The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1853-03-29
Corruption in English elections.

Much is said in the British journals OF the practice of
/" unseating" members OF Parament-a mode of eject
ment quite unknown in the history Of the federal or State
legislatures OF this country Thirteen members of Par
lament have already been unseated and from presen,
appearances many more are likely meet the fate
in other words. to be expelled from the House for pro-
curing their election through bribery and other iegi-
mate influences This is what is meant by "unseating
member The phrase is delicate synonyme for ex-
pusion.
From developments recently made before special com.
mees OF the House, il seems that The practice OF bri-
bling the honorable and ndepe nden constituencies of
Engl land is almost OF universal prevalence The Times
boldly AYERS that faithful and thorough investigation
would /" unseat" at least one-half Of the House OF
Commons; while it expresses the opinion that out of
$780, the total number Of MEMBERS at least 500 are in.
debled to corrupt agency for their election
Der OF the Derby administration Minister of War
publicly censured for corrupt tamperng with the cleo
tora body The Spectator is indignant at the dsgraceu
practice and gives the following sarcastic advice TO
members; "TiIl they have cleaned their House OF
this foul STAIN venture TO suggest that they shoald
prefix dis and similar negatives 10 the ordinary epi,hes
they bespaer another with and so far as their
preliminary process their parliamentary careers con
ceiheu, ano PuohC VIII ho uspusc thdt Inc dsnonodDe
member for scarborough, the ungaant admiral the
member for Cheatem, the ignobe lord the member for
Guzzetown, would be far appropriate and candid
titles OF courtesy" This is bu, not unmerited
rebuke The evidence before the committees exhibits the
dshonorable ungaani. and ignobe members of Paria-
ment, well their worthy constituencies in very IN
enviable and disgraceu associations 1t is amusing 10
the various shifts crafty Devices and ingenious sub
terfuges, by which the corrupt purchase OF votes is
sought be concealed One eecor goes into his sisters
chamber, looks the bed, and there finds ten pounds
He knows not whence the money came, whose it u.s.
but he pockets -and votes right Another eecor backs
into with his hands behind him, and comes ou,
again with money in his palm OF course he is ignorant
Of his generous benefacto Another elecior buys cattle
OF one OF the candidates at unaccoun,ably low prices
OF at very high prices with indefinite credit BY ali
such expcdents do the honorable members of Para-
ment contrive to cloak the bribery and corruption BY
which they secure their seats OF course Hsy are ieno.
rant OF the unworthy acts OF their agents. they only
know that in the end the representation of borough
costs pretty round sum.
Various remedies, OF less stringent suggested
for The suppression of this growing evil 1t is evident
that il is not enough merely disanchise the borough
unsea' the member An extension OF the right OF suf.
fage and the substitution of the ballobox for the poll
would doubtless work the This is the remedy pro.
posed by the liberals but with very little chance OF sue
cess the public sentiment OF Great Britain not ripe
for the reform.