Star.
London, England, 1809-06-16 00:00:00

In those times there emend Inch thittg to 'be found
x's a writ ad:tressed to such a piece' St. Maw's, or !
tli the posts at 'Cotton. No, it ivas not until the pre-
rotative of the Crown was encroached upon at the
Revolution, that this rotten borough system sprang I,
up. rhe people being led to Ascribe all the evils of i
the two former reigns to the prerogative alone, were I
induced to acquietce in this innovation. Then it',
was, indeed, that the ice pie committed a most feel ,
mistake—then it was, 'that they consented to an en-
ereaclerient upon that prerogative which was a ne-
cessary part of their constitutien, because they cell-
founded the abuse with the thing itself. Had that
prerogative remained entire, had the power conferred
on the Crown by the Conseitu:ion remained
undimi-
nished, this lloute would now have been in a vet), '
different state. It would have retained the functions
belonging to it, and betas the true shield of the peo-
ple, against any improper exercise of the prerogative, •
which was all the people had a right to expect from
it. When James I. assembled his Parliament, none of -
the writs he issued contained ant alltisi•n to rotten bo- ;
roughs, nor do any other terits on record. But out of
the encroachment I Live :totted, a third power has ;
arisen, the rot ten-bo rc ti eh-mongers, who, by es tebli
sh-
ingadominion over the kinw and-people, by mi srepresen-
ting the one to the other, by keeping up a perpetual
jealousy between them, contrive to reign the arbiters
of society. Therefore one of my first objects is to
reunite the King and the people, and make the b•.nd
of union allegiance on the one hand and protection •
on the other. Lord Coke observed, thet when any
sudden alteration takes place in the main principles
of a government, serve grievous evils will follow ,
sooner or later ; and how strikingly is that observa-
tion exempl.fled in the consequences which have arisen
out of the change that led to the establishment of 1
the borough-nionging system—the inconsistency of I
which with our Constitution is obvious even from the
terms of the writ of election. But the inconsistency of
it is glaring in every point in which it can be viewed.
No one can dispute the simple principle, that every
man has the property of his own reeds and yet it
is equally indisputable, that this principle is contra-
vened by the present frame of Representation in this
House, to which 157 individuals have the power of
returning a majority, at whose disposal the whole
property of the nation is placed. In fact to these in-
dividnais belong the sovereignty of the country. Can
Inch an artengenient he called the Constitution ?
Can the people be satittied with the legislation of such
a power ?—impossible. Believe me that any discon-
tent that exists in the cenntry, arises principally out of
the belief that the people have not that share of influ-
ence in the Constitution to which they are entitled—
that they are not fairly represented in this House—that
in fact you have an !raciest opposite to theirs. Re-
move this detect, and the advantages will Le imme-
diate and important. The people will then believe
that all that is practictble for their benefit will he
tone ; and frOm that belief they will naturally be
reconciled to their burthees. Every part of the Em-
pire will fed the effect of the change. It will be
telt particularly in that part to which my. atten-
tion is in a peculiar manner directed, whenever I re-
flect upon the state of the Empire. When I con-
sider what IreLtne has undergone, how long tie has
been left without even a hope of having her condi-
tion ameliorated that country can never be out of my
mind, although it may be seldom in my month. In-
deed I can hardly now venture to speak of it without
feeling a fear of trespassing upon the rule which I
have laid doWn for my conduct upon this ocea-ion—
For this is a point which, I confess, I cannot discuss

parish, ,
witboot wiritth. I would wish to have Iteland•uni- lin a clay, I cannot conceive how riots or mobbing
sea with this country, upon very differenteettets tioM I are to arise. Some Gentlemen may be adverse to
thoie which nor exist: Of the Union.l will not isit the meetings of large collections of the people, bee
much--salgee it that Ireland has been for a ventury I, cause they tend-to keep alive the spirit of liberty, and
governed by tt systeni of the grossest intolerdrietc nal not, perhaps, 'front:tiny apprehension of rioting. In.
that we'even ttow have a system of legislation fruit; •l deed no such this to .... -apprehended in this cash
it were not a part of 'our Empire. That the Whele 1 —for what shbultilkeisibir a tit*? All entitled.to,
of our policy towards Ireland is narrow-minded,.it to !• rote would be known. The'tax-book must prevent all
me qtritenhvioas •' but I wish not to dwell upon this disputes. mete teas no litiberY`er petjUry tole ap-1
system; and shall only express my anxiout desire to ptehended ; for *liar 'emthitenipt anyrniitritiirdrer i
put ad end Ye a. Is it to: he endured, that four Mil- bribe when the voters .beCime.to numerous.' How
lions of 'people shall be treated as aliens in their na- must every good man retire. the prospect of putting
tire lan3-4thall be put ant of the pale of the Consti- an end to those scenes Which disgrace vier elections
tution? Is iteonsittent with reason--with common according to the present system; which in fat, are
sense and polley,leavitvg.justiee out of consideration, often of such a nature 'as silthinf tti dfsittit: Men
to tolerate 'such a system ? .It ought to beset aside, against freedom itself. But freedoM' 'CMS be;best'pte.
mid it Is, f cbntend, in the power of -GOvernmetit: served without these degrading scenes. To-prevent
very easily to remove it, artd.all the grounds of dis- their recurreneejs or* of the objects of Int 'propos ii'
sati,faction'which afflict that coentry. .4 fact, with. tion. Really.l knoutnot any one that ran-:feel salt in.l'
cot yielding any thing, they may do every thing ; : tention of opposing such a pre.pesition;7lltit those'
withclit arming any prejudice., or offending' any ( whose undue interests may he affected by'itl tibt-the
party, *tile), can estiblish a common bond of union in 1 borough-monger," the listryer;-the attorney, and then
Ireland, and sh ieeure the tranquillity- of that coin-1 King's Printer.' Thesteindeede alone ran -be Injure&
try. This is within their reach, and simply by .the lor have reason to complain of such-a scheme of re-
adoptinn of a-system rtfrefbrin;-4sy putting down the i form. The three•latter Must of course be materially
herhugh faction ; Wad by the same means they may I affected by a Measure which would put an end to li.
not merely place a Crown upon the head of their .50..; tigation. At present, indeed, an election may wel
vereign, but restore to hint the sceptre of which that : be said to be a contest and no choice, whereas under
faction has long deprived him, leavinglim only the.: my phin it Would be a choice and no contest. But
pigeainry and outward chew of political power.l one of the greatest evils to he removed by this propt*
Instead, indeed, of allOi-ing to the King the topper- !' sition would be. what he Called the Election Laws.—
tunity Of taking those exterstve views of our biteriest ! A?nOng these I'. haVe often heard the Grenstrille Act
'which form the duty; and; onght to occupy- the atten;. 1 Misch praised. By that Act the borough Faction gave
tion of hie office, he is tompelled by this faction to i up the jurisdiction which they had confessedly abused.
enga4,e himself in trying to keep his balaneein en=.! I. do not, however, see much to praise in this Act. 1
deavouring to conciliate the support of such and seat ; have not lutd such experience as would warrant pane
a family of borough-influence, in hrder that GovCitt.- ; gyric; An know° mall, &c. Vader the opelratihnisf that
Meat may be enabled to go on -.lu fact, tbe.bOrough. ; Act, I havesu6re.l a .greater perialtythrin the'llliiti
fictioa have such sway, that the King is placed ra- : would inflict upon any offence whatever: 'SO -nd
then in the situation of a rope-dancer than of a Mo- .7for imbenefrt. If it were a benefit, a maw West, be
'Larch, as they snake it necessary for hint to be perpe- ; very rich indeed that could afford to enjoyle twice.
wally on the alert to hold his slippery elevation and I (Herr, hear !) My object is to relieve osher'GentleMen
to keep Ms pica e. Thus is he reduced ; instead of from such bstefiEs,by rendering such a litii useless by
having Ms throne finely tix..d upon the rock of the'. getting rid of all dispotetabont fancifullitles and ex.
Cansntution, and bound to the hearts of every part' pent-es at an election.; -At all;events this must boa
of the people:—Such is the situation in which I should: consequence.res,nhing- from., the• plan I propOse; :
wish to have the Bing placed, because I know that There may bp Gentlemen who think . that we thou ;
the Constitution and lie People are his best security. not get a better Assembly in this Houte, bythe erne
But whatever may be the effect of my wishes, or ; ration of thisplan-41tt eveneia,' the-evils we shbilla
the insult of my propositiOn4, I hope chit 'at* this - het rictof by its.adoption'atte'suffitierittoreconutitaid
day it will be asserted, or insinuated,. that:nacre ; it. Olbeeretalmerf coseeqUence muse attire' from it
anyconceiled purpose - that I shrink &Om speaking 1 Those who complain of popular clamour-r,of• '
my sentiments frankly—that, in a word, I decline tot allying tbenwelves: trichahepeople against-01e:40.v
act open and manly part, or that I have any de- meats and dee:Wiensof dais -House, would tielse to
signs beyond those I avow. When it is reeollected i have any cause fur 7CrlnViaintbtCillte. ItVitiiiireit t-
that
that the system I condemn had its origin ,astute RC. • of Leform, there writsiid-tie no 'such clamour or tali.
rolutior.,and involved an encroachMent of the Kinrci- esti; for thin 'the sense of the people wedittlie ebl-1
prerogative =when it is considered that this nation.; lected Within these walls (Netir,4esk:// I haVitialeso
now owes .seven ef eight hundred millions, while at often telled a .desitagogn&-ttitttif f.*Were realty MS'T
the Pirind I .monde to it was not encUmberedyrith I one and contsidtting a tomtit ete feie,*(esiviti•thit prefosit'
shilling of deht-u.and when the enormous
_Ow* tffl lion, whiebia tntendedtd lint 04tAktliatO' alF*l4lkg-
oui lases is taken into view—when all the changes-I .goeues. )titwithstanding what thel.frergedi I. beg

. •
that ltive folic:Wet' the' ItOtien hue to repeat that, lam still ,ope; to. cosiviction—.
Borough system are loo6d at, I Otilie@lffttel Sink that 1 that I am ready to listen to all fair reasoning—that
the justification of my conduetVeiltbeiinNersally seen.' I bra .nothing t,o bias my mind from that which
If a Reform were actteci, Kant confident that-great is strictifr right. .At the same tine it will naturally
benefits wou'sd immediately flow to the equntry. lam be concluded that I have devoted tot) much of my
certainly not one of those who would apply a sponge reflections to this important subject, to be easily sha-
to our debt ; hut I am convinced it might be very ken by any thing that operates against the opinion
much reduced by proper management, as might our which I formed, or that it can be affected by slight
taxes also. But at all events this benefit would follow arguments. I have stated fay and clearly, and I
from a Reform—that the people, if fairly represent- hope satisfactorily, to the House the remedy for pub-
ed, would he satisfied that nothing possible would be lic evil which I have been so often called upon to
loft undone t relieve them, and therefore the evil produce. I have obeyed that call, and in that at
that must be borne, would be borne without a mur. least I trust I have given satisfaction. The remedy
tour, if not with cheerfulness. If the laws—if Magna I have proposed is short, simple, practical, and safe.
Charta-- if the ergumen:s in favour of Reform were I think it calculated to satisfy the people, to preserve
not so strong as not to require the support of any other the Crown, and to restore the balance of the Consti-
authority, I could cite many of the greatest weight. tntion. These, Sir, are the objects of my pursuit..
I could cite the names of the most distinguished men To these alone have I been always aspiring - higher
this House has ever known—of the first men who ap- Ido not aspire, and lower lam not disposed to de-
'peared in the course of the American War—of Fox stend. After a short recapitulation of his main
and Pitt, whose talents, so successful in this House asguments, and an animated exhortation to the House,
on other occasions, were unavailing when exerted in to satisfy the rational expectations of Abe people, by
support of Reform. Bur the cause of their failure is an assurance, that a measure so long and so ardently
easily solved, when we consider that a majority of looked for should. be taken into consideration early in
this isions-• have an interest opposite to that measure, the next sessions,the worthy Baronet remarked in peen-
because they ivtve an interest different from that of rally impressive terms upon the impropriety of decli-
the country. Before I prepare the plan of Reform ning to make this assurance,urging the House to consi.
which I have to submit to the House, I naturally der, that the omission-to do that which is right, is the
looked at all the projects which have been brought commission of that which is wrong, and might in this
forward upon this subject, and have endeavoure' case particularly be an advance to ruin.—Sir Francis
extract any thing which appeared to me advisable.— concluded by moving a Resolution, that the House
My plan consists of a few simile regulations, which, would, at an early period of the next Sessions of Par-
befoie I proceed further, I will read to the House. figment, take into consideration the espediency of
It is this, that all freeholders, copyholders, house- amending the present state of the Representation.
holders, and others paying any direct taxsiti n for the Mr. MADOCKS seconded the motion.
support of the State, the Church, or the Poor, shall 'The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER
have the right of voting—that the country shall be thought it was not rational to expect the House would
divided into certain portions, and that each portion give the pledge required. The Honourable Baronet
shall return one Representative—that all the elections had spoken as if he bad been particularly called onto '
shall take place on the same day, and that the votes explain his conduct ; he did not knots- when, or by
shall be taken in the respective parishes—and that the whom, he had been so called upon. He spoke as if
' duration of the Parliament shall be brought back the people required a` Parliamentary Reform' ;—the
within constitutional limits. This is the simple prac- Honourable Baronet might La in the habit of con-
tical
plan which I would propose for your consider- versing with persons who thought such a change ne-
ation. I cannot conceive any difficulty that could cessary, but the great body of the people were united
arise in its execution, or anv objection that can be of against it. The Honourable Baronet thinks thel
fercd to its principle—while the benefits it would pro- adoption of his regulations would prevent all contest-
duce are obvious. By adopting it, you would get ed elections. toid he suppose, that one person would
rid of all the enormous trouble, travelling and ex- be found in everydistrict, for who in the people would
peaces that are incurred by elections bn the present give ifiAr unanittnoui suffrages i that.thea* would
scale ; you would get rid of 113 statutes which have be no opposition to his election ? Surely two persons
• been enacted to preserve the purity of election, and would be likely to oppose each Other, when there
which have been found quite ineffective to that ob- would be canvassing, and as much temptation to
ject you would get rid of all distinctions that have bribe those electors as if they were forty shilling ones.
heretofore existed, for I would exclude no man from These proposals, too, went to simplify the qualifi-
' voting, not even an exciseman. You would get rct cations of an elector, every, person who paid to a tax
of all those qualifications and disqualifications which in any one way. (Sir Francis here said, if he paid
have been found- sp productive of litigation and direct taxes). Oh 1
ii(he paid the assessed taxes, the
squabbling, and you would also get rid of such per- property tax, or th'eptior tax, he was to be a voter.—
sons as the butcher and attorney alluded to .on a for- Why then it would be necessary that each vote:
mer evening by a Right Hon. Gentleman below me should prove that he paid those, to substantiate his
(Mr. Windham), for there would then be no stage claim to a vote ; and this must be proved at the elec-
tor the exhibition of such mock patriotism—no mar- tion booth. Yet this plan vists to simplify the whose
ket for such traders—there would be no Mask to cover busineis of an election so much. If these regulations
such persons, for there would be no mobbing. (Hear; had the effect of doing away 113 statutes upon his
hear lon the Ministerial Benchet.) Do Gentlemen be- word, he thought some very large one would be
lieve the contrary ? If so, I shall be ready to heap the wanted instead. It only seemed likely to prevent
grounds of their belief. lam perfectly open to con- bribery, as it tended to render a seat in that House'
viciion ; I have no interest to promote by withstand= so contemptible that it would be rather shunned than
ing the truth. There is nothing to prevent my mind sought after. - Unless he could divest men's minds of
from receiving any impression which fair reasonin: those passions by which they were now actuated, his
is calculated to produce. But what I have.. state- regulations would be useless. He thought the pro-
does appear to me a self-evident ..proposition. The posal was net of suCieat consequenee to justify his
election taking place in every - and terminating taking up the time of the House by - - farther into

s,
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