowance in the article

of devils. For my part, upon earth at least, I know of no such beings, any more than

of angels.