[clxii. 51]

1820 June 12th

Emancipation Spanish

Rulers Arguments

Virtue no security

Cortes in Spain name representatives

Of the sort of virtues of the manifestation of which might in the situation in question an expectation might reasonably be entertained mention has been made above. Of these courage was one. Military courage was on that /known/ occasion more particularly in view. In the present instance now before us political courage rather than military ought to be /to be the specific name/ the species of courage said to be exemplified: and of this it must be confessed a more striking exemplification can scarely be imagined. But of what other virtue or virtues is any exemplification is to be seen /is here visible/ in this same case? Sincerity? no surely. Disinteredness? As little.

But be that as it may, the people whom it more particularly concerns - the people of the several provinces whose representatives are those chosen for them - chosen under the orders of the very men on whose proceedings the so stiled representatives were to make as if they applied a check - will they be satisfied at being told that men in whose appointment they had no share were by other persons appointed to act as /call themselves/ their representatives? If so, much /rather/ more conspicious than their wisdom will be their patience.

Mean time you the people /subject many/ of Spain think of the effects that this mode of representation can not but have upon the composition of that assembly in which all your hopes of political salvation have placed themselves! But thus to another head /topic/ 'The topic of corruption: a topic too important to be treated under any head to which it can not give its own name. (which will be spoken of under a seperate head.)